Tallgrass Creek Couple Enjoys a Stress-Free Process with Expert Help

When Patti and David Frank decided to move to Tallgrass Creek, the Erickson Senior Living community in Overland Park, Kans., about a year ago, they experienced the same challenge many retirees face.   

"We were moving from our house in Lenexa, Kans., where we'd lived for 38 years," says David, "and it was hard to know where to begin!"

The Franks had moved a number of times over the years, but their relocations were career moves handled by their employers. This time, decisions like choosing a real estate agent, downsizing and organizing effectively, and selecting the best moving company were all their responsibility--or so they thought.

Patti and David turned to Nancy Worthington, Tallgrass Creek's planning and moving consultant, to ensure a stress-free move. With sound advice, reassuring support, and 20-plus years of experience working in the senior living industry, Worthington has assisted nearly every retiree who has moved to the community. 

"Nancy was fabulous," says Patti. "If she says she'll do something, it gets done. We loved working with her."

Expert partners

Worthington knows that planning a low-stress move is all about working with experienced vendors--like those vetted by the Erickson Realty and Moving Services program.

The program was created exclusively for retirees moving to Tallgrass Creek and the many other Erickson Senior Living communities across the country. It offers complimentary coordination of moving needs, such as downsizing, home staging, packing, and moving.

"We recommend local organizations, all of which exceed the high standards that Erickson Senior Living requires," says Worthington. "Our vendors are longtime partners, so they know what both staff members and future residents expect."

More than 75% of residents currently living at Tallgrass Creek have used one or all of these preferred vendors. 

"These professionals get such high marks," says Worthington. "It's the difference between having a great moving experience and just making it through a move." 

Making a plan

When working with future Tallgrass Creek residents, Worthington likes to begin with a visit to their house. 

"I take the time to see how a prospective resident 'lives' in their space--what their interior design style is like and what rooms they use the most," she explains. "And I always bring a template that mimics their chosen apartment home floor plan and little pieces that resemble furniture."

Together, they arrange a new layout that will feel warm and familiar from day one.

"It's a lot of fun for people to envision their new space," says Worthington. "From there, the goal is to create a step-by-step plan that makes creating the layout as easy as possible."

Moving 101

The Franks took advantage of the entire program and worked with a recommended real estate agent, downsizing vendor, and moving company to coordinate their move. 

"These businesses were extremely helpful since we'd never moved on our own," says David. "It would have been very hard to tackle everything by ourselves."

The couple was especially impressed with the real estate team that gave them professional tips on selling their home in the current market. 

"They pointed out things we should and shouldn't do as well as potential pitfalls and legalities of the actual sale," says Patti.

Currently, Tallgrass Creek offers a financial incentive program called Move On Us, which provides future residents with a rebate of up to $2,000 if they use a real estate agent who qualifies for the program. 

"It's a popular program," says Worthington. "Many residents have taken advantage of these dollars, which can really make a difference."

Helping hands

The downsizing team that David and Patti chose helped them organize their belongings, determine what they wanted to keep, and donate items they no longer wanted. 

The moving company recommended by Tallgrass Creek worked hand-in-hand with the downsizing team, so the placement of their furniture happened efficiently and thoughtfully. Patti notes that the team even took photos of the interiors of their kitchen drawers and cabinets so the same layout could be recreated in their apartment home. 

"They did a wonderful job and were so careful," says David. 

Now that the Franks are settled in their two-bedroom apartment home, they exercise almost every day by participating in the community's many fitness classes. 

"Tallgrass Creek has fulfilled all of our wants and needs," says David. "It was easier to make the move than we'd thought, and we're extremely happy to be here."

To learn more about senior living at Tallgrass Creek, request your free brochure to get the scoop on amenities, floor plans, and so much more.