Finding Happiness in Senior Living at Fairwinds – Brighton Court

May 9, Alissa Sauer

Ski trips. Ballroom dancing. Photography. Fitness. Fashion. Are these activities ones that come to mind when you think of senior living? Leisure Care communities are intentional about building a strong sense of belonging among residents, and we do it by having Five Star Fun everyday.

Meet two residents at Fairwinds – Brighton Court, an independent living and assisted living community in Lynnwood, Washington, who buck traditional expectations of retirement and make everyday one to remember.

Residents Redefine Retirement

Dick Taylor is 92 years old, but he is not slowing down. This past winter, Dick packed in nearly half a dozen ski trips, joined our talent show to display his ballroom dancing skills, and could be often found shooting photos of breathtaking local scenery. He even joined a Freedom Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. for veterans to see the monuments that honor them in-person. Dick and his wife were married for 67 years and while the now widower admits to missing her still everyday. Still, he says, “I am just so happy. All the time!”

Dick plans on dancing in the upcoming talent show with his ballroom dancing partner. “It’s not the worst thing in the world to stand there with your arms around pretty woman,” he said smiling.

It’s not uncommon to hear residents share their happiness at Fairwinds – Brighton Court – just ask Arlene Christensen. Arlene has been a resident for almost 3 years. She says, “I never have a sad day”. She moved into Fairwinds – Brighton Court after her husband passed away in 2014 and she had a stroke. It was hard to leave her home of 51 years, but, now, she says, “If just felt like home. Now, I’m never going to leave.”

Arlene got a Fitbit, walks 10,000 steps everyday, enjoys bowling, and has lost more than 30 pounds. Around the community Arlene is known as “The Purple Lady” because of her purple clothes and purple apartment decor. Arlene recently shared that her love for purple began in her childhood. With an absent mother and sibling who disparaged her, Arlene found that she received compliments from others when she wore purple. “It changed my life. I went from a nothing person to one who had found my way.” Now, she is affectionately known throughout the community as “the Purple Lady”.

Resort Living at Fairwinds – Brighton Court

While both residents are active on their own, they credit their positivity to the staff. Arlene said, “The staff here is unbelievable. You can ask them for anything.” Dick agrees, saying, “The main thing is the staff. They’re just wonderful.”

The staff at Fairwinds – Brighton Court is dedicated to helping each resident make the most of retirement. Jackie Requa-Hall is the general manager at Brighton Court. She is proud of her team, saying, “We’ve got a great staff here, a great team. Everyone is happy and engaged. It makes it fun.”

Fairwinds – Brighton Court includes 182 apartment homes including studios, one- and two-bedroom unites for residents in both independent living and assisted living. There is a restaurant on-site serving chef-prepared, seasonal menus with varied options. There’s also a bistro for lighter fare, and an afternoon happy hour. Other amenities like transportation and concierge services make life at Fairwinds – Brighton Court easy and convenient. And, a daily activity calendar offers seemingly endless activities like yoga, brunch, cooking classes, barbecues, chocolate tours, art shows, and more.

Sound too good to be true? Come see for yourself what makes Fairwinds – Brighton Court such a special place to retire. Join the Purple Lady for a meal on us, or stop by for the talent show to see Dick and his ballroom partner dance the night away. We’d love to meet you!