Freedom Village Retirement Community (2025)

The central philosophy: relieve residents of routine burdens—maintenance, cooking, cleaning—so they can pursue passions, build connections, and enjoy life’s pleasures in a resort-like setting. This includes chef-prepared meals, engaging activities, health and wellness infrastructure, and compassionate care when needed

Freedom Village Retirement Community: Residential Options & Housing

Freedom Village offers a wide variety of housing plans to suit different needs and preferences:

• Independent Living: Options include one- to two-bedroom apartments or cottages (350–1,300 ft²), often with full kitchens, darkened crown molding, carpet, quartz countertops, walk-in closets, balconies, individually controlled HVAC systems, and emergency-call features

• Assisted Living, Memory Care, Skilled Nursing: On the same campus, residents can easily transition through care levels while remaining within the community—ensuring continuity and eliminating disruptions

This continuum of care ensures that Freedom Village supports residents “for life”—from fully independent to skilled nursing—under a unified care philosophy.

Campus Amenities & Physical Environment

The campus is thoughtfully designed to promote wellness, socialization, and convenience:

• Beautiful Grounds & Outdoor Spaces: Multiple images depict lush courtyards, walking loops, shaded gazebo, shuffleboard, bocce lawns, horseshoe pits—with seating nodes and mature plantings encouraging casual or active outdoor leisure

• Activity-Rich Community Spaces: These include a bistro, private dining rooms, fitness centers, indoor and outdoor pools, putting greens, billiards, arts & crafts studio, barbershop/salon, and library areas .

• Services & Convenience: Maintenance, housekeeping, laundry, transportation (within a 10-mile radius), 24/7 front desk, gated parking, Wi-Fi in common areas, and on-site nursing staff (including EMTs) provide both autonomy and security .

• Nearby Infrastructure: Proximity to Saddleback Medical Group, South Coast Medical Center, CVS pharmacy, parks, cafés, and restaurants enriches resident independence.

Lifestyle, Programs & Social Engagement

A robust and varied activity calendar fosters lifelong learning, creativity, and social connection:

• Arts & Learning: Painting classes like “Sip and Paint,” art shows, craft club, Spanish lessons, book clubs, and documentary screenings .

• Fitness & Wellness: Tai Chi, balance and stretch classes, aqua fitness, indoor pool workouts, personal fitness trainer, and rehabilitation services .

• Recreation & Games: Wii bowling, putting tournaments, bingo, poker, bridge, Hand & Foot, pinochle, shuffleboard and bocce .

• Entertainment & Outings: Weekly live music, cultural excursions, film nights, ballroom and line dancing, volunteer groups, Men’s and Ladies’ Clubs .

• Dining & Social Meals: Main dining room, pub/sports bar, private rooms for hosted celebrations—all delivered with attentive, familiar servers.

• Spiritual & Community Engagement: Faith services, resident council meetings, and participation in planned outreach and volunteering .

This dynamic mix empowers residents to choose their engagement level, from active to relaxed, fostering both choice and belonging.

Care Continuum & Wellness Services

Freedom Village positions itself as more than just social amenities—it’s a comprehensive care provider:

• Life Plan Commitment: Residents can access assisted living, memory care, nursing, and rehabilitation on-campus at stable or reduced rates—simplifying transitions and financial planning

• On-Site Skilled Nursing & Therapy: Nursing and rehabilitation (e.g. post-operative care, physical therapy) are integrated into the daily fabric of the community

• Health Monitoring & Preventive Care: Registered nurses, wellness clinics, monthly screenings, and 24/7 safety protocols offer peace of mind .

• Emergency Response: EMTs are on duty around the clock and apartments are equipped with emergency call systems

This thoughtful level of care means that both residents and families can anticipate evolving needs without relocation hassles.

Community Environment & Employee Culture

Strong resident feedback and staff continuity underpin a warm, family‑like environment:

• High Staff Retention: Over three decades with consistent ownership, and many staff exceeding 10 years on the team, suggest a stable workplace that supports caring relationships

• Resident Voice: Many testimonials praise the “class‑A food,” friendly staff, “remarkable” community spirit—often described as family by residents

  “Freedom Village is a well‑established, stable community… the staff and residents are family.”

  “The food is as good as any high‑end restaurant.”

• Safety & Cleanliness: Especially during COVID‑19, the staff’s care and strict safety protocols reassured residents and families .

• Family‑Style Interactions: Residents and staff engaged in daily banter—staff remember preferences, and meals feel deeply personal .

This culture nurtures a sense of connection—and creates a more joyful living atmosphere.

Financial Structure & Pricing

Freedom Village’s financial model centers on predictability and value, yet it warrants clarity:

• Entrance Fee: A single-entry Life Plan contract covers future care costs, akin to a long-term care insurance plan

• Monthly Fees: Range from approximately $3,000/mo (studios/1BR) to $11,000/mo (private nursing); exact amounts vary with residence type and care needed .

  Housing Type	Monthly Cost (estimated per Olera)
  Studio IL/AL	$3,000–$6,000/mo
  1BR	$3,500–$6,500/mo
  2BR	$4,000–$7,500/mo
  Memory Care	$5,000–$7,000/mo
  Skilled Nursing	$7,000–$10,000/mo

• Life Care Benefits: Entrance fee mostly refundable, covers unlimited on‑site care access—nursing and therapy costs may remain stable or discounted .

• Tax Advantages: IRS classifies portions of fees as medical prepayments; veterans benefits and certain deductions may apply.

Families considering this model should weigh the initial investment versus long-term value, continuity, and potential tax savings.

Strengths & Considerations

Strengths:

1. Comprehensive Continuum: Independent → Assisted → Memory Care → Skilled Nursing—all in one location.

2. Vibrant Lifestyle: Exceptional range of arts, fitness, social clubs, and spiritual options.

3. Culinary Excellence: Multiple dining venues and cuisine considered restaurant quality

4. Community Cohesion: Strong social bonds, friendly staff, and consistent leadership.

5. Health & Safety Infrastructure: Professional nursing oversight and rapid emergency support.

6. Business Stability: Debt-free history and decades-long ownership reduce financial risk.

Considerations:

1. Cost: CCRCs typically have higher upfront costs and commitment—clarity on refund terms is vital.

2. Location: While suburban Lake Forest is peaceful, residents who prefer urban living might find this less convenient.

3. Size: With 533 beds available, the community is sizable—some may prefer smaller, more intimate settings.

4. Eligibility & Waitlist: Understanding entrance criteria, financial assessments, and waitlists should be done early.

Resident & Family Perspectives

Real stories highlight the community’s impact:

• Top‑tier Dining & Service:

  “I visited the dining area and it was absolutely beautiful. I had a meal and it was very good.”

• Trusted Care:

  “Freedom Village… staff performed heroically to keep residents safe, involved, and even entertained during COVID‑19.”

• Family Feeling:

  “The staff and residents are family.”

Such comments echo consistently across review platforms and social media—suggesting authenticity and depth.

Conclusion

Freedom Village Retirement Community delivers a strong proposition: vibrant independent living enhanced by resort-level services, culinary excellence, diverse social programming, and a full care continuum—all with financial stability and a proven business model.

For seniors who foresee lifestyle shifts over time, the Life Plan model offers peace of mind and simplified care transitions. Residents and families consistently highlight the exceptional food, caring staff, and a genuinely supportive community atmosphere.

Freedom Village is not just housing—it’s a long-term lifestyle commitment. With generous amenities, responsive healthcare, and social vibrancy, it is well-suited to seniors seeking continuity, engagement, and high living standards.