After what I saw & my family experienced, I would not in good conscious recommend Chandler Hall's rehab wing/nursing home, or assisted living wing to anyone (I can't speak to their independent living area as I have no first hand experience with that portion.
My father, who suffers from dementia, was at Chandler for close to a three week period. He had two rehab stays, each lasting a week long, as well as a 5 day respite stay in the Hicks Memory Care assisted living unit in between his two rehab stays.
Over this period I was very disappointed & shocked by the lapses in basic care by the staff, here are some of the many issues I encountered;
1. during my father's first rehab, I arrived three days in a row by midday to find my father not wearing his dentures and not knowing where they were. The staff neglected to make sure his dentures were in before he was taken to breakfast so he had to gum his food three days in a row. I had complained to staff including the nursing director after the first instance and yet it continued for two more days. One of the days I found his dentures in the pocket of the pants he wore the night before which were in the hamper waiting to be laundered. (note: staff assisted with undressing and dressing my father each day and did not check the pockets obviously). I'm glad I found his dentures before his clothes were taken to be laundered or who know if we would've found his dentures.
2. One day came into my father's room to find an industrial dryer on the floor drying the room's carpet. At first I assumed they had done a routine carpet cleaning but upon finding my father's socks sopping wet in the hamper, I questioned the staff about it and they informed me that during the night the sink pipe had burst and flooded the room (Note: I had spoken to the same staff a short time earlier yet they had chosen not to inform me of the flooding until I questioned things later).
3. One day I arrived to find my dad's beard had been completely shaved off by staff. In 40 years I had never seen my dad without a beard. I was at Chandler Hall for 7-10hours a day, every day, yet staff never thought to ask me how my father likes his facial hair kept & took it upon themselves to shave him during the small window of the day I was not by his bedside. They could've just looked at the multitude of photos we had put in the room of my father...all of which showed him with a beard to see he wears a beard! When your loved one has dementia they are confused by a lot of things, the last thing you want them being confused about is the face their seeing in the mirror.
4. One day I arrived to not find my father in his room, I went to the big TV room to see if they had wheeled him in there as they had started to take him there after breakfast (even though he preferred to remain in his own room where he had his own personal TV). He wasn't in the TV room either, I was heading towards the physical therapy office to see if they had brought him down for a session and out of the corner of my eye I saw my dad's legs sticking out in another room. I went in to find my father fast asleep in another woman's room/bed. Somehow my father was able to get himself down a different hallway, into this woman's room, get out of his wheel chair and into her bed and fall asleep...all that time and yet I am the one who arrived at Chandler mid-day & found him there before anyone on the staff (who are up & down the hallways) noticed he was there.
5. Every day the call-button phone outside the nurses station would be ringing continually throughout the day. I watched on numerous occasions as Staff would just walk by the phone not even glance at the phone to see who in what room was calling for help. Why even have call buttons and chords in rooms if staff is just going to ignore them when residents use them?!? I also watched as other residents in wheel chairs would verbally ask for the help of staff as they walked by, only to have the staff ignore them and walk past.
6. Mealtime in the nursing home dining room can be described as a very inefficient, disorganized, mess. You have to witness it firsthand to understand fully.
7. During his 30 day respite stay at Hicks (which I cut short after only 5 days), bringing things to the attention of my dad's main "personal care giver" when I witnessed very odd or alarming behaviors from my dad often just got a very nonchalant, dismissive response from her, with her often saying "the dad you know is slipping away", "it's a whole new ballgame now", or "all the old rules no longer apply." While that may be true to some extent, I know my father's better than anyone and would hope that if I'm alarmed by something I'm seeing and I bring that to the attention to staff, it would at least get investigated and checked into before being dismissed.
8. Chandler is very aggressive at getting agreements signed and making sure they got paid promptly on day one (which I was fine with) yet when I ended my father's respite stay early due the all the deficiencies In care I had witnessed, they take 30 days to refund our money back to us. In addition, I had to call after 30 days had elapsed because we had not received the promised refund check in the promised allotted time only to be told that someone had forgotten to submit it so we had to wait an additional week for their next check run.
9. In two different rooms my father stayed in, the sink dripped 24hrs a day. In general the place is showing it's age and is a depressing environment
Not all is negative at Chandler, there were some positives, I really liked the Physical therapy staff who are there onsite (note: they are employed by an outside company...not by Chandler). The Lunch Cafe, which is located in another building separate from the Building that contains the nursing home/rehab & Hicks Memory care unit and is where many of the staff eat is awesome. Matt the head chef & his staff do an outstanding job! I wheeled my father there for lunch often as it was a much more pleasant environment (and much better food) for him & I to have lunch together at.
There were some other very competent and good staff members I encountered but unfortunately the bad far outweighed the good and in good conscious I couldn't continue to have my father there. It's a shame as due to his and my family's familiarity with the place (his grandmother spent her final years there in the 70s) Chandler was where we had hoped my dad could spend his final months/years. But I saw too many lapses in basic care and too many substandard issues which to me indicate a bigger overall systemic problem going on over at Chandler as opposed to just a couple of substandard employees dropping the ball, so as a result we pulled my father out of there and got him into another facility which has not only been much better care wise, but also surprisingly less in cost than Chandler.
I encourage anyone looking for a facility for their loved ones to investigate & look around as there are other places doing a better job than Chandler is doing currently.
Chandler Hall Newtown, PA
Offers Assisted Living, Independent Living, Nursing Homes, Continuing Care Communities, Adult Day Care, and Memory Care
17 Reviews
99 Barclay Street, Newtown, PA 18940
Call
(800) 385-2527
Reviews of Chandler Hall
Assisted Living Reviews for Chandler Hall
December 02, 2018
I am a friend or relative of a current/past resident
March 24, 2010
Geriatric Care Mgt. Review
Chandler Hall's Assisted living Program is provided in five separate buildings within the Chandler Health Services Complex in Newtown,Pa. Each of these buildings have a very similar interior theme with a series of efficiency type apt. units that are appointed with amenities that promote independence and socialization. In addition to these separate buildings, Chandler also operates the Hicks section that was the first generation of assisted care on this campus. The Hicks section resembles a more "medical model theme" that acommodates those residents who require a higher level of care than traditional assisted care. One could say that Hicks represents from a care level,that area between customary assisted care and the care found at a skilled nursing home. The Hicks Care Program fills this important but sometimes over-looked category of care. Since these assisted care services are part of a comprehensive campus of many senior services, including a Homecare/Hospice ( in-patient and out-patient), as well as Adult Daycare, and SNF, certainly avails the resident of a complete continuum of care.
Independent Living Reviews for Chandler Hall
October 12, 2022
I visited this facility
I did a tour of Chandler Hall. I would say it's bare bones. The apartment seemed very nice. They call them cottages. It had a nice modern kitchen, had good light, and was clean, but it was very small. We only met one person and she was delightful.
They don't offer any food for the independent living there. You can get some food if you pay for it, I think it's the way it goes there.
They did seem to have a gym. The staff who gave me the tour was excellent. The facility looks pretty good. What I like the best was, you could walk into Newtown from there if you're a good walker.
June 08, 2022
I visited this facility
Chandler Hall is run very impeccably. The location is great because you're near stores and within walking distance to the center of the town. It's very picturesque. They have very nice people and nice surroundings. They have many activities, like movie nights and bus trips. They have a swimming pool.
Nursing Home Reviews for Chandler Hall
December 16, 2020
I visited this facility
When I visited my aunt I was amazed at how kind and helpful all of the staff members were and the exceptional care they provided to her. The facility itself is beautiful and it has a friendly feel to it. Each resident gets a lot of personal attention. I recommend Chandler to anyone needing assisted living/respite care/hospice, etc. I would trust them with my own family members.
September 03, 2017
I am a friend or relative of a current/past resident
Chandler Hall has recently been purchased, and in early August 2017 upper level management and some of the nursing staff was replaced. My mother had been in Chandler Hall in the Spring of 2017, and our experience there was very good.
Now it is as if it is an entirely different place.
My father was sent to Chandler Hall from a local hospital after a fall. He did not sustain any fractures, but did significant soft tissue damage to his right hip. We were expecting a 1-2 week stay to rehabilitate him to the level he could return home with a 24-hour aide to help him..
Instead, eight days later, he is deteriorating. The PT staff, while they seem to be competent, communicate rarely, don't return phone calls, and are very difficult to reach.
But the more serious problem is with the nursing staff. My father has been left sitting in a wheelchair for hours. The staff was not taking him to breakfast or lunch, until I made an issue of it. It has taken 30-60 minutes for a nurse or CNA to respond to a request to help him move into bed, or to go to the bathroom.
Many of the staff are rude to both patients and their families. Every day of my father's stay, we have had at least one instance of a nurse or CNA behaving in a rude and unprofessional manner toward one of us. For example, on two occasions my father rang for a nurse, and I then came in for a visit. A nurse or CNA came in more than 30 minutes after my arrival, and asked in a snippy way what we wanted, then continued to be rude when I replied that I didn't know because I hadn't made the request and my father could no longer remember why he had asked for help.
We are transferring my father at the end of the holiday weekend. My understanding is that we are not the first family to make this decision, based on the quality of care. I had also previously decided on Chandler Hall when my parents do require a long-term nursing home. I will not consider it as an option now. Once my Dad leaves the facility, we are never coming back.
February 10, 2016
I visited this facility
The rooms at Chandler Hall Health Services were clean. They were modern. I saw plenty of activities with patients being ambulated in the hallway. They have church, bingo, and card games. It was bright, and modern. The furnishings were new.
October 25, 2014
I visited this facility
Chandler Hall was very good, very clean, and a very nice place. I had a very homey feeling. The rooms and the dining room were also very nice and very clean. When I was there, they were in the process of having a sing-a-long in the nursing facility. They recognized Medicaid/Medicare. I wished we could afford it because the only problem was it was very expensive.
February 14, 2014
I am a friend or relative of a resident
My husband was there for a few weeks after he had a pacemaker defibrillator implanted. It is a Quaker Institution so everything in Chandler Hall was very good, especially care and the people. Everybody was friendly, caring and passionate. The place was very clean and homey.
Continuing Care Retirement Community Reviews for Chandler Hall
August 29, 2018
I visited this facility
I toured Chandler Hall, and the staff is excellent. The rooms are very nice. The YMCA is inside the campus, so there are always activities and people around. They have an indoor and an outdoor pool. However, they won't certify me for independent living, and it costs $6,000 a month to live in an apartment.
May 22, 2018
I visited this facility
Chandler Hall was very nice. The apartments were small, but they were nice. The activities were very good. There were residents doing some sing-a-longs, some doing games, some were reading, and some were looking at a fish tank.
October 15, 2017
I am a friend or relative of a current/past resident
Chandler Hall is doing a nice job, and as much as can be expected from the situation. From what I have seen, the staff is very nice. My relative seems to enjoy their food. The place is clean, and they keep the room nice and neat, so it's all pretty good.
February 19, 2017
I am a friend or relative of a current/past resident
Really alarming. My grandfather is in Chandler and there have been repeated problems, but tonight has been the last straw. He was hospitalized tonight and the ER has been trying for at least an hour, likely more, to reach someone at Chandler about what he needs for medicine. No one answered. The hospital and our family has been trying to reach someone and we've had no luck. How is that possible? This is not the first time we've been unable to reach someone during a crisis. What is my family paying for? Like another person has said, this place has gone downhill. It's a disgrace.
December 03, 2016
I am a friend or relative of a current/past resident
Chandler Hall is a lovely, clean, comfortable, and beautiful facility. The staff is kind and friendly. It’s reasonable for the services they provide, he is happy there, and they are very accommodating. They do scenic nights on the weekend, bingo, discussions, and various holiday luncheons. The building that he is in has a nice kitchen area if you wanted to have a family gathering you could do that and utilize the kitchen services. It’s separate from the kitchen and the dining area where the residents eat. They do some game time sometimes, and they have a beautiful porch that the residents can sit out on it in the nice weather. I didn’t think there was a place that was as nice as that. It definitely meets all the qualifications you would want for your love one to be in assisted living. You can do independent living to hospice care.
August 31, 2016
I am a friend or relative of resident
Very disappointed........Mom is a dementia patient and is staying at Hicks in Chandler Hall. Three times in the last month and 1/2 I have found Mom's medication in her pockets when I go to do her laundry, She is supposed to be given meds at dinnertime by a CNA or Nurse and they are supposed to watch her take the meds - SHE IS AFTER ALL A DEMENTIA PATIENT ! I did speak to the staff after each incident - and now I will file a formal complaint with the State Licensing. Mom has been at Chandler Hall for the past year and THEY HAVE REALLY GONE DOWN HILL.
February 09, 2016
I am a friend or relative of a resident
Chandler Hall came from a strong recommendation, and from my own observation; plus its close by. I am extremely pleased with the staff. I would recommend them. No complaints with regards to billing, and management.
June 18, 2011
I visited this facility
Excellent caring staff and administration. New residents usually show immediate improvement in overall condition and attitude.
Questions about Chandler Hall
What ongoing training does the staff receive in dementia care?
Members of Chandler Hall staff have received specialized Alzheimer's and dementia care training, which focuses on different types of dementia, fundamentals of daily care, and communication techniques.
Describe the overall population of assisted living residents at Chandler Hall. What is their average age? What are their favorite things to do?
Safety and health are foremost in Phelps and Jordans Personal Care Manor Houses. Our residents' average age is 84 years of age. The Life Enrichment Department coordinates various activities focusing on the physical, nutritional, emotional, social, spiritual, intellectual, financial, and environmental factors of health. Individual and group activities are scheduled throughout the day at Chandler Hall.
What programs or activities does Chandler Hall offer to enrich residents' well-being?
Life Enrichment and Engagement is the primary goal for our residents. Each individual is given a complete activity assessment to identify their individual hobbies, interests and lifestyle. The Life Enrichment Department develops a variety of individual and group activities, such as yoga, mindfulness, puzzles, reading, news chats or musical entertainment. As COVID-19 has reduced outings and gatherings, the residents will resume trips to local venues and celebrations once the restrictions are lifted.
What places are near Chandler Hall or within walking distance for assisted living residents to enjoy?
Our residents enjoy walking throughout the Chandler Hall campus, enjoying the flower gardens and visiting friends along the way. On rainy days, there are indoor walking areas throughout the Wright Meeting Hall and Manor Houses. Scheduled walks into Newtown’s historic parks, shops and Farmer’s Market are part of residents’ healthy lifestyles.
What transportation services does Chandler Hall offer to assisted living residents?
Chandler Hall has transportation available for medical appointments and some of the scheduled activities.
What makes the chef or dining program at Chandler Hall exceptional? What kind of menu can assisted living residents expect?
Our chefs provide creative and nutritious, farm-to-table meals. The culinary team takes time to build relationships with the residents, get to know their preferences and favorite meals, and create a pleasant rapport. The dining experience, including healthy food, conversation, laughter and staff interaction, is key to optimizing health.
What safety features or security measures does Chandler Hall offer to assisted living residents?
Our campus has 24-hour monitored camera surveillance to all entrances throughout the campus. The doors to all entrances are locked from 9pm until 6am.
How does Chandler Hall keep residents' families informed about their loved ones?
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Chandler Hall staff are working diligently to keep every family member informed of their loved one's health and status. We are providing virtual visits on a daily basis. The Medical Director and Senior Management team are in communication with our family members as much as possible during this most difficult time.
What is the care staff-to-resident ratio at Chandler Hall during daytime and nighttime hours?
Staffing in the Manor Houses is at or above state requirements. We are currently doing temperature checks on a daily basis with all residents. We are proud of our team's dedication and proactive approaches in helping the residents cope with the strains of our current COVID-19 precautions.
What ongoing senior care training does the staff receive?
All staff complete monthly mandatory training. Additional seminars to enhance the staff's growth and skills are scheduled throughout each calendar year.
Describe the overall population of independent living residents at Chandler Hall. What is their average age? What are their favorite things to do?
Independent Living at Chandler Hall consists of 2 bedroom Cottages, 2 bedroom Lofts and Residential Apartments. Our quaint and charming campus provides an environment for each person to be as busy as desired or enjoy those quieter moments to read.
What places are nearby for independent living residents to enjoy?
The historic district of Newtown is a stone's throw away for the residents to enjoy casual and fine restaurants, shopping and culture.
What transportation services does Chandler Hall offer to independent living residents?
Chandler Hall's transportation services provide physician appointments and scheduled group activities.
What makes the chef or dining program at Chandler Hall exceptional? What kind of menu can independent living residents expect?
The Café in the Wright Meeting Hall is a favorite spot for the Independent residents to enjoy lunch or dinner with family and friends. The chefs at Chandler Hall take great pride in their menus and making their customers happy.
What safety features or security measures does Chandler Hall offer to independent living residents?
Our campus has 24 hours of monitored camera surveillance to all entrances throughout the campus. The doors to all entrances are locked at 9pm until 6am.
If Chandler Hall accepts dogs or cats, what indoor/outdoor areas can they enjoy?
Pets are permissible. Pet interviews take place prior to move in to ensure everyone's enjoyment
How many staffers are on duty in the daytime and overnight?
Staffing in the Hicks Memory Support Residence is at or above State requirements. We are currently doing temperature checks on a daily basis with all residents. We are proud of our team's dedication and proactive approaches in helping the residents cope with the strains of our current COVID-19 precautions.
What safety features or security measures does Chandler Hall provide to protect residents who wander?
It is vital for families to know your loved one is safe and secure on the campus of Chandler Hall. Our staff’s responsibility is to keep your family member safe, comfortable and supported during their living experience at Chandler Hall. If and when a resident begins to show signs of dementia that involves wandering, our specialized teams will contact the family to discuss next steps to ensure the safety of your loved one. As each person's situation is unique, each plan will be individualized to maximize the safety of the resident.
What programs or activities does Chandler Hall offer to keep residents engaged? How does the staff engage residents' long-term memories?
Specialized programming is provided for individuals, small groups and large groups. Individual interviews with family and the resident are conducted to ensure each person is known from an intellectual, emotional, spiritual and physical perspective. Once the interview is completed the activity team enhances the schedule of programs to include the individual's needs and desires.
Who assesses residents' health and cognitive functioning? How often is that assessment repeated?
Prior to your family member moving into their large studio apartment, our RN/LPN completes a formal assessment. The Primary physician, assessment and family review the residents' needs and begin the plan of care. Our intimate 32 bed residence enables the staff to be actively engaged with the residents on a daily basis. Any change of status is reviewed at that time and next steps are implemented. Chandler Hall's team of specialists including the Administrator, Resident Care coordinator, Care Attendants, Physician and families work together to remain up to date during the journey of each individual's process of dementia.
What techniques does Chandler Hall use to support memory care residents during mealtimes?
The Resident Care Attendants, Culinary Assistants and families work together to encourage a fulfilling dining experience for each individual. A Registered Dietician is available to assess any dietary needs.
How does Chandler Hall keep residents' families informed about their loved ones' health?
It is vital families know their loved one is safe and secure on the campus of Chandler Hall. Our firm belief that our family is your family includes communicating any health changes of the resident on a daily basis or as needed. Physicians, nursing and activities personnel work together with the families to maintain the residents' health. Our staff’s responsibility is to keep your family member safe, comfortable and supported during their living experience at Chandler Hall. If and when a resident begins to show signs of dementia that involves wandering, our specialized teams will contact the family to discuss next steps to ensure safety. As each person is unique, each plan will be individualized to maximize the safety of the resident.
Describe the neighborhood around Chandler Hall. Is it located in a residential neighborhood, a business district, a rural setting, or other type of locale?
Nestled in the recognized, quaint historic area of Bucks County, Chandler Hall’s 13 acre campus is a suburban delight. It is surrounded by quiet suburban homes, and just a stone's through from Newtown's charming downtown area.
Costs for Chandler Hall
Services and Amenities of Chandler Hall
Costs
- Rent Plus Care Fees
- Entry Fee
- Assisted Living Starting At: $5200/month
- Independent Living Starting At: $2550/month
- Memory Care Starting At: $6000/month
Room and housing options
- 1-bedroom apartments
- 2-bedroom apartments
- Companion Suites: We Do Offer Companion Suites
- Studio Apartments
Medicare
- Health:
- Overall:
- Quality:
- Staff:
- Medicare Provider Number: 395305
- Ownership Type: Non Profit Corporation
- Date Certified: 10/01/2020
General
- Resident Capacity: 98
- Pets: Small Pets Allowed
Licenses
- State Licenses: 129870 - PERSONAL CARE HOMES
About Chandler Hall
A Full Senior Lifestyle Continuum
Thanks to the wide array of programs and amenities we provide, there’s always something happening at Chandler Hall. Whether you are in need of independent living, adult day health, respite services, personal care, residential memory support, skilled nursing and rehabilitation, long-term care or hospice care in our Hospice Pavilion or in the comfort of your own home, Chandler Hall is a senior lifestyle community that is here for you.
The on campus, open to the public, YMCA even provides infant care, early childhood education and summer camp for children through their teenage years, but is available via FREE membership to residents that live at Chandler Hall.
The Manor Houses at Chandler Hall
Chandler Hall opened its Apartment Style Residences in early 2000, establishing a setting for personal care where assistance with daily tasks is available to residents. The common areas of each house provide tastefully appointed living spaces; these spaces include living, family and intimate dining rooms. Residents enjoy menu selections for three delicious meals per day. This personal care setting allows for many residents needs to be met as well as a variety of programming. Residents enjoy a smaller community within the benefits of a larger one.
Programs & Services:
- Assistance with Activities of Daily Living
- Medication Administration
- 24 Hour Security surveillance Campus
- Beauty Salon & Barber Shop
- Social, Cultural and Educational Programs On and Off-Site
- Special Events, Brunches and Performances
- Intergenerational Programming
- Membership to Fitness & Aquatic Centers
- On-Site Primary Care Provider office
- Campus Shuttle Service
- Beautiful Auditorium for Variety of Functions
- Trips/Transportation for Medical Appointments
- Comfortable Home Environment
- Spacious Common Areas
- Residential Laundry Facilities
- Covered Front Porches
- Finely Appointed Dining Room
- Three Delicious Meals from a Choice Menu
- Full Country Kitchen in Family Room
- Computer Accessibility
Hicks Memory Support Residence
At Chandler Hall, we take time to get to know each of our residents, their families, and personal situations. We understand the effects that Alzheimer’s Disease and other types of dementia can have. Our Hicks Memory Support Residence provides a safe and secured environment to ensure that we meet individual needs while making residents feel right at home in spacious apartments.
We implement new and proven memory support techniques to meet the ever-changing needs of residents. All Hicks Residence nursing, dietary, housekeeping and activities staff are specially trained through the Alzheimer’s Association Habilitation Therapy Program. The program focuses on meeting the needs of each resident “at the moment,” with dignity and respect.
Thank you for your interest at Chandler Hall Senior Living. Please give us a call to schedule a free tour.
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