Lakeview Lodge Assisted Living at Friendship Village in Waterloo, IA, gives seniors a place to live that's safe and comfortable, where folks can get help when they need it and enjoy a bit of independence too, and people here can choose from independent living, assisted living, memory care, or short-term respite care, which means there are plans for people who need different levels of support, and the focus stays on giving the right help as needs change over time. The Lodge has studio suites, some with courtyard views, all furnished and ready for personal touches, with private bathrooms and kitchenettes in rooms, plus things like cable TV and Wi-Fi included if residents want them. For those who need daily help, staff are there for bathing, dressing, transfers, toileting, grooming, and medication management, and there's also a 24-hour call system, round-the-clock nursing supervision, and every room has an alert system for emergencies, so residents have someone checking on their safety all the time. There's a special program for memory care, where staff follow routines meant to cut down on confusion and wandering, with activities and therapies designed for people living with dementia, Alzheimer's, or other memory problems, and their rooms and support systems are set up to be calm and secure.
People here get three chef-prepared meals a day, with meal options that can handle special dietary needs like allergies or diabetes, and restaurant-style dining in the main dining room or nearby cafes, and the meals are made with good ingredients by trained cooks and planners. Residents also have easy access to a small library, a computer center, and plenty of spaces to meet people or spend quiet time, like the TV room, game room, arts and crafts area, theatre, ice cream parlor, gym, and wellness room-not to mention outdoor places like gardens, patios, walking and hiking trails, a swimming pool and jacuzzi, where they can get some sun or relax. There are daily and weekly activities for people who like to keep busy, with choices such as arts and crafts, fitness sessions, game nights, religious services, planned day trips, offsite outings, and groups run by residents themselves, plus classes and social programs to help people meet others and stay mentally active, and the calendar often is full with events to pick from, with staff making sure everyone has something to do.
If anyone needs help with medical care, regular physical therapy visits are on-site with Northern Iowa Therapy, and there are also occupational therapist visits at set times. Seniors can see a beautician or barber right on site, with a full-service salon for haircuts, colors, manicures, and more. Housekeeping and laundry are included, with staff handling linens and cleaning so residents don't have to worry about chores, and maintenance is all taken care of too. There are transportation services like a shuttle for doctor's visits, errands, or community outings, and parking is available if someone wants to keep a car. Lakeview Lodge has a friendly community feel, where the staff are known to be helpful and kind, and families often comment on the caring attitude they see when visiting. The community is proud to accept veterans' benefits, help with financial or payment questions, and offer support for families who need guidance with the costs of care.
Lakeview Lodge is part of Friendship Village, which means residents can stay connected to a wider network of care (including Lifecare, which isn't found anywhere else in the Cedar Valley), which lets people stay in the same place even when their needs grow from independent to assisted to memory care, or even skilled palliative support. There are programs to encourage independence as much as possible, but help is nearby at all times. Each resident gets a personalized care plan that adjusts as their needs do, and short-term stays are possible for people recovering from an illness or just needing temporary care. Lakeview Lodge takes care to give folks a place where safety and health come first, but where people can enjoy daily life, socialize, and get the support that fits each stage of aging.
