Residents chat with Executive Director Donna Bell after lunch in the dining room.

Brandon Woods at Alvamar is more than just a senior living community–it’s a vibrant and supportive environment that offers residents, ages 55-plus, a high quality of life. With a focus on independence, wellness, and strong community ties, this award-winning senior living center has set itself apart as a leader in senior care. Here are five key things to know about Brandon Woods at Alvamar and why it stands out as a premier choice for senior living.

Trivia brings residents together to test their knowledge of geography, history and more.

1. Diverse Living Options for Every Stage of Senior Life

Among the distinctive features of Brandon Woods is the variety of living arrangements available. Recognizing that every senior has unique needs and preferences, the community offers several residential options, including:

• Independent Living Townhomes: These are ideal for seniors who want to maintain a sense of home ownership while enjoying the benefits of senior community living. The 76 townhomes offer residents the chance to own their homes within an independent association, fostering a strong sense of connection and self-sufficiency.

• Independent Living Apartments: For those individuals focused on maintaining their independence, these apartments provide the perfect living environment to enjoy stress-free living so you can do the things you like doing.

• Assisted Living Apartments: For those who need some daily assistance, these apartments provide a supportive environment while still promoting independence.

• Memory Care Assisted Living: Specialized accommodations and services are available for residents dealing with memory-related conditions, ensuring compassionate and tailored care.

Executive Director Donna Bell emphasizes the importance of adapting to the changing needs of seniors: “At Brandon Woods, we strive to provide an environment that grows with our residents. Our mission is to honor and enrich the journey of life, one experience at a time. We realize each individual is on their own journey, and we work to assist them along the way.”

2. Award-Winning Community with Exceptional Amenities

Brandon Woods at Alvamar has been recognized as the best senior living community in Lawrence for 12 consecutive years in the Best of Lawrence awards. This accolade highlights the community’s commitment to excellence and resident satisfaction.

The 30-acre campus is home to a wide range of amenities designed to enhance residents’ quality of life, including:

• A heated indoor saltwater pool, the only one of its kind in Lawrence for senior communities, used for recreational swimming, aquatic therapy, and exercise classes.

• A well-equipped fitness center and customized wellness programs such as Fit for Life and Blended Balance, catering to different activity levels.

• The Big 12 Pub provides a welcoming social space for residents to gather and enjoy refreshments.

• Beautifully landscaped park area and walking trails for leisurely strolls and outdoor enjoyment.

• A beauty and barber shop, allowing residents to maintain their grooming and self-care conveniently on-site.

With these exceptional amenities, residents can enjoy a fulfilling lifestyle that balances recreation, wellness, and relaxation.

The heated indoor saltwater pool, the only one of its kind in Lawrence for senior communities, used for recreational swimming, aquatic therapy, and exercise classes.

3. An Active and Engaging Lifestyle

Brandon Woods at Alvamar ensures that seniors have plenty of opportunities to stay active and engaged, fostering a sense of community and purpose. Life Enrichment at Brandon Woods offers activities that promote emotional, physical, intellectual, and community-inspired EPIC programming. Some popular programs include:

• Water aerobics classes led by an in-house therapist.

• Yoga and other fitness classes tailored to senior mobility and strength.

• A variety of social events, like a weekly Friday cocktail hour featuring live music, a variety of board and card games, wine tastings, even a Sip & Paint session.

• Group outings to museums, shopping centers, theaters, and restaurants in Lawrence and beyond.

• Church transportation and on-site religious-based programs.

• Regular movie nights in the community’s dedicated movie room.

Bell highlights the importance of these programs in creating a vibrant atmosphere. “We believe in keeping our residents engaged in activities that bring them joy,” she says. “Whether it’s socializing over a cup of coffee, developing new interests and skills, and meaningful relationships, or enjoying a special event, there is something for everyone at Brandon Woods.”

Brian Smith, Culinary Director at Brandon Woods serves a glass of wine in the Big 12 Pub.

4. Exceptional Dining Experience

Dining at Brandon Woods is more than just a necessity–it is an experience. The community prides itself on offering restaurant-quality meals with a diverse menu catering to different tastes and dietary needs. The culinary team provides:

• Three delicious meals a day, prepared with fresh ingredients.

• A restaurant-style dining experience, complete with attentive service.

• Options for residents with specific dietary restrictions, such as gluten-free, vegetarian, and no-sugar-added meals.

• Private dining spaces for special occasions.

In addition to everyday dining, residents can enjoy special culinary events, themed dinners, and freshly baked cookies–a favorite treat in the community.

5. A Dedicated and Caring Staff

At the heart of Brandon Woods at Alvamar is its exceptional team of 65 caregivers, administrative staff, and service providers who together bring a remarkable 419 years of combined experience in senior living at Brandon Woods. The community operates with the philosophy of “people helping people,” ensuring that both residents and employees feel valued and supported.

Key aspects of the staff’s commitment include:

• Monthly training sessions to uphold high service standards.

• Tuition reimbursement programs and incentives to encourage staff development.

• A daily all-team meeting to enhance communication and transparency.

• A compassionate approach to care, including goodnight calls for new residents to keep families informed about their loved ones.

• Close collaboration with families to develop personalized care plans tailored to each resident’s needs.

Donna Bell,
Executive Director of Brandon Woods at Alvamar.

Executive Director Donna Bell has been an integral part of Brandon Woods for more than 25 years. She started as Vice President of Human Resources with the original owners of Brandon Woods and has since led the community with a focus on resident engagement and high-quality service. Under her leadership, the staff prioritizes personalized care, working closely with residents and their families to create individualized living arrangements and support plans.

“We take great pride in our staff and the care they provide,” Bell says. “It’s not just about meeting the needs of our residents–it’s about building lasting relationships and making sure they feel truly at home.”

“We want to make sure that family members feel comfortable sharing their loved ones with us,” she adds.

Remodeling and Recovery from Fire

Nobody was harmed in the August 2024 fire that damaged 48 units in the Brandon Woods community. The community quickly took action to rebuild and modernize affected areas. Bell acknowledges the resilience of both residents and staff during the recovery process: “Our community came together in an incredible way. The safety and well-being of our residents have always been our top priority, and we used this as an opportunity to make improvements that will benefit them for years to come.” She expects that the first group of impacted apartments will be ready for occupancy in May.

As part of ongoing renovations, Brandon Woods remodels apartments to enhance comfort and meet modern senior living standards. A major upgrade includes replacing traditional bathtubs with accessible showers to improve residents’ safety and convenience.