* Decent place, but READ THE 'FINE PRINT' points:…read more
One of our relatives was here for 4 months before he passed away in December '14. OVERALL, the place is nice, accommodating, and more than adequate for his needs. Their care is very good and even a friendly dog on staff helps lift spirits of all who come to visit. :)
However, upgrades in the following areas COULD GREATLY IMPROVE THINGS here for its elderly citizens and their families.
- Carpeting throughout needs - at minimum - a professional cleaning. ESPECIALLY IN THE INDIVIDUAL ROOMS. Most of the carpeting throughout is old, stained, and matted down. In our relative's room, carpet is pretty dirty - and looks as if it has never been cleaned. This was like that before he moved in.
- Parking lot BEHIND THE FACILITY IS NOT elderly or handicapped-oriented. There are walkways that are 'sloped' to a point where somebody with a walker can easily lose their balance and fall, and the reverse will make it hard for them to walk back to the premesis. There are also NO "ramp ways" and everything is curbed (we looked). So, somebody in a wheel-chair or even a walker who is not steady will at minimum need assistance getting to and from their cars parked back here, or even if they are just taking a casual walk.
- While the staff and service is commendable, improvements can be made. Clothes are supposed to be picked up and washed on "Friday's", but several times we were told they were understaffed or did not have enough help, and our relative's clothes were instead picked up on Saturday's. Other times, garbage cans are not picked up (this is supposed to be daily). Clothes are supposed to be folded or re-hung, and his are usually not. Assistants are also supposed to help with bathing for certain residents, but they tend not to "report" or "push the issue" with residents either (kinda like "if the residents don't ask us for help, we won't ask them if they need help") - even though that is their job if the family requests it. Our relative was supposed to receive help with showers "every Friday", and thus far, we have reason to believe he has not had help with even one shower. We have also seen many residents that could use OBVIOUS help getting to and from the dining area - perhaps having an assistant pushing their wheelchair - or - helping them get to and from their cars (kinda like a valet service) when needed. We have seen some residents literally "tippy-toeing" their wheelchairs alone from their rooms to the elevator, and then to the meal area, and it takes them a half hour to go about 300 feet. Come on - give them a hand!
While not major issues, considering a resident is paying near $3700 a month and upwards for "assisted living" - this should all be done impeccably. Not every resident can just up and walk to their cars unassisted, considering most are in walkers or even wheelchairs, and especially given what I described above with the parking lot structure.
- Nitpicking - but the microwave upstairs on the 2nd floor dining area is FILTHY inside. Dirty, full of hair! It looks as if it has NEVER been cleaned out. Very distasteful, and unsanitary to the residents to boot.
- BE WEARY OF HOW THEY BILL YOU and "HIDDEN PRICING". The establishment bills you "by the month for 30 days." BUT READ CAREFULLY. You may ask - well what about the 7 months that have 31 days. You guessed it - you are billed an extra $130 for that extra day - which equals an ADDITIONAL $900 a year. You may also ask - well, what about February where there are only 28 or 29 days at best. You are still paying for the full "30 days" for February, even though February does not have 30 days. You would think they would apply those 2-3 days less in February to off-set a few of the other months that have 31 days, but they do not. KNOW YOUR PRICING. In my opinion, this is both sneaky and uncalled for. They should just have "one set rate for the month."
(* There is also a $2500 "move-in fee." Some assisted living places have a fee, others do not. This labeled as such is misleading, because you would think this 'move in fee' would include the cost to pay movers to "move your stuff in" - but it does not - that cost will be separate on your dime. What this fee is really for is unknown, but primarily, it just seems to be a 'money-making fee').
Lastly - this place has a hard time returning phone calls and even emails. Several times my family has placed important calls to certain individuals in management, needing a return call. Return calls either took 'several days', and other calls went completely un-returned. At best, this is dis-concerning and SHOULD NOT happen given this place's supposed reputation and prices.
I can still recommend checking this place out - it may suit your relative's needs - but just know your stuff and heed the agenda I described above. Still a solid 3 stars, but the place could easily be 4 or even 5 stars if the above nuances could be fixed or adjusted.