Covenant Living at Inverness ‘A Dream Come True’

Editor’s note: Greater Tulsa is fortunate to have a number of outstanding facilities for retirees and people in need of physical assistance. Additional facilities will be highlighted in future issues.

By DR. THOMAS ALLEN
Contributing Writer

Clyde McMasters, one of the community founders, wrote in his book, A Dream Come True: A History of Inverness Village, “The one intangible factor which causes Covenant Living at Inverness to stand out over all in its peer group is the friendliness that permeates the total environment.”
Covenant Living at Inverness, located at 3800 W. 71st St. in Tulsa, offers an engaging maintenance-free lifestyle situated on 192 acres of rolling hills in the Tulsa Hills district. This community was founded 20 years ago when a group of dedicated church members from the First Presbyterian Church of Tulsa recognized a need for a senior living community in the area. They wanted an offering that would offer older adults all levels of living—from independent living, along with assisted living, skilled nursing and memory care, if ever needed. Their hard work and determination paid off, and in 2003, the community, originally named Inverness Village, became a reality when it opened its doors to its first residents.
Another differentiator for the new senior living community included the safety net of a Benevolent Care Program. Through this program, residents, would be assured they could continue to live in the community for their life if, through no fault of their own, they exhausted their financial resources. Inverness became the first true CCRC in Tulsa and to this day has maintained its unparalleled services to the Tulsa community.
In addition to residences, there is a fully equipped fitness center with a variety of workout equipment and a large indoor swimming pool. It has three full-time fitness instructors with multiple certifications and the expertise to provide healthy aging opportunities. Also, a mile-long Life Trail with 10 wheelchair accessible exercise station loops throughout the campus. Residents can take advantage of a community garden and a dog park –both conveniently situated within walking distance. Inverness also offers an array of amenities, including a library, beauty salon, business center, pub and a branch bank with an ATM machine. Plus, dining services are provided in several venues and the bistro, which is a favorite gathering spot for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
There are various recreational and social activities for residents. Founders Hall provides room for meetings, concerts, movies and other entertainment as well as for worship and memorial services. An inter-denominational chapel and a full-time chaplain welcome residents of all faiths and denominations.
Healthcare services are a great fit for residents who are living with challenges in managing daily activities, and who require special assistance on a routine basis. Also, residents who require a higher level of assistance and full-time nursing care are accommodated. Finally, the staff can assist residents who may need some help with daily activities, but who also wish to preserve their independence as much as possible. There is a team of fully licensed physical therapists, occupational therapists and speech-language pathologists who work to restore and maintain each person’s independence.
Betty Lee Hill, who with her husband Dr. Bob Hill, moved to Inverness in 2019 explained, “There was just something about what I saw that touched me and I just felt at home here and that this is where I want to be. The grounds are gorgeous. The people are amazing and friendly.”
John Cockrum, retired principal and assistant superintendent of Sapulpa Public Schools and a decorated World War II veteran said, “We just feel safe here. It’s not retirement, it is living!”
To quote Bob Bristow, former program manager at N.A.S.A., “The staff is fantastic. I think that they choose them on their personality and then they train them in what they need to do!”
In November of 2019, Inverness Village became part of Covenant Living Communities and Services. Covenant Living is the fifth largest nonprofit senior service provider in America. It has 17 communities in nine states across the country and was founded nearly 135 years ago. Now named Covenant Living at Inverness, this senior living community in Tulsa has been recognized and awarded with many honors over its 17 years.
For more information about Covenant Living at Inverness, call (877) 216-8068 or visit CovLivingInverness.org.