Royal View Retirement Community stands about 13 miles from Big Rapids, Michigan, and is part of the Retirement Living Management network. This place serves adults 55 and older, focusing mostly on residents who need light or medium care and has services for those who need more support, too, but they usually prefer folks who are a bit more independent or need help with only a few things. There's a one-time community fee of $2,000, and the costs change based on how much care someone needs, with extra charges for higher care levels and if another person moves in with you. Apartments come in studio, one-bedroom (480 sq. ft.), or two-bedroom (660 sq. ft.) sizes, and they all offer private living spaces with full bathrooms, living rooms, and some have balconies or patios for fresh air and a nice view. Residents can join independent living, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, respite care, or home care programs, and there are services for folks who need help with everyday things like getting dressed, bathing, or moving from bed to chair.
Royal View offers three home-cooked meals every day, and there are chefs and planners who keep in mind allergies or special diets, so you won't have to worry about what you're eating. Residents often enjoy their meals with a view of the pond or gardens, and there are restaurant-style dining hours, allergy-sensitive options, and snacks available all day. Housekeeping, laundry, and dry cleaning services are taken care of by staff, who are there around the clock if help is needed. The staff get noticed often for being friendly, caring, and gentle, which seems to matter a whole lot if you ask anyone who's lived there. People say the dining, activities, and kindness of the team have even earned this place some local awards.
Walking paths, gardens, a library, and indoor common spaces give residents places to relax or meet family and friends, and there's always something happening, like arts and crafts, bingo, gardening, movie nights, BBQs, parties, and music in the community room or arts room. There are rooms for dining and crafts, and an on-site barber and salon for haircuts or styling, plus other features like a community café, post office, and a pharmacy. Devotional services happen onsite and off, for those who like daily worship or private prayer. The "Park Avenue" design in the Green Acres section gives the inside a small-town feel, with interior streetscapes, trees, benches, canopies, and streetlights, so it's easy to find your way and enjoy a walk inside during Michigan's cold months.
Royal View offers scheduled transportation for doctor visits and trips around town, so you're never stuck without a ride, which helps folks stay connected and get to appointments easily. The community has safety features like an emergency alert system, a 24-hour on-call staff, and move-in coordination to help new residents settle in. Medication help, blood sugar checks, insulin injections for diabetics, and non-ambulatory care with a stand-by aide are available, but for incontinence, folks need to manage things mostly on their own. Hospice services and nursing are available if long-term or end-of-life care becomes needed.
There's a strong focus on social well-being, so throughout the month, there are social gatherings, resident-run clubs, trips, parties, and piano music, plus room for folks who want quieter time in the library or gardens. Folks living here join a friendly and supportive community where the team puts emphasis on kindness, safety, and comfort, and while there are fees that change depending on care, many families say it's a fair place for anyone looking for a simple, safe spot to live through their later years. The facility welcomes long-term care insurance and support options for veterans. Royal View Retirement Community has the highest rating in the city at 8.5 out of 10, and the atmosphere feels warm, with both the staff and the neighbors looking out for each other, making it a decent choice for those who want a straightforward, well-cared-for place to call home.
