The Carriages of Bloomington sits in a convenient spot with scenic views and offers tours for people and their families who want to see things for themselves, meet the staff, and get a feel for the community. The community is state-licensed-license number 5106387-and sits on one floor, which makes getting around easier, plus there are flexible hours for visitors and a non-smoking rule throughout the place. The apartments come with climate control and can be furnished or unfurnished, with walk-in showers, closets, living rooms, cable, internet, and either a full kitchenette or kitchens, so people can choose what fits their needs best. Residents can look out big dining room windows to see the back patio or enjoy two landscaped courtyards, and spend time in community spaces like the library, bistro with a fireplace, large multi-purpose room, theater, and chapel for quiet reflection. There are studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and semi-private apartments.
People can bring their pets, though they'll need to handle their pets' care, and visiting pets are welcome, too. Staff will help with daily needs like reminders for medication, cueing, redirection, and full help with bathing, dressing, grooming, oral care, toileting, and meals, and the team provides ambulatory and wheelchair help, as well as transfer assistance for those who need it. The Carriages has a staff that's trained in memory care, and the community checks all staff references and does interviews to make sure residents are cared for well, with dementia-specific and memory training before anyone starts working. The INSPYRE memory care unit has secure private suites, activities for different needs, nutrition and wellness programs, sensory-based activities, and specialized training for anyone who works with seniors, plus care from registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, or certified assistants all day and all night, and plenty of checks and emergency response systems for safety.
Meals are restaurant-style with times that work around people's routines, and the kitchen staff makes meals from scratch. There's a wellness center, gym, fitness programs like chair fitness, Tai Chi, and yoga, along with healthy lifestyle support and education. Housekeeping, laundry and dry cleaning, linen service, and both free high-speed WiFi and cable come standard, and there's even a beauty salon, barber shop, and an al fresco café where residents can sit outside. Residents can park their cars and guests have a place to park, too. All the common spaces like the computer room, arts and crafts space, entertainment venues, billiards room, and mailboxes line up along a central "Main Street" corridor, which makes it easier to find friends and activities, like cooking club, games nights, and a host of outings to places in the wider Bloomington-Normal community. There are also gardens, patios, safe outdoor spots, and even a hot tub spa.
The Carriages offers independent living, assisted living, memory care, adult day care, respite stays, home care, nursing home services, and senior apartments for people aged 55 and up, and each living plan is tailored to what each person needs-services include health care reminders, on-site nurse practitioner visits, medication management, meal monitoring, on-site pharmacy, diagnostic labs, immunizations, psychiatric care, hospice support, and regular wellness checks. Therapy like physical, occupational, and speech is handled by the EmpowerMe Wellness team without having to leave the grounds. The community is close to Carle BroMenn and OSF St. Joseph medical centers, and if residents need help getting to appointments or shopping, there's free scheduled group or chauffeured transport. Insurance-long-term care, private pay, and VA benefits-can cover costs, but Medicaid isn't accepted.
There's a focus on both the social and the practical. The staff plans arts and crafts, music activities, games, outings, movie nights, a resident musical group, community holiday events, and there's always something to do, which helps residents stay active and make friends, and the adult day care center keeps those needing some regular daytime help both safe and engaged. The grounds have gardens and two large courtyards, so folks who want peace and fresh air will have no trouble finding it. The Carriages is especially committed to supporting residents as they age, with regular assessments to make sure everyone's care keeps up with changing needs, but people can live as independently as possible for as long as possible, with support right there if things ever change. Meals, medication, recreation, safety, and kindness are all set up with the resident in mind, and in all, there's a real focus on making this a place where you can relax, take care of yourself, enjoy some company, and get help with the details of daily life as needed.
