Meadowlark Estates

My 92 yr. old mother has lived at Meadowlark Estates for 18 months. It is independent living, but one fee includes her apartment, all utilities (including cable), all meals (served in a dining room, restaurant style with choices), activities, excursions weekly, transportation to medical appointments and grocery stores... the works. No hidden fees. It is not "tiered" (with assisted living and nursing home tiers) BUT any resident can arrange their own "in-home" care. More "age in place" but in a supportive environment. While residents can contract with VNA or any home health care agency, there is one small agency that many residents really like and use that has caregivers available in small increments. Instead of having to pay for a 2-hour minimum, we get 15 minute increments. We have a CNA who comes to Mom's apartment every morning, gives her medications from a lock-box that we manage and supply, charts her blood pressure and oxygenation, and calls us if there are any concerns... for $5. We repeat the process in the early evening. They will also get her meals and bring to her room if she is not feeling well. So, we get the higher quality of life (independent living) with supports available for the level needed for a fraction of what assisted living would cost. I try to explain this folks and they keep thinking there is a catch. No catch yet. We just feel fortunate. Managers are married couples who live on-site so no shift changes every 8 hours. Caring staff. Special place.