Residents and Staff Members Collaborate at Wind Crest

At Wind Crest, an Erickson Senior Living community in Highlands Ranch, Colo., residents have a true say in what happens on campus, thanks to the Resident Advisory Council (RAC).

The RAC works closely with community leaders to not only provide feedback from neighbors but also to collaborate on matters both large and small.

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From sharing compliments on the General Services team's great work to weighing in on plans for new buildings, this open communication ensures that services and amenities reflect the needs of those who call Wind Crest home.

To learn more about how this collaboration strengthens the community and supports residents, the Tribune sat down with Jon Montague-Clouse, RAC chair, and Executive Director Craig Erickson.

Tribune: What role does the RAC play in shaping community life?

Jon: The RAC serves as a communication conduit between the residents and the administration. We pass along residents' ideas, and they are glad to be updated on actions that will be taken and what will be implemented.

Erickson: It's important for residents to have a voice in how the community runs and operates--the RAC acts as that voice. When RAC members hear suggestions or concerns, they bring them to our attention. The RAC also helps communicate updates and information to residents. It's a great collaboration.

Tribune: How is resident feedback gathered?

Jon: Residents can choose how they want to share their ideas. They can talk to us in person or they can email us outlining their ideas. Residents know we take their suggestions seriously.

Erickson: The RAC also hosts a monthly forum called "RAC and Resident Conversations," featuring two RAC committees that rotate each month. Residents learn what they are working on, ask questions, and give suggestions.

In addition, we conduct an annual resident satisfaction survey, and we use those responses to improve the community. We also have monthly communitywide Town Hall meetings, and in the spring and fall, we do neighborhood meetings in each building.

Tribune: How often does the RAC meet with administration to discuss resident feedback?

Jon: The RAC meets twice a month with the leadership team. We all share ideas freely and discuss them.

Erickson: With over two thousand residents at Wind Crest, we receive so many ideas. We want to be sure to listen and respond. We are always looking for ways to improve, and we value residents' input.

Tribune: Can you share some positive changes that came directly from resident input?

Jon: There are so many. To name a few: Residents were pleased when the dress guidelines for our restaurants were updated and rewritten. Large light poles were installed in various parts of campus where residents requested more light at night. For residents' comfort and convenience, a bench was installed outside of Quincy Point.

A pickleball launcher was purchased for the pickleball club, and a permanent location was identified in the Parry Landing library to house Wind Crest's expanded collection of military history books.

Erickson: When we were designing our final residence building, Dillon Landing, residents told the RAC that they really needed another craft room. We had the architects redesign a space, and now it's for glass, jewelry, and ceramic arts.

Tribune: What is the best part of your working relationship?

Jon: We collaborate well. When residents see the improvements that came from their ideas, it helps create a positive attitude in the community.

It's really nice to be able to walk around the community and see other residents pointing out the changes that have occurred because they submitted their ideas.

They know that not only is the RAC representing them, but that administration and management are listening and taking action.

Erickson: Together, we are very well aligned in improving the resident experience at Wind Crest. When we're doing a great job executing what residents want, the result ensures a better quality of life for everyone.

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

By Michele Wojciechowski