Forest Pines was an older place. So, it wasn't as modern. They were having some functions downstairs and they were having games in the dining room. The exercise room was small and they did not have as much storage space, but the place was clean.
Forest Pines
Offers Independent Living
34 Reviews
1720 Devonshire Dr, Columbia, SC 29204
Call
(800) 385-2527
Reviews of Forest Pines
Independent Living Reviews for Forest Pines
May 15, 2022
I visited this facility
March 26, 2022
I visited this facility
I loved Forest Pines and I liked everything about it. They gave me the tour and gave me information I needed. It was great. I really liked it. They had these wonderful sitting rooms on every floor and they had all these seniors sitting around, talking and socializing. Everybody looked happy. The furnishings were really nice. The guy that showed me around and interviewed me was wonderful. I was over there about two hours and he didn't rush me, push me, or anything. Not only that, they showed me three different apartments.
I liked the way the apartments were laid out, and I liked the fact that they have covered parking for free. I liked the fact that the parking is right there at the door because my partner uses a walker. The covered parking where you can park your car and the grounds were beautiful. They had flowers and they were clean and trimmed, the lawn was well kept, and the inside was clean. Everything was clean as it could be. I'm a perfectionist and I don't think I missed anything. They had these sitting areas on each floor, and there were seniors sitting around talking. They had a game room and activities. They had it all. I loved it.
March 18, 2022
I visited this facility
Forest Pines was nice. I liked the fact that they have the carport since that's a big need for my dad. The staff was very nice and very accommodating. They were very professional and informative. They've been calling to follow up with me to see if I had any questions. The dining area was very nice and very spacious, too. The apartments were nice. I got to view the different sizes, from studios to one-bedroom. I also saw a fitness room and a salon. The place was very clean and very neat.
June 22, 2021
I am/was a resident of this facility
Forest Pines is wonderful. You receive all your meals, they have a housekeeper, and they have a washer and dryer on each floor. It's a very nice place. I've been here for six weeks now. The staff is lovely, and they love all their residents. My apartment is nice. I have a bathroom, a bedroom, a living room, and a tiny kitchen. We have exercises, we had a couple of parties -- but because of pandemic, not too many. We had an Easter party and a golf party, and Saturday we're having a garden party. I'm not crazy about the food, though. They have music, church, and big beautiful grounds. I have a little puppy, so it's easy for me to walk my dog. It's just nice here. You have everything you could ask for here.
March 06, 2021
I visited this facility
I chose Forest Pines for my mom. I went there, it's within her budget, it seemed like it was a very friendly community. The people were very nice, and it seemed that the people living there were happy with the food and the amenities. It seemed like it would be very easy for my mom to get around, walk, and just have access to everything that she needed there. The room was not anything spectacular, but it was adequate for her needs, the size and what was offered; you have a little refrigerator, a sink, and we could put in a microwave. It was OK, it was a little bit dingy, but OK.
October 09, 2020
I visited this facility
I've been to Forest Pines and I like it. It's very nice, and I'm moving in. The whole place is gorgeous. It's clean, the staff is very helpful, and the rooms are very nice. I couldn't be any more pleased than where I'm living. They have a whole bunch of activities. They have bingo, they have card games, and a whole bunch of things. Their chef is very good; he's an excellent cook. I couldn't find a nicer place to live in. I saw Forest Pines, and I liked it immediately. I didn't bother looking anywhere else.
April 27, 2020
I am a friend or relative of a current/past resident
Forest Pines has been really good for my dad. The staff members are very nice. They keep the place well maintained and clean. They responded well to COVID-19. Their amenities and meals are good. They have laundry services. They have contracts with other support services that are available and those are good, too. Right now, they can't offer any activities because they're on lockdown, but prior to that, they had different types of activities. They have games and movie nights and they would take them out shopping. Well, it is really expensive there.
Provider Response
Hello, thank you for taking the time to provide your feedback on our community and for sharing how much your father is enjoying Forest Pines!
June 24, 2019
I visited this facility
Forest Pines was a nice facility in a nice location. The rooms are really nice. In fact, I moved my neighbor there 2 years ago, and she's still there and she loves it. Talking with her, she's very satisfied with the food and she likes it very much. The facility is great and I have no qualms about it.
December 30, 2018
I am a friend or relative of a current/past resident
We chose Forest Pines for our father. I like the layout and the staff, and the residents are friendly. We got a studio apartment and it's nice. They have a lot of activities. He goes down to dinner and all the meals. The staff knows each resident and they're very interactive with them.
Provider Response
Hi Iona, thank you for choosing Forest Pines as the community for your father. We enjoy having him as a resident. Your wonderful feedback will be shared with the rest of our team! Thank you.
March 14, 2018
I am/was a resident of this facility
I love this place and it's so quiet. Everyone here is so nice and will get your needs taken care of.
I have a studio apt. and it is PERFECT for just me.
I have not had a chance to participate in any of the activities but the field trip to Walmart on Friday's is great!
The food is pretty good (not fantastic) but if there is something you specifically want, they will make every effort to get it for you.
It's really a great place to live. I've been here for 9 days and feel compassion from staff as well as residents.
SWF 57 y.o. Cancer Patient
September 17, 2017
I visited this facility
Forest Pines was a really nice place, but it's too expensive. I was only there for about an hour. The manager was really nice. She stayed late so that we could get there because we had a bad storm, and we had to wait for it to pass to visit. They already had dinner. A lot of people were in wheelchairs and walkers, and I liked that because I have a walker. Everything was really clean. They had a studio, and they showed us a 1-bedroom. I liked the location. It's set back off of the street, and it would feel secure. They had puzzles. The halls were long.
April 18, 2017
I visited this facility
Forest Pines was a nice place. There were quite a few patients there, but the majority of them were in wheelchairs or had walkers. It wasn't for me. The staff was very nice, very professional, and very patient. They were all in the dining room eating lunch when I went there. It was an open area. I saw the apartment, and it did not have a kitchen. It only had a little niche with a microwave, and to me, that was not a kitchen. I saw the activity room. John was a very friendly, polite, and nice person. I liked him.
March 14, 2017
I visited this facility
I visited Forest Pines, which was very nice and quiet. The residents were very nice. They were interested in us, but the price was out of our range.
December 06, 2016
I am a friend or relative of a current/past resident
My father is now at Forest Pines, which is nice. It is a new place. He has a nice feel for it. We ended up taking a place because my father felt like he would be more comfortable in this community and that he would do better here. The grounds are nice. The place was renovated recently, so everything is new. It is about 20 minutes down the road for me. The staff has been really nice and very helpful. He said the food is OK. His room is small. It is a studio apartment, but it has everything he needs, and it is convenient. Everyone who works and lives there has been very helpful. Every time I visited, someone is asking me about my father. They have all made it a point to find out who he is and get to know him. There is definitely a good sense of community.
December 03, 2016
I visited this facility
I liked the buildings at Forest Pines. The room where I’ve toured was nice, clean, and homely looking. It had a deck, a little kitchen, and a bedroom. Everything was really altogether. I wanted a homelike thing, but this was not home. It was more to me like a nursing home with all the people there. I wasn’t interested in being in that environment right now.
Provider Response
Hello Addie53533, Thank you for reaching out and sharing this feedback with us - we are delighted to hear you liked our building, and found our accommodations to be nice and clean! We certainly understand your wanting to also look for other environments, as well - feel free to come back anytime though if you change your mind now or down the road, we will be here, and look forward to seeing you again! Thank you, Addie53533, and be well!
November 21, 2016
I visited this facility
I visited Forest Pines. I thought the people there were quite nice. The facility itself was very nice. It was not an overly large place, but this was for people who were mobile and could take care of themselves. I liked the apartments there. They were small. You could get efficiency up to two-bedroom apartment. They even had some that had a small porch on the outside of the second floor. For mom, I thought a one-bedroom would be just fine for her with a nice living room and a decent closet to store her things.
October 13, 2016
I am a friend or relative of a current/past resident
My relative is in Forest Pines. The people are friendly and the room is great. Everything was great when I was there. The dining area was super nice.
August 17, 2016
I visited this facility
Forest Pines was just newly renovated, so everything in the facility and rooms was new, pristine, clean, and very nicely appointed. The manager we worked with was very accommodating and friendly. We liked this place a lot.
May 10, 2016
I visited this facility
I visited Forest Pines and I thought it was really nice. The people were great and I like the setup of the place. They had lots of activities. We just hung around for a day and they were very hospitable and kept up with us.
They have an activity coordinator who plans things for everyone to do. They take them out to do shopping.
They were extremely sweet and nice people. I liked the rooms and they had a couple of options. They had the studio and the one-bed and 2-bedroom. It was very comfortable and homey-looking. I thought it was really nice. It seemed like everybody liked it there. It seems like they were very accomodating, patient and took all the time in the world with you, and they keep up with you. I enjoyed it. We had lunch there and it was phenomenal; it was great.
May 10, 2016
I visited this facility
The staff of Forest Pines was very friendly and very helpful. It was in a convenient location with well-maintained grounds and nice, comfortable apartments. The amenities seemed pretty nice. The meals were provided, so they had a dining facility.
November 15, 2015
I visited this facility
I liked Forest Pines very much. I just couldn't afford it. For a one-hour visit, the staff was delightful and lovely. The rooms were clean, updated, and in a very desirable environment with central air and nice views. The rooms varied in size. The food was great, too.
August 21, 2015
I visited this facility
The Forest Pines was a nice place and convenient, but my wife didn’t like the fact that there is no need of cooking there. Location was an advantage, but that would not fit due to lack of mobility at this point. The staff was nice.
July 28, 2015
I visited this facility
I liked Forest Pines because it was clean, had meals, and was secured. The rooms were also very clean and secured. It was small and had no cooking facility in the room, but they had a microwave. They had weekly shopping and movies. I would say they had adequate activities, but not a whole lot. They could improve on their transportation hours because they were limited like from 9 to 1, so they should expand transportation opportunities.
June 13, 2015
I visited this facility
Forest Pines was nice; my problem is it’s in the middle of town and its surrounding area would not be the place that I would walk out and walk during the evening. I like the food better there, and the place was clean.
April 25, 2015
I visited this facility
The coordinator of Forest Pines was very well informed, and people knew them. I can’t believe how good the food was. The apartments were very nice and very well kept. They have buses for shopping, doctor’s appointments, and stuff like that. It was just very well put together.
February 09, 2015
I visited this facility
I thought the staff at Forest Pines was really helpful and friendly. We looked at several apartments, and they were spacious. They had lots of activities every day. They had picture puzzles, word games, chess clubs, cards, billiards, bingo, and a lot more. They provide three meals a day. It is a nice facility. The manager has been calling me for weeks, and I met with him last Tuesday. I thought he was really helpful. We were concerned about the logistics of getting my mother and her belongings down here from New Jersey, and he told us that if she were to live there, they will allow to her to stay in one of the model apartments for a week until her belongings came and her apartment gets set up.
September 30, 2014
I visited this facility
Forest Pines is a chain of Holiday plan where you can go to any other place and stay free. They were very nice, it was more like being on a cruise ship, everything is furnished and we liked the staff. The residents were friendly but it was just a little pricey and it was all confined in one building. The rooms were very nice, two bedrooms, all had balconies, spacious, and were very nice. The dining room was nice and clean. The wait help was very nice and the food was good. The people were interacting there so we liked it. They have activity rooms, card, and meeting rooms. The security and the safety of the place were excellent.
September 29, 2014
I am/was a resident of this facility
I moved here the end of April (2014) -- a couple of months after my husband passed away -- and I’ve been extremely pleased with Forest Pines. I realized with my health problems I couldn’t live at home by myself, and there’s no reason for me to be alone in a housein addition to my mobility issues. The staff is excellent, and they have several activities here. They have a daily card game or bridge game, bingo, and movies three times a week. They have exercise classes, a dance going on, and they have weekly trips to like Walmart or a grocery store. If you have time to participate and are interested, there is stuff going on. It’s a very modern place about ten years old and it’s extremely clean. The dining room and the halls are clean. The dining room holds about a hundred people because there’s about a hundred residents here; its restaurant style serving. Occasionally if I don’t have something I like, I will pick something simple, but they provide the meals for you and most of the time it is good. The grounds are clean too. I love this place. I didn’t see any reason wasting my time comparing it with other places.
July 31, 2014
I visited this facility
Forest Pines was nice. The dining room was nice and the food was good. We saw a single room, we liked it and it was updated. The staff seemed to be nice and friendly. They have a lot of activities and they have tours.
May 10, 2014
I am/was a resident of this facility
The managers are wonderful at Forest Pines. The activity director is wonderful, but they have a problem scheduling activities. The food is just great. The rooms are beautiful. Mine has a living room and a bedroom. I've got a huge computer desk, a full-length couch, a recliner, and credenza for my TV. They do have bingo, movies on Friday, they have bean bag baseball, and they bring in wonderful entertainment. I am not moving. But they could get their act together with their scheduling on the activities.
December 16, 2013
I am a friend or relative of a resident
We got my mom in a place that's really good and we're happy with it. It is called Forest Pines. We chose this facility because it was in a town and city where she lived just about her whole life, so it is a familiar area to her. Also it will cause the least amount of disruption to her personal life and memory basically. The facility is four- or five stories and almost like a hotel. It has a really nice lobby area, a very nice dining facility, a library, a game room and gathering rooms. It is an independent living facility but there is assistance there that they also provide. However, this is not a facility that is close by to us because we all live in different states, so being able to visit her is next to impossible. It is also a tough transition for my mother but she is doing as well as anybody could do. She wasn't happy the day when she moved in, but now, she is growing to accepting it more and more. Her room is very good and spacious. It is clean, very well lit and safe. She has her own dining area, a living area, and a bedroom that is a separate room. There is plenty of closet space and a very nice walk-in shower, which is really important to us. Food is very good and they offer a very wide variety. They have very nice activities for their residents. They have more activities than my mom will ever participate in. They have tailgate parties for professional and college football games, bridge tournaments, bingo nights, and a lot of musicians that will come and play.
June 25, 2013
I visited this facility
I looked for a place for my aunt and found Forest Pines. She chose this place and she'll be moving there this week. It's a nice place. It's clean and well kept. They have lots of activities. I ate there and the food was good.
June 13, 2013
I am/was a resident of this facility
We lived at Forest Pines and it was a terrible place to live and it's very expensive. I felt like we were living in a school. They were big turnover of managers. The food was not good. You had to be at the dining room at a particular time. If you are not there, you have to wait until you are served later on after everyone else is served. We had a two bedroom, two bath; no full kitchen or refrigerator. The place was not clean although the staff were very lovely. The staff that cleans the rooms was very good. They worked hard, but didn't get paid for what they were worth. The managers, many of them, did not know what they were doing.
Provider Response
Hello, we regret to see Forest Pines did not meet you expectations while you lived with us. We are always looking for ways to improve and appreciate your feedback.
December 22, 2012
I am a friend or relative of a resident
Forest Pines is an amazing facility. The staff are all incredibly friendly, attentive, and protective of the residents. The atmosphere is welcoming, and the decor beautiful and comfortable. While there is only one elevator for the entire three-level building, getting around appears pretty convenient for the residents. They provide beauty and health services, games and activities (there is a charming "puzzle floor", presentations and small concerts in the foyer, the food is delicious, and the rooms are big and full of light. My grandmother has lived there for several years now, and has no complaints whatsoever. It gives her the opportunity to have a college-like experience, with social activities and people coming by her room at all hours of the day. They all get together to cheer on their favorite football team and tailgate in the TV room. The staff is always available whenever she needs help, and they are always happy to see her. This place really is incredible. I'm so happy that my grandmother gets to live there, and that I had the opportunity to see it for myself.
Questions about Forest Pines
Describe the overall population of independent living residents at Forest Pines. What is their average age? What are their favorite things to do?
Our residents range from 55 to early 100s and everything in between! Their favorite activities are as different as their personalities! By using our Holiday 365 app each resident is able to view the daily calendar and sign up for events that interest them. If they are unable to find something that peaks their interest on the calendar they can simply message a friend to join them for a game of cards or to enjoy a walk around the community.
What transportation services does Forest Pines offer to independent living residents?
Our residents can take advantage of the complimentary transportation to help them get around town. The scheduled shuttle can take residents to stores, doctor appointments, dining, or group outings.
What makes the chef or dining program at Forest Pines exceptional? What kind of menu can independent living residents expect?
Our community has an Executive Chef and Sous Chef who care about providing residents not only delicious but also nutritious meals, 3 times a day. Our menus are changed seasonally to ensure the freshest products and flavors and we offer over 150 different entrees with each season. Residents can select a la carte items for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Entrees at each service include specials like our Holiday Fresh option or Resident’s Choice. All meals are served in our restaurant-style dining rooms with friends and neighbors, allowing everyone to enjoy good food and good conversation.
What common areas are available for independent living residents?
Residents are able to socialize in our game room or activity room, sit back with a good book at our library, get physical at our fitness room or just catch up with some friends in the atrium.
What safety features or security measures does Forest Pines offer to independent living residents?
Our residents can feel safe 24/7 knowing that they can access help with just a push of a button. Each resident receives their own Lively Mobile Plus emergency device that goes anywhere they do. The device, which is included in monthly rent, can be activated for a variety of reasons, including emergencies, directions, health concerns, or to just speak to a friendly voice. The community is also only accessible to residents from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. so you can rest easy knowing that there will not be unwanted late-night visitors.
If Forest Pines accepts dogs or cats, what indoor/outdoor areas can they enjoy?
We love our residents and we love their pets! Our community is pet friendly so you can bring your furry friend with you to your new home. There are green spaces and courtyards as well as walking paths where you can enjoy nice long walks.
Does Forest Pines work with an agency or registry to provide nursing and medical assistance as needed?
Our community provides the option to each resident to choose their own third party care provider. This allows the freedom of choice and flexibility for each resident to determine how much, or how little, support they need.
Costs for Forest Pines
Services and Amenities of Forest Pines
Costs
- Fee Structure Extra: Included In Rent: Basic Cable, Electric, Sewer, Water
- Independent Living Starting At: $2035/month
Room and housing options
- 1-bedroom apartments
- 2-bedroom apartments
- Studio Apartments
- Housing Extra: Handicap Barrier Free Units Available, Hardwood, Individual Climate Control, Safety Rails In Bathroom, Telephone Hookup, Walk In Tub
Dining options
- In Room Kitchenette
- Dining Room Shared Meals
- Dining Extra: Private Dining Room
Features
- Beauty Barber Shop
- Computer Room
- Resident Transportation
- Hiking Trails
- Tv Room
- Garden And Patio
- Resident Parking
- Features Extra: Laundry Room For Use, Chapel, Library, Locked Mailboxes, Elevator, Parking: Covered
Cleaning services
- Laundry For Linens
- Housekeeping
Technology and entertainment
- Cable In Rooms
- Technology Extra: Business Center, Wi Fi In Common Areas
Activities
- Offsite Activities
- Fitness Room
- Activities Extra: Billiard Lounge, Game Room, Activity Room
Financial guidance
- Va Benefits Consultation
Guest services
- Guest Parking
- Guests At Mealtime
- Overnight Guests
General
- Minimum Age: 55
- Pets: Most Pets Allowed
About Forest Pines
Forest Pines is located in Columbia, SC, providing a vibrant backdrop for your new life as a valued member of our caring community.
From pleasant housekeepers, to attentive servers at mealtime and helpful maintenance technicians who are there when you need them, this community is the new extension of your family. We take pleasure in getting to know each of our residents and look out for their comfort and happiness. Our chefs prepare three delicious meals each day, served in our beautiful dining room. We provide housekeeping, linen services, fun and stimulating activities, off-site excursions, transportation to your personal appointments and a variety of classes and programs. Our warm, comfortable community and our friendly staff and residents will welcome you. We look forward to making your life easier any way we can.
So come to Forest Pines for a visit...and stay!
*We understand that each individual is unique and that needs may change over time. Holiday Retirement does not provide any health care services. However, residents are welcome to receive services from any outside home health care provider of their choice to help them continue enjoying life at our community.
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