Waldon Woods-now closed-used to offer a wide range of care and living options for people age 55 and over, and you could find a lot of things going on all the time like hospice, skilled nursing, home health care that was Medicare-certified, long-term care, and even non-medical home care if you needed it, plus there were adult day services and memory care for folks with dementia. The place always tried to feel warm and homelike, not too fancy or cold, but comfortable, with furnished private rooms and suites, private bathrooms, and emergency call systems in case you needed help, along with kitchenettes, cable TV, telephone, Wi-Fi, and air conditioning. The staff made meals from organic foods, and they served all sorts of dietary needs whether you wanted kosher, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or needed low-sugar for diabetes or had other allergies, and meals were home-cooked three times a day with snacks out anytime, so you never had to worry about being hungry, and if you wanted there was restaurant-style dining or you could eat outside in the garden patio. They made sure to provide help with daily activities like bathing, dressing, and taking medicine, and staff were always around, day or night, to help with mobility or hygiene or any serious medical needs, with 24-hour supervision, a 24-hour call system, and a team of medical people and caregivers, with 12-16 hours each day of nursing available for those who really needed it.
People could pick from assisted living, independent living, or even short-term respite stays, and the place had housekeeping, laundry, and maintenance so no one had to fuss over chores, plus free parking and Wi-Fi were standard so visitors or residents could always stay in touch or relax online. Many common spaces helped folks meet and make friends: there was a library, cafe/bistro, lounge areas, an activities room, game room, and even a small movie theater, along with music and arts rooms, and folks could go for a walk on the paths outside, spend time in the gardens, or join fitness or wellness classes in the spa or gym. The activities director organized daily outings, hobby groups, entertainment nights, religious events, and special community-sponsored parties, plus there were Montessori and sensory-based programs like snoezelen for memory care, and staff always tried to help folks socialize and keep busy. The staff also arranged transportation for doctor appointments and shopping, so seniors didn't need to worry about driving or getting out in bad weather. For those who liked to keep busy, programs and scheduled daily activities happened onsite and offsite, and people could use the beauty and barber shop, get laundry or dry cleaning done, and try out the devotional services held on the property. Safety was top priority, with emergency alert systems, units and bathrooms that made room for wheelchairs, and staff ready for any crisis, while those who needed a little extra help with moving, eating, bathing, or getting dressed could rely on caregivers, and people who had trouble walking or even getting out of bed got help from the care team. Residents could choose to keep their rooms as furnished as they liked or bring personal belongings or furniture to make the space feel like home, and a housekeeper was always available. Waldon Woods was part of the Care Cardinal Communities, which aimed for a friendly, well-cared-for feel, where people could make a new start with support and dignity in a place that felt welcoming.
