Frequent questions

What is the history of Primrose Retirement Communities?

Primrose Retirement Communities was founded in 1989 based on the premise that a retirement community must reward its residents with value, comfort, security, and convenience. From the beginning, our home office has been in Aberdeen, South Dakota. Our Duluth community opened in 2003.

What makes Primrose Retirement Communities of Duluth unique?

Primrose of Duluth is a smaller community, which includes a total of 76 Independent and Assisted Living apartment homes that range in size from studio to two-bedroom. Our community has a warm and friendly atmosphere that you will recognize the minute you walk through the door. New residents quickly get to know their neighbors and make new friends. And who knows? You may see some familiar faces as well! In addition to our Director of Nursing, who oversees the Assisted Living program, we also have Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) on staff. To provide the best medical care possible, we have a licensed nurse in the building 24/7. Our smaller size, combined with our high level of nurse staffing, allows us to offer excellent medical care and personal attention to each of our residents.

What does the scheduled transportation consist of?

For all of our residents, free, scheduled transportation is included in the monthly rent. Free, unlimited transportation is available Monday through Thursday between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. If you prefer to go with a group of other residents, there are shopping trips throughout the month to different destinations.

Is there a designated area that families can reserve for private parties?

If families would like to host a private party, they can do so in our Theater Room or Family Room. Please see management in advance if you would like to reserve this room.

Are pets welcome?

Small pets are welcome with appropriate documentation and a $750 pet fee. Please see management for more details.

Can Independent Living residents switch to Assisted Living when/if more care is needed?

Yes! As Independent Living residents need more care, they can switch over to Assisted Living. A meeting with the Community Manager and the Director of Nursing would be scheduled to determine care needs, finances, etc. In some cases, Assisted Living can be provided in the same apartment.

Up to three meals are included in the rent for Independent Living residents. Can Independent Living residents also purchase breakfast or supper?

Breakfast can be purchased for $4 per meal and supper can be purchased for $4 per meal.

Is there an Activities Program?

Primrose has a full activities program that consists of music events, coffee groups, crafts, and outings, just to name a few. A copy of the monthly calendar is distributed at the beginning of each month. If you like, we can also mail a copy to your family member.

Is there a daily Wellness Check for Independent Living residents?

All Independent Living residents have a wellness tab on their apartment door. Our overnight staff will put these tabs in the “up” position. The resident is responsible to move the tab to the ‘down’ position by simply opening their door before 10:00 a.m. The tab will automatically fall down. At 10:00 a.m., a staff member will conduct rounds to check these wellness tabs. If a door tab is still in the ‘up’ position, the staff member will knock on the door. If no answer, the staff member will enter the apartment to determine if there is an emergency and will address the situation appropriately.

Is there a beauty salon on-site?

Yes, there is an independent salon that is on-site. The salon is open Tuesday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Appointments can be scheduled directly through the stylist. "A Bit of Class", phone number 727-1603.

Are there laundry rooms?

Laundry service is included for all Assisted Living residents and is available for an extra charge for Indpendent Living residents. Standard units have washer/dryer hookups in the apartments and public laundry rooms are also provided on each floor and these can be used at no cost.

Is the community secure?

Yes. The only entrances that are ever unlocked are the front entrance and the double doors leading to the courtyard. These entrances are unlocked during the day, but are locked from 9:00 p.m. through 7:00 a.m. There is an entry panel that visitors can use to contact you by phone when the front entrance is locked. All other entrances are locked 24/7 and can be unlocked with your apartment key.

Are there individual thermostats in the apartment?

Each apartment has its own individual heat and central air system which is controlled by the resident.

Is there a buy-in fee or deposit?

There is no buy-in fee for our community. There is a $1,000 deposit that will reserve an apartment for up to 30 days. The deposit is refundable after damages, cleaning costs or owed rent having been deducted.

Can I add my name to the waiting list?

If there is not an opening at the time of your search, you can ask to have your name added to a wait list. A staff member will contact you when there is an apartment becoming available. However, to hold or reserve an apartment, you must put down a deposit.

Is there a garage?

There are underground, heated, secure garages. These spaces rent for $50/month.