Applewood Assisted Living sits at 779 S Tennyson Way in Boise, Idaho, and with its small, 9-bed size it's a quiet place where people get the kind of individual help that sometimes gets lost in larger places, and the owner being a Registered Nurse seems to make a difference in the way the care's given, too. This facility doesn't take Medicare since it's not certified by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, but it's licensed as a Residential Care Facility and mainly helps seniors who need longer-term support, with a particular focus on those with complex issues like dementia, Huntington's Disease, or Parkinson's Disease, so folks with mobility or memory needs do seem to get the kind of attention a person would expect in a small, family-like home. Residents choose from private studio rooms with half baths and furnished basics, and there's a 4 to 1 staff ratio while folks are awake, and that means there's generally someone around when help is needed for things like bathing, dressing, medication, or moving from one place to the next, plus there's a 24-hour emergency call system, so people aren't left alone in case something goes wrong.
There's a home-cooked meal program run by a Registered Dietitian, with all-day dining and respect for special diets, whether it's diabetes, allergies, or just a preference, and family members don't have to worry so much because there's a nurse and doctor on call, plus a dentist and podiatrist visit too, which helps since even trips out can be hard for some. Applewood provides high-acuity care-helping seniors with incontinence, non-ambulatory needs, or just managing the special challenges that come up with aging bodies, and there's coordination with other healthcare providers for therapies like physical, occupational, and speech therapy, along with hospice and respite care if somebody needs a break, and since memory care is a specialty, staff know how to handle the difficulties Alzheimer's and dementia can bring. Independent living is also possible for those who need less daily help, though most folks here seem to need quite a bit of care.
Applewood is about three miles outside of Meridian, and it's pretty peaceful, with gardens, walking paths for those who can get around, a dining room, movie nights, an arts room, and a nice mix of planned and resident-run activities, devotional services, and even a salon-barber. Pets are allowed, so people don't have to give up their companions if it works for everyone else, and the indoors and outdoors are both made for wheelchairs, with showers that are accessible for those who don't get around well. Moving in is coordinated by staff, who also handle laundry, housekeeping, and even dry cleaning. Transportation's provided for appointments or errands, and resident parking's available for those who still drive.
Rooms come furnished with telephones and everything's kept clean, with friendly staff on hand for day-to-day needs, and the common areas offer space to gather or just relax. Social life is encouraged, but it's up to each resident, and staff support activities both on and offsite. The community has earned a 6.6 out of 10 rating from online reviews, ranking as the 43rd highest in Boise, and the website posts reviews, a map, and other details for families who want to look before visiting. Tours are available, and it's easy to meet staff or see the amenities in person, and though it accepts only male and female residents, the smaller size means everyone tends to know each other pretty well. The goal here is to give people superior care in a safe place that feels like home, and while it's not fancy, the priority really does seem to be on helping folks live with as much independence and dignity as possible.
