Riverside Cottages at the Shores sits quietly in the St. Augustine Shores neighborhood, surrounded by gardens and outdoor space on a five-acre campus, and the place feels welcoming, not at all like a hospital or anything too formal, with inviting porches, reading rooms, and plenty of cozy spots for relaxing or visiting. The owners, Robert and Michele Carmines, bring decades of experience and run the place themselves, keeping a caring, family-like atmosphere where the staff knows the residents and what they need, as there's a high staff-to-resident ratio and everyone gets help tailored just for them. People living here can pick from three sizes of self-contained units, each with air conditioning, private bathrooms, and a kitchenette, and all rooms come furnished, plus housekeepers handle cleaning, laundry, and even overnight clothes washing, so residents get fresh linens and towels every day.
The kitchen offers home-cooked meals made by an executive chef, and dining feels more like a restaurant, with options for all day dining, flexible breakfast times, and meals to help those with allergies or diabetes. Residents can make use of the wellness center, computer room, movie theater, game and activity rooms, a fitness area, and a small library, and outside, there are walking paths, gardens, and plenty of places to sit in the sun or under a porch roof. People stay busy here with all kinds of activities, like arts, music programs, games, resident-run clubs, group outings, live music, scheduled daily events, or just enjoying a book in a quiet corner.
The care at Riverside Cottages covers just about everything, including medication management, help with bathing and dressing, help with meals, and managing special diets or medical needs like diabetes, and the staff can handle memory care, respite care, and skilled nursing as well, so they watch for any changes and adjust as needed. Internet and cable TV are included, and every room has a phone and high-speed Wi-Fi, making it easy to stay in touch with family or stream shows. The facility uses a modern security system with emergency call buttons in rooms and common areas, runs 24-hour supervision, and always has a staff member nearby.
Transportation is available too, so residents can go to doctor's appointments, shopping, or group outings; the team handles all the details. Barbers and beauticians visit on-site, and services like incontinent care supplies, toiletries, and all the basics are provided in one package price, so families aren't faced with surprises. The place doesn't try to fit everyone into one mold, and instead, care plans are personal, flexible, and ready to change if someone's needs do. There's a focus on keeping things home-like and supportive, not institutional, and it's easy to schedule a visit or tour to see the place yourself. The place can support up to 72 residents and is licensed by the state of Florida, serving those who want independent living, assisted living, memory care, or just a break with respite care. The whole idea here seems to be about making people feel comfortable, safe, and part of a caring community while letting everyone keep as much independence as possible.
