Orchard Valley at Wilbraham

This facility is conveniently located on a state highway, but set far back from the road so it is not noisy or dangerous. Rooms are not spectacular, but neat and attractive. The common room looks like a country kitchen, with a big table around which residents and guests can sit and visit or play cards. On the counter there's always a pot of coffee and a plate of pastries...very homey. The dining room looks like an elegant restaurant, with service to match. Substitutions are cheerfully given, and there are a few staples not on the menu but always available for fussy patrons (like a hamburger or a peanut butter sandwich). Staff are quite friendly. Some of the waiters are young men and very cheerful and sweet to the residents. My aunt found the layout a bit confusing--the emergency exit was right next to her door, and after setting off the alarm a few times, she had to be transferred to the Alzheimer's unit. I found the staff there extremely patient. Dining was as nice as it could be made. The only problem I ever encountered was one evening when all the staff members were nowhere to be found (they were in individual residents' rooms, I imagine). The exit has a passcode and I didn't know it. I thought I was going to be trapped in there all night. Eventually someone appeared and helped me though.

Lobby and Hallways have a warm,homelike atmosphere but individual apartments need updating. Drab walls and thin colorless carpeting as well as cheap looking cabinetry in the living area make it appear uncared for. The Bathroom does not have the high seat toilets that many need. Grounds are attractive, but residents with mobility problems have limited use could use a covered porch that is accessable. Staff is warm and caring and the overall feeling is friendly. More activities could be provided. Overall it is an outdated aging facility that needs updating and the cost is high for the services covered.

My mother is currently residing in this facility. She seems to be very happy there and has made many friends. The workers, from the manager right down to the maintenance man seem to be sincerely concerned with the residents' well-being. The residents are greeted by name and encouraged to participate in the activities that range from Bingo and in-house movies to field trips to plays, parks and shopping. While my mother's memory is such that she can't remember what she ate for her meal, even as she's walking out of the lovely dining room, she is able to tell me that the meal was pleasurable. She says, "The food's always good". There are always options for the residents to choose from for meals. If the 2 main options (which are available for them to view on their way into the dining room) aren't to there liking, there is a menu of "always available" items, such as sandwiches, chicken, pasta, etc.The decor is lovely, with nice homey touches in the common rooms, and very nice well-cared-for grounds.