Ben PhilipShipley Living Retirement Community, located in Wilmington, Delaware, is a rental-based continuing care retirement community offering a wide range of services and accommodations for older adults. The community provides independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing care all on one campus, ensuring residents have the support they need as their lifestyle and health requirements change. With modern amenities, engaging programs, and a strong sense of community, Shipley Living offers a safe, comfortable, and enriching environment for seniors to enjoy their retirement years.
Shipley Living Retirement Community
Overview & Location
Shipley Living is a rental continuing care retirement community (CCRC) situated at 2723 Shipley Road, Wilmington, Delaware. As a CCRC, it offers multiple levels of senior care—including independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, and short-term rehabilitation—all on a single, worry-free campus.
Located in a vibrant Wilmington neighborhood, Shipley Living enjoys close proximity to shopping, dining, cultural attractions, parks, the waterfront, and premier medical centers.
Levels of Care & Living Arrangements
- Independent Living
- Designed for active seniors seeking freedom from home maintenance.
- Offers amenities like restaurant-style dining, housekeeping, transportation, and social activities.
- Assisted Living
- Supports residents who need help with daily activities.
- Emphasizes independence with personalized assistance and purposeful living.
- Skilled Nursing & Short-Term Rehab
- Onsite 24/7 nursing staff provide advanced care.
- Services include post-surgical recovery, medication and wound care, cardiac, pain, oxygen, continence, catheter, and colostomy management.
- Private Cottages
- One- and two-bedroom cottages behind the clubhouse with full kitchens and serene, tree-lined views.
- Recently offered at 25% reduced rental rates, offering the charm of independent living with maintenance-free comfort.
Amenities & Community Life
Shipley Living delivers a robust offering of facilities and services:
- Dining: Nutrition-focused meals served three times daily, anytime dining flexibility, special diet accommodations, and private dining options.
- Social & Enrichment Programs: Includes book clubs, games, arts, music performances, local outings, bridge, jewelry making, happy hours, and other engaging events.
- Fitness & Recreation: On-site fitness classes, walking paths, computer room, art studio, library, movie room, gardens, and more.
- Support Services: Housekeeping, laundry, transportation, trash removal, beauty/barber services.
- Pet-Friendly Environment and a strong sense of home and safety—a trait commonly highlighted by residents.
Renovations & Aesthetic Enhancements
In 2023, under Life Care Services (LCS), Shipley Living completed extensive renovations to elevate both appearance and experience:
- Exterior: New roof, refreshed façade, updated porte-cochère, and grand entrance.
- Interior common areas: Refurbished lobby, corridors, communal living room, dining room, bistro, and bar.
- These efforts modernized the look and enhanced comfort and social spaces for residents and guests alike.
What Residents Say — Real Voices
Residents and families frequently praise Shipley Living for its caring staff and enriching lifestyle:
- “With enough friends to socialize … plenty of intellectual & physical activities … residents’ care, safety & comfort are priority number one.” — Harrison S.
- Joan and Dave Neikirk love the two-bed cottage, proximity to amenities, and supportive staff.
- Anna and Peter Somogyi appreciate personal hobbies and friendly, close-knit atmosphere.
- Carolyn and Gary Bryant described the community as “a family… we congregate, share, and enjoy one another’s company.”
Other family reports highlight smooth transitions across care levels, familiarity between staff and residents, and a clean, welcoming environment.
Some reviews offer constructive feedback too: a former resident’s family noted safety concerns like lack of ramps and CCTV for cottages and inconsistencies in food quality, along with leadership turnover—but acknowledged staff responsiveness.
Awards & Recognition
- Recognized for excellence in care services, safety, hospitality, value, and homelike feel across independent and assisted living segments.
- Also awarded number one in customer satisfaction for four consecutive years in New Castle County.
Summary
Here’s a structured look at what Shipley Living offers.
Category | Highlights |
| ——————- | ————————————————————– |
Location | Wilmington, DE; close to parks, dining, culture, healthcare |
Care Continuum | Independent, Assisted, Skilled Nursing, Rehab—all onsite |
Living Options | Apartments and private cottages (no buy-in, rental-based) |
Amenities | Dining, fitness, arts, social programs, pet-friendly, services |
Renovations | Recent upgrades to exterior and shared spaces |
Resident Experience | Warmth, community, responsive staff; minor feedback addressed |
Recognition | Top satisfaction and care ratings |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is Shipley Living Retirement Community
A. Shipley Living Retirement Community is a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) that offers multiple levels of care under one roof, including independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing. This structure allows residents to transition smoothly between care levels as needed, without leaving the community.
Q: How many homes are in the community?
A. The community features a variety of housing options, including apartments and private cottages, designed to accommodate different preferences and needs. The exact number may vary, but residents can choose from smaller studio apartments to spacious one- and two-bedroom cottages.
Q: What types of homes are available?
A. Residents may select from independent living apartments, assisted living suites, or private cottages with full kitchens and scenic views. These options allow seniors to enjoy either a more private lifestyle or a supportive environment with tailored services.
Q: What amenities are available?
A. Shipley Living offers a wide range of amenities such as restaurant-style dining, housekeeping, fitness classes, walking paths, an art studio, library, movie room, beauty and barber services, and a pet-friendly atmosphere. Social enrichment programs like book clubs, music performances, and outings are also available to enhance community life.
Q: Are there educational opportunities?
A. Yes, the community provides access to lectures, workshops, and interest-based classes that encourage lifelong learning. Residents are often invited to join discussion groups, computer lessons, or skill-based workshops like jewelry making and arts.
Q: What healthcare facilities are nearby?
A. Being in Wilmington, Shipley Living is conveniently close to top-rated hospitals and medical centers. In addition, the community itself offers 24/7 nursing staff and skilled medical support, including rehabilitation services, medication management, and post-surgical recovery care.
Q: What shopping and dining options are available?
A. The community has its own dining venues with nutrition-focused menus and flexible dining hours. Beyond campus, residents are only minutes away from Wilmington’s shops, local boutiques, and a variety of restaurants offering casual to fine dining experiences.
Q: What recreational activities are nearby?
A. Shipley Living is located near parks, gardens, cultural venues, and waterfront areas, making it easy for residents to enjoy nature walks, theater outings, or art exhibits. Within the community, residents can participate in fitness classes, games, arts and crafts, or social gatherings.
Q: What committees are available for residents?
A. Residents are encouraged to take an active role in shaping community life through committees. These may include dining committees, resident councils, activity planning groups, and volunteer committees, all of which give residents a voice and an opportunity to build stronger connections with their peers.
Conclusion
Shipley Living Retirement Community provides seniors with more than just a place to live; it offers a supportive environment that encourages independence, personal growth, and social connection. With a variety of living options, modern amenities, nearby healthcare facilities, and active resident participation, Shipley Living ensures that retirement is both enjoyable and fulfilling. For those seeking a safe, engaging, and vibrant retirement lifestyle in Wilmington, this community presents an excellent choice.