All In the Family at Greenspring

Faye Johnson loved her Northern Virginia home, but the increasing maintenance and repairs were becoming a burden.

"For a long time, I was fine there," she says. "But it was getting harder. There were more things I needed help with. That's when I began looking for ways to make life easier."

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Faye started exploring her senior living options, but she didn't have to look far. Her daughter, Sue Franke, works as the resident services manager at Greenspring, an Erickson Senior Living community in Springfield, Va., which offers the active, vibrant, worry-free lifestyle she was looking for.

"Sue was always telling me how wonderful the community is--how caring the staff and residents are, and the wide variety of activities and amenities," notes Faye, who, after doing her own research, could see why hundreds of retirees have decided to call the community home.

Since moving to Greenspring in 2017, Faye has enjoyed making new friends, participating in activities, and spending more time with her daughter.

The right fit

With maintenance-free homes, a range of activities and amenities, and convenient health care, Greenspring easily checked all of Faye's boxes. "I never considered moving anywhere else, so I joined the Priority List," she notes.

Soon after joining, Faye received an invitation to an exclusive event focused on the planning and moving services available to Priority List members. "I discovered that there were so many resources available to me, from real estate agents to moving and downsizing [specialists]. Right there, I had my 'aha' moment. I knew that I could do this," she says.

Another perk of her Priority List status was saving her spot in line for her desired floor plan. So, in preparation for her move, Faye toured a variety of residences to determine which floor plan would best fit her new lifestyle.

One in particular stood out immediately. "When I walked in and saw the woods, I thought, 'Yes, I need the woods,'" recalls Faye. "Then, they showed me the kitchen with all the windows, and I just loved it. I also really liked the outside area, as it's perfect for my dog, Tillie."

A different pace

Since settling into her residence, Faye has created a daily routine that includes walking, spending time outdoors, and socializing with new friends.

"When I lived in my house, I usually ate alone each night," she says. "But here at Greenspring, dinner provides a wonderful opportunity to spend time with my neighbors. I really enjoy getting to know people--hearing their stories, where they come from. It's been a wonderful way to make meaningful connections."

One of Faye's favorite activities is walking Tillie around parts of the beautiful, 58-acre community they call home.

"Some of my best friends are the dog walkers," she says. "We are so fortunate to be able to walk on such a lovely campus. Each day, we see something new, from squirrels to cardinals. It's such a joy."

Franke notes that her mom's vibrant, social lifestyle is thanks to the community's maintenance-free homes, which eliminate time-consuming responsibilities.

"My mom no longer has to worry about clearing snow, raking leaves, or changing a lightbulb in the ceiling," explains Franke. "Everything is taken care of for her and, as a result, she can spend her time doing all the things she enjoys."

Time together

One of the biggest changes since Faye's move is how often she and her daughter see each other. Now, lunch dates are a regular part of their weekly schedule.

"We make sure to get together weekly--at the least--for lunch. My sister Fran also joins us. It's the best!" says Franke. "Before, we lived 30 minutes apart. Now, we're just down the hall from each other."

Faye also finds that living at Greenspring allows her to stay more involved with her extended family.

"Early on, I was babysitting my great-grandchildren," she says. "Now that they're older, all seven of them came to Greenspring for lunch. We spent several hours together. They always enjoy their visits here, and I really like participating more with the family."

'The best place'

Reflecting on her time at Greenspring, Faye says she is glad she made the move when she did. "I'm able to enjoy everything here, and that's what matters. At my house, I wasn't getting out and doing things," she says. "Here, I'm out every day and see people. That makes such a difference."

"Each day, I see how important it is for residents to stay connected and have opportunities right outside their door," says Franke. "Now, my mom has everything she needs right here. I knew, without a doubt, that Greenspring was the best place for my mom to consider."

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

By Kelly Shue