Wind Crest Offers Impressive Amenities, Predictable Finances, and Lasting Value

At Wind Crest, the Erickson Senior Living community in Highlands Ranch, Colo., residents enjoy freedom from the rising costs and challenges of homeownership, along with the peace of mind that comes from predictable expenses and access to care.

For Shannon and Gary Hooper, those benefits were exactly what they were looking for in retirement. The couple had reached a point where the cost of maintaining their house and the physical demands of upkeep were becoming overwhelming.

"Our homeowners insurance was going up a thousand dollars every year. In the next couple of years, we were going to need to repaint the house and replace the driveway. It was getting beyond our ability to mow the lawn, keep up the garden, and trim the bushes, and the trees had gotten so big, we would've had to hire people to trim them for us," says Gary.

Shannon adds that their financial advisers also urged them to consider downsizing.

When the couple moved to a one-bedroom, one-bath home at Wind Crest about a year ago, they found exactly what they needed.

"Coming here eliminated a lot of expenses for us, and it was the reason our financial advisors said it was a perfect investment," says Shannon.

"Moving to Wind Crest was a great financial decision for us, allowing us to really protect our retirement," Gary adds.

Financial security

Wind Crest's monthly service package bundles the cost of most utilities; maintenance, including appliance repair and replacement; a meal plan at on-site restaurants; access to amenities; and regularly scheduled transportation into one predictable bill.

"That helps our residents easily manage their budgets for the year," explains Wind Crest's financial director Karen Lux.

As a former CPA, Gary appreciates the simplicity. "On the purely financial side, bill paying is much simpler because there is so much less to take care of. Now there are less bills to deal with," he says. "So, we have more free time."

The Hoopers also appreciate the 90% refundable entrance fee,* the heart of the community's pricing structure. The entrance fee, collected as part of the residency process, will go back to residents or their beneficiaries, if or when they leave the community.

"We're glad that it can easily be split with our three kids," says Gary.

Maintenance-free living

Since their move to Wind Crest, Shannon and Gary immediately noticed the benefits of leaving behind costly home repairs.

If they need even a light bulb changed, they call General Services, and someone will be up in no time to fix it. If an appliance cannot be repaired, it is replaced with a brand-new one.

"It's wonderful no longer worrying about home maintenance," says Shannon.

With this newfound freedom, Shannon and Gary relish Wind Crest's vibrant lifestyle. Gary belongs to the model railroad club and the Catholic men's group. Shannon participates in the Catholic women's group and also organizes a group of prayer advocates, sending weekly reflections and Scripture by email. Together, the couple enjoys walks around campus and time at the fitness center.

As they take advantage of the community's activities and amenities, the Hoopers also appreciate the ways Wind Crest continues to grow and improve, ensuring there is always something new to enjoy.

"Wind Crest continues to provide value to our residents by investing in the campus," says Lux. "By making upgrades in the Town Center Clubhouse--the Fireside Restaurant, the fitness center, and the medical center--we are meeting the needs of not only current residents, but also future ones as well."

Peace of mind

The Hoopers also appreciate the safety net of on-site health care and higher levels of care, if needed, in the future.

"I've never had such peace of mind in knowing that there is always care close by," says Shannon. "When we first drove through the gates, I told Gary that even just driving in here makes you feel a little safer. I don't have any of the concerns I used to."

Shannon's own health experience reinforces that confidence. After a knee replacement, she used the community's fitness center to support her recovery.

"The doctors thought I recuperated much faster because I had the facilities available to do all the exercises I needed to do," she says.

Looking forward to the new year, the Hoopers enjoy the comfort of knowing their finances are predictable, their health needs are supported, and their daily lives are full of opportunities. Most of all, they appreciate the reassurance that Wind Crest will continue meeting their needs for years to come.

To learn more about the ways you can explore senior living, request more information today.

*As per the Residence and Care Agreement.

By Michele Wojciechowski