The Orchard

The Orchard is a senior living community in Ridgeland, Mississippi, that's been around for more than 35 years, and you'll find it at 600 S. Pear Orchard Road set on lush, landscaped acres with plenty of convenient parking, and if you walk around you'll see three separate buildings, with the main building holding assisted living and independent living apartments that are roomy and come with either one or two bedrooms, good-sized nine-foot ceilings, and even outdoor spaces like balconies or patios for a bit of fresh air, plus the Rose Garden is right there for memory care, which is a secure area designed to help people with Alzheimer's or dementia feel less confused and stay safe from wandering. The Orchard is a full-service, private-pay community, and folks here get to choose from independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing care, and memory care services, so as needs change, people can usually stay right where they are and just get more help when they need it, and there are 61 beds just for assisted living too. There's a big focus on encouraging an active lifestyle, whether that's through wellness activities, spiritual gatherings, weekly exercise classes, or group events, and you'll always find neighbors nearby for a friendly chat or to join in some programming. If you stop by for a meal, you'll notice the dining is overseen by Chef Michael Moore, who makes sure the nutrition is balanced and the restaurant-style dining room stays inviting, plus for special occasions there's a private dining space available. Memory care in the Rose Garden supports people with dementia using special routines and offers nutritionally-focused meals, along with programs and short-term stays if someone only needs a bit of help for a little while. The Orchard also takes care of daily chores and provides transportation services, so residents can stress less about daily errands. The management structure includes both a general manager and a general partner, and there are specific people to contact for customer service or management needs, though they're not listed here. The Orchard has earned a BBB rating of A+ but it's not accredited with the BBB. The Orchard has been nominated by Mississippi's Clarion Ledger as "Best of the Best" in 2022. It works closely with ArborHill Manor and keeps a steady connection to the wider senior care network. The website is orchardretirement.com if you'd like to look up what else they offer. The goal, and you can tell by talking to the staff, is to offer a safe, comfortable home where seniors enjoy good meals, helpful care, and opportunities for connection every day, and with all the years they've served, there's a sense of community folks can feel when they come in.