Tutera Senior Living & Health Care, a nationally respected leader in senior care, proudly kicked off its 40th anniversary celebration, recognizing four decades of providing outstanding care and service to seniors across the country. To commemorate this milestone, the company hosted a weeklong celebration that paid tribute to a legacy “built on trust, respect and loyalty.” These events kicked off celebrations continuing throughout 2025.
Founded in 1985 by Dr. Dominic “Doc” and Lucille Tutera, the organization has grown into an industry leader guided by the principle of “doing right by the people it serves.”
“My father built this company on a foundation of integrity and service,” said Joe Tutera, CEO of Tutera Senior Living & Health Care. “As we celebrate 40 years, Tutera remains committed to that philosophy by honoring individuality and fostering meaningful connections for our residents.”
To fulfill this commitment to their residents, Tutera implemented the YOUNITE philosophy – an approach that emphasizes person-centered care tailored to each resident’s unique preferences, goals and history. YOUNITE empowers residents to take charge of their daily lives and ensures that every individual feels valued, understood and supported.
The philosophy is anchored by five core tenets: resident choice, team member appreciation, community involvement, a homelike environment and quality dining experiences.
“Through the YOUNITE philosophy, we work every day to make a positive difference in the lives of our residents and their families,” added Tutera.
This approach has fueled significant growth for the company. Over four decades, Tutera has expanded from a family-run operation in Kansas City-area hospitals to a premier provider with thousands of employees in 86 communities across 10 states.
In the past year alone, the company added more than 270 employees in the Kansas City metro, increasing its local workforce to 1,400.
From 2023 to 2024, Tutera expanded its facility portfolio and Midwestern presence by 34% after acquiring 45 senior living properties in Kansas, Iowa and Nebraska – and saw an additional 8% growth in the first quarter of 2025.
A Year of Celebration
To honor its 40th anniversary, Tutera hosted a weeklong series of events that celebrated its history and offered a glimpse into the vibrant lifestyle of its communities. These events and celebrations continue throughout 2025.
The festivities began with Founder’s Spirit Week (April 21-27, 2025), a tribute to Doc’s enduring values of integrity, respect, hospitality and positivity. Special events for residents and employees throughout the week reflected on the legacy Tutera continues to uphold.
“Inspired by You for 40 Years” events included:
- Time Capsule Dedication: During Founder’s Spirit Week, residents and employees contributed items – such as letters, photos, newspapers and pieces of modern technology – to community time capsules that captured life in 2025, creating a meaningful link for future generations.
- Appreciation Events: A series of joyful activities, including a “Dance Through the Decades” party, family portrait day, volunteer service days, family picnics and “You Only Live Once” (YOLO) days, gave residents the chance to fulfill lifelong dreams.
- Team Member Recognition: A special awards ceremony in November will honor employees whose dedication and compassion exemplify the company’s core values.
“As we reflect on 40 years, we reaffirm our promise to uphold Dad’s spirit of generosity and service,” said Tutera. “By staying true to our values, we not only honor the past but build a stronger future. What we do for others becomes our legacy.”
Tutera’s four decades of leadership have earned widespread recognition, including Best Senior Living 2025 awards from U.S. News & World Report, which honored 15 Tutera communities for outstanding care and satisfaction. In addition, several Tutera communities received the National Quality Bronze Award 2024 from the American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living for their commitment to excellence in senior and disability care.
About Tutera Senior Living & Health Care
Tutera Senior Living & Health Care is a locally owned, diversified post-acute senior health care provider operating 86 senior living communities in 10 states nationwide. As one of the nation’s premier senior care providers, Tutera Senior Living & Health Care offers its residents independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, post-surgery rehabilitation and memory care. In 1985, Dominic F. Tutera, M.D., founded Tutera to provide compassionate patient care with the uncompromising values of integrity, respect, hospitality and positivity. Tutera Senior Living & Health Care still embodies those values today. Tutera is committed to making a positive difference in the lives of its residents and their families through senior living and health care experts who inspire and promote individuality and personal happiness. Visit Tutera.com to learn more.
