Introduction

Cortland Place is a senior living community located at 24 Austin Avenue in Greenville, Rhode Island 02828. This comprehensive review provides detailed information about the facility’s services, amenities, pricing, and reputation to help seniors and their families make informed decisions about their care options in the Greenville area.

1. Services Offered

Cortland Place offers a continuum of care designed to accommodate seniors with varying needs:

1.1 Independent Living

Cortland Place offers independent living apartments for active seniors seeking a maintenance-free lifestyle:

• Private apartments with kitchenettes
• Housekeeping services
• Social activities and community engagement
• Dining options
• Emergency call systems

1.2 Assisted Living

Their assisted living program provides personalized care for seniors who need help with daily activities:

• 24/7 care staff available
• Assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs)
• Medication management
• Health monitoring
• Three meals daily
• Weekly housekeeping and laundry
• Scheduled transportation

1.3 Memory Care – “The Harbor”

Cortland Place’s dedicated memory care program, known as “The Harbor,” offers specialized care for residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia:

• Secure environment designed specifically for memory care needs
• Staff with specialized training in dementia care
• Structured daily routines to reduce anxiety
• Therapeutic activities designed for cognitive stimulation
• Higher staff-to-resident ratio
• Specialized dining program addressing unique nutritional needs

1.4 Specialized Care Services

Beyond standard care levels, Cortland Place offers:

• Short-term respite care
• Coordination with outside healthcare providers
• Therapy services (physical, occupational, speech)
• Hospice coordination
• Diabetic care
• Specialized nutrition programs

2. Amenities and Facilities

2.1 Living Accommodations

Cortland Place offers various accommodation options:

Accommodation Type	Size Range	Features
Studio Apartments	400-450 sq ft	Private bathroom, kitchenette, emergency call system
One-Bedroom	550-650 sq ft	Separate bedroom, private bathroom, kitchenette, living area
Two-Bedroom	800-900 sq ft	Two bedrooms, private bathroom, kitchenette, living area
Companion Suites	650-750 sq ft	Shared living space, private bedroom areas, cost-effective option

All accommodations include:

• Individual climate control
• Cable TV access
• Wi-Fi
• Window treatments
• Emergency call systems
• Weekly housekeeping

2.2 Community Spaces and Amenities

Cortland Place features a variety of common areas and amenities:

• Multiple dining venues, including a main dining room and casual bistro
• Library and reading room
• Activity and game rooms
• Movie theater
• Fitness center with senior-appropriate equipment
• Salon and barbershop
• Chapel/meditation space
• Private dining room for family gatherings
• Lounges and sitting areas throughout
• Enclosed outdoor courtyards and gardens
• Walking paths

2.3 Dining Services

The dining program at Cortland Place includes:

• Three chef-prepared meals daily
• Restaurant-style dining with table service
• Menu rotation with seasonal options
• Special dietary accommodations (diabetic, low-sodium, texture-modified)
• Private dining options for special occasions
• Bistro with casual fare and snacks
• Nutritionist involvement in menu planning

3. Daily Activities and Programs

Cortland Place offers a diverse activity program designed to engage residents physically, mentally, and socially:

3.1 Physical Wellness Activities

• Fitness classes tailored to different ability levels
• Walking clubs
• Chair yoga and stretching
• Balance and coordination exercises
• Dancing programs

3.2 Social Engagement Opportunities

• Community outings to local attractions
• Holiday celebrations and themed events
• Musical performances and entertainment
• Game nights (bingo, cards, board games)
• Ice cream socials and happy hours
• Birthday celebrations

3.3 Mental Stimulation Programs

• Book clubs and reading groups
• Current events discussions
• Arts and crafts classes
• Educational lectures and workshops
• Puzzles and brain games
• Computer and technology classes

3.4 Special Memory Care Activities

• Reminiscence therapy
• Sensory stimulation programs
• Music therapy
• Art therapy
• Pet therapy visits
• Memory boxes and personalized engagement

3.5 Sample Activity Calendar Highlights

• Morning exercise classes (daily)
• Religious services (weekly)
• Shopping trips (twice monthly)
• Local restaurant outings (monthly)
• Movie nights (weekly)
• Visiting musicians (bi-weekly)
• Cooking demonstrations (monthly)
• Gardening activities (seasonal)

4. Testimonials and Resident Experiences

Feedback from residents and their families provides insight into life at Cortland Place:

4.1 Positive Aspects Highlighted

• Strong emphasis on the quality and attentiveness of staff
• Homelike, welcoming atmosphere
• Cleanliness and maintenance of facilities
• Social opportunities and community feel
• Quality of dining services

One family member shared:

“My mother has been at Cortland Place for over two years, and I couldn’t be happier with her care. The staff treats her like family, and they’re always responsive when I have questions or concerns. The facility is always clean, and the activities keep her engaged and happy.”

Another resident noted:

“Moving to Cortland Place was the best decision for this stage of my life. I’ve made wonderful friends, the food is excellent, and I have just the right amount of help available when I need it.”

4.2 Areas Noted for Improvement

• Some mention of occasional staffing shortages during peak times
• Requests for more variety in evening activities
• Occasional comments about response times for call buttons

5. Pricing Information

5.1 Monthly Cost Structure

Cortland Place’s pricing is competitive for the Rhode Island market:

Care Level	Monthly Cost Range	What’s Included
Independent Living	$3,800 – $5,300	Apartment, utilities, basic services, one meal daily, weekly housekeeping
Assisted Living	$4,900 – $6,800	Apartment, utilities, personal care services, three meals daily, housekeeping, laundry
Memory Care	$6,500 – $8,200	Private suite, specialized memory care, all meals, specialized programming

5.2 Additional Fees

When budgeting for Cortland Place, families should be aware of potential additional costs:

• Community fee: One-time fee of $3,000-$4,000 (may vary)
• Level of care fees: Additional $300-$1,200 monthly based on assessment
• Medication management: $300-$500 monthly
• Personal care supplies
• Beauty/barber shop services
• Guest meals
• Private transportation for non-medical outings

5.3 Payment Options

Cortland Place accepts multiple payment methods:

• Private pay (most common)
• Long-term care insurance
• Veterans Aid & Attendance benefits (for qualifying veterans and spouses)
• RI’s SSI Enhanced Assisted Living Benefit Program (for qualifying low-income seniors)
• Life insurance conversion options

6. Comparison with Other Greenville Area Facilities

Facility	Care Levels	Starting Price	Key Differentiators
Cortland Place	IL, AL, MC	$3,800/month	Full continuum of care, “The Harbor” memory program, strong activity calendar
The Village at Waterman Lake	IL, AL, MC	$4,200/month	Lakefront setting, larger campus, cottages available
Briarcliffe Gardens	AL, MC	$5,100/month	Memory care specialization, higher staff ratios
Smithfield Woods	AL	$4,300/month	Boutique setting, all-inclusive pricing, no memory care
Greenwich Farms at Warwick	IL, AL, MC	$4,000/month	Resort-style amenities, broader geographical location

6.1. Cortland Place’s Comparative Strengths

• Location in the heart of Greenville village
• Comprehensive continuum of care allowing residents to age in place
• Established reputation in the community (operating for over 40 years)
• The specialized Harbor memory care program
• Local ownership providing personalized attention to resident needs

6.2. Areas Where Competitors May Excel

• The Village at Waterman Lake offers a more scenic natural setting
• Some competitors have more modern facilities
• Larger communities may offer more extensive amenities
• Memory care specialists like Briarcliffe Gardens provide higher staff-to-resident ratios
• Some communities offer more apartment floor plan options

7. Quality of Care and Staff

7.1 Staffing Structure

• Executive Director oversees all operations
• Director of Nursing supervises care staff
• Memory Care Director specifically for The Harbor
• Licensed nurses on staff
• Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) provide direct care
• Dedicated activities staff
• Housekeeping and maintenance teams

7.2 Staff Training and Qualifications

• All care staff certified in first aid and CPR
• Memory care staff receive specialized dementia care training
• Regular in-service training on senior care topics
• Medication management certification
• Ongoing professional development

7.3 Care Approach

• Person-centered care philosophy
• Individualized care plans developed with resident and family input
• Regular care plan reviews and updates
• Focus on maximizing independence while providing necessary support
• Strong communication with families regarding changes in condition

8. Unique Features and Programs

Cortland Place distinguishes itself from other local senior living options in several ways:

8.1 The Harbor Memory Care Program

Their specialized memory care program features:

• Specially designed environment to reduce confusion
• Staff trained specifically in dementia care techniques
• Therapeutic programming focused on cognitive engagement
• Family support and education

8.2 Community Integration

• Central location in Greenville village allows for community engagement
• Partnerships with local schools for intergenerational programs
• Community events open to residents’ families
• Volunteer opportunities

8.3 Aging in Place Philosophy

• Ability to transition between care levels as needs change
• Couples can remain together even with different care needs
• Consistent staff relationships maintained through transitions

8.4 Family Involvement

• Regular family council meetings
• Educational events for families
• Open communication with staff and administration
• Family participation in care planning

9. Reputation and Recognition

9.1 Community Standing

Cortland Place has established a strong reputation in the Greenville and broader Rhode Island community:

• In operation for over 40 years
• Local family ownership and operation
• Active in community events and charitable initiatives
• Regular participation in senior health education

9.2 Certifications and Memberships

• Licensed by the Rhode Island Department of Health
• Member of the Rhode Island Assisted Living Association
• Certified memory care programming

9.3 Awards and Recognition

• Recognition for excellence in senior care from local organizations
• High ratings on senior care review platforms
• Acknowledged for community service initiatives
• Staff recognition for longevity and excellence in care

10. Recommendations for Prospective Residents and Families

10.1 Assessing the Right Care Level

For Independent Living consideration:

• Current ability to manage daily activities without assistance
• Desire for social engagement and community
• Preference for maintenance-free living
• Planning for potential future care needs

For Assisted Living consideration:

• Requiring help with some daily activities
• Medication management needs
• Nutritional support requirements
• Desire for security and available care
• Early mild cognitive changes

For Memory Care consideration:

• Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia
• Wandering behaviors or safety concerns
• Increased confusion or disorientation
• Need for specialized dementia programs
• Benefit from structured routines and environment

10.2 Financial Planning Considerations

When budgeting for care at Cortland Place:

1. Understand Total Costs
   • Base rent
   • Level of care fees
   • Community/entry fee
   • Additional services
   • Annual rate increases (historically 3-5%)
2. Explore Financial Resources
   • Long-term care insurance benefits
   • Veterans benefits
   • Life insurance conversions
   • Home equity options
   • Tax deductions for medical expenses
3. Plan for Changing Needs
   • Budget for potential increases in care level
   • Consider the financial impact of transitioning to memory care
   • Discuss financial parameters with Cortland Place administration

10.3 Questions to Ask During Your Visit

Care-Related Questions:

• What is the staff-to-resident ratio during day and night shifts?
• How are care plans developed and updated?
• What training do staff members receive?
• How is medication management handled?
• What happens if care needs change?

Lifestyle Questions:

• Can we see a current activities calendar?
• What transportation services are provided?
• How are special dietary needs accommodated?
• What are the visitation policies?
• Are pets allowed?

Financial Questions:

• What is included in the monthly fee?
• What additional costs should we anticipate?
• How often do rates typically increase?
• What financial assistance options are available?
• What is the billing process?

Facility Questions:

• What safety measures are in place?
• How is maintenance handled?
• What technology is available for residents?
• How are complaints or concerns addressed?
• What is the emergency response protocol?

10.4 Transition Tips

For a smooth move to Cortland Place:

1. Pre-Move Planning
   • Work with Cortland Place staff to determine what personal items to bring
   • Create a floor plan of the new living space
   • Label all personal items
   • Complete all paperwork and assessments before moving day
2. Emotional Preparation
   • Visit multiple times before the move
   • Meet some residents and staff
   • Participate in an activity or meal
   • Discuss expectations and concerns openly
3. First Few Weeks
   • Plan regular visits or calls
   • Encourage participation in activities
   • Be patient with the adjustment period
   • Maintain open communication with staff
4. Ongoing Support
   • Attend family council meetings
   • Provide feedback to administration
   • Update care plans as needed
   • Celebrate small victories in the transition

11. Conclusion

Cortland Place offers a comprehensive senior living experience with options spanning independent living, assisted living, and specialized memory care. The facility’s strengths include its established reputation, full continuum of care, central Greenville location, and specialized memory care program.

The community provides a balance of professional care and a homelike atmosphere, with pricing that remains competitive within the Rhode Island market. The emphasis on individualized care plans and ability to age in place make it an appealing option for many seniors and their families.

For those considering senior living options in the Greenville area, Cortland Place merits serious consideration, particularly for families seeking a community with multiple care levels and a strong local reputation. As with any senior living decision, personal visits, detailed discussions about care needs and costs, and careful comparison with alternatives are essential steps in finding the right fit for each individual’s unique situation.