Back: Bill, Dick, Lynn, Jack, Jack
Harvest Hill’s sister community, The Woodlands, offers an interesting take to prospective move-ins with tours guided by Woodlands’ residents.
Nancy (a Woodlands’ resident today) had toured another Senior Living community, where a resident gave her a guided tour, which left a lasting impression. When Nancy eventually settled on living at The Woodlands, she introduced the idea of resident-led tours to the administrators. Together, they brought that idea to life, and from it, The Woodlands Tour Guides, known as “The Guides,” bloomed.
A Resident-Led Approach
One thing that sets The Woodlands Independent Living apart is its unique approach to tours. While most communities rely on staff, here at The Woodlands, prospective residents experience the community through the eyes of its current residents. Nancy, along with 11 other dedicated tour guides, a mix of couples and individuals, provide personal insights into what it’s really like to live at The Woodlands.
Each guide comes from a diverse background, offering prospective residents’ various perspectives. This resident-led approach brings authenticity to the tours and fosters a deeper sense of connection. It’s a unique opportunity for visitors to hear directly from people who live there
Nancy’s Role Behind the Scenes
While Nancy prefers to keep a low profile, her role in organizing and coordinating these tours is essential. She works closely with the Director of Sales & Marketing to ensure everything runs smoothly, though Nancy says it’s easy because all the guides are wonderful and great at what they do. From training the new tour guides to planning the itinerary, Nancy is the quiet force behind “The Guides.”
A Tour to Remember
Tours start in the lobby, where guests are introduced to the layout and amenities. From there, The Guides lead visitors through some of the most loved spots in the community. For men, the woodshop is often a highlight – a place where craftsmanship and camaraderie thrive. The fitness center and swimming pool are also popular stops, giving prospective residents a taste of the active lifestyle available here.
The tour concludes with a visit to two apartments, helping guests to imagine what life could be like at The Woodlands. Nancy believes this part of the tour is important to prospects. Seeing the apartments helps them visualize themselves living at The Woodlands.
A Community Like No Other
For Nancy, being a part of The Guides is about more than just showing people around. It’s about helping people feel at home before they even move in. It’s this sense of community, transparency, and personal touch that helps set the Woodlands apart from other independent living communities. It’s truly special experience.
