Summit at Westlake Hills

When looking for a care facility for my grandmother, we visited almost every one of them in Austin. The Summit at Westlake won our hearts hands down. The staff was friendly and professional, the food was great and the nurse to resident ratio was smaller than most, which was very important to us. They have a more intimate setting where the residents get more individualized attention. Everything that she would have needed was onsite. My grandmother passed away before we were able to get a room, but since then I have visited a friend of mine who is 103 there several times and she is very happy there!

We visited the Summit at Westlake Hills while searching for a suitable assisted living facility for my brother's friend. Many of his family members live in the area, so this would be an ideal place for him to live.

The outer grounds looked well-kept and pleasant. The staff greeted us and seemed very warm and friendly - which is one of the most important things to the family. They really want him to be treated well in his new home.

The foyer was nicely decorated and spacious, but still seemed homey, as did all of the communal rooms. The main living room had high ceilings, soft lighting and a fireplace, which added a lot of charm.

The apartments were all clean, well-kept and conveniently designed. They take the time to personalize to each resident's tastes, so the private spaces were comfortable and nicely decorated.

The fitness center featured well maintained and modern equipment. The Olympic sized pool added a nice amenity for us, since my brother's friend is an avid swimmer.

The activity calendar features many healthy and stimulating activities. We liked that the staff encourages participation and tries to make everything interesting for its residents. They have outings to local libraries, events, culture, restaurants, shopping and athletic events. They take suggestions to update the schedule as much as possible.

The main dining room was very nicely designed and warm, as well as very spacious, with cathedral ceilings which made it look very elegant. Residents may choose communal dining or more private situations. There are places for them to visit with families, as well.

The food looked deliciously prepared, as well as nutritious. The dietician and chef changes up the menu to keep it interesting and encourage resident to make suggestions.

We've visited quite a few assisted living facilities and thus far, the staff at this one were some of the most competent and friendly we've met thus far.

It was an impressive, clean and nice facility. The residents seemed happy and well cared for. There was a lot of activity inside the facility such as reading rooms, computers, places to sit and talk, art rooms and activity rooms. The staff was interacting with the people who lived there both from an activity stand point and to provide them care. There seemed to be adequate and impressive medical staff as well as treatment options. The intake process seemed thorough and highly concerned with individual patient care. The staff was highly engaged in the process and seemed extremely focused on making their patients lives happy, and comfortable. Overall a good and pleasant vibe. The facility was clean and smelled nice, like a happy home not medicinal or old. So many facilities feel sterile- the summit did not. The outside are as and pleasant atmosphere of Austin help this. There were drivers to take patients to appointments and run errands. When my parents are ready this is my first choice to help them transition to assisted living. Very impressed.

The Summit at Westlake is a good choice if you’re looking for hands-on care, or have a loved one suffering from memory loss (Alzheimer’s, dementia), or recovering from a stroke or other serious health condition. They do offer independent living units, but the assisted living and skilled nursing sections are probably what differentiates Summit from all the other Austin retirement communities. From what I’ve seen, their assisted living care is excellent. Skilled nursing employees are attentive, compassionate, and patient with residents. The location is ideal – just south of downtown and the grounds are beautiful with detailed landscaping. The client I worked for (physical therapy) had no complaints about The Summit, aside from commenting on the food. She said she wanted more variety in the menu choices. She enjoys scheduled arts and crafts that are offered, and I’ve encouraged her to begin swimming in the pool regularly - since this will assist with mobility and recovering from her accident.