What Makes Wind Crest Feel Like Home for Mike and Le Tousey

When Mike and Leanne "Le" Tousey moved to Wind Crest, an Erickson Senior Living community in Highlands Ranch, Colo., they wanted to continue their active lifestyle while enjoying greater convenience and peace of mind.

Today, they enjoy everything from fitness classes and clubs to meaningful friendships, maintenance-free living, and easy access to health care.

"We've always lived a very active life, and that's one of the reasons we wanted to come here," says Le. "You'll never run out of things to do at Wind Crest."

Tribune recently asked Mike and Le to share why they know they made the right decision and why they encourage others to consider moving to Wind Crest.

Tribune: What prompted you to move to Wind Crest?

Mike: We were at 8,000 feet, and three-foot snowstorms were the norm.

Le: If we had an emergency, we would be at least 20 minutes away from emergency responders and an hour from the closest hospital. We were looking to move somewhere where we could still keep up with our activities but also be close to help in case of an emergency. Wind Crest gives us all that and more.

Tribune: How do predictable monthly costs make life easier?

Mike: It gives us financial stability, no question about it. At the beginning of each year, we find out what our monthly expenses will be for each month.

Le: We don't have to think about all the bills like we used to. Here, it's one and done.

Tribune: How do you stay active and involved at Wind Crest?

Mike: One of the best things here is the balance and stability classes. I've been involved with the Committee of the Resident Advisory Council as the liaison to the dining services and the RAC election committee. I go to the Men's Club every other Thursday for coffee and conversation.

I'm a member of the Wind Crest Men's Golf Club as well as the Pickleball Club, and I've used the fitness centers. I also enjoy walking around the community a lot.

Le: Since we have four beautiful pickleball courts on campus, I started playing pickleball and am also the social chairman for the club.

I got involved with the Gardening Club, which has been a lot of fun. I hadn't gardened since we lived in Iowa, and it's been fun getting my fingers in the dirt again. Every summer, I grow tomatoes in my garden box, provided by Wind Crest.

I also like volunteering with the Treasure Chest, the thrift store on campus, and helping with their estate sales.

Most of my focus is on a monthly Ladies Coffee that we have in Summit Square, the building we live in. I research the programs we have and book guest speakers.

And I love walking. I walk a mile and a half a day, and because all the buildings are connected, I never have to go outside.

Tribune: How has the lifestyle impacted your daily routine?

Mike: Living at Wind Crest has enhanced our quality of life tremendously. We've met so many wonderful people participating in the activities, having dinner at the restaurants on campus, spending time with our neighbors, and even just in the halls. Everyone is so nice.

We had no idea we'd be so fortunate to meet such great people.

Tribune: What does having on-site health care mean to you?

Le: It's extremely important for us. If a medical issue arises, we can pick up the phone and call someone. When Mike fell and had problems getting up, I pulled the emergency cord, and the security staff, who are also EMTs, were here in just minutes.

Mike: Somebody is always around to help. Besides the medical center being on campus, Wind Crest is only about 10 minutes from a hospital and specialists' offices for X-rays, MRIs, etc.--all give us the opportunity for quick access to medical care. That gives us peace of mind.

Tribune: How do you know you made the right decision to move to Wind Crest?

Le: One of our greatest gifts we have given our children is our move to Wind Crest, where we have been

able to maintain our active lifestyle, but have emergency care within minutes if needed.

Mike: We love it here. It's perfect.

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

By Michele Wojciechowski