For Dr. Barbara Moser, resident of Vi at Highlands Ranch, the decision to move to a Life Plan Community was driven by two main factors: avoiding another hot summer in Phoenix and her mother’s positive example. Barbara’s mother moved into her retirement community when she was 70. “My mother had four children living in different parts of the country, but she didn’t want to be a burden to any of us,” Moser explained.

So when Barbara retired after 40 years as a radiologist, she followed in her mother’s footsteps and started her search for a senior living community almost immediately. And a desire for cooler summer temperatures helped narrow the search to Vi at Highlands Ranch outside Denver, Colorado.

Creating a Move That’s Right for You

Once Barbara decided on Vi at Highlands Ranch, she worked with Laurie MacLeod, the community’s move-in coordinator, to help plan the move. “One of the best parts of my job is getting to know our new residents on a personal level,” MacLeod said. “I work closely with them and help them fit as many of their belongings here at their new home as possible.”

For Barbara, a calm, methodical approach to her move worked best. Gradually, over a year, she decluttered her five-bedroom house and decided which items would make the move from Arizona to Colorado. “I filled my garage three times with boxes and things, and had the Salvation Army come each time,” Moser said. “I lived for 23 years in that house — that’s a lot of time to accumulate things!”

At Laurie’s suggestion, Barbara also worked with a senior move manager in her area.

“For our new residents coming from out of state, I always recommend a senior move manager,” MacLeod said, adding that about 85 percent of new residents ultimately hire one. “They’re a great resource and can help with the more stressful parts of moving like vetting moving companies and coordinating donations.”

Barbara worked with her move manager both in Arizona and Colorado, noting that the manager was especially helpful in deciding how to arrange her furniture, as well as unpacking and organizing her belongings in her new apartment at Vi at Highlands Ranch. “It’s just nice when residents can go into their unit the night they move in and sleep in their bed, with all their belongings among them,” Laurie added.

Embracing Her New Life in Colorado

Thanks to Colorado’s cooler summer temperatures and the community’s active and welcoming residents, Barbara adjusted quickly to her new life at Vi at Highlands Ranch. “I never had many hobbies before I retired — I always worked long hours or was taking care of my children,” Moser said. “Now, I’m learning to play canasta and mah-jongg.”

Located on 25 acres of hillside with easy access to hiking and biking trails, her new home makes it easy for Barbara to take advantage of the great outdoors. “I walk four miles every morning, enjoying the views and looking at all the different types of birds. It's just good for the soul,” she said, smiling.

Discover the full range of services and amenities at Vi at Highlands Ranch and request a brochure today!