By Jan Landon
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

Relax, have a cup of coffee, and talk with Jane McIntire about whether Tallgrass Creek is the right place for you. It’s all about conversation when you come in and have your initial discussion with McIntire, the retirement counselor at the community.

If you ask McIntire what she does, she responds that she is an “educator,  friend,  coach, confidante, adviser, guide, and sherpa.” Officially, the retirement counselor is an on-site Erickson specialist who assists individuals in determining if an Erickson campus might meet one’s lifestyle, financial, emotional, and wellness needs—now or in the future.

No pressure
Most people have felt intimidated and uncomfortable when pressured by an overzealous salesperson, but McIntire and the staff at Tallgrass Creek know that approach doesn’t work, she says.

“You get to know us and we get to know you, and we’ll find out if this is a good fit,” McIntire says. “The first meeting is an opportunity to learn a little bit more about Tallgrass Creek on a one-on-one basis. It gives people a chance to find  out if Erickson offers the lifestyle they want.”

Plan on spending about 90 minutes with McIntire during that first meeting. Come with questions and concerns, and be ready to share your retirement needs and dreams. McIntire says she will make sure visitors get an opportunity to see the fitness center, indoor swimming pool, restaurants, medical center, and any other places they want to check out.

No time constraints
A meeting at Tallgrass Creek doesn’t mean that a move needs to be made in two weeks or even two years, McIntire explains: “It’s a chance to learn more, but there is certainly no obligation or arm-twisting. We meet with a lot of people who aren’t interested in doing anything for five years.”