Encore at Maplewood

My grandmother likes staying here, but it is not her own home. She really likes the staff because the staff that smokes, seems to always be willing to take her outside to smoke. Even though the food smells awful, my grandmother seems to enjoy almost everything that is made. The one thing I really do not like about Maplewood Assisted Living, is the sign in sheet. Yes, the visitors have to fill out their name on a sheet and wear a name tag, but it is not like someone really checks who you are. It made me worried that someone is going to steal from my grandmother. Also, I did like the fact that there was a kitchen in the room for her to use when she felt well enough to cook for herself, but she still is not well enough to take care of herself. But at the same time, there are two bedrooms in the same room and there is a divider but it does not go to the ceiling so you can hear the other people talking or they can hear you talking. They do not offer single rooms unless you pay for it out of pocket and my family can not afford that. I would prefer she have a smaller room and have privacy than a large room that she has to share.

When my grandmother fell ill and could no longer take care of herself in her own home, we began to look for an assisted living facility for her. My mother made an appointment and we went to tour this facility in Maplewood. The facility is very nice, especially compared to the nursing home that was temporarily housing my grandmother. The entrance was clean and secure. In fact, no one can enter the premises without being buzzed in. All the residences are on the second floor and many of them face the pond in the back. There are several sized units including studio and one-bedroom options. The staff was young, energetic and extremely helpful. In fact, about a month after we toured, they called to follow up. It was relatively expensive and they weren't willing to completely accept government aid. The facility requires that residents be able to show 12 months of financial security prior to moving in. If, at that time, they need to go on government assistance, the facility works with the residents to develop a plan.