When Corrine and her husband Doug saw an ad in the Sun City West Independent for a brand-new senior living community, they decided to make the move from Chicago to start a new life as one of Grandview Terrace’s pioneer residents.
What drew them in? Corrine puts it simply that it reminded her of a Holidome from a Holiday Inn. Having the opportunity to retire and enjoy time as if you were on vacation every day was too much to pass up.
As they awaited move-in day, Corrine and Doug received regular updates and construction photos. Their apartment was selected for them, and though Corrine hadn’t seen it beforehand, she was delighted. “I didn’t know anything,” she said, “but I was so happy with what was chosen. It’s worked so well for us.”
They arrived at Grandview with 130 boxes and a ton of enthusiasm. Corrine immediately began recruiting friends and fellow retirees to join the community. She even created promotional flyers to spread the word.
Life at Grandview suited them perfectly. From fitness classes to local adventures, the couple embraced every opportunity to enjoy retirement.
Corrine only recalls the power in the building going out once, which was caused by some outside service provider hitting the wrong line and disrupting power. But she said the staff jumped up and made sure that food was still provided by using a grill outside and checked that all the residents were safe.
Safety and fellowship remain top reasons Corrine continues to advocate for the community. Whether it’s chatting over a meal or a casual coffee in the lobby, Grandview offers a built-in support system. “That’s one of the main things is the safety you feel,” Corrine said. “If you fall, just press your pendant and the EMTs come running. Someone is always there. You don’t have that when you live alone in a house.”
Even now, Corrine is still encouraging friends to make the move and is actively trying to convince a friend who’s currently living alone.
Now 94, Corrine is the last of the original residents at Grandview Terrace, which just celebrated its 28th anniversary. She’s proud to call it home for nearly three decades, which is the longest she’s lived in any one place.
She has no plans to leave, even with her daughter’s request to move closer to family, except perhaps to transition into the on-site care center if needed. This seamless move would be made possible by the Life Care model of Sun Health Communities.
“We have so many things here you don’t get when you’re alone in a house,” Corrine said. “Everything is under one roof: dining, activities, events. That’s what makes it special. And that’s why I love it here.”
Corrine’s story is a testament to the promise of a Life Plan Community: peace of mind, enduring friendships, and a life well lived.
To see more about what life would be like at Grandview Terrace, please visit: SunHealthCommunities.org/community/Grandview-Terrace/
