Introduction

Highland Springs Retirement Home, located on 89 picturesque acres in North Dallas, Texas, offers a full-service, maintenance-free community designed exclusively for retirees aged 62 and above. This review provides an in-depth look at the services, amenities, and overall environment of Highland Springs, along with insights from residents and comparisons to other retirement homes in Texas.

Location and Overview

• Address: 8000 Frankford Road, Dallas, TX 75252
• Setting: 89-acre campus in North Dallas
• Resident Capacity: 162
• Minimum Age Requirement: 55

Highland Springs provides a secure and beautiful environment for active seniors, featuring a private campus with 24/7 security and climate-controlled, glass-enclosed walkways connecting various buildings.

Services and Care Options

Highland Springs offers a continuum of care to meet the evolving needs of its residents:

1. Independent Living: For active seniors who desire a community setting while maintaining their independence.
2. Assisted Living: Provides support with daily activities while promoting independence.
3. Skilled Nursing Care: Offers 24/7 medical care for those with complex health needs.
4. Memory Care: Specialized care for residents with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia.

The facility is licensed for Assisted Living II (License: 2015-ALII-UT207334), ensuring high standards of care and compliance with state regulations.

Amenities and Features

Highland Springs boasts an impressive array of amenities designed to enhance residents’ quality of life:

Dining Options

• In-room kitchenettes
• Room service for meals
• Shared dining room with chef-prepared meals

Health and Wellness

• Fitness room/gym
• Indoor heated pool and hot tub
• Spa services

Recreation and Social Activities

• Beauty/barber shop
• Computer room
• Party space
• TV room
• Garden and patio
• Billiards and game room
• Creative arts studio
• Fully-equipped woodworking shop

Convenience and Services

• General store
• Resident and guest parking
• Library
• Bank and ATM
• On-site pharmacy with door delivery

Special Programs and Services

Highland Springs sets itself apart with several unique programs:

1. On-site Medical Center: Staffed by physicians working exclusively at the community, specializing in geriatric care. This ensures residents have access to healthcare professionals familiar with their specific needs.
2. Personalized Wellness Planning: The medical team works with residents to design individualized wellness plans, focusing on maintaining strength, independence, and overall health.
3. Continuing Care Neighborhood: A full continuum of care neighborhood is in development, which will offer:
   • Inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation
   • Assisted living
   • Dementia care
   • Nursing care
   This addition will allow residents to access all levels of care without leaving the Highland Springs campus, providing peace of mind for future health needs.

Resident Insights and Satisfaction

Based on recent reviews and feedback, Highland Springs has received mixed responses from residents and their families:

Positive Aspects

• Spacious apartments
• High-quality, varied dining options
• Pleasant community atmosphere
• Numerous activities and amenities

Areas of Concern

• Delays in building assisted living and memory care facilities
• Financial requirements, including substantial entry fees

Senior Population Statistics

Understanding the senior demographics in Dallas County provides context for the demand for retirement communities like Highland Springs:

• 12.2% of the population is 65 and older
• 1.1% of the population is 85 and older
• The median age in Dallas County is 34.3 years

Projections indicate that by 2030, more than 1 in 5 residents in the area will be seniors, highlighting the growing need for quality retirement communities.

Staff and Reputation

Highland Springs has built a strong reputation for providing high-quality care and services:

• Over 130 years of experience serving seniors
• Staff-to-patient ratio of 1 to 5, ensuring personalized attention
• On-site medical center with geriatric specialists demonstrates a commitment to specialized senior healthcare

However, it’s important to note that some reviews have mentioned concerns about the delay in expanding assisted living and memory care facilities, which may impact the overall reputation.

Unique Features and Comparisons

When compared to other top-rated retirement communities in Texas, Highland Springs stands out in several ways:

1. Comprehensive Care: The upcoming full continuum of care neighborhood will offer a complete range of services on one campus, from independent living to nursing care.
2. Expansive Campus: The 89-acre property provides a balance of natural beauty and urban accessibility that few other communities can match.
3. Security Measures: The private campus with 24/7 security offers unparalleled peace of mind for residents and their families.
4. Climate-Controlled Connectivity: Glass-enclosed walkways allow residents to move between buildings comfortably regardless of weather conditions, a unique feature not commonly found in other communities.
5. Specialized Medical Care: The dedicated on-site medical center with geriatric specialists is a standout feature that sets Highland Springs apart from many other retirement homes.

Here’s how Highland Springs compares to other top Texas retirement communities:

While Highland Springs offers many attractive features, other communities like The Legacy Willow Bend in Plano and Edgemere in Dallas also provide high-quality care and amenities. The choice between these communities often comes down to personal preferences, location, and specific care needs.

Conclusion

Highland Springs Retirement Home offers a comprehensive range of services and amenities in a picturesque setting, making it a strong contender among retirement homes in Texas. Its strengths lie in its expansive campus, on-site medical care, and the upcoming continuum of care neighborhood. The community’s reputation for quality care and active lifestyle options is evident in its positive reviews and high ratings in several categories.

However, potential residents should carefully consider their long-term care needs and financial requirements when making a decision. The delays in expanding assisted living and memory care facilities, as well as the substantial entry fees, are factors that should be taken into account.

Recommendations for Potential Residents:

1. Schedule a Tour: Arrange a visit to Highland Springs to experience the community firsthand. Pay attention to the interactions between staff and residents, the cleanliness of the facilities, and the overall atmosphere.
2. Attend a Meal: If possible, join residents for a meal to assess the quality of the dining experience and observe the social dynamics within the community.
3. Review Financial Requirements: Carefully examine the entry fee structure and monthly costs. Consider consulting with a financial advisor to ensure the community aligns with your long-term financial plans.
4. Assess Future Care Needs: While the current offerings are comprehensive, inquire about the timeline for the completion of the new continuum of care neighborhood, especially if you anticipate needing these services in the near future.
5. Speak with Current Residents: Engage with current residents during your visit to get honest feedback about their experiences living at Highland Springs.
6. Review the Activities Calendar: Ask for a current activities calendar to ensure the community offers programs and events that align with your interests and lifestyle.
7. Evaluate Location: Consider the proximity to family, friends, and preferred medical facilities outside of the community.

By thoroughly researching and considering these factors, you’ll be well-equipped to determine if Highland Springs Retirement Home is the right fit for you or your loved one’s retirement years.