Jim does what he likes, and loves where he lives

Jim Ward

A sense of community is important to Jim Ward. So when his friends at Avera Prince of Peace Retirement Community join him for dominoes, pool, shuffleboard, or a cup of coffee; he feels right at home.

"It's a place where everyone belongs," said Jim. "A place where you can build friendships and be involved in your community."

For more than four decades, Jim proudly worked in the health care industry. In 1995, he retired from his administrative position at Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center.

Today, Jim resides - or rather thrives- at Avera Prince of Peace located in southeast Sioux Falls. His days are filled with reading, making his own meals, meeting friends for morning coffee or Men's Club, and playing games in the activity room.

"You can keep your independence and participate in the activities to whatever extent you choose," explained Jim. "It would be great to see more people get involved; I enjoy seeing my circle of friends grow."

Jim acknowledges that moving into a retirement home is a big decision for both the individual and family. When looking over the options, he reminds potential residents to consider what activities are available, the on-site medical services and facility offerings, such as food services.

"Many people believe that moving into a retirement community means you're losing your dignity. It's nothing like that," said Jim.

If anything, Avera Prince of Peace focuses on providing convenient services right on campus so that residents can spend more time indulging in hobbies or talking with friends. For example, the newly added" Main Street" offers easy access to a bank, hair and nail salon, cafe, chapel, general store, rehabilitation, and even a pub. An exercise room is also available on site, or residents can work out at the Avera McKennan Fitness Center with their free membership. Additional services include a shuttle for getting to doctor's appointments or other destinations, as well as housekeeping.

Residents are connected to Avera's complete health care system, which doesn't hurt either. Jim remarked that he has confidence in the continuum of care offered at Avera Prince of Peace. Regardless of whether a resident is completely independent or has some health requirements, technology, and professionals are available to meet those health needs 24 hours a day.

Husband finds art of living at Avera Prince of Peace

Floyd Smith

Woodcarving at Avera Prince of Peace Retirement Community allows Floyd Smith to catch up with friends in the community’s art room every Tuesday and Thursday. "I'm a people-person," Floyd, 74, said. "I’m outgoing."

His favorite pastimes have enriched his life on both a social and natural scale. In the last decade, woodcarving is just another leaf Floyd has cultivated onto his branch of hobbies. Hunting, fishing and volunteering over the years created a sense of activity, engagement and purpose in his life.

Three years ago, Floyd moved to Avera Prince of Peace with his wife, Charla, of 54 years. Floyd, a Sioux Falls native, met Charla in high school and they had two children. Their son resides in Sioux Falls while their daughter lives in Paris, France.

Floyd is no stranger to Avera; he has been a member of the Avera family for 32 years. Before retiring, he worked in the Avera McKennan Collections office and the Accounts Receivable office.

One thing Floyd would like people to know about Avera Prince of Peace? "People think Avera is only for Catholics," he says. "Nobody asks what religion I am. We are Presbyterian. It’s for anyone!"

Floyd attends social gatherings, entertainment features and long talks with friends over coffee.

"It is nice to know people are here within minutes if we need them," he said of the Avera Prince of Peace staff and community. "It’s like a little family."

We found our groove

Max & Carol

When Max and Carol decided to sell their condo in Nebraska and move into a retirement community, they knew they needed to feel absolute peace about their new home. And after touring five retirement communities and visiting Prince of Peace three times, they knew they had found the right place for them. "We simply had the best feeling here. It’s a place to enrich our spiritual lives and a great place to meet new people, play some bridge and enjoy the dance, so to speak," says Max. It also helped that, according to Max, "it was the best value for our money."

Max and Carol, who have lived at Prince of Peace for almost four years, are editors and publishers of the local "BridgeBuilders Newsletter" and take it upon themselves to organize games and tournaments, but also enjoy teaching other residents how to play the "toughest card game to teach," says Carol.

Just because they are in a retirement community doesn’t mean Max, 82 and Carol, 80 are slowing down. "There is plenty to do," says Carol. Max agrees. "If people are bored, it’s because they choose to be." The couple is adamant about making appointments in the afternoon, since their mornings are occupied with Chapel duties. Max is a lector and sacristan; Carol a minister of Holy Communion. Their afternoons, when not at other appointments, are divided between bingo, jigsaw puzzles, socializing, and of course, cutting a rug in the main social area.

"We didn’t want to wait for a doctor to make the decision for us," Max explains. "We wanted to make our own choice about where we lived before we got sick and the decision was made for us." Max continues, "I don’t subscribe to the theory of staying in your home for as long as possible. Prince of Peace Independent Living is where we’ve found our groove."