It's a Family Affair at Tallgrass Creek

In 2007, Martha and Sidney Cohn were among the first retirees to move to Tallgrass Creek, an Erickson Senior Living community in Overland Park, Kans.

As "pioneer" residents, Martha and Sidney started researching Tallgrass Creek before it even opened. Their daughter, Judy Mayer, was a bit dubious at the time. "All we saw was a hole in the ground and some pictures," Judy recalls, with a laugh.

But the couple was drawn to the promise of an amenity-rich community with worry-free living.

Once her parents settled in, Judy and her husband, Larry, quickly saw the appeal. In fact, in 2025, they chose Tallgrass Creek for their retirement as well.

Judy notes that her parents' experience living at Tallgrass Creek positively changed her and Larry's expectations for retirement and ultimately led them to follow in their footsteps.

Ways to stay active

"The staff was fabulous. Everyone paid attention and took wonderful care of them," says Judy. "I also liked that [my parents] wouldn't be isolated. They always had people to talk to and ways to stay active."

Years later, when Judy and Larry began planning for their own retirement, Tallgrass Creek naturally rose to the top of their list. "We already knew how everything worked," Judy says. "We felt very comfortable here."

Now residents themselves, Judy and Larry appreciate many of the same benefits her parents enjoyed, including worry-free living, convenient access to health care, and a range of activities and amenities--which have only expanded as the campus has grown over the years.

"There's every conceivable club to join!" says Judy, noting that the social scene amplifies the vibrant, active lifestyle at Tallgrass Creek. "We've met so many nice people."

Making new friends

Like Judy and Larry, Dave and Anne Thomas chose Tallgrass Creek after witnessing Dave's mother, Elaine, find joy and peace of mind at the community.

In 2014, Elaine was living independently in New York, N.Y., at the age of 94. Concerned about her navigating the busy subway system alone, Dave and Anne began searching for a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) closer to their house in Kansas.

After touring many CCRCs throughout the Kansas City area, Tallgrass Creek rose to the top. "Everyone we met--staff members or residents--was saying hello to us," recalls Dave, who appreciated the warm, welcoming atmosphere.

"We realized it had everything we were looking for," Anne says. "The medical center, exercise classes, restaurants, activities--it checked every box."

Elaine was just as excited, quickly embracing her new vibrant, social lifestyle at Tallgrass Creek soon after moving in. "She made friends right away," Anne recalls. "She had dinner with three ladies every night. They laughed together constantly."

David notes that those friendships, combined with the community's active lifestyle, made a meaningful difference in his mother's life. "I think she ended up living happier and longer as a result of being here," he says.

An easy decision

Years later, when conversations about a retirement move began for Dave and Anne, the decision felt easy. "We already knew what life here was like," says Anne. "It was a natural choice."

The couple moved to Tallgrass Creek in late 2024 and have been involved in community life ever since.

Now, Anne serves on the communications committee, while Dave participates on the dining committee, helping provide resident feedback to dining staff to shape restaurant menu offerings.

"There are tons of activities here," Anne says. "People are coming here to live and stay active as long as they can."

A full life

Both couples agree that seeing their parents thrive at Tallgrass Creek helped shape their own expectations for retirement. They wanted to start enjoying the same lifestyle, activities, and amenities as early as possible.

"That's one of the biggest things we tell people," Anne says. "Don't wait too long! You want to enjoy the full experience."

Judy agrees, saying, "There's so much to do here. It's been a fabulous move for us. We know this is going to be our home for the rest of our lives."

To learn more about senior living at this vibrant community, request your free brochure to get the scoop on amenities, floor plans, and so much more.

By Julia Collins