At Deupree House, Louis Plazner found the freedom to make his own choices—and the support to enjoy them with confidence.

When Louis moved to Deupree House in late 2024, it wasn't because he was ready to slow down. In fact, after a lifetime filled with a love for aviation, travel, and meeting new people, Louis still wanted to live life his way. But following the loss of his wife earlier that year, his family began thinking about the future.

"My daughter was concerned about me being in that apartment," Louis recalled. "She thought it would be a good idea to get me into a place where there were services that could possibly come up later on if I needed them."

After visiting several communities, one stood out.

Deupree House offered something Louis couldn't find elsewhere: the freedom and independence he valued, paired with the reassurance that support would be available whenever he needed it.

"It was at the top of the list," he said. "The additional services they have here—you can't find that everywhere. They have it worked out to a fine art."

More Than A Place to Live

While the availability of future support played a role in his decision, Louis quickly discovered another benefit he hadn't expected. Community.

Before moving to Deupree House, he and his wife enjoyed their apartment and the life they had built together. But like many people, they knew their neighbors without necessarily forming close relationships.

Life at Deupree House felt different from the start. "I like being with people," Louis said. "Here, almost everywhere you go, people are socializing. And if you want to join in, you can." Within days of moving in, fellow residents introduced themselves and welcomed him into the community.

New friendships formed naturally—in the dining room, at social gatherings, and even while picking up mail.

"It's one of the easiest things in the world to get a new friend," Louis said. "All you have to do is meet somebody you haven't met before."

The welcoming atmosphere reminded him of something he hadn't experienced in years: a true sense of belonging.

"The closest thing I can compare it to is high school," he said with a smile. "When you've known people for years and feel like family. That's what it feels like here."

Related Blog: Where Neighbors Become Friends

We Provide the Options, You Make the Choices

For Louis, one of the biggest advantages of living at Deupree House is the ability to create each day exactly the way he wants. There is no rigid schedule. No expectation that every resident follows the same routine. And that's exactly how he likes it.

"I don't know that there's a typical day," Louis said. "Each one is different."

Some mornings start slowly with coffee and conversation. Other days include attending concerts, connecting with friends, or exploring new opportunities around campus. Recently, Louis attended an evening performance featuring violin and cello musicians.

"The music was wonderful," he said. "Everybody knew the songs. And the musicians were phenomenal."

What he appreciates most is having those experiences readily available. "It's amazing," Louis said. "You don't even have to leave the building."

For Louis, choice also means continuing to focus on his health in ways that matter to him. He's been working with the fitness team to improve strength and mobility, using the community's fitness center and wellness resources to stay active.

"Craig has been helping me develop muscles that I haven't used in a long time," Louis said. "That's one of the things I've experienced here that I like very much."

Whether it's fitness, entertainment, social events, or simply enjoying a quiet day at home, Louis appreciates having options—and the freedom to decide which ones fit his lifestyle.

Getting to Know the Person Behind the Apartment Number

According to Residential Services Director Mark Lamb, supporting residents begins with understanding who they are long before they move in.

"When residents like Louis are about to move in, we have the opportunity to learn about their background, their hobbies, and what's important to them," Mark said.

For Louis, that meant learning about his passions for aviation, technology, and electric vehicles, and his lifelong curiosity about how things work.

Once residents arrive, the team focuses on helping them feel comfortable, confident, and at home while respecting the independence they've built throughout their lives.

"Our residents are independent, and they are free to live their lives as they wish," Mark said. "Our job is to serve them as they do that."

That person-centered approach shows up in small but meaningful ways every day.

The team learns residents' preferences, interests, schedules, and routines. Some residents enjoy discussing football scores. Others enjoy photography, travel, music, or current events. The goal is to build genuine relationships while helping residents continue doing what they love.

"Really trying to know a little bit about every person—that's what we're all about," Mark said.

The Confidence of Knowing Support is There

Although Louis enjoys living independently, knowing support is available brings peace of mind for both him and his family. Not long after moving in, he experienced a small fall while putting away clothes in his apartment. "I pushed my button and called at the same time," Louis recalled. "They were there right away." Fortunately, he wasn't seriously injured. But the experience reinforced something he already knew.

And having help nearby can make all the difference.

"My daughter and son were concerned that if something happened to me, I wouldn't have that support where I was before," Louis said. "Here, we have those services available."

For Mark and the Deupree House team, providing that reassurance is an important part of creating a community where residents can continue living independently with confidence. "We have staff on hand," Mark said. "And if a specific team member isn't available, we work together to meet the need."

The result is a balance many older adults are looking for: independence today and support for whatever tomorrow may bring.

A Place That Feels Like Home

Louis has given thought to what he would tell someone considering Deupree House.

He would talk about the services. He would talk about the safety. He would talk about the caring staff. But perhaps most importantly, he would talk about the people.

From residents who quickly became friends to team members who genuinely enjoy building relationships, Louis believes the community is what makes Deupree House special.

Mark Agrees.

" I think anybody can choose to live somewhere," he said. "But I think it's different to choose to have a home."

For Louis, that simple statement captured exactly what he had found.

"It describes it perfectly," he said. "It is a home."

Want to learn more about Deupree House? Download our How to Choose a Community Guide to discover what your next chapter could look like.