Laurelmead Cooperative sits on twenty-three acres of rolling hills and woods on the East Side of Providence, Rhode Island, right above the Seekonk River, and you'll see it's a traditional New England style building surrounded by trees that Frederick Law Olmstead's firm planned back in the 1800s. This is a senior living community where older adults can buy apartments ranging from one-bedrooms to large penthouses, and once you own your apartment you won't have to do any maintenance on it, so you can just enjoy the privacy and comfort of your own space without having to fix a leaky faucet. There are 152 apartments, and you can choose from different floor plans like studios or bigger two-bedroom homes, and lots of the apartments come with walk-in closets, patios or balconies, kitchens, and big living areas, so people can decorate to their own taste if they want.
The staff is trained and friendly, always there when you need them for help, and you've got nurses and homecare services on the property, with a doctor, dentist, and podiatrist who can visit if someone's health needs change, plus 24-hour emergency services if something happens. Residents can set up their own care plans as their needs change over time, and the community offers assisted living, independent living, hospice care, and respite care, for whenever someone needs a little more or less support. They make it pretty easy to get around too, since there's complimentary transportation to doctors' appointments or local places like the drug store, market, and bank, but you can also park your own car in the guest or resident area or even use the underground parking if you want, since driving's still on the table for lots of residents.
Friends & Fun is the name for Laurelmead's social activities-people can join music programs with classical or jazz, go to live theater, attend lectures on travel or politics, take part in arts and crafts, and go on trips to places around the city, and there's always something on the calendar, whether it's at home or offsite. There are several dining venues, from a formal dining room to a café, all serving healthy meals made by their culinary team, so no one needs to bother with cooking if they don't feel like it. If you're into reading or need a quiet corner, there's a nice library, a woodworking shop if you like to tinker, a convenience store for simple shopping, plus a Fitness Center with a swimming pool and group exercise. There's a beauty salon and barbershop for haircuts, scheduled workshops, movie nights in the theater, and lots of comfortable lounges for chatting. You'll find both indoor and outdoor community spaces where people can gather or just take a walk under the trees. Smokers should know that there's no smoking allowed at all inside, in any area. Housekeeping and laundry services are available, so it's easier to keep up with chores, and WiFi and cable are in the apartments along with washer and dryer hookups.
Pets are allowed, and showers are wheelchair accessible for those who need them. The property is secured with a sprinkler system and safe for folks who might need a little extra help walking or using a wheelchair, and staff can provide walking assistance too. Residents can invite guests and even host small parties with help from the catering staff, and those on long-term care insurance will find the community accepts those plans. Billing and moving procedures are clearly explained, and there's waiting list information for prospective residents. Laurelmead Cooperative is part of the Olera platform for extra caregiver tips and advice, and the staff will help set up virtual tours if people can't visit in person. People here usually say the community is supportive, friendly, safe, and convenient, and the resident rating averages a 4.0 out of 5, which means most folks seem satisfied but know it's not perfect. Laurelmead Cooperative emphasizes letting adults live independently for as long as they can while offering help as they need it, and people make new friends and stay active, which is what many want later in life.
