Iris Network

Iris Network is a senior living community in Portland, Maine, that focuses on people with vision impairment or blindness, and it has a real mix of living choices like studios, shared living, and one-bedroom apartments, with 30 independent-living apartments-some one-bedroom, some two-bedroom, and a few are subsidized to make them more affordable for folks who need it. The community is a non-profit and gets some funding from the State of Maine Department of Labor, Division for the Blind and Visually Impaired, which helps them provide services through a network of trained staff, healthcare professionals, and experts in vision rehabilitation. Residents can get Level I assisted living services, including help with bathing, dressing, transfers, medication management, and support with daily activities, and there's also rehabilitation, nursing care, and memory care for those who need a bit more help. You'll find various amenities at Iris Network like housekeeping, trash removal, a dining room with all-day restaurant-style meals, special menus for dietary needs, a private dining room for small gatherings, and a kitchen staff that works with an on-site dietitian. Residents get support with bathroom reminders, access to home health and wellness services, plus 24-hour supervision with emergency alert systems. People can enjoy shared indoor and outdoor spaces like a well-stocked library, arts and crafts studio, a massage area, high-definition TVs, a garden, and regular recreational activities such as arts programming, resident-led groups, and movie nights. There's also transportation for outings, computer and internet access, a barber and salon, devotional services, and walking paths. For folks with worsening eyesight, Iris Network operates a Low Vision Center and a full Rehabilitation Center, where people receive personalized care plans, vision therapy, and occupational therapy. Iris Park Apartments, within the community, offer supportive housing specially designed for visually impaired people, and preference for available apartments goes to people needing assisted living who are also visually impaired. Meals are provided, and people are encouraged to live as independently as possible, with personal care services available when needed, while a strong sense of community is maintained through outreach programs, social activities, and group support. Iris Network does have job and volunteer opportunities for community members, and they try to make sure every resident has what's needed to feel safe, healthy, and connected. Pricing isn't published, and people can get information about options like independent living, nursing care, memory care, and full assisted living services, all within a supportive and specialized environment for those living with vision loss.