Birchwood Retirement Estate in Twin Falls, Idaho, is a small and comfortable assisted living facility with 8 beds and a license from Idaho's Department of Social Services, where seniors, whether alone or as a couple, can find independent, assisted, or memory care living options. The rooms are simple and functional, with small studios, one-bedroom apartments, and some shared spaces, all furnished and fitted with basics like emergency alert systems, telephones, high-definition TVs, Wi-Fi, and kitchenettes for making snacks or small meals, though there's a dining room where residents get three nutritious, homemade meals each day-planned by chefs and a dietitian, and with special diets or dementia-friendly menus if needed. Folks living here get help with daily activities like bathing, dressing, laundry, getting out of bed, and managing medicines, with all-day supervision from a team of caregivers and access to an on-site licensed nurse, though there's no round-the-clock skilled nursing like a nursing home, so it's really meant for people who need intermediate care but aren't so ill they need a hospital-level of attention.
The place encourages everyone to stay active and social, providing daily fitness and wellness programs, group outings, arts and music activities, and even things like music therapy, gardening, pet therapy, and movie nights. Social rooms, a games room, a reading space, and a walking trail along the garden give residents places to gather or relax, and there's a chapel, wellness center, and even a steam room and jacuzzi for a bit of relaxation. The facility has a hair salon and barber on-site, housekeeping and laundry service (even dry cleaning if someone wants it), plus concierge help and case management to make life easier. Transportation is arranged for appointments, errands, or trips out, and the team will also help with move-in coordination.
For those who need more care, the staff assists with incontinence, transfers, and even supports people with Parkinson's or dementia, using individual service plans that adjust as needs change. Memory care is available in a secure setting that aims to reduce confusion, offering activities and meals designed for people living with dementia, with efforts to prevent wandering and keep everyone safe. Birchwood also supports respite stays, day care, and hospice care, so family caregivers can get a break or some extra help.
Living here feels home-like, with a quieter, close-knit environment due to the small number of residents, and there's a strong routine set by regular events, community-sponsored programs, and a familiar team providing help 24 hours a day. The place awards itself on engagement and friendliness, and it's won "Best of Senior Living" honors, but the focus day-to-day is simply to give seniors an independent yet supportive life with company, comfort, and safety built in.
