Atria Hamilton Heights

I visited Atria Hamilton Heights. They have more diversity in their community and in their staff. Because my stepmother is a Jewish they're a big Jewish community. They have Shabbat every Friday. They have a different meal plan where it's continuous grazing. It's a much bigger facility. They have many more amenities than the other one. They have the big meal at dinner time instead of lunch. In addition to the dining room, they have a bistro where you can order sandwiches and grilled stuff all day long. They have a cafe where you can get coffee and pastries all day long. They have a pub that's open on the weekends where they have live entertainment when we don't have COVID. They have a movie theater. Instead of just watching your TV alone, you can go and meet family and friends in the movie theater. They show movies five times a day when it's not COVID. You literally have the theater experience. They have physical therapy onsite, like a separate room for physical therapy. The downside, I think, is their elevator. It is very small and dark, but otherwise it's OK. They have many unique floor plans also, so you have a lot of choices. They also offer a roommate program. If you want to share a two-bedroom to split the cost with somebody, a person could also do that. The staff was friendly. I haven't had as much interaction with them, but they are very caring towards people. I did get to witness three young men taking people outside to sit out in the sun. They didn't just drop them off, they actually sat and had a conversation with the ladies and did everything to make them comfortable. They were very good. I have not tried their food, but by the looks of it, it's probably comparable. I'm going to give them a five-plus because they also do at the holidays serve kosher food. For my family, that might be important. The facility is very good. Just like I said they have many amenities, I think it's impressive. I did not see the memory care unit per se. They have a walled-in patio with umbrella tables so that people can go sit outside. It's very, very nice. It's very affordable.

Would not recommend this place. No real concern for the elderly, money driven. They prey upon your "what's best for Mom" emotions and try to make it sound like they care. They don't. I feel this industry really needs to be more regulated. You'll get that same gut feeling, and trust me, your gut feelings are correct. This is how the 2 week respite went. Pressured driven sales tactics, Trying to get you to sign agreements for longer than you want prior to moving in, the old bait and switch. Poor follow up and follow through. My Mom needed an ottoman for an open wound she had on her leg and it was very important for her to keep it elevated. The Executive Director, who met us upon arrival and showed her to her room said he would get her one that night before he left. He was cordial, affable, and courteous. That was Thursday. When I came back on Monday, she still didn't have one. He never got it- I had to go out and get it. This was the FIRST day - and he is the guy running the place. His response - "Oh, I'm sorry". Not enough staff on. This place is big and getting around is very difficult. No signs anywhere. It's ridiculous. Elevators go to different parts of the complex, some go to the third floor, some don't. My mother was lost multiple times because of this. No one around to help her find her way led to frustration, crying and defecating in her clothes because she couldn't find her way to her room or get help. After the 3rd day, she wanted to come home. Since I paid up front for the 2 weeks, I asked her to please stay. After her release, they sent in home health care for follow ups. At this point, our family had spoken to and convinced our Mom to give it another try for a longer period of time. She said she would give it another chance. So, a few days before she was to go back, the home care worker from Atria told her "once you leave your home to go to Hamilton House, you're never coming back to your home". That threat scared my mother into not wanting to go. And as my mother put it, "if she said it once, she said it 50 times, your never coming back to your home". This representation of Hamilton House scared my mother into not going. So when I contacted the Executive Director and told him about this, I gave him my Moms number so he could talk to her, reassure her... whatever he needed to do to convince her to come back. My mother said to me "why would I believe him" referencing to his lack of follow through in her respite stay. He did apologize and say that he was sorry for the whole incident. A month later, I was sent a bill for $11,000 for time not spent at this place. I've called and emailed multiple times with no response. Think twice before you consider this place.

Would not recommend this place. Unfortunately, all they really want is your money. No real concern for the elderly. They prey upon your "what's best for Mom" emotions and try to make it sound like they care. They don't. You'll get that same gut feeling, and trust me, your gut feelings are correct. This is how the 2 week respite went. 1) Pressured sales tactics, Trying to get you to sign agreements prior to moving in. 2) Poor follow up and follow through. My Mom needed an ottoman for an open wound she had on her leg and it was very important to keep it elevated. The Executive Director who met us upon arrival and showed her to her room said he would get her one. He was cordial, affable, and courteous. That was Thursday. When I came back on Monday, she still didn't have one. He never got it- I had to go out and get it. This is the guy running the place. His response - "Oh, I'm sorry". 3) Not enough staff on. This place is big and getting around is very difficult. No signs anywhere. Elevators go to different parts of the complex, some go to the third floor, some don't. My mother was lost multiple times because of this. No one around to help her find her way led to frustration, crying and defecating in her clothes. 4) After the 2 week respite, they send in their home health care for follow ups. At this point, we had convinced our Mom to give it another try for a longer period of time. ***The biggest hurdle the elderly have at this stage in their life is the possible finality of leaving their home, pure and simple. So, a few days before she was to go back, the home care worker from Atria told her "once you leave your home to go to Hamilton House, you're never coming back". That threat scared my mother into not wanting to go. And as my mother put it, "if she said it once, she said it 50 times, your never coming back to your home". Is there such a thing as elderly bullying? That's what this is. This representation of Hamilton House scared my mother into not going. Think twice before you consider this place.

Atria Hamilton Heights was the one we selected. It's nice, antique, has character, and friendly. The staff was great. The rooms were nice and clean with great window views. The activities looked great. There was an activity room or a day room, a pub, and a chapel.

We liked and chose Atria Hamilton Heights for my mother-in-law. The person who gave us the tour was wonderful and gracious. All the residents loved the staff and the facility. They had a full schedule of things, which was really important.