This is an outstanding property, and the cost of entry reflects the difference between this retirement home and other assisted living facilities. Brand-new, with an extensive array of activities available on-site, the place seems more like a luxury hotel than a place where old folks park themselves in the lobby chairs and stare at you over their walkers as you enter. Library, card room, art classes and studio, full gym with personal trainer on duty, heated pool and spa, grab-and-go deli area, wellness office with RNs, memory unit, beautiful grounds, secure parking, etc.
The challenge is that the residences require a buy-in, typically in the hundreds of thousands of dollars or more, which amount is explained to be 90% refundable upon the apartment being vacated and re-sold to the next purchaser. Once accepted, you then pay a monthly "rent" of some thousands (which appears to be less than the monthly rate at many assisted living locations) out of which rent there is a monthly food allowance. In addition to knowing your financial capability they require a physical evaluation to be sure you can handle the level of independence required.
The regular dining room has an extensive menu, and the food prices are deducted from the monthly food allowance which is part of the monthly rental fee, which means the food is much better and more varied than the two-choices/all-in-one meal fee charged by other assisted living places, where the food is often tasteless and of poor quality. If you buy more than your monthly food allowance has allotted, you get a bill to make up the difference. There is also a weekends-only upscale restaurant which is suitable for families joining a resident for dinner during weekend visits.
The place is very clean and beautifully decorated, with the smart choice of handsome carpet squares instead of wall-to-wall in the hallways, for easy replacement in case of spills. The public areas are lined with good artwork, there's a large library, and there are many apartment floor plans to choose from, with large rooms and beautiful kitchen areas, balconies, and frequently there are powder rooms in addition to double-sink master bathrooms. More independent residents may decide to take an apartment in one of the villas rather than in the main building.
Overall there's real thoughtfulness and excellence in the design and implementation of this place, and it's very "country club" in feel, so be prepared for sticker shock. Residents I spoke to were all extremely complimentary about Monte Cedro -- they loved it there. But who wouldn't? read more