Homewood at Williamsport

My visit at Homewood at Williamsport went very well. It seemed more reasonable and the amenities they offer were similar to others, except there weren't any garages, just parking spaces. The staff people were very capable and very friendly. They took us on a tour, and we got to see a cottage that was currently empty. They apparently do a fairly complete refurbishing of it whenever somebody moves out, including changing the carpet, the appliances and so forth. They had a room for card playing and other games. They also had a swimming pool and an exercise area. There were some other special activities that you could do, if you wanted. The provided bus service to the grocery store and other places as needed.

We have put a deposit on Homewood but we are waiting for an opening. It is close to us, so it makes it convenient, and the price is right. They have cottages and apartments, and different levels of one bedrooms with a den or a two bedrooms, so they have quite a selection. The staff treated us fine. We were treated to a meal, which is part of what they provide. We tried one meal, and it seemed fine. You have so many meals a month, but you don’t have to eat there all the time, which is what we wanted. They have a pool, playrooms, and transportation if you need it. They have different groups, like if you want to do some planting or whatever you are interested in, and they have a workshop. It’s an older, 80-year-old unit, but one of the things we like is that as the place gets empty, they are refurbishing and updating rooms. We are waiting for a two-bedroom with a den.

I visited Homewood. They have many rooms, but nobody was walking around. It felt dead. I didn’t see any sitting rooms where people could get together. I didn’t even bother to ask questions because it had a sad atmosphere.

I know another woman that lived here at Homewood at Williamsport a previous time. The last time I went there, they were in the independent living section. The place is very well kept from what I saw. The people seemed happy enough. I would be looking for independent as well as assisted living -- one that would go on to the other. This facility did that and qualified for that. You need to have some assets to get in there. One of the assets they consider that you have to get in there is not whole life or term, but a long term care policy. Then you can easily get in there. It is a very wonderful facility. It's just that I don't want to leave an area where I know a lot of people unless I believe it's going to be early enough in my life to get to know more people or it's the end of my life where it doesn't matter so much.

I thought Homewood was small. It's also an older community. They don't require a huge investment or entrance fee, and monthly isn't too bad for people who live in the area. I thought the dining area was small. I didn't taste any of the food. They only offered breakfast, like a brunch on Sunday, and they didn't offer it any other day. I don't believe dinner was offered every day of the week. It wasn't a Monday through Saturday or Monday to Sunday thing either for lunch or dinner. I thought that was limited. It's an area of Hagerstown where, if they're able, they can get to other places, like out to eat or shopping. It's a small community, so it's generally easy to get around. However, to get to the cottages you have to go out into the weather. So for some people, that would make it a little bit difficult. They have to drive over to the clubhouse, for example. In inclement weather, that would be their option. I do think they have a small shuttle service. I think they need to update their facility if they want to be competitive with the other ones that I have seen. Their facilities are getting old-looking. But it probably has a sense of community that other larger and newer places don't. I saw a refurbished cottage, and it was very nice.