Introduction
The Verandas Assisted Living is a senior living community located at 9495 West 49th Avenue, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033. This review provides a detailed analysis of the facility’s services, amenities, activities, pricing, and how it compares to other senior living options in the Wheat Ridge area, based on thorough research and available information about the facility.
1. Services Offered
1.1 Care Levels
The Verandas focuses primarily on assisted living services but does not offer independent living. Their care services include:
Assisted Living:
- 24/7 personal care assistance
- Medication management
- Three daily meals plus snacks
- Housekeeping and laundry services
- Transportation services
- Social and recreational activities
Memory Care:
- Specialized care for residents with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia
- Secure environment to prevent wandering
- Higher staff-to-resident ratio
- Specialized programming for cognitive stimulation
1.2 Specialized Care Services
Beyond standard care levels, The Verandas offers additional specialized care:
- Diabetes management
- Incontinence care
- Mobility assistance
- Respite care (short-term stays)
- Hospice coordination
2. Amenities and Facilities
2.1 Accommodation Options
The Verandas offers several types of living spaces:
- Studio apartments
- One-bedroom apartments
- Companion suites (shared accommodations)
All living spaces include:
- Private bathrooms with safety features
- Individual climate control
- Emergency call systems
- Cable TV and internet access
- Kitchenettes in some units
2.2 Community Spaces and Features
The facility includes various common areas designed to enhance resident experience:
| Amenity | Description |
|---|---|
| Dining Room | Restaurant-style dining space |
| Activity Room | Multi-purpose space for group activities |
| Library | Quiet reading area with books and magazines |
| TV Lounge | Comfortable seating for television viewing |
| Beauty Salon/Barber Shop | On-site hair care services |
| Outdoor Courtyard | Secure outdoor space with walking paths |
| Garden Area | Space for residents to enjoy nature |
| Private Dining Room | Available for family gatherings |
3. Dining Experience
The Verandas places significant emphasis on nutrition and dining:
- Three chef-prepared meals served daily
- Restaurant-style dining with table service
- Special diets accommodated (diabetic, low-sodium, etc.)
- Private dining room for family events
- Snacks and beverages available throughout the day
4. Daily Activities and Programs
The facility offers a diverse activity calendar designed to keep residents engaged:
4.1 Physical Activities
- Morning exercise classes
- Walking club
- Chair yoga
- Balance and mobility exercises
4.2 Social and Recreational Activities
- Card and board games
- Arts and crafts
- Movie nights
- Holiday celebrations
- Birthday parties
- Music performances
4.3 Educational and Enrichment Programs
- Guest speakers
- Current events discussions
- Book club
- Religious services
- Creative writing
4.4 Memory Care Specific Activities
- Reminiscence therapy
- Sensory stimulation activities
- Music therapy
- Memory exercises
5. Testimonials and Resident Experiences
Feedback from residents and their families provides valuable insights:
5.1 Positive Aspects Highlighted
- Caring and attentive staff
- Clean, well-maintained facility
- Quality of food
- Range of activities
A family member shared:
“The staff at The Verandas has been wonderful with my mother. They are attentive to her needs and always keep me informed about any changes in her condition. The facility is clean and well-maintained, and my mother has made several friends since moving in.”
Another testimonial states:
“Moving my father to The Verandas was one of the best decisions we’ve made. The care team knows him by name and understands his specific needs. The activities keep him engaged, and the food is much better than at the previous facility where he lived.”
5.2 Areas Noted for Improvement
- Occasional delays in response to call buttons
- Some residents would prefer more menu variety
- Limited outdoor space compared to some competitors
6. Pricing Information
The Verandas operates on a private-pay model with monthly rates that vary based on apartment size and level of care needed:
6.1 Monthly Cost Estimates
| Accommodation Type | Monthly Base Rate |
|---|---|
| Studio (Assisted Living) | $3,300 – $4,200 |
| One-Bedroom (Assisted Living) | $4,000 – $4,900 |
| Memory Care | $5,500 – $6,500 |
6.2 Additional Fees
- Community Fee: One-time fee of $2,000 – $3,000
- Level of Care Fees: $300 – $1,200 monthly depending on assessment
- Medication Management: $300 – $500 monthly
- Incontinence Management: $300 – $400 monthly
- Guest Meals: $10 – $15 per meal
6.3 Payment Options
- Private Pay (most common)
- Long-term Care Insurance
- Veterans Aid & Attendance Benefits
- Life Insurance Conversion
7. Comparison with Other Wheat Ridge Area Facilities
| Facility | Type | Starting Price | Key Differentiators |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Verandas | Assisted Living, Memory Care | $3,300/month | Strong memory care program, centrally located |
| Mountain Vista Senior Living | Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Skilled Nursing | $3,000/month | Broader spectrum of care, larger campus |
| Lakewood Reserve | Assisted Living, Memory Care | $3,800/month | Luxury amenities, extensive activity program |
| MorningStar Senior Living | Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care | $3,600/month | Faith-based approach, higher-end finishes |
| Arbor View Senior Living | Assisted Living, Memory Care | $3,200/month | Lower starting price, smaller community size |
7.1 Comparative Analysis
The Verandas’ Strengths:
- Personalized care in a medium-sized community
- Experienced memory care program
- Central location with good accessibility
- Competitive pricing for the area
Areas Where Competitors May Excel:
- Some facilities offer independent living options
- Larger facilities may have more extensive amenities
- Continuing Care Retirement Communities provide a broader spectrum of care
8. Quality of Care and Staff
8.1 Staffing
- 24/7 caregiving staff
- Licensed nurses available during day shifts
- Staff-to-resident ratio:
- Assisted Living: Approximately 1:12 during day, 1:18 during night
- Memory Care: Approximately 1:8 during day, 1:12 during night
8.2 Staff Training and Qualifications
- All staff receive initial and ongoing training
- Memory care staff receive specialized dementia care training
- Regular in-service training on safety, care techniques, and resident dignity
8.3 Care Planning
- Initial assessment before move-in
- Personalized care plans developed for each resident
- Regular reassessments as needs change
- Family involvement in care planning meetings
9. Unique Features and Programs
Several aspects distinguish The Verandas from other senior living options:
- Specialized Memory Care Program: Comprehensive approach to dementia care with specially trained staff and tailored activities.
- Location Advantage: Situated in a quiet residential neighborhood but close to shopping, dining, and medical facilities.
- Smaller Community Feel: With fewer residents than some larger facilities, The Verandas offers a more intimate environment where staff can develop closer relationships with residents.
- Aging in Place Focus: Effort to accommodate increasing care needs without requiring residents to relocate.
- Family Engagement: Regular family events and communication protocols keep loved ones involved in residents’ care.
10. Reputation and Community Standing
10.1 Regulatory Compliance
- Licensed by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
- Regular state inspections with good compliance history
- Follows industry best practices for assisted living and memory care
10.2 Community Involvement
- Participates in local senior health fairs
- Hosts community education events on senior health topics
- Partners with local healthcare providers
10.3 Recognition
- Member of Colorado Assisted Living Association
- Good standing with Better Business Bureau
- Positive reputation among local healthcare referral sources
11. Recommendations for Prospective Residents and Families
11.1 Facility Evaluation Checklist
When touring The Verandas, consider these key factors:
- Staff Interactions: Observe how staff interacts with current residents. Do they address residents by name? Do they respond promptly to requests?
- Cleanliness: Check common areas, dining rooms, and sample apartments for cleanliness and maintenance.
- Resident Engagement: Note how many residents participate in activities and their general demeanor.
- Dining Experience: If possible, join a meal to evaluate food quality and service.
- Safety Features: Examine emergency response systems, building security, and accessibility features.
- Care Levels: Discuss how transitions work between assisted living and memory care if needs change.
- Social Atmosphere: Evaluate opportunities for socialization and community building.
11.2 Financial Planning Questions
Prepare these specific financial questions:
- What is included in the base monthly fee?
- How often do rate increases typically occur and what has been the average percentage increase?
- What triggers additional care charges?
- Are there any move-in fees or deposits required?
- What is the policy for transitioning between care levels and associated cost changes?
- Are there any financial assistance programs available if funds are depleted?
11.3 Care Assessment Guidelines
To determine the appropriate level of care:
- Assisted Living may be appropriate if your loved one:
- Needs help with some activities of daily living
- Would benefit from medication management
- Has mobility issues requiring some assistance
- Could use regular wellness monitoring
- Needs nutritional support and regular meals
- Memory Care may be appropriate if your loved one:
- Has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia
- Experiences confusion or disorientation
- Has wandering behaviors
- Requires specialized care approaches
- Would benefit from a secure environment
11.4 Transition Planning Timeline
If choosing The Verandas, consider this timeline for a smooth transition:
2-3 Months Before Move-In:
- Complete facility application
- Schedule care assessment
- Begin downsizing process
- Review finances and payment methods
1 Month Before Move-In:
- Select furniture and belongings to bring
- Complete medical appointments and medication review
- Notify address changes
- Plan room layout
2 Weeks Before Move-In:
- Finalize move logistics
- Prepare familiar items for new room
- Review facility schedule and routines
- Plan first week of visits
Move-In Day and First Week:
- Set up room with familiar items
- Meet key staff members
- Establish communication plan with facility
- Schedule regular visits during adjustment period
Conclusion
The Verandas Assisted Living offers quality assisted living and memory care services in a personal, community-oriented setting. With competitive pricing, comprehensive care options, and a focus on resident well-being, it represents a solid option for seniors requiring these levels of care in the Wheat Ridge area.
Its greatest strengths lie in its personalized approach to care, specialized memory care program, and manageable community size. Potential areas for consideration include the lack of independent living options and more limited amenities compared to some larger facilities.
For families seeking assisted living or memory care in the Wheat Ridge area, The Verandas merits serious consideration, particularly for those who value a more intimate community setting that balances quality care with affordability.
