Waterford

The Waterford at West Bend sits along the banks of the Milwaukee River at 831 E. Washington St., right there in West Bend, Wisconsin, and you walk up to it and see the traditional lap siding, some nice brick work, and a lot of lush gardens out front, giving it a homelike and safe feeling, and when you step inside, you notice the open-concept common rooms and cozy fireplace areas where residents gather or read in the library, because they've set up spaces for relaxing together or quietly by yourself, depending on what you feel like; now, this is a place where people can choose different ways to live, since they've got apartment homes for independent seniors who don't want any hassle, as well as assisted living for folks who need help with things like bathing, dressing, or keeping track of their medication, and then if you need extra help because of memory issues, there's a memory care area that tries to make things safer and less confusing for anyone with Alzheimer's or dementia, plus they handle meals prepared by chefs and meal planners, so you don't have to cook if you don't want to, and they've made sure all the showers are wheelchair accessible for easier use. Residents can join in on different activities that help everyone stay engaged, and families who need a break can look at the respite or short-term stay option for a bit of help. Seniors who need more skilled healthcare-maybe diabetic care, medication help, or incontinence support-find staff on hand. Transportation and parking are available, with outdoor and indoor gathering spots, but details about things like garages or what kind of floor you'll find inside aren't really specified, neither are things like pet rules or whether utilities are included, so people should check on those specifics. The Waterford's known for having a community that's upbeat, safe, and comfortable, with legal protections in place for LGBTQ+ residents and staff, making sure nobody gets treated unfairly because of who they are or how they identify, and they've got dedicated programs for teaching about caregiving and all those things that come with aging, so it's a place with a lot of living choices, support, and a social, homey setting right by the river.