The Rio Grande in Rio Rancho, NM operates as an independent-living community, allowing residents to handle most daily tasks on their own while having direct access to medical resources. Every apartment contains an emergency pull cord that connects to staff around the clock, and a registered nurse is available on-site during scheduled hours for health consultations and routine wellness checks. The community partners with local primary-care physicians, podiatrists, and rehabilitation therapists for on-site visits and offers coordination with nearby hospitals for urgent transfers. Pharmacy delivery, lab draws, and physical, occupational, or speech therapy sessions can be arranged, so residents have a defined support network without the need to move to a higher level of care.
Routine services are in place to preserve each resident’s independence. Weekly housekeeping, linen service, and preventive maintenance are included, and scheduled transportation takes residents to medical appointments, shopping, and errands. A concierge assists with prescription refills, health-related paperwork, and scheduling. A full-time fitness director oversees evidence-based exercise classes designed for balance, flexibility, and strength to reduce fall risk. Safety measures such as well-lit walkways, regular building inspections, and grab bars in common-area restrooms further support residents’ ongoing health.
Apartments range from studios to two-bedrooms and include kitchenettes, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and cable or satellite TV hookups. Selected units add garden views, ground-floor access, private baths with bathtubs or wheelchair-accessible showers, and other handicap-accessible features. Common areas include an indoor atrium, central fireplace, library, computer center, billiards lounge, TV lounge, piano, and several meeting rooms. Outside, residents find patios, uncovered and covered parking, raised garden beds, and walking paths. Cats are permitted in designated units, and availability should be confirmed during a visit. Not all residences contain every feature listed, so prospective residents should verify details that matter most to them.
A professional chef prepares three daily meals served restaurant-style, and menu options cover no-sugar, low-sodium, gluten-free, vegetarian, kosher, and international selections. Residents may reserve a private dining room for family events, and guest meals are available with notice. Outdoor barbecue areas support picnics and seasonal cookouts, and regular wine-tasting events accompany special menus. Nutritional information is posted, and dietary modifications are reviewed with staff dietitians to ensure physician recommendations are met.
Residents can choose from an extensive activity lineup that includes Forever Fit classes, yoga, chair yoga, tai chi, stretching, water aerobics, and a fully equipped fitness center. Social and educational offerings span book club, current events discussions, trivia contests, art classes, quilting, gardening club, cards and pinochle, bridge, scheduled speakers, and lifelong learning workshops. Entertainment features live music, a resident band, karaoke, Wii bowling, movie nights in the theater room, holiday and birthday parties, happy hour, and dances in the ballroom. Day trips, community service projects, intergenerational programs, and a men’s club broaden engagement. Spiritual needs are met through Bible study, Islamic services, and Jewish services, and all activities are optional so residents can tailor participation to individual interests and abilities.
