I have visited Friends Home in Kennett several times, and every time I leave, I feel absolutely wonderful. The staff and residents are wonderful. It is different from some others because it is an old mansion built by the Quakers in the 1800’s. It is a wonderful, very warm, very caring, and very loving place. You don’t get that feeling in one of those big corporations that are just going to suck you dry. The staff members work there because they want to and they like it. It is a great place. My mom is not in there yet, but she will be next week. I don’t foresee having any problems. It is going to be a good place.
Friends Home in Kennett
Offers Assisted Living and Independent Living
6 Reviews
147 West State Street, Kennett Square, PA 19348
Call
(800) 385-2527
Reviews of Friends Home in Kennett
Assisted Living Reviews for Friends Home in Kennett
January 19, 2017
I visited this facility
May 10, 2016
I visited this facility
The staff at Friends Home in Kennett was lovely. I spoke with some of the residents who seemed to be content. However, the facility was very old. It's an old historic building, but it had a real homey feel to it, like 1930s homey, and it does need a lot of updates. I spoke briefly with the nursing director. I was happy to see that there was a lot of involvement and presence from the nursing staff. They had a lovely dining room. The place seemed bright and cheery. In terms of staff, they could get a high rating, but physically, it was a little shabby. I was told that they could not accommodate wheelchairs. My mother has mobility issues and uses a walker. Because the facility itself is so old, they can't widen the hallways. They've been very gracious and patient and answered questions, but I just couldn't see my mom living at this place because the facility was limited. It would be more accommodating for people without mobility issues, are completely ambulatory without a wheelchair, or without walkers.
March 31, 2016
I am a friend or relative of a resident
We used Friends Home in Kennett for my mom’s respite care. It was very good, and we were quite happy with it. Everything, including the food, was quite good. The amenities were excellent, the cost was outstanding, and it was close to home. Everything we wanted was there. We’re quite happy with the choice and would go there again and recommend it to others.
October 16, 2014
I am a friend or relative of a resident
It was very nice, and my mother enjoyed being there. But just because it was a very old building, the feeling was she would probably be in a wheelchair and they were really not set up for wheelchair accessibility. It was farther from us, so we felt that it would be better if she would be closer. When she went there, she was a person seeking independent living, and they had a nursing station downstairs, but the people there were expected to come and go pretty much on their own and in that way it was fine until she fell. It was a very friendly environment; it was very much like a small town, and the people were like small-town people. The staff was very friendly, but we didn’t have much interaction with them because mother was living independently. We were very satisfied with it.
July 05, 2012
I am a friend or relative of a resident
My grandmother has been at this facility for over 3 years and we have never had any problems. The staff is excellent. They are always kind and friendly, and very understanding when we bring my grandma home late! They also call to inform us if my grandmother is sick or behaving strangely, like not eating. They always keep us in the loop. The facility is small, but it has a comforting, community feel to it. Each room is a single with closet room and a bathroom. The facility also allows residents to bring in their own furniture like chairs and dressers if they want to. The facility also has a spacious wrap-around deck with lots of chairs. The lawn and garden beds are well kept, and it is a beautiful place to sit in the spring and summer. They also have lots of activities throughout the week to keep residents entertained, like holiday parties, craft days, and musical groups that come to perform. Overall Friends Home is a fantastic facility.
Independent Living Reviews for Friends Home in Kennett
October 21, 2019
I am/was a resident of this facility
I moved into Friends Home in Kennett, and it's been a very positive experience. It's not real modern, and the building I'm in was built in the early 1800s. Kenneth Square is a lovely small town, and everybody is so nice and welcoming. I'm very pleased. I have a beautiful apartment. It's a lovely place, not inexpensive, but affordable. The move-in fee is very low. I recommend it highly. They provide three meals, and the food is quite good and quite healthy. The dining room is like a restaurant, which is lovely, and it has nice tablecloths. They're gradually changing most of the flooring in most of the places. They have independent living, assisted living, a nursing home, and hospice care. They bend over backward to take care of everybody. They're still replacing the carpeting in the walkway up to where my apartment is, and they've just redone the kitchen. They're upgrading it gradually. Most of the activities are geared toward the assisted care, but they have excursions. The staff is great.
Questions about Friends Home in Kennett
Describe the overall population of assisted living residents at Friends Home in Kennett. What is their average age? What are their favorite things to do?
Friends Home has both a unique group of residents and tailor each of them to the level of care they may need. We have seniors who are active and can manage their own daily lifestyle to those who need nursing care around the clock. Because of this, our average age range varies with some residents joining our community in their 60s to those who need care many years later. Our residents love to socialize and we give them plenty of opportunity to do just that! There are many clubs such as book club, sports club, music appreciation, Wii bowling, bingo, crafting, and card games. Warm weather gives us the ability to enjoy our wrap around porch and patio to relax and enjoy the sunshine!
What programs or activities does Friends Home in Kennett offer to enrich residents' well-being?
Friends Home provides a wide range of activities, which are open to all our residents! Having a music director and dance coordinator allows us to offer many performing arts programs. No matter the day, we always have something fun and engaging for all. A typical week would include exercise, games, dancing, movies, and art. Kennett Square also allows us to enjoy outdoor activities in walking distance like local walking trails, shopping and dining on the main street, parks and local churches. We also take advantage of our community bus with trips to stores, local farmers markets, country drives, and more.
What places are near Friends Home in Kennett or within walking distance for assisted living residents to enjoy?
Being on the main street in Kennett Square allows our residents access to many things our community has to offer. There are many local shops and restaurants all around us, just a few minutes walk from here! Using our bus, we can visit the local YMCA, library, churches and parks. We also have special outings, that may include theater, museums or concerts.
What transportation services does Friends Home in Kennett offer to assisted living residents?
Friends Home has a passenger bus, which allows residents to participate in our various trips and outings. With COVID restrictions easing, we are currently planning more trips and store visits. While there are places we typically plan, we are always up for suggestions from anyone that has them. Some trips are not always possible, but we make every effort to get our residents to destinations that are fun and safe. We are currently not offering individual doctor trips but are working on fixing this and hope to have it up and running soon. As of now, doctor appointments will need to be scheduled with assistance from a family member. We understand this may be challenging for some, but hope to have something in place to remedy this as soon as possible.
What makes the chef or dining program at Friends Home in Kennett exceptional? What kind of menu can assisted living residents expect?
Our Director of Dining services was trained at the Culinary Institute and always tries to incorporate new dishes as well as resident favorites to the monthly menu! Toward the end of each month, our chef speaks with residents to go over current and future menu items. He is always there to adjust dishes to a resident's specific diet or taste preference. During monthly holidays, our chef creates a menu reflecting that day to make it fun for everyone. Our monthly menu is posted in the dining hall as well as given to each resident at the beginning of the month. At any meal, residents are able to substitute their meal for a secondary dish, which is placed on each table. We can accommodate those who may not make it to the set time for meals and deliver meals to resident rooms if they prefer that over the dining hall.
What safety features or security measures does Friends Home in Kennett offer to assisted living residents?
We at Friends Home know our residents health and safety are top priority. We are always working to enhance our measures to make this community as safe as possible. Before joining Friends Home, an evaluation by your family doctor or practitioner is reviewed. Once reviewed, an additional evaluation is done by our nurses to determine a level of care suited for your needs. All of our residents, aside from our independent living residents, are given a WanderGuard for our nurses to monitor. WanderGuard provides our community and residents freedom of movement with safety and security front of mind. With the flexibility to secure any area, WanderGuard allows memory care residents to engage with other residents and enjoy the full life of the community. All rooms are also equipped with emergency pull stations for our residents to call nurses for immediate assistance.
How does Friends Home in Kennett keep residents' families informed about their loved ones?
Family and friends are vital to the long term physical and mental wellbeing of everyone, especially our community! At the beginning of every month, families receive our monthly newsletter and activities calendar to keep them updated on upcoming trips and community status as a whole. Our nursing staff is always monitoring our residents needs and looking for changes in health overall. Residents have cell phones or land lines to speak with their family at any time. Nurses reach out to families when needed by phone in a high priority situation.
What is the care staff-to-resident ratio at Friends Home in Kennett during daytime and nighttime hours?
Personal Care Assistants/ Med Techs day and evening ratio is at least 1 to 10 residents plus our nurse Director of Personal Care who is onsight 5 days a week and on call 24/7
If Friends Home in Kennett accepts dogs or cats, what indoor/outdoor areas can they enjoy?
At Friends Home, we understand the importance of pets in our lives. They become part of our family and we love them just as much! They provide love and comfort that only they can give us. With that in mind, Friends Home allows small pets if the resident can maintain 100% of its care on their own. Since the surrounding area is a great for walking, there are plenty of strides for you and your pet to get in the neighborhood! Anson B Nixon Park, a very short distance from us, has trails and a dog park. Pets are always welcome with visitors.
What ongoing senior care training does the staff receive?
CPR; Medical Tech training and reviews; Residents Rights; and Montessori Method of Care with Seniors.
Describe the overall population of independent living residents at Friends Home in Kennett. What is their average age? What are their favorite things to do?
Friends Home has 6 independent living apartments, with ample room for one or two residents. Our independent living residents have their own separate entryway from outside and personal parking space. These residents are fully capable of managing their own care and medications. While we do not provide care, our nurses and staff are here in case of an emergency. If these residents can manage all care for a small pet, they are welcome to bring their furry friend too. Residents vary in age, from 70 to 85. Many people enjoy independent living at Friends Home because they are always apart of our community as a whole. They are able to eat with everyone in the dining hall, participate in activities, join clubs, and enjoy our group outings. Its very important to stay active and engaged with peers, and also have their own space with room to spread out and relax.
What places are nearby for independent living residents to enjoy?
Many residents in our apartments enjoy the local shops, restaurants, parks, and churches all just steps away from our community. Short drives can take them to Longwood Gardens, Brandywine Battlefield and Museum, White Clay Creek State Park, and the Chadds Ford Winery. There are many things to do and see in Chester County, as well as surrounding areas.
What are some recent off-site events that the community activity director at Friends Home in Kennett has organized?
With COVID restrictions lifting, we have started planning more of our trips. We have weekly trips for shopping, grocery stores, and amish markets. When we aren't shopping, we have drives in the country which our residents just sit back and take in the sites. When we are able, we will begin taking classes at the local YMCA, visit the local senior center, and attend events in and out of Kennett Square.
What transportation services does Friends Home in Kennett offer to independent living residents?
For those that can manage their day to day but would benefit from a community of peers, our independent living is an ideal living space. Our independent living apartments are spacious, one bedroom apartments, connected to our main building . These residents can enjoy time on their own and have peers around them if they choose to join them. All of our activities, meals, clubs, and community areas are included in monthly rent, so they can be apart of anything and everything offered in our main building.
What makes the chef or dining program at Friends Home in Kennett exceptional? What kind of menu can independent living residents expect?
Our Director of Dining Services - himself a chef - was trained at the Culinary Institute. He incorporates new and different dishes along with time-honored favorites. He also welcomes recipes offered by residents and has Ethnic and seasonal special meals throughout the year.
What common areas are available for independent living residents?
We have several rooms that are open for all residents at any time. Each resident, whether independent, supportive independent, personal care or skilled nursing, are free to enjoy all that Friends Home has to offer. The original parlor on the first floor has plenty of comfortable chairs, games, puzzles, a snack bar, and piano. Some have family visits there, some enjoy playing or listening to someone playing the piano, or run in for a quick snack between meals. The sunroom has large windows wrapped around the entire room, hence the sunroom! It is a lovely spot to enjoy friends and family while also enjoying the sunshine, There is a TV in there as well, which residents can gather to watch their favorite programs. The library on our second floor is a quiet, cozy spot to pick out a book or bring one along with you to curl up and get lost in a book. Our wrap-around porch and Koi Pond are also a wonderful spot to relax, enjoy the weather, or people watch!
What safety features or security measures does Friends Home in Kennett offer to independent living residents?
Independent residents are free to enjoy a lifestyle they would if they were living at home. These residents are always vetted by our Director of Nursing, who works directly with their doctors and family to ensure this atmosphere is suitable for them. Each room in our independent wing has an emergency call button in the event of an emergency and know they could always check in with our staff if something is wrong. Because those that are independent drive, we have marked spots for their vehicles with security cameras around the building and parking lot monitored by nurses and staff. We have a night security staff member that also walks the property every evening so those that are on their own do not feel alone.
If Friends Home in Kennett accepts dogs or cats, what indoor/outdoor areas can they enjoy?
Pets are our family and their is no better comfort than having our furry companion right by our side. Because those in independent living are just that, those that choose to bring their pets would have to be able to fully take care of them. Kennett Square is a lovely walking community with many pet owners enjoying the day with their buddy by their side. And of course, any outdoor area on our campus are welcoming to pets.
Does Friends Home in Kennett work with an agency or registry to provide nursing and medical assistance as needed?
Friends Home works with Bayada Home Health Care as well as concierge doctors to make sure residents are getting the full spectrum of care and rehabilitation. These doctors and nurses provide that extra support and work with our staff to keep residents healthy and mobile as much as possible. We also work with several long term rehabilitation centers for the residents coming from hospital stays or need that extra attention to get back to feeling like themselves.
What safety features or security measures does Friends Home in Kennett provide to protect residents who wander?
Wandering is dangerous and challenging behavior to manage, not only for the individual but for family and nursing staff. We all want our loved ones to be safe and trust those whose responsibility it is to ensure this. When a current resident has the beginnings of exit seeking we employ a Wander Guard so the resident can stay as long and as safely possible. A Wander Guard is a device residents wear around their necks like a lanyard. The device is programmed to alert staff a resident has traveled outside of a certain safe area. When we are aware a resident has the inclination to wander, our doors to the outside are locked with a code and an alarm is set.
Costs for Friends Home in Kennett
Services and Amenities of Friends Home in Kennett
Costs
- Rent Plus Care Fees
- Entry Fee
- Entry Fee Cost: 4000
- Assisted Living Starting At: $3700/month
- Independent Living Starting At: $2613/month
Room and housing options
- Companion Suites: No
- Studio Apartments
- Housing Extra: 1 1/2 Bath Couples Suite
Dining options
- Dining Room Shared Meals
Features
- Beauty Barber Shop
- Computer Room
- Resident Transportation
- Party Space
- General Store
- Tv Room
- Garden And Patio
- Resident Parking
- Features Extra: Wrap Around Porch; Easy Access To The Town Of Kennett Square;
Cleaning services
- Laundry For Linens
- Housekeeping
- Laundry For Clothing
Technology and entertainment
- Wifi
- Technology Extra: Tv Cable Is Available In All Rooms And Apartments; Included For Short Term Stays
Health services
- Skilled Nursing
- Hospice Care
- Medication Management
- Nurse On Staff: Yes
- Pharma
Activities
- Offsite Activities
- Music
- Games
- Stories
- Religious Services
- Lectures Discussions
- Fitness Room
- Gardening
- Cooking
- Activities Extra: Arts And Crafts
Financial guidance
- Va Benefits Consultation
Guest services
- Guest Parking
- Guests At Mealtime
Diet
- Diabetic
- Low Fat
- Low Salt
- Diet Extra: Lactose Intolerant To Types Of Special Diets
Languages
- English
- Spanish
General
- Resident Capacity: 69
- Staff Patient Ratio: 8 1
- Respite Care
- Minimum Age: 65
- Pets: No
Range of services
- Personal Care Assistants
Licenses
- Licenses: PA Personal Care
- State Licenses: 140020 - PERSONAL CARE HOMES
About Friends Home in Kennett
Friends Home is a non-profit senior living community that offers a variety of living options to help residents remain independent and active. For more than 100 years, Friends Home in Kennett has been a special part of historic Kennett Square. It’s a place where life is comfortable, relationships are rewarding, and friends truly become family.
Our tradition of hospitality and caring began in 1898, when a group from the Religious Society of Friends (“Quakers”) came together to serve the area’s older adults.
Today, Friends Home offers a range of options for seniors including independent living, supportive independent living, personal care and skilled nursing.
What Makes Us Special
Friends Home is a warm, comfortable, homey community situated in the heart of Kennett Square. Our Supportive Independent Residents receive all the benefits of Assisted Living without health care or extra fees. Should care be needed in the future, they do not have to move – we bring the care to them!
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