Two Friends Embark on a New Adventure at Tallgrass Creek

For Bruce Moen and Michele Salko, life has been a journey filled with friendship, shared memories, and significant decisions. After living near one another in Missouri for years--first in Blue Springs then Lee's Summit--they both found themselves drawn to Tallgrass Creek, an Erickson Senior Living community in Overland Park, Kans.

The Erickson Senior Living community, known for its welcoming atmosphere, engaging lifestyle, and picturesque setting, quickly became the standout choice for Bruce and Michele.

Now the two friends are next-door neighbors at Prairie View, Tallgrass Creek's newest residence building.

Confident choice
Bruce's path to Tallgrass Creek began nearly four decades ago, shaped by life experiences highlighting the importance of planning for the future.

"I've always kept in mind my mother's experience," he says. "When my father passed away, she was alone and dealing with MS [multiple sclerosis]. She moved to [another senior living community] and lived there for 12 years until she passed in 2000. Now, 24 years later, I realize I am the same age she was when she moved. That memory pushed me to start thinking about where I wanted to live as I got older."

Recommendations from friends and several visits to Tallgrass Creek changed his perspective.

The more he visited, attended events, and met people on the sales team, the more confident he felt about choosing this community, he adds.

From hesitation to home
Michele's journey to Tallgrass Creek was similar, though marked by an initial hesitation.

"I wasn't sure I was ready to make a move. Having downsized from my 3,500-square foot home in Blue Springs to a smaller villa in Lee's Summit had already been a big step for me," she explains.

"But the more I considered it, the more I realized that a continuing care community was a smart move--not just for me but for my daughters, too. They have their own lives, and I never want to become a burden," she says.

With their decision to move to Tallgrass Creek made, both friends chose the popular Shawnee floor plan in Tallgrass Creek's newest residence building, Prairie View. The two-bedroom, two-bath open concept living space also met Michele's need to fit her treasured china cabinet and dining room table.

Popular choice
Named for its attractive setting on Tallgrass Creek's 65-acre campus in Overland Park, Prairie View adds 107 brand-new residences to the community. Many homes include outdoor living spaces such as a screened-in porch, patio, or balcony.

Residents will also enjoy the new outdoor bocce court and reserved under-building parking.

"We could not be more thrilled to celebrate the grand opening of Prairie View," says Blake Marshall, Tallgrass Creek's Director of Sales. "With such beautiful homes and convenient access to our bustling campus and all of its amenities, the new building is a popular choice for those seeking an active, engaged, maintenance-free retirement lifestyle."

Prairie View features a variety of Tallgrass Creek's most popular one- and two-bedroom floor plans and one brand-new design. All of the new residences are stocked with modern appliances, upgraded lighting and flooring, and high-end finishes.

Climate-controlled walkways connect Prairie View to other community buildings, so residents can easily and comfortably take advantage of all that Tallgrass Creek has to offer, including multiple on-campus restaurants, a fitness and aquatics center, medical center, auditorium, and indoor pickleball court.

Peace, connection, and joy
Since their move this past fall, life at Tallgrass Creek has been better than either Bruce or Michele imagined.

"I already feel at home," Bruce shares. "I used to keep mostly to myself back on the cul-de-sac, [in Lee's Summit] but here, I'm part of a vibrant, active community. I've joined the men's bridge club and discovered activities that keep me engaged both mentally and physically."

Michele, too, is delighted by the new lifestyle.

"It felt like home as soon as I moved in," she says. "I love not having to cook often. We've been enjoying dinner with friends almost every night. Tallgrass Creek is social, comfortable, and the perfect mix of independence and community."

Bruce and Michele's experiences reflect a common theme. They've found peace, connection, and joy in a community that aligns with their values and lifestyle. "Everyone here is friendly and welcoming," Bruce says. "There are no barriers--just friends to meet and activities to enjoy."

For these two longtime friends, the move to Tallgrass Creek has been more than just a change of address. It's a new chapter filled with comfort, companionship, and endless opportunities.

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