A moderate climate, low crime rate and cost of living, as well as quality health care, make North Idaho a popular retirement center. Senior services are provided through the Area Agency on Aging, the Lake City Senior Center in Coeur d'Alene and Post Falls' Senior Center and numerous life-care and retirement facilities throughout North Idaho. In recent years over a dozen skilled nursing, assisted living and retirement communities have been built. Some offer full health and living services tailored to the individuals desire and capabilities for independent living. Skilled nursing and specialties in Alzheimer's and related segments of the elder care industry encompass the past and the future. Adding to their facilities in Coeur d'Alene and Sandpoint, LifeCare Centers will open a large assisted living and skilled nursing facility in Post Falls in 2008.

Coeur d'Alene Homes' historic building in the center of the city is a not-for-profit home for the elderly which is supported by a number of different churches in the area. The facility includes an Alzheimer's and dementia wing. Bee Hive Homes on E. Sherman Avenue in Coeur d'Alene, S. 3rd in Sandpoint and S. Division in Pinehurst offers state-of-the-art facilities providing assisted living in a residential setting. Legends Park Assisted Living Community in Coeur d'Alene is located in an area of single family homes, condos and apartments and offers 44 studio, one and two bedroom apartments for seniors needing assistance in their daily lives.

The trend shows seniors are choosing to retire here to be near their adult children and the grandkids. The percentage of people over the age of 65 in Kootenai County will no doubt increase considerably in the coming decade.

North Idaho Retirement & Assisted Living

(Area Code 208)

• Bee Hive Homes
  2100 E. Sherman Ave, Coeur d'Alene - 765-8364
  402 S. 3rd St., Sandpoint - 255-4849
  208 S. Division, Pinehurst - 682-9170
• Legends Park
  1820 Golf Course Rd, Coeur d'Alene - 666-9900