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Catering To Senior Housing Demand In St. Louis: Tutera’s Coo Weighs In
The assisted living component at The Lumiere of Chesterfield caters to residents who need help with daily tasks, but it also allows them to maintain their independence, said Bloom. Image courtesy of Tutera Senior Living & Health Care
People living in the St. Louis region are aging rapidly. Between 2010 and 2022, the 65+ group was the fastest-growing among all age groups, according to Census data. No wonder demand for senior living communities in the St. Louis area is steadily rising. More individuals are seeking supportive environments for their retirement years, according to Randy Bloom, the president & COO of Tutera Senior Living & Health Care.
The senior care provider is currently operating 68 senior living communities in 10 states throughout the country. In Missouri, Tutera operates 11 properties, including The Lumiere of Chesterfield in St. Louis, which recently opened. This new, $55 million development at 16255 Chesterfield Parkway W is the result of a partnership between Tutera and Shelbourne Healthcare Development Group, and features 96 senior independent communities, 37 assisted living units and 17 memory care living apartments.
To find out more about this community and senior housing demand in St. Louis, we sat down with Bloom and asked him to expand on what he sees in the market.
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What should residents expect in terms of the living experience at The Lumiere?
Bloom: Our independent senior living component offers a range of features, services and programs designed to enhance residents’ quality of life. Residents have access to beautifully designed living spaces, gourmet dining options, fitness and wellness programs, social activities and transportation services. Additionally, our community offers a continuum of care with assisted living and memory care offering personalized care plans, 24/7 staff availability and a strong sense of community and connection.
Tell us more about the property’s amenities. What elements of the community will add to seniors’ overall well-being?
Bloom: Amenities like the wine room, bistros and dog park in the community are more than just luxuries—they significantly enhance residents’ quality of life in senior living communities. The wine room provides a sophisticated space for social gatherings and relaxation, fostering connections among residents. Bistros offer a convenient dining option where seniors can enjoy delicious meals and socialize with neighbors, promoting a sense of community and well-being. The dog park not only caters to the needs of pet owners but also encourages physical activity, social interactions and a sense of companionship among residents and their furry friends.
In addition to these amenities, other elements that can further contribute to seniors’ overall well-being include wellness centers with fitness programs tailored to their needs, outdoor spaces and gardens for peaceful retreats, communal spaces for social activities and events, and educational programs to stimulate mental engagement.
Access to health-care services, transportation options, and safety and security features also play a crucial role in ensuring seniors feel supported and cared for in their community. By providing a holistic range of amenities and services, luxury senior living communities can enhance residents’ quality of life and promote their well-being in various aspects of their daily lives.
- The Lumiere of Chesterfield is located in the St. Louis suburb of Chesterfield, Mo. All images courtesy of Tutera Senior Living & Health Care
- Every room incorporates biophilic design or a visual connection to surrounding nature.
- The Lumiere of Chesterfield features large windows that illuminate its interior.
- The Lumiere of Chesterfield includes communal spaces for social activities and events.
- The property combines local manor farmhouse architecture with modern amenities.
What type of services will the memory care and assisted living components at The Lumiere of Chesterfield provide to residents?
Bloom: The memory care and assisted living components at The Lumiere of Chesterfield are designed to offer a supportive and enriching environment for residents who require additional assistance in their daily lives. These specialized areas will open late summer/early fall of 2024 with a focus on providing personalized care and services to meet the unique needs of each individual.
The assisted living component at The Lumiere of Chesterfield will cater to residents who need help with certain daily tasks while maintaining their independence. Services may include medication management, personal care assistance, meal preparation, housekeeping, transportation and wellness programs tailored to each resident’s needs and preferences.
Tutera’s Thrive in Courtyard Memory Care programming, a specialized approach designed to enhance the quality of life for residents with memory loss conditions, integrates personalized care plans, therapeutic activities, life enrichment programs, and sensory stimulation techniques and engages all five spheres of wellness including physical, emotional, intellectual, social and spiritual.
By incorporating Tutera Thrive in Courtyard Memory Care programming into its services, The Lumiere’s memory care component will provide residents with a holistic and compassionate approach to memory care, ensuring they receive the support and attention necessary to live a fulfilling and dignified life despite the challenges of memory loss conditions.
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What elements of the property’s design do you think are appealing most to prospects/residents?
Bloom: In addition to biophilic design elements, features like ample sunlight and large windows play a crucial role in creating a welcoming and vibrant atmosphere in luxury senior living communities. Sunlight not only brightens up spaces but also uplifts mood and provides vital vitamin D, essential for overall well-being. Large windows offer beautiful views of the surroundings, bringing the outdoors in and enhancing the connection to nature. When combined with biophilic design elements, such as indoor gardens and green spaces, sunlight and large windows contribute to a refreshing and harmonious living environment that seniors find both alluring and enriching.
Does Tutera have any plans to expand its management footprint in the senior living sector? If so, what type of properties are you looking for?
Bloom: Tutera is continuously exploring opportunities to expand its management footprint in the senior living sector … Tutera’s expansion plans typically focus on a variety of properties, including independent living, assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing facilities …
We seek properties in the Midwest and Southeast that have the potential for growth and improvement, where Tutera’s management expertise can make a positive impact on residents’ lives and the overall community.
How do you expect the senior living sector to perform going forward?
Bloom: The outlook for the senior living sector is optimistic and promising, with continued growth and evolution expected in response to shifting demographics, changing consumer preferences and advancements in health care and technology. As the population of older adults continues to increase, the demand for senior living options is expected to rise, presenting opportunities for innovation and expansion within the sector.
With a focus on person-centered care, holistic wellness programs, and active engagement initiatives, senior living communities are looking to meet the evolving needs and expectations of residents. The sector is likely to see an increase in a variety of living arrangements, including independent living, assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing facilities, each tailored to provide specialized care and support to seniors at different stages of their aging journey.
Moreover, advancements in technology are playing an increasingly vital role in enhancing the quality of care and services offered in senior living communities, promoting safety, communication and social connectivity among residents. From telehealth services to smart home technologies and personalized care management systems, technology is helping to empower both residents and care providers in delivering more efficient and effective care.
Overall, the senior living sector is poised for continued growth and innovation, driven by a commitment to providing high-quality care, fostering meaningful relationships, and creating vibrant and supportive environments for older adults. By embracing change, adapting to new trends, and prioritizing resident-centered care, the senior living sector is well-positioned to thrive and meet the diverse needs of seniors in the years to come.
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