La Vida Llena Retirement Community in Albuquerque, NM

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  • Interior

    A well-arranged restaurant dining area with tables set elegantly, featuring red napkins and neatly placed utensils.
  • Trees

    Entrance sign for La Vida Llena, surrounded by flags and trees.
  • Outdoor

    A group of seniors enjoying an outdoor party with drinks and leis.
  • Seating

    A peaceful chapel interior featuring rows of chairs, a stained glass window, and an altar.
  • Library

    People spending time in a cozy library setting, browsing books and reading.
  • Bright Lighting

    A spacious indoor swimming pool area with modern design and bright lighting.
  • Exercise

    A group of adults in a fitness class practicing yoga poses indoors.

La Vida Llena Retirement Community in Albuquerque, NM

10501 Lagrima De Oro Rd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87111

For more information about senior living options: (844) 490-3973

4.7 from 26 reviews
5 stars
22
4 stars
2
3 stars
0
2 stars
2
1 stars
0

Assisted Living Independent Living Skilled Nursing Facility

La Vida Llena Retirement Community Costs & Pricing

La Vida Llena Retirement Community offers a range of living options, each priced at a premium compared to both Bernalillo County and the broader state of New Mexico. For instance, a studio apartment at La Vida Llena is priced at $4,000 per month, which exceeds the county average of $3,540 and the state average of $3,553. In the case of a one-bedroom unit, residents can expect to pay $6,000 monthly, significantly higher than Bernalillo County's average of $4,162 and New Mexico's average of $4,055. The disparity is even more pronounced with two-bedroom apartments and private accommodations; La Vida Llena charges $10,000 and $50,000 per month respectively - far surpassing the county prices of $5,123 for two bedrooms and $4,602 for private rooms. Overall, while La Vida Llena provides exceptional amenities and services that justify its costs, it is clear that it stands as a more luxurious option compared to other local residences.

Floor plansLa Vida Llena Retirement CommunityBernalillo CountyNew Mexico
Studio$4,000$3,540$3,553
1 Bedroom$6,000$4,162$4,055
2 Bedrooms$10,000$5,123$4,777
Private$50,000$4,602$4,391

Overall Review of La Vida Llena Retirement Community

Pros

  • pro LVL has wonderful, caring people providing services.
  • pro The facility makes it easy for residents to find like-minded people and suitable activities.
  • pro Some facilities are dated but LVL remains suitable, functional, and comfortable.
  • pro LVL offers a full range of services from independent living to memory care to skilled nursing, simplifying changing care needs.
  • pro LVL manages transitions well and helps with the disposal of leftover belongings, easing moves for families.
  • pro The accommodations for those over 55 are top-tier, like a five-star hotel.
  • pro Great residents and staff characterize the community.
  • pro The staff is focused on continual improvement even with a five-star rating.
  • pro The independent living community guarantees a place for advanced healthcare needs, even if funds run out.
  • pro The Life Plan provides security and long-term planning while residents enjoy a beautiful home.
  • pro The marketing team at La Vida Llena is responsive and attentive, helping families transition smoothly.
  • pro Residents enjoy fabulous views, friendly and welcoming people, delicious food, and abundant amenities.

Cons

  • pro Some facilities are dated.
  • pro LVL orders replenishment meds quickly, sometimes not considering extras in their supply room.
  • pro Each use gets billed to medical insurance with non-covered expenses requiring payment.
  • pro There have been late Friday calls about hospital visits, and seniors were sent alone by ambulance.
  • pro Weekend coverage is not as capable or robust, with a focus on keeping the boat afloat until weekdays.

Review

La Vida Llena is best suited for active seniors who want a comprehensive Life Plan on a large, socially vibrant campus. It rewards residents who value a full continuum of care - from independent living through memory care and skilled nursing - without needing to relocate to another facility. The community's size becomes a strength here, fostering easy friendships, a busy activity calendar, and a sense of belonging that persists even as care needs evolve. For families seeking long-term security where aging in place is feasible within one campus, this is a sensible, practical fit.

Those who may want to consider alternatives include seniors who require unusually tight, hands-on medical oversight around the clock, or households with tighter budgets seeking a smaller, calmer setting. Weekend and Friday coverage can be less robust, and urgent issues may face delays or bureaucratic steps as the campus "keeps the boat afloat" during off-peak hours. In addition, some families may prefer a more intimate environment with a sharper focus on daily rehab intensity or a simpler pricing model that avoids the billing nuances tied to on-site medical services.

The strongest positives center on the people and the structure. Caring staff and a welcoming atmosphere are repeatedly cited, and the communal life on a large campus creates plentiful opportunities to connect with like-minded peers. The Life Plan model stands out as a practical backbone: residents can transition smoothly from independent living into assisted or memory care when needed, with a guaranteed place for advanced healthcare even if funds run low. On-site medical capabilities, whether through contracted physicians or coordinated services, help simplify long-term planning and reduce multiple moves for families. The sheer breadth of amenities - fine dining, a pool, gym, libraries, and artistic spaces - supports meaningful daily living and overall well-being.

Yet the operational side carries important caveats. Medication management requires careful attention: the doctor's list should be the source of truth, and families must monitor orders and replenishments to avoid gaps or unnecessary duplicates. The on-site medical flow can produce billing questions, and understanding when the on-site doctor is engaged, and how those visits get billed, is essential. Weekend and Friday responsiveness may lag, necessitating proactive check-ins midweek and clear escalation if a health issue emerges. These realities don't negate the strengths, but they demand disciplined oversight from family members or designated guardians.

When the pros align with the cons, the offset is substantial. The broad continuum of care and the ability to age in place within one campus reduces the emotional and logistical burden of transitions, which often define aging at home. The community's vitality - friendly residents, engaged staff, faith-based camaraderie, and a sense of mutual support - creates a resilience that can soften the friction of routine medical friction. The robust amenities and the value placed on resident well-being translate into tangible quality of life: fine dining, wellness facilities, art and libraries, and purposeful programming that keep daily life engaging. The marketing and front-desk responsiveness, paired with genuine staff commitment, signals a culture that takes residents' and families' questions seriously and acts to improve.

In making a decision, prioritize what matters most: if security of a long-term care pathway, a lively social environment, and ample on-site services trump the need for ultra-tight weekend medical coverage, La Vida Llena is a strong, confident choice. Prepare to conduct a focused due diligence on medication protocols and weekend responsiveness, with clear conversations about who manages changes in medical care and how billing works for on-site visits. For families prioritizing a smaller, quieter footprint, or tighter day-to-day clinical oversight, explore alternatives that emphasize a more intimate staff-to-resident ratio and a simpler financial model. In practice, the community delivers a compelling blend of warmth, scale, and planning sophistication - worth pursuing with a measured checklist and proactive engagement.

Features

Types of Care

  • Assisted Living Assisted LivingAssisted living facilities provide crucial support and care for seniors who may need help with daily tasks such as medication management, bathing, and meal preparation. These communities offer a safe and comfortable environment where seniors can maintain their independence while receiving the assistance they need to thrive in their golden years.
  • Independent Living Independent LivingIndependent living communities are important for seniors because they offer a safe and supportive environment where older adults can live independently while still having access to amenities and services that enhance their quality of life. These communities provide social opportunities, recreational activities, and assistance with daily tasks, promoting overall well-being and allowing seniors to maintain their independence for as long as possible.
  • Skilled Nursing Facility Skilled Nursing FacilitySkilled Nursing Facilities are crucial for seniors as they provide round-the-clock medical care, rehabilitation services, and assistance with daily activities. These facilities ensure that seniors receive the specialized care they need to maintain their health and well-being as they age.

Pets

  • Cats allowed Cats allowed"Pet friendly" senior living communities are important for seniors because pets provide companionship, reduce feelings of loneliness and depression, promote physical activity and mental stimulation, and offer a sense of purpose and responsibility. Pets can improve overall well-being and quality of life for seniors in many ways.
  • Dogs allowed Dogs allowed"Pet friendly" senior living communities are important for seniors because pets provide companionship, reduce feelings of loneliness and depression, promote physical activity and mental stimulation, and offer a sense of purpose and responsibility. Pets can improve overall well-being and quality of life for seniors in many ways.

Amenities

  • Activities on-site Activities on-siteActivities on-site are important for seniors because they provide opportunities for socialization, mental stimulation, physical activity, and overall well-being. Engaging in activities can help seniors stay active, maintain their independence, and improve their quality of life.
  • Devotional services off-site Devotional services off-siteDevotional services off-site are important for seniors as they provide spiritual nourishment, social engagement, and a sense of community outside of the senior living facility. This can enhance overall well-being and help combat feelings of isolation and loneliness often experienced by older adults.
  • Indoor common areas Indoor common areasIndoor common areas are crucial for seniors as they provide a space for socialization, recreation, and community engagement, promoting overall well-being and reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness.
  • Private PrivatePrivacy is important for seniors as it allows them to maintain their independence, dignity, and sense of control over their own lives. It also gives them the space and freedom to relax, reflect, and engage in activities that bring them joy and fulfillment. Creating private spaces within senior living facilities is crucial for promoting overall well-being and quality of life.

Transportation

  • Albuquerque International (8 miles away) Albuquerque International (8 miles away)

Care Services

  • Ambulatory care Ambulatory care"Ambulatory care services provide essential medical support and treatment to seniors without requiring hospitalization, allowing them to maintain their independence and quality of life while managing chronic conditions or receiving routine medical care."

Dining

  • Meals provided Meals provided"Meals provided" are crucial for seniors in assisted living communities as it ensures they have access to nutritious, balanced meals without the stress of meal planning and preparation. This can help promote overall health and well-being for seniors who may have limited mobility or cognitive abilities.

Activities

  • Activities on-site Activities on-siteActivities on-site are important for seniors because they provide opportunities for socialization, mental stimulation, physical activity, and overall well-being. Engaging in activities can help seniors stay active, maintain their independence, and improve their quality of life.
  • Devotional activities offsite Devotional activities offsiteDevotional activities offsite are important for seniors because they provide social engagement, spiritual growth, and a sense of community outside of their living environment. This can improve overall well-being, mental health, and combat feelings of isolation or loneliness.

Description

La Vida Llena Retirement Community in Albuquerque, NM offers a range of care options to cater to the diverse needs of its residents. With a focus on providing a comfortable and enjoyable living environment, this community offers both independent living and skilled nursing facility care.

Residents can enjoy the convenience of devotional services off-site, allowing them to practice their faith in a nearby place of worship. The indoor common areas provide a welcoming space for socializing and engaging in various activities.

For those who enjoy exploring their surroundings, La Vida Llena Retirement Community is surrounded by numerous amenities. With three cafes nearby, residents can easily meet friends for coffee or enjoy a leisurely meal. Additionally, three parks provide opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation.

The community also boasts convenient access to essential services with 20 pharmacies and 38 physicians located nearby, ensuring that residents can easily access their medications and medical appointments. There are also ample dining options with 30 restaurants in close proximity, offering a variety of cuisines to suit different tastes.

Transportation options are readily available with one transportation service nearby, making it easy for residents to get around the area. In addition, two hospitals ensure that high-quality healthcare services are easily accessible when needed.

Overall, La Vida Llena Retirement Community provides an enriching and vibrant assisted living experience with its array of amenities and convenient location.

Nearby Places of Interest

This part of Albuquerque, New Mexico, offers a convenient and accessible location for senior living. With multiple physicians, pharmacies, and healthcare facilities in close proximity, residents can easily access medical care when needed. There are also a variety of dining options nearby, ranging from barbecue to Vietnamese cuisine. Places of worship are within a reasonable distance for spiritual fulfillment. Additionally, there is a theater for entertainment, parks for outdoor recreation, and transportation options such as the Sandia Peak Tramway for exploring the area. Overall, this neighborhood provides essential services and amenities that cater to the needs of seniors looking for a comfortable and well-rounded community to call home.

Physicians

  • Dr. Roger W. Rounds, DO (0.2 miles)
  • Medicus Clinic (0.3 miles)
  • Bill Galbreth, DMD, PC (0.4 miles)
  • Hearing Health Care Centers (0.5 miles)
  • Spine And Muscle Rehabilitation (1.4 miles)
  • Adult Health Care (1.9 miles)
  • Dr Glenn Wilcox (1.9 miles)

Pharmacies

  • Walgreens (0.4 miles)
  • Walgreens (1.7 miles)
  • Sav-On Drugs (1.8 miles)
  • Smith's Food & Drug (1.9 miles)
  • Wahlert William PA (1.9 miles)
  • Walgreens (1.9 miles)
  • Walgreens (2.7 miles)

Restaurants

  • Golden Pride BBQ Chicken & Ribs (0.7 miles)
  • Blake's Lotaburger (0.8 miles)
  • Whataburger (1.5 miles)
  • Taco Bell (2.1 miles)
  • Relish (2.6 miles)
  • Basil Leaf Vietnamese Restaurant (2.9 miles)
  • South China Restaurant (3.1 miles)

Cafes

  • The Range Cafe (1.8 miles)
  • Dutch Bros Coffee (3 miles)
  • Starbucks (3.7 miles)

Places of Worship

  • Sangre De Cristo Catholic Church (1.8 miles)
  • Sandia Presbyterian Church (2.8 miles)

Theaters

  • Regal Winrock IMAX & RPX (3.4 miles)

Parks

  • Jeannette MacPherson Rest Area (3.5 miles)
  • Midtown Dog Park (3.9 miles)
  • Workers Memorial Park (4.5 miles)

Hospitals

  • Tri Core Reference Lab (3.9 miles)
  • HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital (4.4 miles)

Transportation

  • Sandia Peak Tramway (4.6 miles)

Frequently Asked Questions

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