With more than two decades of experience in creating and enhancing lifestyle opportunities for seniors in Northern California, the Meadows of Napa Valley initiated a comprehensive renovation program as part a four-phase master plan designed to upgrade and reposition the 20-acre campus and expand its continuum of care.The Meadows of Napa Valley is owned by The Odd Fellows Home of California, a California nonprofit public benefit corporation, and managed by Retirement Services LLC, or RS. “While many people contributed to the successful completion of this phase, I especially want to thank Brian McLemore, executive vice president of marketing and development with RS for his leadership on this project, along with Lynn Hill of JHL Commercial Properties and an Odd Fellows board member, for volunteering to chair the Meadows Development Committee,” said Wayne Panchesson, executive administrator of the Meadows. Chief among the improvements is a new 60,411-square-foot assisted living and memory care facility at 1800 Atrium Parkway just off Route 29 in the heart of the Wine Country. Located at the northern border of a wetlands preserve and on the edge of Napa’s urban growth boundary, the building was oriented to take advantage of the region’s natural beauty, which includes about 150 coastal Redwoods on the grounds. “Built and furnished for $16 million and completed in 2009, the new two-story wood frame structure over a slab on grade occupies two acres,” said Pat Wolfe, project manager for Wright Contracting Inc., general contractor for the project. “The front entrance and reception area leads to a spacious room with a large seating area and fireplace. The new facility has 40 assisted living and 20 memory care units improving the ability of the campus to care for seniors with a wider range of specific needs.” “The master plan incorporates several sustainable concepts,” said Chris Dalengas, AIA, principal at Ankrom Moisan Associated Architects, designers of the new project. “The building envelope is heavily insulated, and the majority of the construction utilizes local durable materials including a tile roof and stucco-exterior facade. Interior materials were specified for low-VOC (volatile organic compound) content to maintain good indoor air quality.” Energy Star appliances are used throughout the project. A 95 percent efficient recirculation system moves water through a series of three heaters. Corridors and common spaces are large and brightly lit to utilize as much natural light as possible for an open, relaxed feel. The Meadows management team is working with the city of Napa to develop a recycling system to handle food waste from the commercial kitchen. All activity, living and dining spaces open directly onto outdoor patios, decks or balconies in the new building. The new addition is Phase II of the master plan and brings the total number of units at the Meadows to 258, divided into multiple support levels depending upon individual requirements. These levels include independent, residential and assisted living, memory and Alzheimer’s care, skilled nursing care and an extensive rehabilitation program. With double occupancy in some units, this capacity gives the Meadows accommodations for up to 375 residents who are served by a staff of 198 caregivers, medical professionals and administrative personnel. The memory care portion of the facility is considered to be a secure area designed to keep confused or disoriented residents safe and to prevent them from possibly wandering away. An attractive and enclosed outdoor courtyard garden acts as an integral portion of the living space and is accessible at any time from the memory care common spaces. Phase II also includes a new 2,000-square-foot commercial kitchen, complete with dining area, that is now preparing meals for all campus residents under the direction of Chef Robert Day. The Phase III work now underway involves the renovation of the first floor of the West Wing where 65 existing assisted living units are being combined to create 39 larger independent living apartments.Overall, the Meadows offers alcove apartments, both traditional and deluxe one- and two-bedroom units as well as large suites. All units feature a kitchenette and private bath, and many come with decks. With the recent upgrades, each apartment features new carpeting and vinyl flooring, fresh paint, upgraded window treatments, new cabinetry and modern appliances and other appointments.The campus has its own deli/cafe and gift shop as well as beauty and barber shops. Complimentary laundry facilities offer convenience while weekly housekeeping and personal laundry services are also available. Residents enjoy a full calendar of programs and activities such as card playing, billiards, painting, gardening, movies or music. An activities coordinator schedules social events, entertainment and recreational excursions. There is an indoor spa, putting green, library, a heated outdoor pool as well as a variety of on-campus exercise programs at the fitness center. Bocce and croquet courts are also being planned. Residents and guests can also stroll through the gardens and explore numerous common areas. Shuttles and vans transport residents twice a week to nearby medical facilities, pharmacies and labs. There are organized outings to local theaters each Wednesday.The Meadows on-site Health Care Center has private and semi-private rooms with patios. A team of professionally licensed nurses and certified nurses aides provides access to long- and short-term skilled nursing care. Meal plans are reviewed and approved by a registered dietician. A comprehensive rehabilitation program provides a range of therapeutic services under the close supervision of a board certified medical doctor specializing in physical medicine and rehabilitation. Residents also have access to speech, occupational and physical therapy within the center.Resident rental fees are assessed on a month-to-month basis, and there is no entrance charge.“We believe that we offer affordable options and exceptional value to our residents. Most of our units are larger than our competitors,” said Kent Fry, director of marketing for RS. “Floor plans range from 560 square feet up to 1,200 square feet for two-bedroom apartments. By way of comparison, the average two-bedroom apartment in Napa has only 950 square feet.”Residential and independent living studios start at $1,889 per month, and two-bedroom/two bath apartments with full kitchens, granite counter tops and washers/dryers rent for $4,600 per month, including meals. Assisted living tri-units are priced at $4,421 per month with private two-bedroom assisted living units ranging to $5,663 per month.According to Mary Naylor, vice president of development with RS, “While the median age of our residents is in the low 80s, a trend has been developing among a growing number of seniors who chose to retire in their 70s while they are still active and wish to enjoy an independent lifestyle. This group is used to living in large homes and wants additional space. At the Meadows they don’t have to worry about taking care of a yard or doing their own laundry.” Future Phase IV improvements will involve the construction of a new L-shaped independent living building between the existing West Wing and the Health Care Center.
