Executive Summary
Solstice Senior Living at Columbia, located at 109 N. Keene St., Columbia, MO 65201, is an independent living community situated on a 17-acre campus. This review provides a detailed analysis of the facility’s services, amenities, resident experiences, pricing structure, and market position to help prospective residents and their families make informed decisions about senior living options in the Columbia area.
1. Facility Overview and Service Model
1.1 Core Services
Solstice Senior Living at Columbia specializes in independent living services with partnership options for additional care:
| Service Type | Description | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Independent Living | Maintenance-free lifestyle with personalized apartments | Primary service model |
| Personal Care | Partnership with home health care professionals | Available as needed |
| Wellness Services | Regular wellness checks, medication reminders | Included |
| Therapy Services | Physical and occupational therapy | Available through partners |
| Emergency Response | Lively™ Mobile Plus Medical Alert System | Included |
Important Note: Unlike what you might be seeking, Solstice Senior Living at Columbia does not directly provide assisted living or memory care services. They focus primarily on independent living with support options through partnerships with external care providers.
1.2 Healthcare Access
The community’s location provides convenient access to medical facilities:
- Women’s Hospital (nearby)
- Boone Hospital Center (1.4 miles)
- Cooper County Memorial Hospital (24.2 miles)
- 24/7 urgent-care access via MeMD
2. Living Accommodations and Amenities
2.1 Apartment Options
| Apartment Type | Square Footage | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | 413 sq. ft. | Kitchenette, utilities included, cable TV |
| One-Bedroom | 602 sq. ft. | Expanded living space, kitchenette, full bathroom |
| Two-Bedroom | 973 sq. ft. | Separate bedrooms, expanded living area, kitchenette |
All apartments include:
- Utilities (electricity, water, gas)
- Cable TV service
- Regular housekeeping
- Emergency response systems
- Pet-friendly accommodations (restrictions may apply)
2.2 Community Amenities
The facility offers numerous spaces designed for socialization and activities:
| Amenity Type | Offerings |
|---|---|
| Dining | Restaurant-style dining room with dietitian-approved menus |
| Wellness | Fitness center with equipment designed for seniors |
| Entertainment | Movie theater, game room, library |
| Convenience | Beauty salon, scheduled local transportation |
| Outdoor | Landscaped gardens, walking paths on 17-acre campus |
| Spiritual | Worship center for religious services |
| Special Events | Private dining room for family gatherings |
3. Programs and Activities
3.1 Signature Programs
Solstice Senior Living implements two primary engagement programs:
- Vibrant Life Program
- Social interaction activities
- Personal growth opportunities
- Community engagement initiatives
- Cultural experiences
- Path to Wellness
- Holistic health approach
- Regular wellness checks
- Physical fitness activities
- Nutritional guidance
3.2 Daily Activities Calendar
The community maintains an active schedule of regular events:
- Physical Wellness: Exercise classes, walking groups
- Social Engagement: Community gatherings, holiday celebrations, resident committee meetings
- Entertainment: Musical performances, movie screenings
- Educational: Workshops, guest speakers
- Cultural: Outings to local attractions like the Missouri Theatre and Museum of Art and Archaeology
- Spiritual: Religious services and study groups
4. Dining Services
The dining program emphasizes quality and nutrition:
- Restaurant-style dining experience
- Dietitian-approved menus
- Three meals daily
- Special dietary accommodations available
- Private dining room for family gatherings
5. Resident Experience and Testimonials
5.1 Resident Feedback
Solstice has received generally positive feedback from residents and family members:
| Resident | Testimonial | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Margaret I. | “We’ve been here a year. There is a residents committee that is a liaison between residents and management for both praise and concerns. There are wonderful management, residents, and activities in which you may elect to participate. It’s in a very accessible location for shopping and medical services.” | Resident involvement, good management, activity options |
| Dennis C. | “Nice place. Independent living location. Clean, friendly and well-maintained.” | Cleanliness, maintenance, friendly atmosphere |
| Anonymous | “This is a wonderful community, and my father is doing very well since his move here. I know he is safe and in good hands.” | Safety, quality care |
| Isaiah W. | “Very clean place, very accommodating” | Cleanliness, accommodation quality |
5.2 Satisfaction Ratings
The community has achieved an 8.7 out of 10 resident satisfaction score, demonstrating strong overall resident contentment.
6. Pricing Information
6.1 Monthly Cost Structure
| Floor Plan | Price Range | Columbia Area Average |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,995-$2,120 | Higher |
| One Bedroom | $2,620-$2,770 | Higher |
| Two Bedroom | $3,130-$3,330 | Higher |
| Average Cost | $2,562 | $3,704 (assisted living) |
Note: There are slight variations in pricing information across sources. Prospective residents should confirm current rates directly with the facility.
6.2 Services Included in Monthly Fee
The monthly fees at Solstice Senior Living include:
- Apartment accommodation
- All utilities (electricity, water, gas)
- Cable TV
- Regular housekeeping
- Maintenance services
- Daily meals
- Activity programming
- Transportation services (scheduled)
- Emergency response system
6.3 Additional Services (Potential Extra Costs)
Services that may incur additional fees include:
- Personal care assistance through partners
- Medication management services
- Beauty salon services
- Guest meals
- Additional transportation beyond scheduled services
7. Market Comparison
7.1 Local Competitor Analysis
| Facility | Starting Price | Service Model | Key Differentiators |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solstice Senior Living | $1,995/month | Independent Living | 17-acre campus, partnership care model |
| The Westbury Senior Living | $2,765/month | Full-Service Senior Living | More comprehensive care options |
| Hartmann Village Senior Living | $2,250/month | Mixed Care Options | Various levels of care available |
| Cedarhurst of Columbia | $2,495/month | Comprehensive Care | More extensive on-site care |
7.2 Value Proposition
Solstice offers competitive pricing compared to other options in Columbia:
- Lower base pricing than many competitors
- All-inclusive utilities and amenities package
- Flexible partnership model for care services
- Extensive grounds and amenities
8. Management and Staff
8.1 Leadership Team
The facility benefits from experienced management:
| Position | Name | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Area Director of Operations | Tasha Arlen | Nearly 20 years in healthcare |
| Director of Sales and Marketing | Trina Almond | Over 13 years in senior living |
| Senior Vibrant Life® Director | Christin Weeks | Specialized in community engagement |
| Culinary Services Director | Frank Butler | Expert in senior dining services |
8.2 Resident Support Structures
The community maintains several support mechanisms:
- Residents committee serving as liaison between residents and management
- Regular resident meetings
- Family communication systems
- Scheduled transportation for medical appointments
- Partnerships with local healthcare providers
9. Recognition and Reputation
9.1 Awards and Accolades
Solstice Senior Living at Columbia has received notable recognition:
- Recipient of “2018 Best of Senior Living” award
- High resident satisfaction scores (8.7 out of 10)
9.2 Community Connections
The facility maintains strong relationships with the broader Columbia community:
- Partnerships with local healthcare providers
- Access to cultural institutions
- Community engagement initiatives
- Family support networks
10. Decision-Making Guidance
10.1 Ideal Resident Profile
Solstice Senior Living at Columbia is best suited for:
- Active, independent seniors requiring minimal assistance
- Those seeking a maintenance-free lifestyle with amenities
- Individuals who value social engagement and community activities
- Seniors who may benefit from light assistance but don’t require extensive care
- Those who appreciate a scenic, spacious campus environment
10.2 Tour Preparation Guide
When visiting Solstice Senior Living, consider asking:
Care-Related Questions:
- How does the partnership model for additional care services work?
- What happens if care needs increase significantly?
- How are healthcare emergencies handled?
- What is the process for coordinating with external healthcare providers?
Lifestyle Questions:
- What are the most popular activities among current residents?
- How are meals prepared and what dining options are available?
- What transportation services are provided and how are they scheduled?
- How does the Vibrant Life program work in practice?
Financial Questions:
- What is specifically included in the monthly fee?
- How often do rates typically increase and by what percentage?
- Are there any move-in specials or incentives currently available?
- How does the cost calculator work to compare current expenses?
10.3 Future Care Planning Considerations
Since Solstice focuses on independent living, prospective residents should:
- Assess current and anticipated care needs:
- [ ] Current health status requires minimal assistance
- [ ] Cognitive abilities are strong
- [ ] Mobility is relatively independent
- [ ] Medication management needs are minimal
- [ ] Projected stability of condition for next 2-3 years
- Understand the partnership care model:
- [ ] Identify which external providers partner with Solstice
- [ ] Determine costs for additional services
- [ ] Evaluate the coordination process between Solstice and care providers
- [ ] Consider limitations on care that can be provided in independent living
- Plan for potential transitions:
- [ ] Investigate nearby assisted living options
- [ ] Understand Solstice’s policies regarding transitions to higher care levels
- [ ] Discuss with family members what circumstances would trigger a move
- [ ] Consider financial implications of a potential future move
11. Conclusion
Solstice Senior Living at Columbia offers a comprehensive independent living experience on a spacious 17-acre campus. With competitive pricing starting from $1,995 monthly, the community provides a range of amenities including restaurant-style dining, a fitness center, movie theater, and regular activities through their signature Vibrant Life program.
The facility’s focus on independent living distinguishes it from full-service assisted living communities. While Solstice does not directly provide assisted living or memory care services, they offer a partnership model with external care providers to accommodate changing needs.
Resident feedback has been generally positive, with particular praise for the management, cleanliness, and activity options. The community has received recognition for quality and maintains a strong 8.7/10 resident satisfaction rating.
For active seniors seeking a maintenance-free lifestyle with social engagement opportunities in the Columbia area, Solstice Senior Living presents a compelling option. However, those requiring more comprehensive care should carefully evaluate whether the partnership model will adequately meet their needs or consider communities offering direct assisted living services.
