Ivy Manor of West Bend

Ivy Manor of West Bend sits along the Milwaukee River on S. Forest Street, right by Riverside Park, and it's made up of three buildings-Building One at 370 S. Forest Ave, Building Two at 350 S. Forest Ave, and Building Three, the memory care building, at 365 S. Forest Ave, all of them close together in West Bend, Wisconsin, not far at all from Milwaukee. This community is family-owned and has a small, close-knit, homey feel, which you notice right away because the staff and residents seem to know each other well, and visitors remark on that sense of belonging that always makes a place feel better. They accept seniors 55 and older and offer assisted living services for folks who need some help with daily tasks, as well as memory care for those with dementia or Alzheimer's, so there's help with things like bathing, dressing, and medication, and someone's always around to answer a call, day or night.

The buildings are fully wheelchair accessible, with single rooms and couple suites that each have private bathrooms, and there are wide patios in the back where people can sit outside and look over the river, plus a fenced-in garden area, and walking paths for those who want some fresh air. You'll find living rooms with fireplaces and a lot of natural light, which keeps things bright, and the activity staff always have something going on-exercise classes, musical events, Bingo, "Thirsty Thursday," and sometimes one-on-one time just to chat, which is good for anyone who likes to keep busy or needs a little company. The community rooms, including a library, movie night area, and an arts room, give people space to gather, and every room comes with a phone, television, and cable service, so residents can relax as they like.

Residents get three home-cooked meals each day, and the kitchen staff handle special diets, making sure there's something for people with diabetes or food allergies, plus snacks between meals. The housekeepers take care of laundry, even dry cleaning, so nobody needs to worry about those chores, and there's a barber and beauty shop on site, which is nice for getting a fresh haircut without leaving home. Family can visit and use the private dining room for gatherings, and the staff encourage everyone to join in the group activities and community-sponsored events, but there's also plenty of privacy and time for residents to do their own thing if they want.

Ivy Manor offers both respite care for short stays and longer-term living, and the staff pay close attention to each person's needs, handling medication, assisting with physical and cognitive concerns, and keeping in touch with families as needed. For those in the memory care building, there are added safety features, structured routines, and mind-stimulating activities, all in a secure setting, and everyone gets a mix of independence and support. Scenic spots like the labyrinth garden, beaches, waterfront overlook, and views of the surrounding neighborhood make it a pleasant place to walk or just sit and enjoy the day. It's close to shops, medical offices, restaurants, and things to do in West Bend, but still feels like a quiet, supportive place to call home for the folks living there.