Freighter View Assisted Living sits right across from the Historic Soo Locks in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, and when you pull up you can see the ships coming in and out, which is something people always mention first because it's quite the view especially from the covered porch or while sitting in the activity room that faces right toward the Locks. The building holds 41 private and spacious apartments, each with kitchenettes, air conditioning, cable or satellite TV, big tubs, walk-in showers, ground floor access for wheelchairs, and Wi-Fi for keeping in touch or watching whatever you want. There are both assisted living and memory care services, which means there's help for daily tasks and extra attention for people with dementia or cognitive needs-folks can age in place, so they don't have to move as their care changes. Staff are around 24 hours every day, including an on-site director, and they're trained to offer medication management, incontinence care, diabetic care, and non-ambulatory care, as well as grooming help and transportation for appointments or outings.
The building itself has a home-like feel with indoor and outdoor common areas, a welcoming lobby, a spacious kitchen and dining room, and even a swimming pool and hot tub which a lot of places don't have. There are rooms you can reserve, like the bonus kitchen and living room, for private family gatherings, and extras like housekeeping and beautician services right on site. Social and educational activities happen on a regular schedule-residents can join clubs, attend onsite devotional services, play games, or go out for planned offsite trips. The dining offers flexibility with restaurant-style service plus vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, low sodium, and organic options, as well as programs for special diets, so almost anyone can find a meal that fits. They provide brief or extended respite care for those who only need to stay a short while, like after a surgery or while caregivers get a break. The staff emphasize keeping up close communication with residents, families, and healthcare providers, and the philosophy here is "Aging in Place" so care plans are reviewed and adjusted to each person's needs with dignity and privacy held closely in mind. Since 2006, folks have found Freighter View a steady place to build friendships, take part in community events, and enjoy comfort, security, and a bit of scenery besides. The facility is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, closed on weekends, and tries to offer a safe and inviting atmosphere for both short and long stays.