I recently had a two week respite stay at The Birches Harleysville. Retiring from the food service industry after 40 years, I enjoyed many meals at senior living communities. Food is a very important part of the resident experience. I was pleasantly surprised how wonderful the food tasted. I'm a soup person and I would give them 5+ stars in this area. They are all homemade. Also, I enjoyed the Fox Rehab team. Their physical and occupational therapists were outstanding, genuine and very helpful.
The Birches at Harleysville
Offers Assisted Living and Memory Care
32 Reviews
691 Main Street, Harleysville, PA 19438
Call
(800) 385-2527
Reviews of The Birches at Harleysville
Assisted Living Reviews for The Birches at Harleysville
September 06, 2019
I am/was a resident of this facility
August 05, 2019
I visited this facility
We visited the Birches at Harleysville. It's a nice facility, they're very friendly, but I did not like that they have two people in a room. She would need more care than they could provide her. The staff member was very friendly and know the residents. It was nice.
Provider Response
Thank you so much for visiting The Birches and your kind words about our team. Although we do offer companion apartments, I hope you were also able to see our Private Studio and One Bedroom Apartment floor plans.
May 24, 2019
I am a friend or relative of a current/past resident
I initially came for a tour knowing that our mom had come to a point that she needed to have more supervision. I was immediately put to ease experiencing the caring attitude that each staff person extended towards me. Unexpectedly, my mom became a resident within a short time first thru Respite and now a permanent resident. Her room is beautiful and spacious. The facilities are absolutely clean and fresh smelling no matter where you go. The daily activities are plentiful and varied. The activity therapist was very inviting and allowed us all to join in the fun on that second day of my mother’s stay. We stayed for dinner and enjoyed a wonderful 3 course meal. The options were plentiful and well prepared. My mom ate with pleasure which was a joy since she had a limited appetite at home. The waiters at dinner time were so gracious and patient. It was a very busy Saturday night and they hustled to provide everyone there course with a smile on their faces. They have a very nice laundry room one the residents floor that dispenses Tide automatically and dryer free of charge.
February 01, 2019
I am a friend or relative of a current/past resident
I could not be more pleased! My mother moved in about 6 months ago and we are still so happy. My mother needed a lot of help when she first arrived and the stress of choosing a place and taking the next steps was more than overwhelming to say the least. The staff made us feel so welcomed from the very start. The marketing girl spent so much time with mom and I to ease our worries. All of the staff have been so caring and mom has built so many relationships with staff and other residents. The only complaint we had was, the with the Doctor that was seeing mom at The Birches. She never got back to us when we would call. We were recently notified that The Birches decided to have a new Doctor come in and since switching over, mom has had good things to say! I'm so pleased with our move to The Birches!
January 18, 2019
I am a friend or relative of a current/past resident
I would just like to thank you for all the help you were at getting my father into your facility. I really appreciated that you were there to meet us at 7:00 pm. All the staff at the Birches was also very helpful and friendly.
Thanks again
George
January 01, 2019
I am a friend or relative of a current/past resident
Horrible place. Don’t even consider. They put on a great dog and pony show. But it’s horrible. Takes an hour and half for call bell to be answered, trash piles up, medications late, short staff, no activities, forget shower days, don’t make bed, forget to deliver lunch, all management does is collect a paycheck and says I am sorry. Really! Called front desk for half hour and no one picked up. My mom needed assistance and called me. I called and called. No answer or answering service. I called 911. The officer could not believe he could not find anyone in management. He said he felt bad for my mom and couldn’t believe no one was around!
Provider Response
We are truly sorry that you’ve been left with such a negative perception of our community. Please know that we recognize the great responsibility of caring for the residents who choose to make The Birches at Arbour Square ‘home.’ When mistakes are made, we are sorry and work to correct them ~ including monitoring call bell times. Your comments have been added to our Quality Assurance program so that they become part of our ongoing discussion on how we can continue to provide the best care for our residents.
October 02, 2018
I am/was a resident of this facility
I arrived here in April of 2017. I had the good experience of being here before and looked forward to reliving the same great days. I have met wonderful people, some of whom became my dearest friends. The Activities Department has had a great influence on me indeed, and all staff are an important part of my life. I thank the Activities Director for helping me to start a new program here at The Birches.
July 06, 2018
I am a friend or relative of a current/past resident
My Mother recently transitioned to Birches after over 3 years in another local facility. The warmth, concern and personalization that was shown during the decision making process has continued through my Mother's transition period. The other facility forced us to accept mediocre, impersonal care with constant, unclearly substantiated increases in cost. We are SO happy with the transfer to Birches.
December 07, 2017
I visited this facility
The Birches at Arbour Square looked lovely. They had people out there singing and doing some activities with someone involving them. It looked nice enough, and the people seemed very lovely and caring. I saw the dining room in the memory unit, which was one big room. I had a meal there before in the regular dining room of the community that was quite lovely. The person who assisted me did very well. She was very nice, pleasant, answered all the questions that I have, and since called back to check. The place was clean and smelled good.
May 30, 2017
I visited this facility
The Birches is alright, but their food is very poor. They came out with salad, and it was unbelievable. The lettuce is wilted and brown on the edges, and the tomatoes and cucumbers look like they went through a dehydrator. The portions were very tiny, and the meatloaf's taste wasn't anything to shout home about. They need help with the food. Their rooms though were very nice, and the staff was very nice. They have amenities like a room where they play Bingo, another room where a piano player comes in to play the piano, and a nice theater room.
Provider Response
Thank you for sharing concerns about the lettuce and food so that we can address them. The meals at The Birches at Arbour Square are an important part of the residents’ day. So, please be assured that your message will be shared with the Food Services Director. We recognize that while our kitchen is never going to be “like home,” our goal is to provide delicious and healthy meals ~ and for residents to truly enjoy the dining experience.
December 27, 2016
I am a friend or relative of a current/past resident
We moved a relative into the Birches after nearly 3 great years at Arbour Square. We have been very impressed so far with many aspects of the program and the living conditions at the Birches. The staff in particular have been awesome. Nurse Karen is a leading example of this. Her professionalism and sincere care for the residents is obvious from the moment you meet her. She is symbolic of the entire team we have encountered.
December 09, 2016
I am a friend or relative of a current/past resident
I want to thank you and the staff for the excellent care and attention you had given to my aunt from day one in November 2014. At times she was a tough one, I was aware of that, but undeniably, everyone there made sure she felt right at home. No, she was at home. It was also a pleasure and a blessing to play the piano for the residents. In fact, they had blessed me more than I had blessed them. Hence, I hope you won't mind if once in a while I stop in to play for them.
November 20, 2016
I am a friend or relative of a current/past resident
My mother lived at The Birches at Arbour Square. The staff was great, and the facility was nice. The food was delicious, and she had a studio with a good enough size and a kitchenette. It was good enough for one person to live. My mom was very happy there before she passed, and they were really good with her through the very end. They offered supportive care, and the nurses were very nice and were even crying because they got really attached to her and were very sad.
Provider Response
Thank you so much for your comments. We do become very close to the residents. It is not an exaggeration to say that we come to think of them as extended family. Megan, your mother was a delightful lady and we are all better for knowing her.
July 11, 2016
I visited this facility
My father just moved into the Birches at Arbour Square two days ago and couldn't be happier. He said the food is good, the people are friendly, and the staff is always there to help. He has an identical twin living next door at Arbour Square and now the two of them can spend time with each other once again. I was told he was out socializing with the other residents which will give him a chance to make new friends. I seriously didn't know how this would end up and it's been tremendous weight lifted off of my shoulders. I would like to thank the staff for their support and all the extra steps they took to make this all happen.
January 12, 2016
I visited this facility
The Birches of Arbor Square a lovely, clean, and friendly facility. The apartments were very nice. This will definitely be a place that I will talk to my mother about and be on our list when my mother is ready to make that step. It was fairly priced, and their dining area was very nice.
December 30, 2015
I visited this facility
Everything at the Birches at Arbour Square was very clean, and the staff seemed very efficient. They had a hairdresser, a movie room, and a big cage with live parakeets. In the memory care area, they had a very nice walkway outside with gardens and stuff. Their dining area was really nice and restaurant-style.
September 19, 2015
I am a friend or relative of resident
My mother has been at Birches for several months now and I can't tell you how pleased I am at the care she is receiving. The facility is very neat and clean, the staff is courteous, thoughtful and extremely helpful and my mother raves about the food! The whole experience of transitioning my mother from her home of 63 years to The Birches was, with the help of the staff at Birches, a wonderful experience and certainly less traumatic than I'd ever imagined it would be. My mother is happy, well taken care of and able to enjoy this phase of her life.
July 14, 2015
I visited this facility
The good thing about Birches at Arbour Square Senior Community is there is no entrance fee. There is no buy-in. It's a month-to-month lease, which was very nice. It's absolutely beautiful. I was able to get a one-bedroom apartment. Right now I'm a little bit handicapped and I have to use a wheelchair, and this apartment is handicap accessible for everything. I met the staff, and they were very friendly. When I went to visit, each resident took the time to say hello. It seemed like a good fit for me right now. I did like the idea that if you had to move out, it was only a 30-day notice. Three meals were included. Everything is accessible, even the freezer. From my wheelchair, I can reach the freezer, open the door, and reach whatever is in there. The shower and the bathroom setup was absolutely perfect. It had a beautiful shower bench that all I have to do is slide onto. We had a complimentary lunch, and the servers were perfect. They help you if you're handicapped. If you told them what you wanted, they went and got it for you. It was a huge dining area, there were tablecloths, and your silverware was wrapped up in napkins. It seemed like a nice atmosphere. They have a movie theater, a café, happy hour, plenty of activities, trips, and a bus that will take you where you need to go. In two weeks, I'll be there. What I saw, I liked. They have a gigantic library, a card room, a game room, and nice areas if you wanted to sit outside. My room looks outside the gazebo. On each floor, they had areas where you could sit and read. It's very flexible. They do have a physical therapy department there. If you need help there is someone on-call 24/7. There is staff available to help you for anything you need. I put a $500 deposit, and that is refundable. In two weeks, if I change my mind, I would get that back. The woman who showed me around shared everything that was available, but there was no pressure. I'm looking forward to moving in.
June 18, 2015
I visited this facility
The Birches was a very nice facility. It is beautiful, lovely, and brand new. The price was very good, and the Alzheimer’s unit is expensive, but for the independent, it’s very nice. They have a lot of activities, and the facility is very convenient to everything, convenient to my house. The people were very nice and nice experience.
If I have to choose any place to go even for myself, I would choose that place. I think it was one of the best. Lisa who showed me the place was very helpful and answered all my questions.
April 06, 2015
I visited this facility
The Birches at Arbour Square was very nice, but the food was not as good. The rooms were a little larger. The staff seemed to be extremely courteous and knew the residents well. They had better and much more extensive PT facilities.
Provider Response
Sara Jane ~ Thanks for your 5-Star Review! We are excited that you identified the employees and therapy program as two of our strengths. We work hard to hire, train and retain the best caregivers. Our therapy program is individualized so that residents can remain as independent as possible. Of course, we were disappointed about your comment regarding the food. If there is anything you can share specifically about the meal, please let us know. We are always open to making changes to improve the quality of life for our residents.
September 23, 2014
I visited this facility
Birches at Arbour was very nice as well as the people. The rooms were comfortable, and the dining area is big and clean. The staff was accommodating and friendly and the residents looked happy.
January 27, 2014
I am a friend or relative of a resident
My father is at The Birches at Arbour Square. He's been there for about a year now. We chose this facility because of its proximity to my house. I think they do an adequate job taking care of my father. They meet his needs. He is a memory care unit and his room is adequate for his needs. I've seen a range of people that really care and do 100% and then I also seen some of the staff that lacks that so to speak. My father always enjoys the food and from what he said, I think the food is poor. My only concern is that he does get bored because he has no stimulation there, he has dementia.
Provider Response
Thank you for taking the time to review The Birches at Arbour Square. Please know that our team has an open door policy and we encourage residents and families to share concerns so that we can personalize training and help all employees to become successful caregivers in our community. We strive to provide delicious and nutritious food for our residents and encourage dialogue with residents at monthly Dietary meetings. I would also encourage you to review our daily and monthly calendars. We do offer many activities for residents, but are always willing to discuss your father’s individual wants and needs. I hope you will come share your thoughts with us directly so that we can take your experience with The Birches at Arbour Square from ‘adequate’ to extraordinary.
January 23, 2014
I am/was a resident of this facility
Arbour Square is very well run. The apartments are well maintained and all the services are 1st class. Employees are both good at their jobs and caring compassionate people. Employees quickly know the residents and their needs.
November 27, 2013
I am a friend or relative of resident
During this time of year, most individuals take the time to reflect and count their blessings. We are grateful for the Birches at Arbour Square. The Birches at Arbour Square is as close to a family as a facility can be. Our family member has been embraced, is treated well and with respect. There is never a request that is too great or too small to be fulfilled. Every need is important. With any change in lifestyle there is always an adjustment period. The Birches at Arbour Square does everything possible to make the transition as easy and stress free as possible. Our family member has been at the Birches for over two year and is very happy and content. This is such a blessing for us and has lessened the worry and apprehension for our family knowing that our family member is safe and well cared for.
September 30, 2013
I am a friend or relative of resident
My father was a resident of the Birches at Arbour Square. The staff treated my father with dignity and respect and provided excellent care. He really enjoyed the activities and I'll never forget the time they took all the guys fishing and he caught one that was "this big!" They even took a picture to prove it. That was very special memory because dad always took us fishing when we were kids. He also enjoyed singing with the entertainers, which was another favorite pastime of his. His physical and mental health improved so much when he moved to the Birches thanks to the healthy and good tasting meals, physical therapy and management of his medications. Dad was heartbroken after mom passed away and he really bonded with the staff in a way that made his last few years happy. Thank you all for going above and beyond for my father.
March 26, 2013
I am/was a resident of this facility
I have lived here contentedly and safely for almost 3 years. The care staff is attentive and readily available. They will do what they can to help you and make you comfortable, always with a smile and a kind word. The rooms are spacious and easy to move around in, even with a walker or wheelchair. I am able to keep my favorite furnishings and belongings. I love the patio and the commons areas as an alternative to my room. Our activities director and other staff work hard to provide something for everyone, encouraging residents to join in at their own level and ability. There are also special events and parties planned for family. The cook and dining staff are responsive to suggstions and requests, if possible.
March 26, 2013
I am a friend or relative of a resident
I want to thank you for all the help you have given my mother. Having a parent suffering from Alzheimer's is difficult for us or any family. The exceptional care provided by your staff for the last two years has made it much easier for us to deal with the situation. I don't think it is an exaggeration to say that we notice that your staff treats her like their own family.
Medically, my mother has done very well under your care. You have given us comfort in knowing that her medical condition is being handled properly. Emotionally, it is wonderful to see her happy. She always seems to have a smile on her face. The addition of the garden was a huge hit for her since she loved to work in her gardens. It also gives us the opportunity to visit with her in a peaceful, beautiful setting.
My mother is clearly in a safe and nurturing environment. One of the most important aspects of living at the Birches is that you have managed to maintain her dignity. That is so important to both her and us.
Once again thank you for all you do to take care of our mother.
March 22, 2013
I am a friend or relative of resident
I am very happy that I chose this facility for my Mother who has dementia. The staff is caring and always concerned about her welfare. Her room is lovely and always kept clean and neat. My Mother loves her new home and the new friends she has made among the staff an residents. They have designated times for entertainment and things to do for the residents and have a lovely outside area that my Mother can use when the weather permits. I recommend the Birches for anyone looking for placement for their loved one.
May 11, 2012
I am a friend or relative of a resident
The employees are very kind, although the nursing staff had a high turnover when we had family there. The facility is pretty new, and it is within walking distance to Walmart. This has pluses and minuses for people who can't walk the distance safely (but who will do it anyway, like my family). At the time, there was a path, but it wasn't well-lit and it wasn't clear who maintained it. All-in-all, it was a nice facility at a very fair monthly rate with no buy-in fee.
November 04, 2011
Other
Community Relations business brought me to The Birches, and I was immediately impressed with the professionalism of the staff. They are a group of people who work as a strong team to offer a calm, warm, peaceful environment to their residents. There is a wide spanse of needs within this community, but the one that stands out is the area which caters to those residents who are memory impaired! This is certainly not easy for even the best of trained people to deal with. I witnessed such patience as the staff would go out of their way to deal with all these delicate needs. A stand out moment was when I was lucky enough to chat with a lady resident's son! He spoke of how heartbreaking it was when they felt no other options were available except t have mom go to a nursing facility. He shared that the family was fearful and at odds with each other and actually feeling guilty. It felt great to hear him say this move has been a blessing because she is now in the hands of experienced professionals who can not only take care of mom...but who have in many ways created a "bridge" between the mother and her family. He said it was like having a translator on hand when needed. Mom overheard the tail end of this chat, and in a good moment seemed to understand; she said "it's ALL GOOD DEAR"! She made my day.Great place!
Memory Care Reviews for The Birches at Harleysville
February 05, 2019
Other
You can tell a lot about a community by the way they interact with their residents and families. When you are here, you will feel like family. The staff treats the residents and their families the way they would treat their own family members. This is one of my favorite facilities to visit.
October 08, 2018
I am a friend or relative of a current/past resident
After visiting two other facilities, my 97 year old Aunt picked the Birches. She has been there about a month. She has a beautiful room with lots of windows. The entire facility is beautiful, peaceful and quaint. The staff is everywhere - willing and able to answer my questions or assist my Aunt. My Aunt loves the food and has also made many friends - she's looking forward to going to Bingo and church services. Although the move was a little traumatic initially as she had to give up her home of many years, she has adjusted well with the help of the staff and her new friends.
Costs for The Birches at Harleysville
Services and Amenities of The Birches at Harleysville
Costs
- All Inclusive Rent
- Rent Plus Care Fees
- Fee Structure Extra: We Offer A Month To Month Rental
- Assisted Living Starting At: $2800/month
- Memory Care Starting At: $5600/month
Room and housing options
- 1-bedroom apartments
- Companion Suites: Yes
- Studio Apartments
- Housing Extra: Shared Living
Dining options
- In Room Kitchenette
- Dining Room Shared Meals
- Room Service For Meals
Features
- Beauty Barber Shop
- Computer Room
- Resident Transportation
- Coffee Shop
- Party Space
- Hiking Trails
- Tv Room
- Garden And Patio
- Resident Parking
- Features Extra: Library, Fitness Room/Gym, W/D In Apt., Movie Theater, Art Studio
Cleaning services
- Laundry For Linens
- Private Cleaning Services
- Housekeeping
Technology and entertainment
- Cable In Rooms
- Technology Extra: Emergency Call System
Health services
- Hospice Care
- Medication Management
- Physical Therapy
- Pharma
Activities
- Offsite Activities
- Music
- Games
- Stories
- Religious Services
- Wii Sports
- Fitness Room
- Gardening
- Cooking
- Arts And Crafts
- Activities Extra: Computer Class, Woodworking
Financial guidance
- Home Sale Assistance
- Va Benefits Consultation
- Financing Advice
Guest services
- Guest Parking
- Guests At Mealtime
- Overnight Guests
Languages
- English
General
- Resident Capacity: 85
- Respite Care
- Minimum Age: 55
- Pets: Yes
Range of services
- Physical Therapy
- Occupational Therapy
Licenses
- State Licenses: 134520
About The Birches at Harleysville
At The Birches at Harleysville Personal Care & Dementia Care Community in Harleysville, PA, you'll find all the personal care assistance you need to live a healthy and happy life. No more worrying about maintaining a house, cooking or cleaning. The month-to-month lease includes three meals daily served in the dining room, housekeeping and laundry services, social events and transportation to local outings and appointments plus 24-hour personal care assistance and medication management.
What Makes Us Special
Our staff is specially trained and updated in the latest methods and techniques in caring for a resident with Alzheimer's disease or other related dementias. This means that your loved one will be treated with the utmost respect and dignity in an environment that is kind and loving.
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