'Why We Chose a Vibrant Retirement at Wind Crest'

Everyone has their own story when it comes to the choices they make for retirement. 

But one thing that residents at Wind Crest, the Erickson Senior Living community in Highlands Ranch, Colo., have in common is the desire to experience a vibrant, engaging lifestyle supported by a robust offering of amenities, resources, and services. 

Since moving to Wind Crest, Ilona Dwoskin has made the most of her new lifestyle. 

"Everything I need is right here. I can go off campus anytime I want to, but the great thing is I don't have to," she says. "I enjoy a range of activities right outside my door!"

Recently, Tribune sat down with Ilona to learn more about what motivated her to make the move and how her life has changed for the better. 

Tribune: What motivated you to move to Wind Crest?

Ilona: After my husband passed away, I was living in a large house by myself. Whenever it snowed, I had a driveway to clear. Whenever an appliance broke, I needed to research reliable companies and schedule the repair. There was a lot to manage! 

I had friends who really enjoyed living in their maintenance-free apartment homes at Wind Crest, so I decided to schedule a visit. 

I spent a lot of time walking around campus and talking to residents, who had nothing but amazing things to say. They were happy with everything Wind Crest has to offer--from the programs and activities to all the restaurants. I was sold. 

Tribune: Did your move go smoothly?

Ilona: I took advantage of Wind Crest's realty and moving services, so the majority of my move was handled by professionals--it couldn't have been easier. Stellar Realty sold my house, and A Move Handled with Care was a wonderful moving service. 

The movers came in and packed everything I wanted to take, moved the boxes to my apartment home, and then unpacked them. My entire move was truly stress-free!

Tribune: What's it like living at Wind Crest?

Ilona: Everyone is always out and about, which makes it easy to meet new people. There are about 2,000 other residents here! Bindi, my 10-year-old Tibetan Terrier, moved to Wind Crest with me, so she meets plenty of people on our two-mile morning walks too. 

Everybody here loves her, and she loves them back. Also, now that we live in a gated community, I feel comfortable taking her out whenever--day or night.

The community's on-site health care provides even more peace of mind. I had all my doctors forward my health records to the medical center on campus, so I can walk instead of drive to my annual checkups. 

It's really convenient, and the staff is extremely well versed in senior health care. And, if I ever need additional support, multiple levels of care are available at the continuing care neighborhood. 

Tribune: How do you get involved on campus?

Ilona: I enjoy meeting friends for dinner at the restaurants here. All dishes are made-to-order, and the menus rotate pretty regularly. I never get bored of the food! I also take classes with the Learners Group and participate in exercise classes at the fitness center. 

I spend a lot of time volunteering at the Treasure Chest, Wind Crest's boutique thrift shop. Well-loved items that residents donate are sold, and all proceeds benefit the Student Scholarship Fund, the Resident Care Fund, and the Employee Appreciation Fund.

 It's a great way to meet people, and it's a meaningful way to give back to the community. Everyone who volunteers there just loves it--me included.

Tribune: What do you like best about Wind Crest?

Ilona: Having a maintenance-free apartment home is the best thing on earth! Everything is taken care of for me. I've had lightbulbs replaced, my oven calibrated, and a new light fixture installed. If an appliance breaks, they'll fix it or give me a new one. And I don't have to be here when they come!

Wind Crest has made it so easy for me to pursue the activities I love and enjoy a rewarding retirement. 

To learn more about the benefits of moving to a maintenance-free community, request more information today.