Lutheran Haven

by Beverly Sorrells 

For many people, the phrase retirement community brings to mind a staid environment with a shuffleboard court, bingo games, and not much else. But at Lutheran Haven, a full-service retirement community in Oviedo, the reality looks much different. It’s a vibrant village bustling with activity and filled with connection and care.

Founded in 1948, Lutheran Haven started as an orphanage and home for retired pastors. Since then, the community has grown into a 50-plus-acre campus serving 350 residents, offering independent living for Lutherans and assisted living, memory care, and outpatient rehabilitation and therapy services for seniors of all faiths. Outpatient services are available to non-residents, as well.

The campus offers a wide variety of amenities, including restaurant-style dining, an aquatic center, wellness programs, a clinic, an in-house salon, and a 

shop. Yet what residents and their families seem to notice most is the feeling of community and belonging, where neighbors become good friends.

“It is a true village,” says Lillian Liciaga, Lutheran Haven’s healthcare marketing coordinator. “We truly care, and we’re a family.”

That philosophy is evident throughout the campus. Independent living residents enjoy a maintenance-free lifestyle filled with social events, arts and crafts, and group travel opportunities to destinations such as Washington, D.C., and New Orleans, Louisiana. 

Meanwhile, assisted living and memory care residents receive personalized support designed to nurture physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. The memory care program includes individualized plans and staff training influenced by dementia expert Teepa Snow’s focus on each resident’s remaining abilities and strengths.

Lutheran Haven also holds one of Florida’s highest levels of senior care licensure: an Extended Congregate Care (ECC) license, allowing residents to age in place with 24/7 nursing and personal care services.

“We’re the only senior living community in Seminole County with the Extended Congregate Care license,” says Lillian.

Unlike many senior living communities operated by large corporations, Lutheran Haven is governed by a board of trustees. The close-knit community is one where residents enjoy spending time together and the caring staff members know residents by name.

And that may be Lutheran Haven’s greatest strength: a warm, welcoming environment that feels like home.