Job Haines Home - Hearthside Commons

Going into the facility I was sure I was going to see the typical things many expect when going into an assisted living facility. I must say I was quite suprised. Upon walking in the lobby seems very spacious and I didn't notice the smell one senses when walking into a senior building. Next we got to tour the facility and I loved how the building is constructed to give their residents tons of activities to do and places to go. They had libraries on every floor with enough books that you'll never finish all of them. What suprised me more was they even had their own built in hair salon for the women to get their hair done. It was funny because one of the residents I was speaking with cut our conversation short because she had a hair appointment. I noticed that the residents there seem very happy and well taken care of. I got a chance to look at some of the rooms, and they look alot better than my dorm room I must say. Residents have their own bathroom and a spacious room that they can decorate how they like. The best part of my experience though was watching the interaction between the staff and residents. The staff works very hard to make the residents happy and didn't seem unpleasant or as if they were just there to get a paycheck. They seem as if they actually care. No matter how busy they could be they always found time to just sit down with the residents and have a conversation with them. For that it made the facility not just seem like a retirement building but a home, a community, a place that I myself wouldn't mind living in when I get older.

Although the Job Haines home is in a really urban area, I was pleasantly surprised to find that it has beautiful architecture and kind of a country feel, with plenty of available parking. They also have some nice, landscaped outdoor areas for the residents to enjoy.

Inside, everything was clean and friendly, with a seating where you first come in, and a nice dining room with a big grandfather clock. The residents all looked clean and well cared for, and were very outgoing and friendly to me. I got there when religious services were supposed to be going on in a bright sunny activity room, but the minister was late. One sweet, innovative staff member rose to the occasion by starting a game of bible trivia with the residents who were sitting there waiting for services. She definitely saved the day by keeping everyone happy and interested.