Concordia takes carefree senior living to the next level

Sweeping vistas of green hills. Picturesque woodlands. A Hawaiian luau. World-class cuisine. Transportation to fun destinations. If this sounds like a luxury vacation, think again. It’s what a carefree retirement looks like at Concordia of Bella Vista.

For almost 50 years, this 28-acre senior living community, perched on a ridge in Bella Vista, has been home to active retirees who love the easygoing lifestyle, robust amenities and community atmosphere at Concordia.

Whether it’s dressing in Hawaiian shirts for a theme night, popping out for a round of golf at one of the nearby courses, walking the dog on the beautifully landscaped grounds or hopping on the van for a quick jaunt to town, Concordia residents take retirement living to a whole new level.

“This is a place of vitality for active retirees,” explains Executive Director Lou Suski. “They don’t need to have the house anymore, they don’t want to have the yard. They want to have more social interaction on a daily basis. We have different activities here every day.”

Lou is in awe of his residents. He admires their level of commitment, and the active role they play in the very vibrant and close-knit community that defines Concordia.

“They walk more than I do. We’ve got some residents in their 90s who still go out and play golf 3-4 times a week,” Lou notes with admiration.

“So many of them are from the Greatest Generation, they served in WWII. Not just WWII, but we’ve got Korean War vets, Vietnam War vets. Both men and women,” Lou continues. “And a lot of our residents were successful in business or education or whatever their field was. They’ve done well in their lives.”

For Lou and the staff at Concordia, that translates into a mission.

“We have a responsibility and an obligation to make the remainder of their lives as good as we possibly can. We provide a positive, fun and worry-free community for our residents.”

Beyond the amenities and beautiful setting, Lou says it’s the staff and sense of community that sets Concordia apart.

“I see it every day, there’s so much concern between the staff and the residents for each other. When something happens to one, it affects the whole community. “

In the mix is the dedication of caring staff members, many of whom have been at Concordia for years.

“The staff is like family here. My business office manager, Carol Baughman, will have been here 20 years this March. I have a number of employees who have been here over 15 years,” Lou says. “Our dining services coordinator, Missy Biorn, she’s phenomenal. Prior to assuming her new role, she worked here for four years as a cook.”

For Lou, maintaining this community of 151 townhomes and apartments is all about paying attention to details. And about listening to his amazing residents.

“That’s my job. And I love it. It’s the best job I’ve had,” he says.

For more information about Concordia, visit: concordiaretirement.com or call to arrange a visit: (479) 855-3714.