Research shows there are many benefits of pet ownership for older adults, including decreased risk of cardiovascular disease, lower blood pressure and reduced anxiety. Those who already own a furry friend can’t imagine their lives without them. Mustang Creek Estates of Burleson realizes that the bond between people and pets is oftentimes unbreakable. For that reason, the senior living community is a pet-friendly environment, and a number of the senior residents share their homes with four-legged friends. To show and spread their love for animals, residents and team members at Mustang Creek Estates of Burleson were recently hand making pet blankets that were later donated to Second Chance Farm, a facility in Granbury that offers care and a peaceful living environment for abused, physically handicapped, aged or homeless animals. Many of the residents had their own pets by their side while making the blankets. Sandi Walker from Second Chance Farm picked up the blankets with her best friend, a Great Dane named Willow.

The donated blankets provide the animals with warmth and a sense of comfort, letting them know they are cared for and safe. The residents of Mustang Creek Estates of Burleson placed the love they feel for their own pets into each of these blankets. This close-up look also demonstrated how the senior living community always finds ways to be involved in the local community and continues to give back to those in need.

Several recent studies have emphasized the positive impact of creative activities on the lives of older adults. One of the activities proven to help keep seniors’ minds busy, prevent depression and spark feelings of joy is participation in the arts. To promote the importance and benefits of arts and crafts, Mustang Creek Estates of Burleson senior living community is participating in this year’s July Craft Fair hosted by the Senior Activity Center (216 SW Johnson Ave) on July 8 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Craft Fair is free and open to the public and is organized every year to showcase vendors’ sewn creations, art, jewelry and other handmade items. Jo Ann Roark, resident of Mustang Creek Estates of Burleson, is especially excited to attend the Craft Fair and present what she has been working on at the senior living community. 

“I have always enjoyed arts and crafts, the most probably embroidery,” said Roark, resident of Mustang Creek Estates of Burleson. “It has always been my favorite down time and anytime I am working on a project it brings me joy and satisfaction because I created something from scratch. It is a wonderful way to relax, and I am glad I can continue in creative activities here in the community. I look forward to attending the Craft Fair, and I encourage other seniors and families to attend and find inspiration through art.”

Roark moved to Mustang Creek Estates of Burleson about six months ago and although she doesn’t think she’s the most talented artist in her family, it doesn’t stop her from being creative. Roark has been working on a broidery project, and she hopes to have it done in time for the Craft Fair. One of the reasons why she likes living in Mustang Creek Estates of Burleson is because the activities keep her busy, and she enjoys different outings, exercises, games and other life enrichment activities.

“By participating in July Craft Fair, we hope to show the public that it is never too late to develop a talent as an artist,” said Karen Jennings, executive director of Mustang Creek Estates of Burleson.  “We have residents who have never engaged in artistic activities, and we have others who have always enjoyed working on art projects. We are excited to participate in this year’s Craft Fair and showcase what the residents have been working on.”

When engaging in creative activities seniors not only have the chance to showcase their talents and stimulate their minds but also connect with others. Roark and other Mustang Creek Estates of Burleson residents recently worked on a photo frames coloring project that will be presented during the Craft Fair.

Mustang Creek Estates, whose mission is to provide seniors with high-quality residential-style assisted living and memory care at an affordable price, has additional locations in Allen, Frisco and Keller. Recently, Mustang Creek Estates announced construction of its newest senior living community in Sachse. The community is now accepting reservations and expects to open in fall of 2017.

The residents of Mustang Creek Estates of Burleson shared one of their favorite pastimes with the younger generation during Read Across America Day, an annual reading motivation program sponsored by the National Education Association. The residents wore  their tall Dr. Seuss hats and read to the kindergarten classes inside at  Clinkscale Elementary in Burleson. At the event, they shared their love of reading with the children.

The senior living community also donated Dr. Seuss books to each class they visit to ensure that these stories can be enjoyed by the class for years to come. The senior living community began partnering with the school in January and plans to establish an on-going intergenerational partnership. 

As we become adults, we enter many roles in life we may not be entirely ready to fill – whether it’s a job promotion, becoming a spouse or parent, or a caregiver for someone you love. While great research, education and experience can bring you success as a parent or employee, caregiving is typically unfamiliar territory for many families. Most people do not seek knowledge until a health concern exists. As November is National Family Caregivers Month, Mustang Creek Estates of Burleson seeks to offer helpful tips to families in the area who are currently providing extra assistance to a loved one or who may need to do so in the future. Their knowledgeable staff has years of experience in senior living and helping families to get the care their loved ones need and deserve. In addition, the community is recognizing caregivers. Mustang Creek Estates recently launched Cookies for Kindness campaigns at all of their locations, hand-delivering cookies to seniors or caregivers in need of a little extra kindness. Whether they recently had surgery, are feeling under the weather or are caring for someone they love, Mustang Creek Estates wants to support those in their communities who could use a little boost. To nominate someone in the Burleson area, call 817-205-3772.

“Mustang Creek Estates of Burleson understands that caregivers have such a challenging role in their loved one’s care, and we would like to extend our help to the caregiving community at large by creating a caregiver support group when the community opens,” said Kevin Wilmeth, executive director of Mustang Creek Estates of Burleson. “We aren’t just experts on the services Mustang Creek Estates offers, but also what is available in the area through home health and other organizations. At the end of the day, we want to provide families with the knowledge to make the best choices possible for their loved ones, and help seniors get the care they deserve.”

In the meantime, the staff members at Mustang Creek Estates of Burleson have several tips that can assist families as the holidays approach and beyond. Families might see signs that their loved ones need more assistance, but they may not know what to do or where to seek help.

One of the hardest things to recognize is when you need to take that step and reach out to others for help. Along with the team of trained professionals at Mustang Creek Estates of Burleson, we came up with some pointers you and your family should consider when thinking about finding extra care for your loved ones:

1. Seek support from other caregivers and experts in your area. You can find other caregivers or caregivers support groups through Mustang Creek Estates of Burleson, local churches, senior centers or senior living communities.
2. Take care of your own health. While this may be easier said than done, your health is vital to the person you are providing care to, and their care depends upon your whole-body health. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep, exercising and taking vitamins.
3. Accept help from others. Whether it’s cooking a meal, running an errand or just keeping you company, giving tasks to those who want to assist can give caregivers time to recharge and not feel so alone.
4. Write things down. Whether it’s a note from a doctor’s appointment, a meeting with hospice or home health, or a grocery list, writing things down increases the chance that they’ll be remembered later and these notes can be referenced when you need them. It also decreases stress associated with forgetting important details.
5. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Whether it’s a doctor, nurse, Veteran’s Affairs or other community organizations you may need help from, asking questions and seeking answers as an advocate for your loved one is the best way to ensure they get the care they deserve.

 If you wish to seek specific advice for your family, Mustang Creek Estates of Burleson is always ready to offer advice and resources. They can be reached by calling 817-733-8300.

After years working for large corporate senior living companies, Renee Ramsey, CEO and co-founder of Mustang Creek Estates, knew there was something missing. She felt strongly that there had to be a better way to serve seniors. The model used for most modern assisted living communities more closely resembles a hospital or hotel, in which residents are often isolated in their rooms with long hallways separating institutional-feeling common spaces. Together, Ramsey and John Roach, co-founder of Mustang Creek Estates, took a leap of faith to pursue their dream of creating a personalized, comfortable and affordable residential environment for seniors that doesn’t compromise care, the sophistication of services or a sense of purpose. This would be a place where a sense of home was felt in all aspects and compassionate care was provided at an affordable price, which is now the company’s mission. Ramsey and Roach traveled across the country to tour communities others told them were similar, but nothing was quite like what they envisioned. On a flight back home to Dallas, on a napkin provided by Southwest Airlines, the pair sketched out their vision for a true neighborhood made up of homes uniquely designed for seniors who require assisted living or memory care. These homes, shared by no more than 16 seniors, fill the gaps that exist in the industry of assisted living. Now, more than 10 years later, neighborhoods of seniors share life together in Allen, Frisco and Keller – and the newest neighborhood will soon open in Burleson.

“When we worked to create Mustang Creek Estates, many people told us our vision wouldn’t work, but we believed seniors in the area deserved this care so strongly that we invested our own money to bring it to life,” said Ramsey. “We continue to be privately owned to this day, and to us it’s not only about growing our company, but more importantly providing the kind of senior living that was missing and families longed for. Many seniors don’t feel comfortable in a restaurant-style, large dining area ordering from a menu; instead Mustang Creek Estates provides small scale, personalized attention.  Each home has a large open kitchen where residents delight in the scents of fresh meals being prepared before them, and the intimate setting allows the caregivers to get to know the residents one-on-one. Our goal is to provide the same attention a family member would give a loved one. We worked to develop a place unlike any other where our communities truly feel like home and that personal care is ingrained in all we do.”

Life at Mustang Creek Estates of Burleson will be very similar to life at home for residents. Each resident’s meal will be homemade. The familiar smells and comforts of home, like cookies baking in the oven, gathering around a dinner table together and visiting after meals can all be found in each of Mustang Creek Estates’ neighborhoods. This atmosphere and care is unlike anything else offered in Burleson, and will make the transition from a family home to assisted living or memory care an easier one, because it is truly set up like a family home within a neighborhood. Residents will participate in activities, if they choose, in other homes where they can visit with other residents in the neighborhood. The team takes great pride in developing an atmosphere in which seniors find fulfillment, friendship and the care they need.

“The response since we announced we were building in the area has been so warm,” said Ramsey. “Last year, when we participated in the Christmas parade, we really got a feel for the town’s atmosphere, and I was so impressed. You don’t see many cities like Burleson in America today, and it’s nice to still see those small town values on display. That’s that type of environment we want to be a part of, and why we decided to expand to Burleson. We envision residents sitting on the porches of our neighborhood together sharing stories and creating memories together, just like they would at home.”

Ramsey and Roach have worked hard to bring their vision for senior care to life, and their story is one of the true American dream. Their caring hearts allowed them to see that seniors deserved a better way to live in their retirement. Their dedication and courage led them to create this model for affordable senior care, and they have seen many happy families find peace knowing their loved one is being cared for just as they would be at home.

“It’s been a true blessing to see our vision for how we believe seniors should be served come to life,” said Ramsey. “We consider it a huge responsibility to care for someone’s loved one – we don’t take it lightly. I’ve worked in other places where I went home feeling like there had to be a better way, and it feels good to offer high-quality, affordable services. Not many places offer all of these things, so it’s a relief to provide our own model of senior living, on our own terms, without answering to anyone else’s ideas.”

Mustang Creek of Burleson expects to open its first home this fall.