Heatherwood Retirement Community Burke, VA

I didn't like Heatherwood Retirement Community at all. There was nothing going on there. It was exactly like a nursing home, not like an assisted living facility. The people were sitting in wheelchairs in the lobby and not talking to each other. Nothing ws going on, and the food choices were few and far between. The employees in an assisted living facility must be advised that they should be happy and smiling and engaging people when they walk in. As I walked in, one of the employees was walking out. I said, "Hello," and she said nothing to me. She had a sour look on her face and I thought to myself, "That's not the place I want my mom to be."

My mother has been here for almost 5 years. When you first walk in you are greeted by the very warm and friendly reception staff. Marcia, Janet and Rita know everyone's names and have so much patience with everyone. Debbie and the rest of the entertainment staff have lots of activities and parties with favors for every holiday and special occasion. The staff in the dining room especially Lindsay are wonderful with the residents. My mother has worked with the on site physical therapist Kevin and occupational therapist Roberta who do great work. It's a great benefit to have them in house. We really like all of the activities in the different rooms. We've had family dinners in the small dining room and my mothers 90th birthday party in the lounge. The lounge is also a great place for watching sports. There also a bistro where poker and bridge are played and you can get a glass of wine or a snack. Roger runs the bistro where coffee is always available. The bistro opens to an outdoor patio where they have barbecues. There are movies and weekly music entertainment in the family room. There's also a movie theater and activities room upstairs. Off of the entrance there's a library with a fireplace. It's a nice semi private area to read a book. When of the best things about Heatherwood is all the different rooms and activities that take place in them. I've toured some places that only have one large open room for activities and they seem more institutional. Heatherwood's living room with the fireplace, the bistro with its European decor, the club like decor of the lounge and the cozy library make it very homey yet elegant.

I had the pleasure of visiting a friend who resides at Heatherwood Retirement Community. This community is very impressive, clean and welcoming. From the moment I walked in, I was warmly greeted by the receptionist as well as other staff. My friend who has been living there for a few months has been extremely pleased and happy with all of the wonderful amenities, particularly the food which is 5 star quality. She said that had she know retirement living would be so great, she would have moved in sooner. I certainly know where I will go when it's time for me to retire!

We are very happy with Heatherwood Retirement. My father has a very nice one-bedroom apartment there and he has three meals. There’s lot of activities, and the place is very clean. The staff is very cordial, nice, and respectful. My dad isn’t 100% happy because he has to leave his house. Overall, of the few places that we looked at, we liked this one best. It’s nice there and so far, we have been very happy.