The Power of Friendships at Windsor Run

Matthews, North Carolina--Prior to 2003, neither Dan and Helen Tauber nor David and Janet Wakelin lived in North Carolina. Both couples moved to the area in their retirement in search of better weather and new beginnings.

Now, almost 20 years later, the couples are close friends sharing similar plans for their future. Dan and Helen moved to the Charlotte area after 42 years in Baltimore, Md., while David and Janet were planning for a move from Cleveland, Ohio.

"We chose Charlotte for the weather and the location," says David. "We were looking for an escape from the snowy Lake Erie winters. However, we did not know anyone in the area."

When fate stepped in

"We joined several social groups in the hopes of meeting new friends," says Janet. "One of those was a retired couples' group. That's where we met the Taubers."

Over the years, the two couples spent time enjoying their new lives together. "It was inevitable that, down the line, we would begin to talk about next steps," says Dan. "Several years ago, our retired couples group began exploring local retirement communities. That's when the conversation began. The visits provided a good feel for types of communities available to us."

Taking the first step

Living in the Wellington Ridge community, less than a mile from Windsor Run, the Taubers were the first to take the leap and move to the community.

"We had come to a point in our retirement where we were looking to move out of our home and eliminate the extra work that comes from owning a house," says Dan. "We visited the sales center many times. It was during those visits that we met Sales Counselor Matt Mooney, who, like us, is from Baltimore."

Because of their proximity to Windsor Run, the Taubers enjoyed the benefits of frequent visits and watching the day-to-day construction.

"We weren't quite ready to move as soon as the doors first opened," says Dan. "So, we used that time to attend open houses and discuss floor plan options, costs, and timing."

Personal Moving Consultant Amanda Bates-Indenbaum provided invaluable help when it came time for the Taubers to select their home.

"She visited us at our house, measured the furniture we hoped to move with us, and laid it out on several different floor plans," says Dan. "It was very helpful to see how it would all work."

In June 2019, the couple moved into their new home in Windsor Run's third residence building, Beech Hollow.

On the same path

For the Wakelins, sharing in the Taubers' experience served to solidify and strengthen their decision to join their friends and move to the Erickson Living-managed community.

"In addition to the Taubers, we have had quite a few friends move to Windsor Run," says Janet. "Prior to the pandemic safety measures, we'd visited them in their new home. Like Dan and Helen, we had visited the sales center, joined the priority list, and attended everything available to us. We liked Windsor Run best of all the communities we visited. The atmosphere, the staff, the food—they were all exceptional."

"When the Taubers moved, we were able to get a behind-the-scenes look at life on campus, and I'm happy to report it exceeded all our expectations," says David. "We really like that Windsor Run is a young community. Everyone is new together, welcoming, and still eager to meet new friends."

This past summer, the Wakelins chose their desired floor plan and will be moving into the newest residence building, White Oak Terrace, when it opens next summer.

"We are really looking forward to our friends living at this wonderful community with us," says Dan. "Helen and I understand how important the recommendation of a friend can be. When we were living in Baltimore, several of our friends lived at Charlestown and Oak Crest, Erickson Living-managed communities in the area. They provided great feedback and insight."

In recognition of the large number of residents like the Taubers who share their love of Windsor Run with friends, the community created a resident referral program in support of these efforts.

"We love encouraging our residents to share their new lives with friends and family," says Director of Sales Ryan Barkley. "While our resident referral program is not the reason why our residents encourage their loved ones to consider Windsor Run, it is our way of thanking them for doing so."

Time to prepare

For the Wakelins, watching the care and support the Taubers received during the coronavirus pandemic is further evidence that they've made the right decision for their future.

"They continue to tell us that they feel safe and well cared for," says Janet. "Although we have not been able to visit, we are impressed by the level of support they receive."

With the recent phased reopening of community amenities, the Taubers are thrilled to begin enjoying activities, including the opening of the woodshop and campus restaurants. They also keep busy sending their friends frequent photos of their new home.

"Our apartment home overlooks the construction at White Oak Terrace," says Dan. "We take photos and send them to the Wakelins frequently."

"We enjoy receiving the photos, they're great," says Janet. "They provide motivation as we begin downsizing and preparing for our move. We are so excited."

Next month, on December 8, both Dan and David will celebrate their shared birthday.

"It's fun to think that next year, we will be able to celebrate together, in our homes, at Windsor Run," says Dan.

Written by Kelly A. Shue

About Windsor Run: Windsor Run, situated on a scenic 60-acre campus in Matthews, North Carolina, is one of 20 continuing care retirement communities developed and managed by Erickson Living®.  The community is home to more than 450 residents who are supported by a team of more than 110 employees.  Additional information about Windsor Run can be found at WindsorRunCommunity.com.