During the holidays, many of us are spending time with loved ones we don’t often see throughout the year. For some families, these gatherings may bring a new awareness of relatives who are experiencing cognitive changes or showing early signs of dementia. As that awareness grows, so does the need for support. The Outlook at Windhaven (OAW) is one of those local resources for support.
Every OAW teammate is trained in DementiaLive®, a unique program designed to recreate what it feels like to live with dementia. This experience provides insight into the challenges faced by individuals living with the disease and mimics dementia symptoms such as tunnel vision, slowed processing and altered touch. All Outlook at Windhaven teammates are required to complete this training as part of their commitment to compassionate and informed care.
In addition to highly trained teammates, the OAW community also hosts “The Outlook of Hope” monthly support group for caregivers, family members and anyone in DFW navigating dementia-related challenges. The group is facilitated by Yashica Washington, OAW’s Assisted Living Director, and Wendy Thomas, Assisted Living Advisor. The support group is a free resource, open to all ages, and offers a welcoming space for encouragement and education. As families step into a season filled with both joy and change, OAW hopes to raise awareness and remind those facing dementia-related challenges that they are not alone.
Dian Knight was recently promoted to Administrative Assistant at The Outlook at Windhaven (OAW). She joined the OAW community in June, working as primary server and as a front desk specialist. As an administrative assistant, Dian supports the leadership team, manages meeting preparations and supports operations in the front office as well as behind the scenes. We caught up with Dian for a fun Q and A to get to know her better. Read more about her below.
What are you passionate about regarding your professional role? I am passionate about serving others with kindness and spending quality time getting to know people on a personal level. I enjoy creating and maintaining organization, seeing projects through and supporting the community by thoughtfully meeting needs. I love learning from those around me and fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and fulfilled.
What do you think sets OAW apart from other senior living communities? OAW maintains an exceptional standard of care that centers on the well-being of residents. Leadership makes time to listen and make thoughtful decisions with residents’ comfort and satisfaction in mind. This community is filled with kindness and compassion for both residents and teammates. It is a place where people truly care for one another, and that spirit of connection makes it very special.
What is something that makes you feel proud? I’m incredibly proud of stepping into my new role as Administrative Assistant. When I first joined the community, I thought I would only be here temporarily before pursuing graduate school. However, the warmth and encouragement I experienced inspired me to grow here. Leadership saw my potential, supported my development and welcomed me into a role where I can contribute in meaningful ways for the long term. The residents’ support through this transition has truly touched my heart.
Share about your family: I am grateful for my family. My parents have shown me the power of unconditional love and empathy through the way they care for our family. I have an Irish twin sister, meaning we’re only eleven months apart. She has been one of my greatest teachers through all of life’s twists and turns. We’ve always shared a close bond, and now she’s happily engaged to be married. My younger brother, who plays professional basketball in Japan, recently got married. Both siblings are preparing to start families, and I am thrilled to become an aunt. I also have an older brother who lives in Columbus, Ohio, my hometown. In addition, I have a beloved fur baby named Neo, a Rat Terrier-Mini Pinscher mix, who fills my days with joy.
Tell us about your hobbies: I enjoy astrology, yoga, painting, dancing, singing and playing guitar.
On the weekend, you can find me: Playing with my pup at the dog park, hiking, kayaking at a nearby lake with my mom, sharing tea with a friend or enjoying a musical or movie with my sister.
What are some of your favorite foods and restaurants? My favorite dish to order if I am dining out is Pho, a hot and savory bowl of comfort, but my favorite restaurant is my kitchen. I love cooking and baking wholesome, delicious and flavorful food. With autumn in the air, I have been experimenting with pumpkin-inspired recipes and warm spices like coffee cake muffins, pumpkin spice cheesecake bars and chocolate swirl pumpkin fudge.
How would your friends describe you? My friends would describe me as wise, patient and thoughtful. They consider me an old soul in a 31-year-old body.
What’s something that people might be surprised to learn about you? I’m a bit of a nutrition and wellness enthusiast, and I bring that same detail-loving energy from the office into my kitchen. I follow a ketogenic lifestyle and enjoy creating low-carb, high-fat versions of my favorite comfort foods. Whether I’m meal-prepping or trying a new recipe, I enjoy keeping things tasty and on track.
It was a crisp and windy morning at The Outlook at Windhaven (OAW) as residents and resident veterans gathered to honor those who have served our country for a Veterans Day salute. Special guests from Plano Senior High’s JROTC proudly and respectfully led a Veterans Day flag-folding ceremony. OAW residents, teammates and students stood solemnly while reflecting on the sacrifices made by those who served to protect our freedoms. After the ceremony, everyone warmed up while enjoying breakfast in Outriders, where students pulled up chairs with residents to hear stories and share some laughs. The day was a good reminder of the courage and commitment of our veterans and the importance of gathering to honor them.
Earlier this year, The Outlook at Windhaven (OAW) introduced on-site physical therapy open to residents and the public. Many residents, like David Jenkins, are taking full advantage of the convenience and opportunity to rebuild their muscles and mobility.
About two months after undergoing hip surgery, David developed neuropathy. Neuropathy is a condition that occurs when the nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord are damaged. This usually weakens the hands, feet, arms or legs. In David’s case, it affected his legs.
David has since been working to improve his balance, strength and mobility to reclaim his independence and do simple things again like stand up from his chair.
“I’m getting stronger and that’s been the biggest improvement for me. It has also been so convenient. Physical therapy is right here and I’m not having to go anywhere,” said David.
Tracy Bardfield, OAW’s physical therapist shared this about David’s work ethic, “He’s such a hard worker, he’s always willing to do whatever we want to try and he’s just a great guy.”
The OAW physical therapy gym stays busy as residents utilize it for pre- and post-surgery rehabilitation, or for help managing everyday aches and pains.
Having on-site care keeps OAW residents motivated, active, independent and thriving.
Fall is in full swing at The Outlook at Windhaven (OAW), bringing fun-filled opportunities for residents to enjoy all things autumn. OAW’s Independent Living (IL) residents and teammates kicked off Halloween with a “Spook-tacular” Sip and Swirl Happy Hour. Many dressed in creative costumes and enjoyed light bites while sipping wicked brews to celebrate “Spooky Season.”
IL residents got crafty during a Halloween wreath-making activity, using colorful strips of festive fabric to create one-of-a-kind decorations to hang on their front doors.
In Assisted Living (AL), residents joined a festive trick-or-treat social with the AL nursing and therapy teams. Residents passed out candy to teammates and their families, sharing lots of smiles and sweets.
AL residents also baked pumpkin pie bites at the weekly Baker’s Table, rolling up their sleeves to mix, knead and create delicious pumpkin-inspired treats.
October was a wonderful reminder that joy often comes from savoring the simple pleasures of the season.
Moving to a senior living community can be a big financial decision, but it can also be a rewarding one. At The Outlook at Windhaven (OAW), we’re making the process easier by answering some of the frequently asked questions we hear. OAW Marketing and Sales Director, Jennifer Campbell, sat down with Forefront Living Chief Financial Officer, Steven Ailey, to walk through important financial considerations, helping future residents feel well-informed as they plan their move to OAW. Key topics include:
Overview of Forefront Living’s mission, vision and values
Benefits of choosing a continuing care retirement community (CCRC)
OAW’s tax benefits
Future ownership considerations for OAW
Advantages of a non-profit senior living community
Residents at The Outlook at Windhaven (OAW) gathered for an informative safety session with Officer Christopher Bianez from the Plano Police Department. About 83 residents attended the event where Officer Bianez shared practical tips on staying alert and remaining safe in everyday situations.
Key reminders included being aware of your surroundings, especially in parking lots, keeping valuables out of sight when leaving your car and using caution when opening doors for unfamiliar visitors. He encouraged residents to trust their instincts and reminded them to report any suspicious behavior to the Plano Police Department.
The session provided residents with valuable tools to help them stay safe in their community.
Ever wondered how your neighbors have decorated their homes? Curious residents had the chance to find out during a special Fall Progressive Sip and Stroll Tour at The Outlook at Windhaven (OAW). Seven OAW residents opened their apartment homes to give guests an up-close look into the ways they personalized their spaces.
Residents strolled from apartment to apartment, enjoying sips and dips along the way, while checking out the personal details and creative touches that made each home feel welcoming and unique. It provided a wonderful opportunity to visit with neighbors and spend an afternoon discovering the individual charm of each space.
A big thank you goes out to our hospitable resident hosts: Kay, Pat, Cathy, Diane, Marty and Stacie! Thank you for reminding us that being neighborly never goes out of style. Everyone enjoyed the tour so much that another Progressive Sip and Stroll is planned for the spring.
At The Outlook at Windhaven (OAW), September brought a season of connection and celebration for Independent Living (IL) residents. From outings around town to gatherings on campus, residents enjoyed meaningful ways to spend time together while welcoming the first signs of fall. Here’s a look back at some of the special moments that made the month unforgettable.
Poolside Palooza
Residents dove into summer fun at the Poolside Palooza, enjoying pool games and a yummy lunch on the patio!
The Aging Brain
Residents attended an educational session on the aging brain, presented by the University at Texas Dallas’ Aging Well Lab. The presentation explored how the brain changes with age, ways to support brain health and the latest findings in aging research.
Pint Parlor
Residents were treated to Mint Chip Milkshakes at Pint Parlor.
Crafts Corner
Residents got creative crafting pipe cleaner pumpkins during the weekly Crafts Corner activity!
September has been a lovely month for residents in Assisted Living (AL) and Memory Support (MS) at The Outlook at Windhaven (OAW). From special celebrations to creative activities and time spent together, there’s been no shortage of meaningful moments. Here’s a quick look at some of the highlights.
Labor Day Luncheon
Assisted Living and Memory Support residents celebrated Labor Day with a festive luncheon, featuring a live musical performance by Phil Rogers.
Crockpot Creations
For Crockpot Creations, residents mixed, stirred and let the slow cooker work its magic to make a delicious Pineapple Upside-Down Cake.
Baker’s Table
On National Cherry Jubilee Day, September 24, residents baked up a sweet treat for the Baker’s Table! They mixed, and created delicious cherry muffins together, baking up joy one bite at a time.
Residents enjoyed a tropical Piña Colada Social with a cool and delicious taste of island vibes.
Cozy Creations
Residents crafted sew blankets to comfort and warm some furry friends at the Plano Animal Shelter.
