Rimsie McConiga
Special to the Citizen
Lodging that includes a pool, sauna, restaurant, live music, movie theater, library, gym, cocktail bar, yoga room and poker tables might be common at pricey resorts in the Caribbean, but it can also be found a short drive away from Platte City.
Tiffany Springs Senior Living Community, at 9101 North Ambassador Drive, Kansas City North, offers seniors a unique, progressive concept for life after 55. The luxury living facility is decorated with modern art and furnishings that put a new spin on the changing face of ‘old folks’ homes. The 280-unit facility, which has been under construction for two years just opened, in mid-June and 70 of the multiple floor-plan dwellings are already housing residents.
Executive director Ky Moody says he is very excited about the new venture.
“I never thought senior living could be this luxurious and fun. It’s such a progressive move forward in living” he said.
For developer and operator Tutera Senior Living & Health Care thinking outside the box is instrumental in their vision for how seniors would like to spend their golden years. They knew that granny sitting in her rocking chair knitting was fast becoming a stereotype in the modern world. They also knew that tech savvy and active seniors need a lot of stimulating options, so they ensured that the facility has high-tech TV, fast Internet, plus a top-notch sound system for music and the movie theater. An art gallery is also featured at the facility.
Residents can view the changing Kansas City artists’ expositions and purchase art. There is also a veterans’ wall where local veterans’ photos and names are displayed. The facility offers something for everybody. There are pool tables and shuffleboard, painting classes, a cozy library with a fireplace, a workout room with exercise equipment a pool and sauna for after-workout relaxation, and happy hour in the cocktail lounge for pre-dinner wind-down time. There is al fresco dining in the courtyard where there is also a barbeque kitchen. The facility also offers a beauty salon and a massage therapist, multiple lounges for entertaining and playing cards, an art studio and concierge and transportation services. A physical therapist focuses on flexibility and strengthening workouts. There is also an in-house physician available and a chapel.
The yoga studio has proven to be one of the most popular amenities at the facility. Since so many residents practice yoga, Moody says they have had to add many more yoga sessions in order to fit everyone in.
“Our residents are aged late 50s to late 90s,” Moody said. “One of our residents even has his own rock band. There are many couples. Seniors are eating healthier, exercising and are more active than they used to be which is why we are constantly focusing on what our residents like and want.”
The senior living center is also breaking new ground in allowing residents to move their pets in. The assisted-living center will also allow pets to accompany their humans. There is even a dog park and a dog-washing station on the grounds.
Moody says the residents love the apartments and the food, which includes filet mignon and fresh salmon. “It’s definitely luxury dining, but sometimes a resident just needs a good burger and chips, which we also provide.”
A courtyard with a giant fire pit is being added so residents can sit outside when the weather cools off. There is also a large herb garden where fresh herbs are picked for the restaurant offerings. Soon the company will also make available assisted living units. If residents at some point in their lives need more constant care they can easily transition to the assisted living and memory care units. The new residential community will be connected by a breezeway to Tutera’s Tiffany Springs Rehabilitation & Health Care Center that offers short-term rehabilitation services and extended stays.