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Monica Wunderlich Shares Her Passion for Wind Crest with Her Mother, Resident Martha Talbott

Kelly Shue
September 3, 2024
Monica Wunderlich Shares Her Passion for Wind Crest with Her Mother, Resident Martha Talbott

Monica Wunderlich worked at several retirement communities before going to work at Wind Crest, the Erickson Senior Living community in Highland Ranch, Colo. Looking for a community that aligned with her values, she quickly discovered that not only was Wind Crest the right place for her, it was the right home for her mother, Martha Talbott.

"Erickson Senior Living truly walks the walk when it comes to fulfilling its mission to help people live better lives," says Monica. "I see it play out, both with residents and staff members, every single day. It is the perfect community for both me and my mom."

In fact, before Monica went to work at Wind Crest, Martha hadn't thought about moving to a retirement community.

"Despite the fact that several of our family members work in senior living, it's something she never considered," says Monica. "However, once I began talking about Wind Crest, referring to the community as the 'Disneyland of senior living,' her feelings began to change.

"Monica kept saying, 'Mom, you've got to come and see this place," recalls Martha. "To be honest, I joined the Priority List to appease her. But once I began going to different Priority List events, I witnessed for myself the positive environment she described."

So impressed with the lifestyle she observed, and now sharing her daughter's enthusiasm, Martha sold her house in Monument, Colo., and moved to Wind Crest in January. 

World of opportunities

Since her move, Martha has continued to work from home full-time as a business analyst for Oracle. Despite her busy schedule, though, she finds time to get involved in community life. She particularly enjoys attending on-campus musical performances featuring her fellow residents.

"I try to attend all of the musical events. I find it so soothing to end my day listening to live music," she says. "I walk down, grab a seat, and relax for an hour-and-a-half. I love that."

Martha's new lifestyle also provides opportunities to explore her love of sewing and hiking. She volunteers alongside other residents, as well as residents of Mill Vista, Wind Crest's continuing care neighborhood, in making pillows for the local children's hospital and police department. And as a member of the Trail Hikers Club, she participates in monthly hikes within the local community.

"Although my brother and I are both extroverts, our mom is not. We can't believe how much the world has opened up to her since moving to Wind Crest," says Monica. 

'As involved as you wish'

"That's one of the terrific things about this community, you can choose to be as involved as you wish. Mom has really surprised us. Even working full-time, she's still very much involved. She's also met some fabulous friends who are really enriching her life. This truly is senior living, and she's living fully thanks to all the activities and friends she has made."

Martha also enjoys spending time with her dogs, Brandy, a Maltese poodle mix and Lupo, a cocker spaniel. Together, they take daily walks throughout the beautiful 84-acre campus. As a result, she's noticed an increase in her overall physical activity. 

"One day, between hiking, walking the dogs, and walking around campus, I logged 18,500 steps," says Martha. "Before I moved to Wind Crest, logging 2,000 steps was a big day for me. Now, I log in at least 6,000 steps in a typical day. That's a huge difference."

"All of the physical activity has been so great for her," says Monica. "For my mom, who sits in front of a computer all day, the opportunities to move around, to walk her dogs are wonderful." 

Safe and secure

And thanks to Wind Crest's top-notch security, Martha feels more at ease on her walks than she did before her move. 

"I was always in tune with who was around, always on guard," she says. "At Wind Crest, I don't have to worry. I go out for walks late at night and early in the morning. It's so peaceful and calm. If I'm out at 5 a.m., the paths are lit. My dogs and I walk around, enjoying the birds, other people, everything. I really appreciate it all."

For Monica, who appreciates the many benefits of Martha's move, their time together is the greatest benefit. 

"The best thing about my mom's move is the ability to see her and enjoy her company more often," Monica says. "Just the other day, I called her and asked if she had 30 minutes to meet for lunch. We both like taking time to catch up, talk, and laugh. I am so thankful for these extra opportunities to connect."

She adds, "What's more, moving to Wind Crest means Mom has a home for life, filled with clubs, amenities, and that special sense of community that you just don't get at other senior living communities."

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

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