SoCo Village sits at 3700 Payload Pass in the St. Edwards area of Austin and is part of the SoCo Assisted Living network, built by Journeyman Group, a founding member of Austin's Green Business Leaders, which means they try to keep things sustainable and modern in how they're put together. This community serves people aged 55 and up, offering independent living, assisted living, memory care, and respite services, so you find different care levels under one roof, and they have a neighborhood called The Retreat set up specifically for folks dealing with Alzheimer's and dementia, giving a secure place with trained staff, round-the-clock care, and programs made just for memory needs. The buildings have a resort-style look, with scenic views, plenty of natural light, and a clean, modern feel, and units come in a handful of sizes and layouts, like studios, deluxe studios, one-bedrooms, and memory care suites, including semi-private and XL options for those needing space or privacy, while all apartments include things like accessible bathrooms, storage, climate controls, kitchen appliances when needed, and Wi-Fi and cable connections, plus they're pet-friendly and have unfurnished options, so people can bring their own things if they want.
The staff covers a lot of ground, with full-time licensed nurses, memory care associates, and caregivers who get training in everything from medication management to injury and trauma care, aging, ethics, behavioral issues, diabetes, mobility help, and wound care, and they're on-site 24/7, which is good for people who need help at odd hours, and they screen, reference check, and train staff on-site. SoCo Village has a good list of services-bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, feeding, incontinence, medical reminders, mobility and wheelchair needs, and even help with shopping, errands, escorting to medical visits, and companionship, while transportation runs on a schedule and covers both appointments and outings to attractions, shops, and restaurants. For folks with greater care needs, there are health services right on-site, such as hospice, psychiatric support, dental, diabetic care, immunizations, in-home health, podiatry, and various therapies like occupational, physical, speech, psychotherapy, and animal therapy, all aimed at making life a little easier.
The meals are handled by a chef, and three meals are served each day in the main dining room, with special diet options like diabetic, low salt, vegetarian, and renal menus, and snack times as well. If families want to get together, there's a private dining room set up for them. When it comes to amenities, you'll find quite a few-there's a salon for hair and nails, a well-equipped game room, movie theater with reclining seats, TV areas, a community café, a courtyard with a putting green, walking paths, outdoor seating, a garden, lawn games, and an enclosed patio, which is nice if folks like to step outside but still want to feel safe, not to mention housekeeping, maintenance, bed making, linens, laundry, trash, pest control, mail service, and continuous health monitoring so most of the daily chores are covered. The inside has comfortable shared spaces, a fireplace in the assisted living section, bright colors, plenty of natural light, and soft seating for just sitting and visiting, and well-lit hallways help with getting around safely. Security is strong, with building access control, gates, regular checks, emergency response and alert systems, and medical alert equipment.
For recreation and staying sharp, SoCo Village has a daily activities calendar filled with arts, crafts, exercise, yoga, meditation, horticulture, music, social clubs, book and cultural programs, group exercise, excursions, and even spaces for resident volunteers, with special attention paid to keeping events accessible for anyone using a wheelchair or needing ambulatory support. There are also spiritual services, tech classes, and intergenerational activities with children, and the community shows art from local artists and often has live piano-giving residents ways to stay engaged, not isolated. Religious services, veteran's aid help, and a focus on inclusivity (safeguarded by federal law) around gender identity and orientation round things out, which means every resident should feel welcome on paper at least.
SoCo Village doesn't take Medicaid, but they accept private pay, long-term care insurance, and Veteran's Aid benefits, which might matter for planning. Parking isn't available, but transportation is arranged. The building's part of Austin's effort to make senior living greener and more stylish, but what stands out is how the community takes care of everyday needs and covers a lot of ground in terms of care, community, and comfort without trying to look perfect-just doing what's needed to make a safe and decent place for older folks to live.
