Aspen Ridge Retirement Village sits at 1261 Village Parkway in Gaylord, Michigan, surrounded by the area's lakes, forests, and small-town parks, and you'll notice right away it's a one-story building with a home-like feel, complete with a lush courtyard, big backyard for walks or gardening, and lots of outdoor spaces where residents and families can spend time together when the weather's nice. The staff uses some unique names for their programs and facilities, like their Life Enrichment outings, Memory Care Neighborhood, and residential care homes, and you'll find they break up care into independent living for healthy, active seniors, assisted living for folks who need help with dressing, bathing, and medicine, and secured memory care for those with Alzheimer's or dementia who need extra safety and structure.
The building's got handy features like private rooms with bathrooms, big windows, kitchenettes, and easy-access showers, plus the whole place is handicap accessible, so moving around isn't hard for most folks, and there's pet-friendly policies and high-speed Wi-Fi for those who like extra comforts. Housekeeping and laundry come included, so you don't have to worry about chores, and staff prepares three home-cooked meals and snacks daily, with prepared menus that focus on nutrition, balance, and taste, which folks seem to appreciate.
If you need more help, staff offer a full list of care options that cover everything from help with daily activities, like dressing and bathing, to managing medicine, and for those who don't need full-time care but could use a break or help after a hospital stay, there's a Short-Term Respite Care option as well. Their Memory Care Neighborhood is set up to help those who wander or get confused, with secure outdoor areas and programs tailored to keep minds active, and staff receive special training for memory support and mild cognitive issues.
For social life, Aspen Ridge offers weekly shopping trips, outdoor activities, field trips, and community events as part of their Life Enrichment programming, because staying busy and connected seems important to most residents, and their communal spaces, like the dining room and courtyard, help encourage friendships. There's a gallery of photos and videos available for folks wanting a look before moving in, and there are multiple floor plans, all on ground level to avoid steps, and visitors can schedule tours or virtual tours to see what daily life is like.
Aspen Ridge operates under Priority Life Care, keeps doors staffed 24 hours a day, and uses a 24-hour call system for resident safety. Office staff keeps regular hours for questions or to help with application, and they work with families filling out forms for veteran aid or long-term care insurance. The community's won awards for its caring approach and friendly staff, and most agree it tries hard to create a warm and supportive atmosphere, even though it's an institution-based setting. The goal here is to let each person live as independently as they can, staying busy and well-cared for, while feeling as close to home as possible.
