A Smooth Move to Highland Springs

One of the biggest benefits of joining the Priority List at Highland Springs, an Erickson Senior Living community in North Dallas, Tex., is exclusive access to Planning and Moving Consultant Cindy Gay.

Gay provides personalized assistance on all aspects of moving--from space planning and selecting a real estate agent to downsizing and packing--to help seniors simplify their transition to the community.

"My goal is to support Priority List members through every step of their move," says Gay. "We have longstanding partnerships with industry experts who know Highland Springs and have a track record of top-notch customer service."

She adds, "Together, we do all we can to ensure incoming residents are able to begin enjoying their new vibrant lifestyle from day one."

Sandy and Mikel Faulkner worked closely with Gay in preparation for their move to Highland Springs from their former house in Flower Mound, Tex., and it was a game changer.

"Everyone was spectacular!" says Sandy. "We have absolutely no complaints. It was really well done. We bragged about it to everybody we know."

First steps

Although Sandy and Mikel loved their 3,000-square-foot house, they were looking for a worry-free lifestyle in retirement.

"We began thinking about simplifying our lives at our age, deciding to move to make our lives easier," says Sandy, noting that Highland Springs' maintenance-free residences fit the bill.

The couple joined the Priority List to save their spot in line for a two-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bath residence with a den, but their membership also included access to educational seminars on everything from health care to finances.

After attending a Priority List event to learn more about the planning and moving services available to them, Sandy and Mikel contacted Gay to schedule a home visit.

During their home visit, Gay offered advice, measured furniture, discussed customization options, and answered any questions the couple had.

"I make home visits to help incoming residents consider how they may want to translate their lifestyle into their new residence," explains Gay.

"When Cindy came out to our house, she looked at everything and gave us hints about easier ways to move," says Sandy.

Personalize your space

Drawn to the idea of personalizing their residence, the Faulkners coordinated a range of updates through the community's Custom Interiors team.

They received help selecting new paint colors; modifying the dining room into an office space with built-ins; adding lighting fixtures; replacing door and drawer hardware; adding shelving, cabinet, and storage space; and even building a vanity for Sandy in the walk-in closet.

"We chose to do a lot of customizing on our place," Sandy says. "It was wonderful working with the designer, and the men who worked on the renovations were great. It was a really good experience. I like decorating, so it was fun!"

A seamless move

Gay also provided Sandy and Mikel with a list of preferred real estate agents, a senior move manager, and moving companies--all of whom the couple chose to work with.

"We used every resource that Cindy recommended, because we thought it would be easier and more efficient to work with people that were accustomed to working with Highland Springs," Sandy explains.

"I was particularly impressed by the name of the movers," Mikel says. "It was the Senior Space Shuttle--seniors getting their space shuttled over to the new space! Everyone we dealt with just made our move a very positive experience."

"Working with our preferred realty and moving services can really streamline the move-in experience," notes Gay. "It provides peace of mind for a lot of Priority List members."

Home sweet home

Since moving into their residence this past March, Sandy and Mikel have been making the most of their new worry-free lifestyle.

"We looked at lots of places and none of them compared--in any way--to Highland Springs," recalls Sandy. "The breadth of services offered here is amazing. But more importantly, the attitude of the employees and the other residents here is so positive. It's a wonderful place to be!"

Request more information today to learn more about the planning and moving services available to Priority List members.

By Susan Ingram