St. Andrew's Village in Aurora, CO, has been around since 2006, and they updated things in 2018 and 2019, so it feels modern and comfortable while not being fancy for the sake of it, and you'll find a variety of apartment sizes, including studios and one-, two-, or three-bedroom units with kitchenettes or full kitchens and private balconies in independent living. The community supports people over 62 with different care types, so one might start in independent living, get some help in assisted living, or stay for temporary respite care if recovering from surgery or injury, and there's a skilled nursing and rehab section too-The Ensign Group, Inc. runs the skilled nursing, but all of it's right there together, so you don't have to move far as needs change.
There's a big focus on comfort, safety, and choices, and the apartments are all accessible, with emergency call systems, private laundry in independent living, and underground parking if you drive. You get two meals a day in independent living, with extra lunch if wanted, while assisted living and skilled nursing residents have three meals a day and snacks, and meals are chef-prepared and served in one of four dining rooms. Folks with pets are welcome as long as management approves it-dogs and cats included, plus an on-site dog walker, and the place is non-smoking, which the community keeps clear for everyone's wellbeing.
Residents can use the indoor pool, Whirlpool spa, and fitness center, plus there's a library, chapel, Internet café, and media and activity rooms for all sorts of pastimes, as well as landscaped courtyards, a club room, and walking areas to enjoy. There are beauty salons, both full-service and mini, plus scheduled group trips for shopping or outings, and individual transportation's available too, with housekeeping, laundry, and 24-hour staff always around if someone needs help. For those who like to stay busy, Watermark University classes like Tai Chi, painting, pool exercises, poker, and strength and balance are offered, and the schedule has indoor and outdoor activities based on what residents want, even including bigger social trips like going go-cart riding or seeing Garden of the Gods.
Help with medication, bathing, and continence is provided for those in assisted living, and respite and skilled nursing care comes with therapy services, like physical, occupational, or speech visits, coordinated on-site, but special wound care from outside home health providers is arranged as needed. Hospice and palliative care can be set up, too. The place isn't secured, though there are safety measures like neck pendants and wrist bands, bathroom call buttons, and motion sensors.
St. Andrew's Village supports residents' independence but gives help where needed, with a professional health and wellness team designing their plans and checking in regularly, and the community keeps itself up well, handling building repairs and regular cleaning. The activities calendar covers wellness, recreation, learning, and faith-there's an interfaith chapel with special religious services and Jewish holidays observed as well, and the mini shopping store on site helps for small needs. The ambassador program helps new people settle in, and the staff checks in often, always trying to listen and adjust so the folks living there feel at home and well taken care of. Leases for independent living run a year with 90 days' notice, while assisted living and skilled nursing are month-to-month with 30 days' notice, and they don't take Medicaid, serving only folks aged 62 and up. Tours can be scheduled so people can look around and ask questions before moving in.
