Residents and Staff Members Collaborate at Tallgrass Creek

At Tallgrass Creek, an Erickson Senior Living community in Overland Park, Kans., 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. From sharing compliments on the General Services team's great work to weighing in on renovation plans, this open communication ensures that services and amenities reflect the needs of those who call Tallgrass Creek home.

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To learn more about how this collaboration strengthens the community and supports residents, the Tribune sat down with Nancy Perry, RAC chair, and Executive Director Adam Dickson.

Tribune: Nancy, what drew you to Tallgrass Creek?

Nancy: My husband, Robert, and I moved to Tallgrass Creek in July 2021. We had been familiar with the community for many years--my sister's in-laws were among the first residents to move here in 2007. Seeing how well they were supported throughout their lives made a lasting impression on us. When it became time for us to consider our own future, we knew this was where we wanted to be.

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

Nancy: The RAC serves as a conduit between residents and management. When residents bring forward ideas, concerns, compliments, or suggestions, we communicate them to the leadership team. Then, we provide information and updates back to residents. Our role is to help residents feel heard and informed.

Adam: It's a pleasure working with the RAC, knowing that we are all working toward the same goal--making Tallgrass Creek a great place to live and work.

Tribune: How often do the RAC and community leaders meet to discuss resident feedback?

Nancy: The vice chair and I meet weekly with Adam and the community's associate executive director to discuss resident feedback and community happenings. We also work closely with our committees, which focus on departments like Dining Services, Resident Life, and General Services.

Adam: We carefully review the feedback, identify what's achievable, and then work as a team to make those ideas happen. Every year, we create an action plan based directly on resident feedback. We want residents to see that their voices directly influence how the community evolves.

Tribune: How do residents share their thoughts?

Adam: Resident input is absolutely vital to the decisions we make. That's why we provide so many opportunities to share feedback, whether through the RAC, resident forums, focus groups, or surveys.

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

Nancy: Happy to. One of my favorite examples is the Sacred Space. Residents suggested transforming an existing home into a quiet, interfaith meditation and reflection space that anyone in the community could use. Today, the Sacred Space is open 24 hours a day for prayer, reflection, conversation, or simply sitting quietly.

Adam: Another area that residents weighed in on was increasing opportunities for social engagement and community events. In response, our Resident Life and Dining Services teams began partnering more closely to create additional social gatherings throughout the year--such as themed dinners, seasonal celebrations, fish fries, and pop-up events across campus.

Tribune: What excites you the most about the community's future?

Nancy: I'm excited that residents will continue playing an active role in shaping the future of the community. Tallgrass Creek keeps evolving, and residents are encouraged to be part of that process. There's a real spirit of collaboration here.

Adam: We'll continue building on what's already working--listening to residents, strengthening community pride, and finding ways to say yes. At the end of the day, great customer service comes down to listening and genuinely caring about people. That's what continues to guide us here at Tallgrass Creek.

Tribune: Nancy, what does it mean to live in a community where residents truly have a voice?

Nancy: Honestly, I wouldn't want to live somewhere where I didn't have that opportunity! Not every suggestion can happen exactly as proposed, but residents know they are being listened to and taken seriously. Leadership truly tries to find ways to say yes whenever possible. That makes a huge difference.

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

By Julia Collins