Fountaingrove Lodge: For LGBT and allied seniors

Our investigation into LGBT senior living would not have been complete without visiting Fountaingrove Lodge.  Many of the seniors I interviewed during our trip mentioned this new LGBT senior facility in Santa Rosa, California.  This community is situated in wine country, an hour from San Francisco and 25 miles from the coast. Although new LGBT senior communities are springing up across the country, this one is unique.  

First of all, Fountaingrove Lodge is not designed for seniors with a limited income.  The monthly fee begins at $3,395 with the most roomy bungalow fee set at $6,125 (a second occupant monthly fee is $975).  The refundable entrance fees range from $189,500 for a 1 bed, 1 bath, 833 square foot apartment to $925,500 for a bungalow with 2000 square feet, 2 bed, 2 bath and den. 

Secondly, Fountaingrove Lodge is owned by a corporation, Oakmont Senior Living, which operates over 30 retirement communities in the western US. Oakmont developed Fountaingrove Lodge specifically to "provide a beautiful, secure and dynamic community for LGBT seniors."  The brochure states that Oakmont is "dedicated to listening to, understanding and responding to the needs of seniors, and are exited to have undertaken this ground-breaking project."

I did not interview any residents during my afternoon visit but I can describe the ambiance of Fountaingrove Lodge.  Ok....the place if gorgeous!  This is the most beautiful senior community I've ever seen.  And the fact that it was designed just for us?  Amazing!  The craftsman style architecture gives the lobby a grand yet comfortable feel.  Staff members scurry around, giving tours, asking visitors if they need anything.  The concierge:  "Something from the Bistro?  Freshly baked cookies?  This place is exclusive.  We do everything we can to make sure or residents are well cared for."  The grounds are well kept and residents have unobstructed views of the beautiful hills and trees that surround the property.  There's a pool, cocktail lounge, wine cellar, movie theater, fitness center, and the property is adjacent to golf, tennis, hiking trails and a park.  They offer continuing care but nothing in the lobby or bistro area indicates that this place is designed for seniors.  In fact, if you weren't aware that this was a senior community, you might think you were at a 5-star resort!  

During my interview with Lisa Lomeli, I learned that Fountaingrove Lodge had recently included the term "ally" in their description.  Lisa said that this term was difficult for some of the residents who may have come to Fountaingrove Lodge with the understanding that it would be exclusively for LGBT residents.  This shift will hopefully help market the community to LGBT allies and help them increase the number of residents.  Currently, Fountaingrove is at 45% of their capacity.  Lisa said, "People are watching us."  Other senior housing corporations are certainly waiting to see how this plays out. 

Now for the question:  If I lived in or near Santa Rosa and if I could afford it, would I want to live here?  Probably not.  The "exclusivity" factor doesn't work for me.  Lisa wasn't able to provide data on the number of non-LGBT residents.  Ethnic diversity?  Not sure about this either.  I'd also rather not be a place that is so expensive that it excludes a large percentage of our community.  

Are LGBT senior communities liberating or isolating?  Perhaps both.