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 tenants 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 tenants 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 RN Nurse Manager that 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 tenants.

What does the scheduled transportation consist of?

For all of our tenants, free, scheduled transportation is included in the monthly rent. Free, unlimited transportation is available Monday through Thursday between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. If you prefer to go with a group of other tenants, 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 deposit. Please see management for more details.

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

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

The noon meal is included in the rent for Independent Living tenants. Can Independent Living tenants 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.

What are the hours for the Ice Cream Parlor?

Primrose has a 1950s style ice cream parlor that is open every day, all day, to residents and their guests, for reading the newspaper, enjoying a cup of coffee or juice or meeting with your neighbors. Monday through Thursday at 3:00 p.m. a snack is provided for all residents and Friday at 3:00 p.m., it’s Happy Hour!

Is there a daily Wellness Check for Independent Living Tenants?

All Independent Living tenants have a wellness tab on their apartment door. Our overnight staff will put these tabs in the “up” position. The tenant 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 Monday through Thursday 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 tenants. Independent Living tenants have washer/dryer hook-ups available in the apartments and two public laundry rooms are also provided on each floor and these can be used at no cost.

Is the community secure?

Yes. The only entrance that is ever unlocked is the front entrance. This entrance is unlocked during the day, but is locked from 10:00 p.m. through 7:00 a.m. There is an entry panel that visitors can use to contact you by phone when the 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 tenant.

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.

Do you have a guest apartment?

We have a furnished apartment that is used for visiting guests and for respite care (short-term stays of 14 days to 60 days). Families of tenants can stay in this apartment for a fee of $40 per night. Please check with management in advance to determine availability and respite care costs.