Ridgecrest Retirement and Healthcare

While in Waco looking at assisted living facilities, we visited Ridgecrest Retirement Limited. From the moment we arrived, we could see that this was a well-tended facility. The staff was professional, yet caring and kind. They understood how challenging it is to find a new home for a loved one and put us at ease. They have many staff and everyone seems to work in a team-like environment to attend to the needs of the residents. They provide a full range of services - from therapy to special needs and activities - in addition to the usual living and meal offerings. What intrigued us the most was the educational materials offered to friends and family, to make the transition smoother. This facility had one of the most impressive activities systems we've seen thus far. From regularly scheduled exercise, to group and individual activities for residents in their own rooms or the communal rooms, they really go out of their way to see that the residents are content and not bored. The community volunteers that come on a regular basis are an added bonus, such as the Texas Therapy Dogs. The children from daycares and elementary schools often perform musical programs and take part in arts and craft activities with residents. They even have regular meetings with the residents to find out what else they would like to do. There is a monthly newsletter that is distributed to everyone, including families. Every area we visited was clean, fresh, bright and well-lit. The living quarters were all spacious and warmly decorated. The apartments were decorated often with personal items and furniture of their choice. Each unit was equipped with an emergency call system. This is a very well-thought out community of caring staff for residents who all appear to be well-cared for and content.