In a setting where residents can forgo the worries and work of home and yard and focus on enjoying retirement, is Luther Place--a 33-suite seniors’ independent living option in Outlook set to celebrate two and a half decades in the community.
Melanie Harris, Housing Manager since 2001, finds joy in the work of helping seniors fully enjoy the Luther Place experience as she overseas kitchen and maintenance staff, plans activities and special events, and serves as a resident liaison. “It’s a pretty special community here,” she remarked.
Darci Morken is the Sales Representative, a role she has held since 2000. “We’re passionate about the place,” Darci said, “and we want to show others why we love the uniqueness of what a small town can offer for senior housing.”
Luther Place is part of LutherCare Communities which operates seniors’ living communities in Saskatoon, Trinity Tower in Estevan, and Luther Place in Outlook, making it a rare option for a smaller town. “Because it’s so unique it’s hard to understand what we are,” Melanie said, “but we are an independent living community that shares many experiences together. We’re family.”
Outlook Mayor Maureen Weiterman believes there have been great benefits experienced by the town and residents alike. “Years ago, we were fortunate to have forward thinking citizens recognize the need for enriched seniors living spaces in the Town of Outlook,” she said. “Over the last 25 years it has been home to many individuals from Outlook and the surrounding communities. It has even become a place for those who have moved away years ago, to come home to.”
Luther Place will mark its 25th anniversary in Outlook this year. It was developed to add senior housing options in Outlook while also giving consideration into what could be offered to set it apart. Building amenities include heated underground parking, car wash bay, hair salon, workshop, exercise room, storage, and an option of four different floor plans that provide for personalized living space.
Its uniqueness is why Melanie and Darci work to get the word out regarding what Luther Place is, and what it isn’t. Melanie said, “Sometimes we get categorized as a care home but we aren’t that. I stress that because there are times residents have to move on because they are unable to live independently any longer. We offer a lot of extras and some might be confused because of that, but we are most definitely independent living.”
Darci added, “This place is for those looking for freedom to come and go. You don’t have to worry about the maintenance of a house or the upkeep of a yard. You can lock your door and go and not have to think about it.”
What happens inside the building is also what makes it unique. “It’s a community here,” Melanie explained. Coffee times, special events, games, holiday celebrations, birthday parties, entertainment, and spiritual enrichment is made available. “The social life in here is way better than mine in my ‘40’s,” she said with a chuckle. “Every day through the week there is something going on.”
That sense of community, along with giving up the work of caring for property is why many are glad they made the move—and why some wish they hadn’t waited so long. Darci remarked, “We have heard it often from people who have moved in here and then tell us they wished they’d done it sooner.”
Moving into Luther Place involves purchasing a Life Lease. “You’re not actually purchasing property,” Darci explained. “You don’t get an actual title. So then when it comes to an estate it doesn’t go through probate.”
That can make things easier for the family. “You don’t have to worry about trying to sell it yourself. We look after that. The family just needs to remove the belongings and we do the rest. We have guaranteed buy backs so you know if it doesn’t sell within 240 days, ties are cut and you can move on.”
There are monthly occupancy fees that cover property taxes, some utilities, social and recreational activities, secure and monitored entrances, 24-hour emergency maintenance, waste and snow removal, entertainment, wellness services, a reserve fund, and more. Darci encourages people to sit down with their budget and look at their costs each month if they are wondering about that monthly fee. “It surprises people,” she said, “when you add up your expenses and see what it costs to live in and maintain your own home.” Melanie added, “Looking after a house can be stressful with interior and exterior maintenance, and your retirement is lost because you’re focused on those things. Moving in here you leave the worries and work behind and your time is your own to do what you want to do.”
In handling Sales for Luther Place, Darci can speak personally after seeing first-hand the experience of family. “I come from it as having had my parents here and I saw how much they enjoyed it. As mom got older there were extra supports she could access, like meals. I can point out the benefits of being able to age in place.”
For families, the reassurance their parents are safe is important. “For the kids, they know we are looking after things so they don’t have the worry of mom or dad in the house alone,” Darci said. “If it’s 40 below and something stops working, they are not alone, and they don’t have to deal with it so it’s peace of mind for the family, too.”
Providing good options for seniors’ housing is healthy for the entire community according to Mayor Weiterman. “It is vital that a town be made of all ages,” she said, “and realizing that seniors can contribute much to a community, it is important that we understand their needs and wants.” Outlook is in a good position to provide much to seniors. Melanie explained, “There is the hospital, home care, dentist, vision care, pharmacies and grocery stores. All the basic needs can be met right here.” Darci added, “And it’s all within walking distance, or if it’s cold out groceries and prescriptions can be delivered. It’s really good.”
An obstacle in making the move could be handling all the stuff that’s been accumulated over the years. “Sometimes it’s the belongings people have and feeling overwhelmed wondering how they’re going to deal with all of it,” Melanie explained. To assist with this, Luther Place can help connect people with a program that will assess the space, aid in downsizing, and help organize a move. “They’ll even go to the new place and help you arrange things so it feels like home,” she added.
Luther Place is under the umbrella of LutherCare Communities, an organization whose values are faith-based, but this puts no requirement on residents. “It is never asked,” Melanie stated. “There is no discrimination regarding beliefs whatsoever. If you would like spiritual enrichment in your life, we offer that. If that’s not for you, that’s fine.”
That describes much of what Luther Place offers since each individual determines what their involvement will be, and that’s something that can change over time. “It is independent living,” Darci reiterated. “It’s your home, with added benefits. If you want meals, we have that. If you want to have coffee with friends, we have that. If you want to take part in recreation, we have that, and you don’t need to leave the building.”
Maureen Weiterman has her own sights set on the place one day and said, “I personally believe living in community is the way of the future and that is what Luther Place is all about. You not only have luxury of the privacy of your own space but also the opportunity to enjoy time with others doing all the activities Luther Place has to offer.”
As they prepare to celebrate 25 years in Outlook, Darci encourages people to come take a look. “Maybe now is the time to make a move. Come have a chat, take a tour, and just learn a little bit more about us and see if this is right for you.”
“Being a senior is what you make of it,” Melanie added. “Our hope is to take as much stress away as possible so people can enjoy their retirement and do what they want to do. There are different types of senior housing in Outlook. We’re just a little different and a bit unique. It’s a city complex in your small town.”
