Marie Rose Center Assisted Living

This is a continuing care retirement community, which requires a buy-in fee"”about 80% of which is refundable to the resident's estate at death. Residents must be at least 62 and able to live independently to enter. The facility, which was founded by the Sisters of the Holy Name, is Christian-based"”although residents of all denominations are accepted. In 2001, it was expanded beyond the original mother house and modernized. Most residents are educated and well-heeled"”solidly upper middle class; many have been successful businesspeople. The skilled nursing facility, Marie Rose Center, is very small"”and not always able to meet end of life care needs for all residents"”although there are now plans to expand and modernize it, too. There is always a waiting list"”as the place has an appeal for many potential residents, even those from out of state. The original building, from the 1890s, is quaint and well kept up, as are the landscaped grounds. There's a chapel onsite. There is a very good activities program offering more than the usual array"”including an arts program, university class auditing, and lots of outdoor activities including a hiking program. Residents tend to dress more formally than at other facilities"”and most residents tend be active and involved with one another and serve on community boards and participate in local activities. There is not much staff turnover"”and the staff is thoughtful and attentive to residents. The ratio of staff to resident seems adequate. The food is quite good"”served in two dining rooms; one formal, the other a casual bistro. Several meal plans are available"”all reasonably priced. And mealtimes tend to be active social events for the residents, most of whom seem to know one another well. The rooms range in size from a studio to villas, but all are nice. A lot of time and money has been spent on constructing them. The memory care unit is small"”and there is currently talk of expanding that to accommodate growing needs. This facility is a niche for a certain type of person"”wealthier and Christian; for others, it may not be such a comfortable fit.