As the saying goes, do what you love and you will never work a day in your life. Diana Kazmier, a resident of Mustang Creek Estates of Sachse, dedicated her entire life to doing what she loves the most – training dogs and horses. It all started with a pet shop that Kazmier opened, but it soon turned into a lifelong passion. She trained, bred and prepared both dogs and horses for shows. About seven years ago, Kazmier lost one of her legs due to peripheral artery disease. In addition, she was diagnosed with dementia, and although she may not remember everything from her life, she can talk about horses and dogs for hours. Today, Kazmier has one dream: to get back in the saddle one more time. After her daughter, Kristie Willis, saw the emotional reaction her mother had after touching a horse on a farm they visited recently, she knew she had to make that dream come true. Recently, Willis, together with Mustang Creek Estates, took Kazmier to Jake E’s Riding Round Up, where she had the opportunity to ride, brush and pet horses.

“My mom has always been an independent woman with a business mindset. She always worked for herself,” said Willis. “Growing up, we would have six to eight dogs coming and leaving our house, and we owned horses too. We traveled around the country to shows and rodeos and field trials. This was our life. It wasn’t easy for my mom to adjust to living without the animals around anymore, and I am so excited I took her to the ranch so she could spend some time doing what she loves the most.” 

Kazmier, originally from Louisiana, is 85 years old and has two children and four grandchildren. She lived in Chicago, Oklahoma, and East Texas. After retiring in Louisiana, she moved to Texas so she can be close to Willis. She recently moved into Mustang Creek Estates of Sachse. Willis has two dogs, and sometimes she brings the smaller one with her so her mother gets to enjoy some puppy love.

“When Kristie told us about her mother’s dream, we wanted to do everything in our power to help her make it happen,” said LaNita Wilson, executive director at Mustang Creek Estates of Sachse. “We do our best to provide our residents with unique experiences, and we know this is something Diana has been wanting to do and it will bring her so much joy. We loved watching her enjoy her time with the horses.”

It’s been almost a year since Laura Goughnour first took her family to visit Mustang Creek Estates of Sachse, and since then, every time they walk into the senior living community, the residents’ and Goughnour’s children’s faces light up with joy. Goughnour and her husband have five children, ages 3, 6, 9, 11 and 13, and they all volunteer their time at the senior living community on regular basis. Some of the most popular activities among the children and the residents are crafts, baking, and the youngest one enjoys a game of bingo. All of Goughnour’s children are homeschooled and volunteer at Mustang Creek Estates of Sachse as part of their education – teaching them to be compassionate and understanding. Goughnour believes this is something the children wouldn’t learn without volunteering and interacting with seniors.

“It is very important for me to make sure my children understand the value community service brings to their lives,” said Goughnour. “Every time we come to Mustang Creek Estates, the seniors are very excited to see us, and my children are thrilled to visit them as well. During the time we spend at the senior living community, my oldest children often lead some of the creative activities or create supply lists for upcoming crafts. Interaction with the seniors reminds them about the importance of showing love to people around us. We are thankful to have created such a meaningful connection with the residents and the team members at Mustang Creek Estates.”

When the Goughnours realized that their frequent moves would mean that the children were constantly changing schools, they made the decision to homeschool them instead. Homeschooling really works for them because they get to spend more time together as a family. They have always considered volunteerism to be an important learning tool, and in addition to spending time at Mustang Creek Estates of Sachse, they recently started volunteering at a local food pantry. Goughnour believes working with seniors gives children confidence and makes them feel better because they are giving back to the local community. 

“Every time we tell our residents that Laura and her children are coming for a visit, they get excited because they love spending time with them,” said Sharon Flowers, executive director of Mustang Creek Estates of Sachse. “It takes a special type of person to open their heart and serve seniors. We are grateful for the kindness and joy Laura’s family brings to our residents. We would not have nearly the same impact without the help of our volunteers, and we are thankful for all who donate their time to come visit us. These individuals positively affect the lives of all the residents, and their efforts give them opportunities to keep growing and learning.”

Mustang Creek Estates of Sachse was recently voted “The Best Place to Volunteer” in the Sachse area. The senior living community has many volunteers who visit on regular basis, and they are always on the lookout for kind people who genuinely enjoy spending time with seniors. The senior living community offers several volunteer opportunities, including the implementation of cooking groups, art classes, fitness classes, special events, entertainment, holidays and parties, sponsorship of birthdays, gardening, or organization of supplies.

If you are interested in learning more about how you can volunteer at Mustang Creek Estates of Sachse, please contact Rosanne Wilcox at 469-974-5517 or rosanne@mustangcreekestates.com.

It is amazing to witness the power of music on the lives of seniors living with Alzheimer’s. Oftentimes, when seniors experiencing memory impairment listen to music, they will remember old times, exhibit powerful emotions and engage in life. Recent studies show that the therapeutic use of music by board-certified clinicians can reduce stress and agitation, support creativity, improve mood, as well as help with engagement and memory recall. Understanding the tremendous impact music can have, Mustang Creek Estates of Sachse is proud to offer a new music therapy program led by board-certified music therapist Tiffany Wyndham, M.A., MT-BC, CEO of Music Therapy Solutions. The therapy sessions may include gentle movement to music, therapist-supported use of instruments, musical affirmations, easy songwriting and more. These sessions are especially fun and important for Doris Trousdale, a retired choir director and resident of Mustang Creek Estates of Sachse, who devoted her entire life to music.

“When someone asks me how music makes me feel, I always say that it’s like somebody you love is standing before you and you want to hug them, it comes naturally to me,” said Trousdale. “It can make us feel so many emotions, it’s fascinating. But music touches the heart most, and it doesn’t matter what instruments are used.”

Trousdale was introduced to music through her aunt at a very young age. She began with playing piano and eventually started to sing in a church choir. Today, when asked to talk about music, Trousdale starts moving her arms as though she is directing. She directed the chancel (adult) choir, the youth and children’s choirs, as well as the adult and youth hand bell choirs, and all of these choirs were active at the same time. Trousdale was a charter member of Garland Music Teachers Association and the Dallas Area Hand Bell Association. She taught piano lessons for approximately 20 years and was known fondly by her church choir members as their “Fearless Leader.”

“It’s truly inspiring to watch Doris and all of our residents during the music therapy sessions,” said Sharon Flowers, executive director of Mustang Creek Estates of Sachse. “We are thankful we found Tiffany because she loves working with seniors, and it is a pleasure to have her regularly come over to our community to light up the residents’ faces with music.”

Wyndham has been practicing music therapy for 11 years, and in addition to senior living communities, she focuses on rehabilitation centers, adult day programs, children’s enrichment, and palliative care. The music therapy sessions usually have a theme and start with a hello song. Residents have the opportunity to play different instruments and incorporate gentle movements that are natural to their bodies.

“Music in general can light up so many different areas of the brain, and it is fascinating to watch people’s reactions during the sessions,” said Wyndham. “I love what I do because I help people engage in life through music. Because I moved to America when I was three, I missed growing up around my grandparents. I think this may be one of the reasons why I enjoy working with seniors so much. We have so much to learn from them and their wisdom, and I am thankful I have the opportunity to enhance their lives through music.”

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, Burleson and Keller.

The U.S. Census Bureau predicts that within the next few decades, older adults will start to outnumber children for the first time in our nation’s history. With a growing senior population, it is a critical time to honor them for their ongoing contributions to the world. Between busy schedules and balancing work and family life, many people forget how important it is to spend time with aging parents or grandparents. On National Senior Citizens Day – a day dedicated to the celebration of seniors – people around the country recognize the achievements and contributions that seniors make to society. Mustang Creek Estates of Sachse celebrates seniors every day, and the team decided to take this opportunity to invite seniors from Garnet Hill Rehabilitation and Skilled Care and Sachse Senior Center to join the residents and team members for a fun celebration. During this event, the guests participated in various games, danced to live music and enjoyed delicious food.

“We celebrate seniors every day, and we are grateful for their wisdom and contributions,” said Sharon Flowers, executive director of Mustang Creek Estates of Sachse. “We are thankful our residents had the chance to interact and spend time with seniors from Sachse Senior Center and Garnet Hill Rehabilitation during this wonderful event. It was heartwarming to see the seniors playing games and enjoying live entertainment.”

On August 21, 1988, President Ronald Reagan declared the first National Senior Citizens Day, and although seniors should be celebrated year-round, this day is specially designed to show seniors that they are valued and appreciated. As people grow older, the risks of isolation and loneliness increase. It is important to pause and take the time to visit our loved ones or give them a call on regular a basis. One way to cope with loneliness is moving a loved one to a senior living community. Mustang Creek Estates of Sachse offers a calendar filled with daily activities and outings to keep residents motivated and empowered.

“We work hard to ensure our residents aren’t just sitting around with nothing to do,” said Flowers. “Having diverse options for activities is extremely important for aging adults, as it can give them not only something to do but also a sense of purpose.”

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, Burleson and Keller.

Senior residents of Mustang Creek Estates of Sachse and students from Sachse High School have formed a special bond over the past few months, as the students volunteer at the senior living community and spend time with the residents on a regular basis. To show their appreciation, Mustang Creek Estates of Sachse recently hosted a graduation party for the Sachse High School seniors at the senior living community. Students and residents enjoyed traditional cookout food such as smoked beef brisket, baked beans and potato salad. During this celebration, residents shared words of wisdom with the students and gave them letters with advice along with a homemade gift box with chocolate as a thank you for the time they’ve shared together.

“Before the holidays, I approached the team at Mustang Creek Estates of Sachse to ask if there were any volunteer opportunities for me and the rest of the students. I was happy to find out about the opportunity to visit the community and hang out with the residents. We have been coming to Mustang Creek Estates ever since, and it has been an amazing experience,” said Kelly Garcia, Sachse High School senior. “It is rewarding to see how much the seniors enjoy our visits, and we have learned so much from one another.”

During the visits at Mustang Creek Estates of Sachse, the students help residents decorate for special events, they bake cookies together or tell stories to one another. In the past they wrote thank-you letters to soldiers overseas and celebrated the holidays. Since the students graduate this month, the residents and the Mustang Creek Estates team decided to host this event to show their appreciation. In addition, graduation from high school is a big step in the students’ lives, and the residents want to share with them words of wisdom based on their own personal experiences.

“By volunteering their time, the students make a positive impact on the lives of our residents. They form strong connections, and the graduation party is our way of thanking them,” said Sharon Flowers, executive director of Mustang Creek Estates of Sachse. “It is truly heartwarming and refreshing to see the interaction between two generations, and we are honored to have a partnership with Sachse High School.”

Studies show that active seniors who engage with members of younger generations experience less depression and better physical health. Mustang Creek Estates consistently finds ways to connect with the surrounding community and people of all ages. 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, Burleson and Keller.