Former Highland Springs Employee Moves In

Lana Van Giesen proudly served as the resident life director at Highland Springs, an Erickson Senior Living community in North Dallas, Tex., from 2013 to 2018.

In her role, Lana worked hand-in-hand with all of the departments that touched every aspect of daily life, including fitness and pastoral ministries, to ensure residents were enjoying a vibrant, fulfilling lifestyle.

Now, Lana and her husband, Duane, are enjoying the same lifestyle as residents themselves!

"It was such a joy working here. My job experience made me aware of what a good community Highland Springs is," she says. "Starting at the front gate, people are friendly and kind. You don't find that anywhere else!"

"Now, I see it from both sides," she adds, with a smile.

'A special place'

With a master's degree in gerontology and previous experience as an executive director of a Dallas-area retirement community, Lana was the perfect fit for the resident life director position.

And according to many of her former colleagues, including Executive Director Matt Neville, she thrived in her role.

"Lana was very passionate in leading the community's 10th anniversary celebrations," recalls Neville. "She made that milestone unforgettable."

"I got to do the things I loved. It was just great," says Lana. "It was my experience as resident life director, and now as a resident, that the staff and residents are friends. Everyone works together on the same team."

Neville adds, "To welcome Lana and Duane as residents as we approach our 20-year anniversary feels incredibly special. It reflects the vibrancy of our community and the lasting relationships that make Highland Springs such a special place to live and work."

Ready to move

Lana knew of the vibrant, worry-free lifestyle, but she never saw behind the scenes of a move to Highland Springs--until they helped Duane's cousin move to the community from Las Vegas, Nev., that is.

Duane's cousin thrived in independent living before moving through higher levels of care, receiving personalized support from the community's compassionate staff members. Impressed by the care he received, Lana and Duane decided to investigate their senior living options and plan for the future, comparing every community to Highland Springs.

"We went over and talked with Highland Springs' sales team, whom I knew, just to get some ideas," Lana recalls. "I was thinking that we were looking at probably two or three years before we were ready to move."

But while talking through their options with a sales counselor, Duane realized that he was ready.

"Duane said, 'We're ready now. This feels right.' So, Duane is the real reason we made the quick decision to move here!" she recalls, with a laugh.

Lots to love

Even though Lana was familiar with the community from her years working there, so many of the amenities and services really came into focus when they became residents last August.

Before moving in, Lana and Duane enjoyed trying new restaurants. "It's been a wonderful surprise to discover that there are many fine dining options and interesting menus right here," says Lana.

They are also taking advantage of Highland Springs' range of activities. Lana joined the community's diversity and inclusion book club. Duane, a United Methodist clergyman who served churches in Missouri and Texas and worked in bishops' offices, joined the community chorus and the chapel choir.

"There's such a variety of activities," says Lana, noting that it's easy to find a club or group that relates to your interest. "And if not, you can start your own!"

The on-site medical center and continuing care neighborhood were also big draws for the couple. "There's no other place in Dallas that has a medical center like this," Lana notes.

With so much at their fingertips, Lana believes that "Highland Springs is like a small city, but it still feels like an intimate community."

Enjoying retirement

Lana and Duane are enjoying their new lifestyle and are glad they moved to Highland Springs when they did.

"We loved our house in Plano, Tex.," Lana says, "but we were tired of yard and home maintenance."

Because their Somerton home--a two-bedroom, two-bath floor plan--is maintenance-free, they can focus on their activities, making new friends, and entertaining guests. "We have a big kitchen, a formal dining room, and an enclosed balcony," says Lana. "We love it."

She adds, "We were ready for a big adventure. That's exactly what it was coming to Highland Springs--an adventure!"

To learn more about independent senior living, request your free brochure to get the scoop on amenities, floor plans, and much more.

By Susan Ingram