Meadowlark Estates is an independent-living community that can also accommodate short-term or respite stays. Residents who need temporary support after a hospital visit, or families looking for a brief relief option, have access to furnished apartments and on-site staff during those stays. For ongoing needs, the community monitors and supports diabetes management by coordinating meal plans, providing scheduled blood-glucose checks, and arranging medication reminders. While care is tailored for active adults, the availability of these medical services gives residents and families added peace of mind.
Beyond direct medical oversight, Meadowlark Estates offers routine wellness checks and partners with outside health providers for physical therapy, podiatry, and other ancillary services when requested. Transportation can be arranged for physician appointments in Lawrence or the wider Douglas County area, and an emergency call system links every residence to staff at any hour. Fitness classes, nutrition counseling, and scheduled health education sessions further round out the preventive approach to resident well-being.
Apartment options range from studio suites to two-bedroom layouts. Select units are on the ground floor, and some include wheelchair-accessible showers, full bath tubs, or both. All apartments are air-conditioned and feature kitchenettes for light meal preparation. Wi-Fi, basic cable, and resident parking are available, while uncovered parking spaces accommodate visiting vehicles. Not every unit has every feature, so future residents can verify specific requests such as proximity to the central fireplace, direct access to the outdoor patio, or allowance for a cat. Shared indoor spaces include a library, billiards lounge, TV lounge, computer center, ballroom, and meeting rooms, while outdoor areas feature a butterfly and hummingbird garden along with common patios and walking paths.
Dining is handled by a professional chef who serves three daily meals in a restaurant-style dining room, with room service and guest meals offered as needed. Menus can be customized for vegan, low-sodium, no-sugar, gluten-free, or organic preferences, and a café-style bistro offers lighter fare throughout the day. Residents may reserve the private dining room for family celebrations, and community barbecues or picnics are scheduled when weather permits.
Daily life is reinforced by an extensive activity calendar. Residents may attend chair yoga, stretching, or Wii Bowling sessions in the fitness center; join bridge, cards, or trivia clubs; and take part in arts and crafts, cooking classes, or gardening in the raised beds. Live music, dances, holiday parties, and birthday celebrations are routine, while educational speakers, current-events discussions, Bible study, and Jewish services provide opportunities for lifelong learning and spiritual support. Off-site day trips, community service programs, and a resident band complement on-site amenities such as the movie room and karaoke nights, delivering a well-rounded social environment.
