This review is primarily for the Memory Care Wing of Tequesta Terrace, which also has a larger,…read moremore independent Assisted Living Wing (which I have not visited).
Tequesta Terrace is a beautiful facility. From the moment you pull up and park, you see that this property is well taken care of. The building looks more like a hotel; nothing about it- to me- screams institution. The front desk is always staffed by a smiling, welcoming woman, and I've spent time more than once in the comfortable waiting area/communal living room it opens onto. No matter what, I'm entering into a depressing situation- a loved one in a nursing home; thus, I appreciate even more the very non-depressing entrance!
TT decorates heavily for most holidays. This gives the building a homey feel.
The staff in the memory care wing have almost always been pleasant, with an easy smile for a visitor. This is so important; these staff members have a very trying and probably depressing job. Residents pass away constantly and only enter this wing in dire decline. I have witnessed staff at lesser facilities openly abuse residents verbally and physically; I can't imagine this happening here. I've visited at all times of the day, weekdays and weekends. I'm not saying that I see everything or that every staff person is perfect: I have had my share of frustrations with various details. I have also seen staff exhibit extreme patience and care for both residents and their concerned loved ones. I hope this means that staff here are paid justly for the work they do.
The staff knows right away who I am visiting and where to find him. I find this surprising and endearing.
Walking into the memory care wing, the spacious opening room opens with a grand piano, bookcase, and living room furniture.
The memory care wing surrounds a beautiful, private courtyard with benches, tables and chairs, a fountain, and lovely landscaping. This space has been my saving grace. Although most residents aren't able to access this space on their own (due to memory reasons), it provides a wonderful space to interact with my loved one and give him fresh air and sunlight. The church bells from the Catholic Church nearby ring often. Lizards run everywhere, protected from predators. I wish they would plant butterfly plants and put up bird-feeders, to attract more wildlife, but in general it is a lovely space.
When I first began visiting, I was always impressed with TT's ability to keep the wing smelling pretty good. It isn't always this way, but 75% of the time it smells ok. This is not easy task, to say the least.
The main room where the residents spend most of their time has vaulted ceilings and skylights; it feels very open. I do think it is too small for all the residents. To fit everyone in, residents must sit next to each other, which causes problems, and there is very little space for walkers or wheelchairs to move freely, which is disappointing considering it is no small task for a resident to move about independently, let alone navigate around feet and walkers and furniture. I am hoping the staff will address this overcrowding soon.
I am so grateful that my loved one is safe and well take care of. It is the best I could hope for in this situation (Alzheimer's). Thank you, Tequesta Terrace.
