The Best Ways to Learn About Senior Living at Windsor Run

When it comes to researching a retirement community, there's nothing more informative than seeing it for yourself. That's why Windsor Run, an Erickson Senior Living community in Matthews, N.C., offers a variety of ways to do just that.

From friendly luncheons and personal appointments to overnight stays on campus, every opportunity is designed to help prospective residents explore the community at their own pace--with no added pressure.

Dianne Grimm, who moved to Windsor Run in October 2024, is grateful to have had so many opportunities to visit campus.

"I started attending events a few years before my move. Every visit provided new information and a chance to become more familiar with the community," Dianne says. "As a result, I was comfortable making a decision."

She adds, "The sales team was always friendly and accommodating. I never felt any pressure to hurry up and make a decision!"

Exploring the options

Conducting her due diligence, Dianne visited several retirement communities near her former house in the Charlotte, N.C., area before making her decision.

To learn more about Windsor Run, she accepted an invitation to an informational luncheon and tour with a fun Mardi Gras theme.

"That was a really nice introduction to the community. The resident who led our tour answered all our questions," she recalls. "From then on, I accepted invitations to every open house Windsor Run offered. I saw all the new buildings as they opened, as well as new home models."

Different floor plans

The range of floor plan tours proved to be beneficial for Dianne. "Seeing the different homes helped me picture how my belongings would fit," she says.

Another event she attended focused on downsizing, including suggestions on what to sell and what to donate. "That was very interesting," she notes.

Next steps

Impressed with everything she saw and heard, Dianne returned to Windsor Run with each of her two daughters when they visited from out of state to get their opinion.

Encouraged by her daughters' full support, Dianne decided to take the next step and join Windsor Run's Priority List. In addition to saving their spot in line for a residence, members receive invitations to exclusive educational and social events, updates on community happenings, and access to planning and moving support.

"One Priority List event I really enjoyed was a happy hour with other prospective residents. I met some of my future neighbors that day," she says.

Perhaps most helpful in her decision-making process was a Live the Life stay--another Priority List perk. The Live the Life program allows members to stay overnight in a furnished guest suite, utilize amenities, join club meetings, dine at on-campus restaurants, and chat with current residents.

"That was a really good experience. I arrived in the afternoon and went to lunch with a current resident--someone I'd met on one of my earlier visits to Windsor Run," says Dianne. "After lunch, she gave me a tour of the grounds. That night, I had dinner with a couple and took part in a water aerobics class. I also wandered around campus on my own, learning more about the community."

She adds, "I also appreciated that even after joining the Priority List, there was still never any pressure to make a decision."

Always supported

Even after reserving her desired home at Windsor Run, Dianne continued attending Priority List events to help prepare for her upcoming move.

"I went to an event called Move Made Easy. I was given a huge notebook with information, and the sales team walked us patiently through everything I needed to do. That was so helpful," she recalls.

"Throughout the entire process, there was a lot of guidance on what you should consider doing. It really felt like all the events were intentionally designed to provide help."

'Easy and comfortable'

Moving to Fincher Station shortly after it opened, Dianne was happy to reconnect with some of the people she met while attending Priority List events.

"Several of them are now living on my floor. It's been very easy to meet new people," she says. "And

that is also how my decision-making process was--easy and comfortable. No matter how many questions I asked or how often I visited, I was always welcomed with a smile." She adds, "I'm very happy at how everything turned out!"

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

By Kelly Shue