Monterey Village Senior Living: Comprehensive Review

Monterey Village Senior Living is at 3901 Peterson Road in Lawrence, Kansas. The facility offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care as part of Americare Senior Living, which operates 109 communities across the country.

• Types of Services Offered
  • Independent Living
  • Assisted Living
  • Memory Care: The Arbors
  • Additional Services
• Amenities and Accommodations
  • Living Spaces
  • Community Amenities
• Dining Experience
• Daily Activities and Programs
  • Social Activities
  • Educational and Wellness Programs
  • Special Interest Groups and Outings
• Resident Testimonials
  • Positive Feedback
  • Areas for Improvement
• Pricing Information
• Comparison with Competitors
  • Major Competitors in Lawrence
    • 1. Brandon Woods at Alvamar
    • 2. The Windsor of Lawrence
    • 3. Cedarhurst of Lawrence
• What Sets Monterey Village Apart
  • Strengths
  • Challenges
• Conclusion
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Types of services offered

Independent Living

The Cottages at Monterey Village offers maintenance-free independent living. Each unit includes:

• Private cottage with full-size modern kitchen
• In-home washer and dryer
• Full bath with step-in shower
• Individual climate control
• Covered front porch and parking
• Optional Catered Option Plan for additional services

Assisted Living

Assisted living includes 24-hour personalized support:

• Medication management
• Assistance with daily activities
• Regular health monitoring
• 24-hour call system
• Coordination with healthcare providers

Memory Care: The Arbors

The memory care program is housed in a dedicated 16-room neighborhood designed for residents with dementia:

• 16 specially designed rooms in a secure setting
• Private and semi-private furnished studios
• Inward-facing rooms to minimize wandering
• Small scale encourages social interaction
• Central common areas for activities

Additional Services

• Respite Care: Short-term stays for caregiver relief
• Rehabilitation Services: Support for recovery and maintaining function

Amenities and Accommodations

Living Spaces

• Studio apartments (assisted living and memory care)
• One and two-bedroom units (assisted living)
• Independent living cottages
• Full private bathrooms with walk-in showers
• Emergency call systems
• Individual climate control

Community Amenities

• Library and computer center
• Beauty salon and barbershop
• TV lounge and meeting rooms

• Indoor and outdoor common areas
• Central fireplace
• Fitness center with NU-Step™ bike
• Arts and crafts center
• Movie theater
• Raised garden beds

Dining Experience

Monterey Village has won a "Best Meals and Dining" award. The dining program features:

• Restaurant-style dining with daily specials
• Always-available menu options
• Chef-prepared meals
• Special dietary accommodations (low-sodium, no-sugar, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free)
• Private dining room and room service
• Guest meals

Daily Activities and Programs

The facility won a "Best Activities" award and offers diverse programming:

Social Activities

• Happy hour events and birthday parties
• Karaoke and trivia games
• Wine tasting and BBQs
• Live performances

Educational and Wellness Programs

• Cooking classes
• Reminiscence programs
• Stretching classes and Tai Chi
• Community service opportunities

Special Interest Groups and Outings

• Gardening club and pet-focused programs
• Field trips to local attractions like the Natural History Museum
• Excursions to Clinton State Park and Clinton Lake

Resident Testimonials

Families report mixed experiences at Monterey Village:

Positive Feedback

We moved our Mom in about 10 days ago and were expecting it to be a difficult transition for her. Everyone has been so nice and inclusive and caring. She is so happy here! She loves the meals and has made many new friends already.

My family and I have loved our experience with Monterey Village for our mother. It's a beautiful and clean place with an easy-to-access dining area, kind nurses, and staff who have been phenomenal.

Areas for Improvement

Some reviews cite concerns about management, staff turnover, and communication.

Pricing Information

• Independent Living One Bedroom: Starting at approximately $2,570 per month
• Assisted Living One Bedroom: Starting at $5,500 per month
• Assisted Living Two Bedroom: Starting at $6,800 per month

This is competitive with the Lawrence market average of $5,280 per month for assisted living.

Comparison with Competitors

Major Competitors in Lawrence

1. Brandon Woods at Alvamar

• Services: Assisted Living, Independent Living, Memory Care, Nursing Home
• Features: Swimming pool, fitness room, hiking trails, pub
• Starting Price: Studio apartments from $6,100/month
• Rating: 4.5/5

2. The Windsor of Lawrence

• Services: Assisted Living, Memory Care
• Features: Scheduled transportation, professional chefs
• Rating: 4/5

3. Cedarhurst of Lawrence

• Services: Assisted Living, Memory Care
• Rating: 5/5
• Starting Price: Assisted Living from $6,100/month

What Sets Monterey Village Apart

Strengths

1. Flexible Care Options: Residents can move between independent living, assisted living, and memory care as needs change
2. Award-Winning Programs: Has won recognition for dining and activities
3. Specialized Memory Care: Secure, intimate environment for dementia care
4. Competitive Pricing: Generally lower than other facilities in the area
5. Pet-Friendly: Accepts both cats and dogs

Challenges

1. Mixed Reviews: Families report varying experiences
2. Staff Consistency: Some reviews mention turnover issues

Conclusion

Monterey Village offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care with award-winning dining and activities programs. The facility has received positive testimonials, though reviews also mention management and staff consistency concerns.

For families considering senior living options in Lawrence, Monterey Village offers competitive pricing and a full range of care levels. A personal tour is essential—visit the space, sample the food, meet the staff, and assess whether it fits your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Monterey Village is at 3901 Peterson Road, Lawrence, KS 66049. To schedule a tour, call the admissions office or visit the Americare Senior Living website. Tours include independent living cottages, assisted living apartments, and the memory care neighborhood.
2. The community offers Independent Living cottages, Assisted Living apartments with 24/7 support, and Memory Care in a secure, small-scale setting. Short-term respite stays and on-site rehabilitation are also available.
3. Assisted Living generally starts at $2,800–$4,740 per month, with Independent Living cottages around $2,570/month. Fees cover rent, utilities, meals, basic care services, activities, housekeeping, and access to amenities. Pricing varies by unit type and care level—request a detailed fee schedule to confirm all costs.
4. Units include private cottages or apartments with kitchens or kitchenettes, emergency call systems, climate control, and covered parking. Common areas have a library, computer center, salon, barber shop, TV lounge, fitness center, arts studio, movie theater, garden beds, and walking paths. Activities include social events (happy hours, trivia, live performances), wellness programs (cooking classes, Tai Chi), clubs (gardening, pet programs), and outings to museums and parks.
5. Contact admissions to check availability and arrange a care assessment. Complete the residency agreement and select your unit or join the waitlist. Monterey Village offers award-winning dining and activities, a full continuum of care, pet-friendly policies, and competitive pricing. Tour in person, sample meals, meet staff, and review care plans to determine fit.