Month: February 2025

Flag Live! February 20, 2025

Written by Gail G. Collins

Senior living opportunities have grown exponentially as Baby Boomers have aged. As of the 2020 census, one in six Americans is over 65 years of age and many will move to a senior living community at some point during their retirement. While 55+ neighborhoods offer a tailored housing situation, over the years, a maintenance-free environment with health perks has appeal.

Some benefits, such as 24-hour staff, offering safety and security with graduated levels of assisted care are expected, but other perks, such as mental stimulation through on-site activities, outings and entertainment, plus restaurant-quality meals might surprise people.

The Bluffs of Flagstaff Senior Living comprises such a setting for those 55 and older with alternatives for independent living, assisted living and memory care. Residents have private living areas and share great spaces for activities, meet-ups and meals.

“Community engagement is important—it brings us together,” said Andy Auteri, whose background in the culinary arts and hospitality ideally suits his position as executive director at The Bluffs. The average age range is 65-75 years, and events vary from personal parties to popular excursions. Auteri emphasized, “The Miracle Moment honors a past we want to celebrate.” This is exemplified in an NAU professor, who had hiked the Grand Canyon 47 times and wrote a book on his experiences. For his birthday, The Bluffs organized a signing party, inviting family and colleagues. “The idea is to create an environment, where they can know each other better.”

Group travel includes shopping and restaurants, the symphony and theater, plus destinations, like Sedona.  In-house events include holiday celebrations, monthly Family Nights and regular happenings, like Courtyard music, Wine Down Wednesdays and Trivia Hour. Of course, a central part of this fun entails food.

Meals are served three times each day with a weekly steakhouse service and a bistro peddling snacks, pizza and paninis to cover off-schedule timing. Residents use a points system to order from a rotating, quarterly menu of 30 items and daily specials—like brown sugar ham with candied sweet potatoes or pot roast—plus 500 additional recipes from which to draw inspiration. Seasonally lighter foods fill the summer months while comfort foods fortify in winter. Regional items for northern Arizona and the state, in general, influence the menu.

“We run a country club level kitchen staff,” said Auteri. “I look for creativity in tailored offerings. People eat with their eyes, and food needs to be received well.”

The enhanced nutrition of the MINDful menu of heart- and brain-healthy foods features fresh ingredients and balanced plates to support cognitive function. Signature dining programs include My Food, a personalized dining option, catering to individual preferences and dietary needs, plus a collaborative effort to incorporate beloved, family recipes. Menus are tweaked for restrictions and desires.

“Whether it’s a seafood allergy, reducing sugar intake, gluten-free, vegan or vegetarian options, we offer what residents are accustomed to with health provider input. We can guide our residents because we know their needs.”

Aging can produce nutritional challenges, but a friend can make all the difference in bringing a resident to the table. The Bluffs matches an ambassador with a new resident to ease them into the swing of things. Support and information on times, activities and events are offered, and friendships develop. “Families thank them for the turnaround in attitude and activity level.”

Memory care residents have heightened needs. Oshibori towels proffered at mealtimes improve hygiene, offer a sensory experience and set the expectation.

 “We listen to residents, so we can meet their needs—everyone deserves respect and dignity.”

Cooking demonstrations explore recipes or introduce foods, such as mussels, to expand palates. Chefs teach, and residents enjoy the results. Additionally, the Chef Chat feedback session invites residents to compliment or complain, suggest a family recipe or request a dish.

Family Night occurs monthly. The buffet allows chefs to create and experiment with guests numbering 150-200. Steak Night boasts upscale options, like herb-crusted prime rib, black tiger shrimp brochette or pan-seared duck with bourbon cherry reduction. Roasted beet salad, mashed potatoes, creamed spinach or sautéed mushrooms and dessert choices, such as crème brulee cheesecake or chocolate decadence—a sponge with Callebaut dark chocolate buttercream—round out the meal.

Eight to 12 new residents a month move to The Bluffs, but there is inevitable and respectful loss. “We gather when the coroner comes and play ‘Amazing Grace’ and line up to sing as they exit. If it is a Vet, we drape a flag. Often, there isn’t a dry eye,” said Auteri.

It is about coming together at The Bluffs, and their reach extends to the larger community, such as first responders, hospital discharge staff and more with meals and thanks. “These moments are more than a meal,” Auteri reminded. “They gather, meet and tell their stories to one another.” FlagLIVE!