Senior Commons at Powder Mill

Susan

I was pretty impressed with the Senior Commons at Powder Mill. It seems like my mom is going to have more socialization there, because they have a lot of activities, and I also like that she can go down to the dining room to eat. I just think she's going to thrive there. I think she's going to get maybe a little better because she'll have other people her own age to talk to. And they have, you know, pretty much I like the activities that they have scheduled every day. The staff was very enthusiastic, it seemed like she liked where she worked. My mom tried the food, and she ate the whole thing. She was looking at a studio apartment. They have a porch where everybody can go out. I liked how everything is on one floor.

Kelly

We're going to move my father-in-law to Senior Commons at Powder Mill. We chose it because it's clean, it smelled good, the staff seems very friendly and the care seems like it would be very good. The staff that we met there seemed very personable and friendly. They took their time to talk to us and we could watch them dealing with the patients there. We talked to one of the residents and he had nothing but good to say about the place, he loved being there and he loved the food. So that made us feel good about it too. They had windows everywhere, so there's a lot of natural light coming in, and the rooms are nice sizes.

Patricia

I went to Senior Commons at Powder Mill in person. The tour was thorough. Michelle was the one who showed us around. She was very kind. In all of the places that we went, if there was a staff member in the hallway, they greeted both of us. They were very positive and smiling, which was very nice for my neighbor. She saw that everybody was happy. We had a chance to engage some of the residents in the dining hall, which was very nice. She was able to see that they were not all screaming. We were able to look at four different sizes of rooms, and all of them were very clean. It was spacious depending on which size we started at. It was nice. I had no complaints at all. The hallways were clean. Everything looked very organized. I believe that that might be the one that we would end up going to, but she still wants to look at another one. I liked the Senior Commons just as a visitor. It's definitely on top of the list for me. One room was just a small bedroom that would fit a bed comfortably, full dresser, TV and they allow the resident to bring in a small refrigerator. The next size up is just one room, but it was able to hold a bedroom like a bed, dresser, and a sofa. It did not have a kitchenette, but we were still able to bring in a little refrigerator. The next two sizes were kind of like you had a bedroom and a living room. They were set up with a kitchenette, which was very nice. Every room had its own bathroom and private shower, which was a walk-in shower with a chair seat. The bathrooms were not huge, but for one person living there, it was sufficient. They have activity rooms, the therapy room, the physical therapy, and occupational therapy, and stuff like that. It was very nice. Even just the paintings on the walls and the way they had the hallways set up with different queues for people to know exactly where they were. It was very well done. It was very clean and very easy to navigate. They showed us the daily menu. They had fantastic choices. On top of what they had there, there was extra stuff that if someone didn't want that, they could just have like a cheeseburger or something like that. I enjoyed our visit.

Janine

We went to look at Senior Commons at Powder Mill. The community was well taken care of, and everything was clean. The residents that we ran into seemed okay. They were doing some activities, and they seemed to be enjoying themselves. Everyone was very nice. The tour guide was very nice. We got to tour several different suites, and they looked like they were kept in very good condition. The staff was very knowledgeable, very thorough, and explained a lot of things. They gave us two meals to take home, and they were delicious. The dining area was bright, clean, and very friendly. They were in a game room playing cards and just having fun with each other.

C.M.

My dad is in the assisted living of Senior Commons at Powder Mill. They provide different levels of care based on how the residents are functioning and how much help they need. They didn't want to assign him a level of care at the beginning because they wanted to be able to observe him and see what his needs were. They're very short-staffed now as most places are, we haven't gotten to a planning meeting that's supposed to be held every month so I'm in there providing a lot of his care. The people that I have talked to, like the nurses, seem to understand what I'm telling them that he needs. But it's not the nurse herself that would be coming in and assisting him with a shower. It would be the aides and somehow things are not followed through. The facility is beautiful. It provides a lot of enrichment activities. The food service is great too. The occupational and physical therapy are available at extra cost, and they have been very tuned in to my dad. The activities are great and they have a lot of them like bingo. Today they're having a Christmas party and every activity room has a different theme, food, and entertainment. Because he needs more care than what he's been getting, I would say the value is not that great. It is also one of the more expensive places around here. The other thing is their marketing director had only been there a month before my dad moved in. She was telling us a lot about what would happen that hasn't happened. The director just came from another one of their facilities too. He only came the week my dad moved in, and he was also telling us that, as far as the contract that we signed, all the things that would be included, and the kind of care he will get and it's just not happening. They need to pay more attention to the needs of the residents.

Provider Response

Carol

We went to Senior Commons at Powder Mill. I liked the fact that they do a lot with their patients. The rooms were nice. They have all different kinds of activities. They have a dining area where they can go and play games. Each night there's something different that they do. They told me a lot about them. The person who showed me around was very nice. She's nice in the way she explained things and went into detail. The facility looked fine to me.

Julie

When I walked in at Senior Commons at Powder Mill, I thought it was clean but it seemed dated. Some areas were nice and it seemed to be big enough. The room looked very nice, clean, new and it was spacious. The staff who gave me the tour was kind, courteous, and knowledgeable. He answered all of our questions, took us around, showed us everything. I saw the dining area and it looked nice. And the only thing that I didn't like is that the breakfast is only Continental, and not served. I didn't see anyone doing any activities. We went to a club room where we saw slot machines, billiards, and card tables.

Provider Response

laineyt

My Mother became a resident in mid-April. They were very helpful getting her moved in. From there things deteriorated. When I walked into her room 10 days later there was an odor, her hair was greasy and she smelled. There was no soap, shampoo, toilet paper or towels. When I confronted the staff I was told that Mom was supposed to ask for these items. I was not informed of this when Mom was admitted. Mom is 98 with dementia, how would she know to do this. She had just moved in. She was using her robe to dry herself, saying that she showed every day but could not get clean without soap! No one followed instructions that Mom is Incontinent. There were two bags of depends in her drawers which were not used. There are clothes missing, other people’s clothes in her drawers and closet. I brought this to the staff but nothing changed. Aides came into her room without masks and those who wore masks did not always wear them properly. It took multiple calls to get these issues resolved. The TV did not work for two weeks, her phone was not connected for at least three weeks. The condition my Mom was living in was deplorable. Also there was a medication that had been prescribed for Mom after she had pneumonia. This was never used. There were so many problems that should have never happened. We place our family members lives in their care and it is disappointing to find that they have no compassion. She was not treated with dignity. They are in the business of making money. I would not recommend this facility to anyone!!

Provider Response

June M-B

In Jan. 2013 my father passed away while both parents were living in NC. Knowing Mom would have to now live near a child, she chose to live near me. I gave her a year after my father passed to make the move not wanting to uproot her so soon after his death. I talked to marketing at a couple of places and got floor plans for her and she choose Senior Commons at Powder Mill. She had wanted to live in independent living in a two-bedroom apartment. In August she fell and we decided it would be best for her to move more quickly and not spend a winter alone in NC. What was available for her at the time was a two-room suite in assisted living. We took it and prior to her even going into the suite, my husband and I got her furniture situated so when she walked in, it looked like home. She was so comfortable there that she never went over to independent living. In the 7+ years that she was at Senior Commons, she was treated with respect and care. She never had an unkind word to say about any of the staff. The only complaint she had when she first arrived was there was too much salt in the food, and after a town hall meeting where it was brought up by several residents, that was rectified. As my mother was nearing end of life, I feel like the staff took me under their wing to make sure that both of us were comfortable. It was a difficult time and they helped me get through it. They became family. This year has been difficult for all. I can’t imagine what they have gone through, including employee turnover, COVID with the residents as well as staff, ability to care for everyone the way they would like. But through all the years and especially this one, the right decision was made for Mom to live out her life at Senior Commons. And I thank them for the care they have shown.

Farrell

We toured Senior Commons at Powder Mill. It's really good, and dad liked it. It's very nice, and the surroundings were nice. It's pretty convenient to anything you need, and the rooms were very nice, very clean, and very well kept.

William

I thought that Senior Commons at Powder Mill is a little bit expensive; the other place I saw was cheaper. This is a nicer community of course. The tour was a pleasurable experience and the lady that showed us around was very knowledgeable and had all the right answers to our questions. I saw some of their rooms. Their apartments were full, so they had none to show me, which was alright. The surroundings are a big open space, and there are a couple sets of doors. I got a chance to walk around. Their menu was well thought out, and they give the patients a choice of meals. I saw a couple different room sizes, the one shown to me had been refurbished with newly painted walls, and new carpets. So it seemed like they're on top of things. The setting that it's in, the building structure itself, and the furnishings inside are top notch.

JE

We went to Senior Commons at Powder Mill. Everybody was very knowledgeable, and everything was very clean. The room was very nice, but a little bit dated. Everybody we saw seemed very happy and looked good. They do a lot for the residents. They have a schedule of events. The food could've been a little bit better. The staff was very good, and the chef seemed very concerned with how we liked the food. He mentioned that they could accommodate dietary restrictions. All I saw in the game room was puzzles, and they had a TV room. The daily activities could've been a little bit better, but the activities that they do once or twice a month were good. I wish they could have a little bit more outdoor space.

Mark Fitz

My father fell while in the memory care unit there and they didn't notify us or the hospital for 8 hours. Unfortunately the head injury lead to his death a few days later.

Provider Response

Going Above and Beyond

We found ourselves in a tough situation. My sister was in need of respite care for a month or two or so we thought. We discovered that her medical needs were far more that we could handle at home. We turned to the staff at Senior Commons for help with additional care needs and how to implement it. Millie, Resident Care Director, took the initiative to call and facilitate services that needed to be put in place taking the stress off of the family. She went above and beyond staying late into the night to help my sister. Our family feels blessed that my sister Dorothy is here. She is well taken care of with meals, safety, and medication management. We also found Susan in activities is always encouraging her to be part of the festivities and meet new people. I highly recommend trusting this community to care for your loved too.

Glen B.

My brother-in-law, Jay, was very reluctant to move. Our family had many conversations that didn’t go anywhere with him. Once we finally convinced him to check it out, he still insisted that we would go home and talk about it. The 2 hour tour was incredible because it changed his mind. The tour ended with Jay asking Kelly when could he stay overnight. She said we are ready for you tonight. During his stay, the staff was 100% helpful at every interaction with him and our entire family. Not a single team member left our presence without stopping and asking if there was anything else they can do for Jay or for us. I highly recommended Senior Commons for your loved one. The care is outstanding. They are truly professionals.

EHF

My parents are residents of Senior Commons at Powder Mill. The community is fine, and their needs are taken care of. The biggest problem they had was with their meds, but they got most of that straightened out. It took a while to get things together but that's to be expected at the start. They seemed to adjust fine to the place and they've started doing some of the activities and stuff. The staff members notify my parents when their meals are ready, they notify them with their meds, and they come in every morning to put on their compression socks. They have complaints but their needs are met. Their room has a bathroom, bedroom, and a living room with a little kitchenette in it. There's a sink, and they have a microwave, refrigerator, and so on just outside the door. They're just around a bit down the hallway to the dining room. Their position is almost right at the center of everything you need, between the office, activity room, and lunch room, so they don’t have a whole lot of travelling to do to go to the activities they need. The staff is good. Sometimes it's light and sometimes it seems like they could use a little more help. The staff is very helpful. Every time you need something they take care of it. The building is laid out pretty good, and they're constantly working and making things better too.

Tammy

Senior Commons at Powder Mill was very friendly and clean. However, we weren't impressed with the price for what we were going to be getting. Also there weren't a lot of activities. My sister and one of my brothers did not feel the atmosphere was for my mom, but we thought it was a nice community. They had a salon and an activity room. The staff was very nice.

Provider Response

Kay

Staff at Senior Commons are kind and friendly. Keep me informed by communicating through text and email. (My request) They have embraced my parents with kindness and willingness to assure every little need was met. They go out of their way to make them feel at home.

jennifer740403

Senior Commons at Powder Mill was nice, but the rooms were really small. The employees were really nice. I had their meatloaf for lunch, and it gave me indigestion all day long.

Wendy244780

I thought Senior Commons was very nice. They had lots of activities for the people, but during that time, there weren't any because there was a virus going through the home. It was a smaller place, so they got to know each other a little better. The staff was also very helpful. The dining area looked fine, and it was clean. They have a library and an exercise area.

Adrian231574

I think the building was two-story, but Senior Commons did not inspire me at all. Some of the people were friendly, and some were not. The person who gave us the tour was very nice. From what I saw, the facility was large and looked clean.

John465426

I visited Senior Commons at Powder Mill. The place was really nice and laid out really nice. Inside, it was like a big square, so they would not get lost. The people were really nice. The lady we talked to was really nice. However, it all depended on cost, and it was out of our range.

Sonja4

Senior Commons was excellent. It had great staff. They showed me a suite as well as a general room. They had beds and dressers, and they would be having their food out somewhere. They gave me a list of the activities. Music was one of them; bingo was also one of them. They took them places on a bus, and they had a good number of activities. I liked the fact that they had libraries, they had activities, and they had people who were actually still did things actively. They were helping with skills they still had and continue to learn.

Kathy101984050

The thing about Senior Commons is that it was small. Their rooms were very small for the price that you pay even for independent living. They had some activities in place, but not a lot. The place was older, but it was very pretty and very clean, and everything was well kept up. I just didn't think they offered as much to the older people as the other place does. Somebody walked us around, gave us information about it, and told us about the meals. We actually had lunch there, and the food was very good. However, the prices go up as her needs start to increase. As the level of care increases, the price increases. For me, that's really hard to determine where we are financially in supporting her. The day we were there, the people were playing cards. If you have a resident who doesn't like to play cards or is not able to mentally play cards, it kind of leaves them out.

Provider Response

Caring106081950

They are accommodating and helpful with my dad -- very friendly -- and they take care of him pretty well. The room is clean; the housekeeping staff does a good job. They have got several things going on every morning and every afternoon. I like the facility and the way that it is laid out in small communities, and I like that it is convenient for me. They have four small dining rooms, and you are sitting with the same group of people all the time. The food seems very good; there is a good variety and is well-prepared from what I can see.

nancyc36

My sister and I visited many assisted living communities in the York Area before we chose Senior Commons at Powder Mill for our mother. It was the nicest and cleanest place by far. We both felt the community was absolutely beautiful and smelled wonderful. Our mother was very lonely and depressed after the death of our father. She was not eating very much and most of her friends were not able to get out anymore even to attend church. She has made many new friends. They have so many activities. She enjoys the musical performances and devotions and her exercise class. Mother often comments on how helpful all the staff are. Her room is small but she has her own bathroom and we were allowed to bring all of her furniture from home. My sister and I feel confident we made the right choice and feel assured our mother is in great hands.

lovemymotherinlaw

When my mother-in-law needed to be placed in a facility, my husband and I decided to tour Senior Commons at Powder Mill. We often heard about their reputation, which was very good and has remained that way. Our tour especially enhanced that. Location was important to us as well and they are conveniently located close to doctors' offices, shopping and two hospitals if necessary. When we entered the facility, the first thing we noticed was a very cozy fireplace in the lobby. The facility was absolutely immaculate. During our initial tour it was clearly evident that the marketing director was extremely knowledgeable and was able to answer all of our questions. Out of the other facilities we visited, this one was clearly the most kind and generous to their visitors and residents. The staff and residents were happy. We especially liked the idea that everything was on one floor and it would allow her to navigate very easily. The small dining rooms were also a unique feature. The food looked and smelled delicious. She has now been a resident for approximately three months. She has a lovely cozy private room. She has made friends and, after many years of living alone, she once again has real purpose in life. They offer so many things to keep her engaged. One of the best features about Senior Commons at Powder Mill was they had a lot of activities and a very large activity room. We were even encouraged to attend events and have enjoyed seeing some great entertainers. The Management is very caring. The staff is amazing and genuinely care about every resident that lives there. The entire staff actually knows everyone by name which makes it feel much more like home than "being in a home". The facility does a great job of finding and keeping the right people to serve their residents. I would highly recommend and have recommended Senior Commons at Powder Mill to anyone looking for quality care for their loved one.

tootie17331

We were very excited when we visited Senior Commons in looking for an assisted living facility for my Mother who has dementia. It very very clean, neat just a beautiful place. After talking with the social worker and doing a tour we were sold. We were assured that they were capable of handling dementia patients and staff was trained. It was recommended that we hire a company to provide personal care 24-7 until she "transitioned", which we did. After Mom was here for a few days it became quite apparent that they were not equipped to handle dementia patients unless they are drugged, non verbal and sit all day. Mom likes to be active and move around. Almost every time we visited something was missing from her room and the next time it would turn up. We believe they hid her things and then brought them back. Everytime she did something a little odd, they acted like it was a big deal? Its a dementia floor correct? Anyway long story short she's no longer there and I would not recommend placing a loved one there unless they are non verbal and non mobile.

Provider Response

Caring84642250

I had been to Senior Commons several times, and I had friends who had moved there. I thought it was very neat and nice. The staff in the dining room was very cheerful. The rooms were very nice, but small. I liked the attitude of the people. They seemed to be busy folks. They had nice little parties. It was closest to my home, and I would recommend it to anybody who could afford it.

Kathy74290750

My mother was at Senior Commons and she got kicked out of there. I'll never have anybody go there ever. I do not recommend that place at all. Firstly, she doesn't have a handicapped bathroom in her room and that was really hard on my mother getting on and off the toilet. Mom couldn't even take a shower in her room and they had to take her downstairs in order for her to have a shower. Then, we had a problem with their call button that didn't always work. One time my mom called for their staff and it took them 45 minute to get to her room and they said that they were giving a tour. My mom said, "What if I would have fallen?" and they said, "Well, you didn't." So staff members weren't very nice sometimes. Most of them were nice though. What this facility could improve on was having handicapped rooms and showers. They need to upgrade those.

Provider Response