As self-described social people, Ellen and Doug Boston were pleasantly surprised when they spent a few nights at Walnut Village prior to choosing from among several senior living communities in which to live.
After being shown around by the sales team, the Texas couple asked if they could explore Walnut Village on their own. As they strolled the community, several staff and residents struck up conversations.
“It was amazing,” Doug said. “The chef just happened to walk by us. Not recognizing us, he asked if he could help us find anything. The gardener did the same. But what really surprised us was when we told a resident we are considering moving in, he invited us into his home to show us his floor plan and asked if he could answer any questions about the community and lifestyle. That type of culture of caring is everywhere here and it comes from the top down. That made a big impact on us.”
After moving in three years ago to a two-bedroom, first-floor apartment with a patio view of the community’s Serenity Garden, the couple’s lives continued to blossom. Doug, a retired commercial pilot decided to learn billiards and enjoys a weekly lesson taught by an expert player. Ellen, a former educator and homemaker, loves to play cards like bridge and hand and foot (a game similar to canasta). New friends also introduced her to euchre, a card game popular in the Midwest, which she loves. The quilting group is her chance to catch up with friends while quilting for local charities. And a few years ago, the couple helped establish the monarch butterfly garden a few feet outside their home.
Doug works out in the fitness center while Ellen enjoys the indoor saltwater pool. “Swimming is very important to me,” she said. “That was a major factor in our decision to move here.” Ellen is also a member of the community’s Hospitality Committee, an opportunity for her to welcome new residents to the Village just as she and Doug were welcomed.
“That committee really fits my personality,” Ellen said. “I love meeting new people and making new friends.”
While Ellen is busy enjoying her interests, Doug is happy to volunteer as treasurer of the Resident Council and entertain fellow residents by singing in the Walnut Village Chorale.
The Bostons moved to Walnut Village from the Dallas suburbs after realizing their home was beginning to become a burden. They were looking for a nonprofit, continuing care retirement community.
“We wanted to live in a CCRC because once we moved here we did not want to move again,” Doug said. “We chose a nonprofit community because it matches our values of giving back to the community in which we live. The best part about it is that our son lives nearby.”
If there is one piece of advice the Bostons would give those looking to make a move to a senior living community, it would be not to wait too long.
“If you wait you may not have the vitality and stamina to enjoy all of the choices you will have, especially here at Walnut Village.”
