Wayne and Mary Nolan serve as a testament to how people can comfortably age in place at CarDon & Associates’ senior living communities. What started as a two-month rehab stay turned into two years of the couple living at CarDon’s Evansville location, Solarbron, which they’re happy to call home now.
When Wayne broke his femur, the Nolans knew exactly where to go. Solarbron is a place locals know by name, and the Nolans have lived nearby for nearly as long as the community has existed.
“We were here when they built the place,” Wayne said.
Solarbron lived up to its reputation, as the rehab therapy Wayne received at The Terrace helped him walk again, which can be difficult even for younger people after breaking their femur.
Wayne and Mary enjoyed the residents and staff at The Terrace so much that they decided to move to the community’s independent living campus, The Pointe.
“I enjoy being with the people,” Mary said. “We both still receive therapy here, and everyone is friendly and nice. It’s been really good for me because I used to never leave the house — I had been sick and had my own problems. So being here helped me start getting out again, be more social, and feel like I belong. It really helped my mental health.”
Wayne added: “The people and staff here are unbeatable. From upper management to the dining staff, therapists, wellness — everyone is just so kind. They truly care about us. Maintenance is amazing — Mark is a jewel. If you call down to the office, someone’s up here in 15 minutes to fix whatever you need.”
As Mary mentioned, living at the community isn’t just about being at home — it opens everyone’s lives to new experiences. The way she and Wayne describe their activities makes Solarbron seem like an amusement park, complete with live music, magic shows, museum tours, animal lessons and fine dining.
When asked what makes life at Solarbron most special, Mary reflects, “It’s just the overall comfort of being here. We feel secure. If something happens, someone is here within minutes. That means so much when our family’s out of town. I’ve always been really concerned about safety, and I feel safe here, which is honestly rare for me.”
Wayne and Mary’s advice to new residents? “Nerves are normal, especially with a big move. Take your time, get involved, and be open to the change. Meet people. This is a good place filled with good people — and they’re here for you.”
