Hillcrest Country Estates Grand Lodge's Online Review Report Card

My mother lived in the York unit for 1 year before she passed away. She received excellent care from regular and hospice staff. She was treated lovingly, respectfully and professionally. They were her 2nd family until the end! Their staff training is top notch and effective! They pampered her until the end!

Beautiful setting but like a lot of businesses it’s ALL about how much money they can save and make!!! In the past, I have recommended several people to the HC Grand Lodge but over the last 2+ years and seeing the inner workings and how their administrative personnel treat their residences I deeply regret any recommendations I’ve made. You have the right to terminate your lease on a 30-day notice but,,,,, who really wants to move their aging parents anymore then they have to? When looking for a “forever home” for your loved ones, please ask a lot of questions and do not assume they have your loved ones best interest at heart.

The ranking is going down.  Hillcrest has one entrance.  Only employees and residents are allowed inside.  The Concierge checks employee temperature and makes notes.  NO OTHER DOOR IS TO BE USED.  Residents have been told several times visitors are allowed on the benches in front for the residents to go outside and visit.  Yesterday, Sunday September 20, 2020 at 6:15 p.m. I observed a resident had a ground floor entrance open and was talking to two people.  When I informed them about the restrictions, the one of the two people said, "Just keep walking and we will not breathe on you!"  I wanted to reply "I am six feet from you. I am not concerned about you breathing on me.  I am concerned you are breathing on her and in-turn she will breath on over a hundred residents."  I told the resident the door needed to be shut.  I reported it to the evening Concierge who left data for the day Concierge to review the security video tapes.  The identified the resident.  The Hillcrest response was, "we have taken care of it, it will not happen again. "  A few weeks ago, I saw a violation of social gathering and distancing in the bar area.  I tried to get the Administrator to check on it.  TWICE!  She never came out of her office.  The Concierge said she was on the phone. I fear without a penalty protocol in place for violators, this situation will become worse.  However I see nothing happening.

A lot has been said about COVID-19 lately and the impact on various retirement facilities.  I have lived in the Hillcrest Grand Lodge for five years.  Although not perfect at times the one concern the residents have is "safety" during COVID-19.  The Grand Lodge gets an A+ for their COVID-19 plan.  To the best of my knowledge we have not had any major issues.  The staff has taken every precaution to help keep us safe. When researching facilities such as Hillcrest Country Estates you will find many restrictions.  Again, they are for the health of the residents.  But future residents needs to be aware of these before making a decision.

My mom is in rehab there and I really like the staff and they take good care of her. This is the 3rd time she has been there and everytime she has a surgery this is where she requests to be.

Hillcrest has provided a place to live in comfort surrounded with interesting contemporaries, many planed activities, entertainment and a facility in which to swim, exercise. In addition a library, two dining rooms and transportation to local medical facilities and shopping for those who require help. All this is done by a helpful, cheerful staff in a friendly happy manner . Hillcrest and it’s staff should be rated a four star operation.BUT the food at Hillcrest is a weak link. THE FOOD IS CONSISTENTLY INCONSISTENT !! Inconsistent in quality and quantity. The meat is of generally poor quality and is often over cooked with to much salt and to many spices. With so many good reliable restaurants at our doorsteps it is difficult to consistently patronize Hillcrest. The “kitchen” is improving but is currently a two plus star operation.Management has a difficult time making decision between the various level of authority. Still there are many stars on the staff. The list is long but a few of the brightest stars are Michael, Annette, Mary, Pam, Natalie, and Kerri. All four star plus people

We moved into our Villa in 2013, just in time for the ground breaking of the Grand Lodge. We lived through months of construction activity, noise, dust and traffic. The end result is now complete and the outcome was worth the inconvenience. The Hillcrest campus is a first class property with first class staff. We have not seen another retirement community that comes close in comparison to Hillcrest Country Estates. Friends and family that have visited our villa and The Grand Lodge always comment on the beauty of our neighborhood.

I've visited Hillcrest Grand Lodge on numerous occasions. Recently had a superb dinner prepared by Darren at the Chef's Table. Having him prepare the multi-course meal while explaining his preparation for each course was a great family experience. Highlights were the delicious shrimp appetizer, the tasty salad and the creme brûlée dessert. This is but one example of the fine amenities at Hillcrest. My mother in law appreciates the wellness programs. The educational programs and and maintenance-free living in a first-class facility.

8/22/16 I have lived in Hillcrest Independent Living apartments for a year. We have survived the quirks that a new business and new construction entail. I moved here from Iowa because my daughter and her family are about ten minutes away, it was advertised as Resort Living, 5 Star Restaurants, Housecleaning, Pet Friendly, etc. The latter was more important than the former. Gilligan is a hundred pound Goldendoodle Therapy Dog. I was OK with him being “interviewed” because he is bigger than the suggested weight of 25 lb. He was approved without any problems. We were told they were hoping there would be some therapy dogs here. There are 2 of us. Please research Therapy dogs for Senior Living as well as Memory Support, they have extensive Obedience Training and testing to make sure they have the temperament for working with many ages, locations, & capabilities, both physical and mental. They are well behaved, seldom bark, and are always clean and friendly. We are welcomed in care centers, hospitals, VA home, libraries, children's respite care centers, but not in Hillcrest Senior Independent Living?We were often reminded that “this is your home now, you may do anything you could do before , NOT TRUE. There are 20+ dogs and numerous cats living here. Currently there is no place provided for us to be with other residents & friends, perhaps enjoy a beverage, and allow other residents to interact with the dogs without being harassed by a couple residents, though most of them have called Gilligan their personal therapy. I would hope the admin would be more supportive. I pick up after my dog outside and for others who do not, just because I want us to look good, and I pick up trash and pull weeds when out walking. I appreciate the many sidewalks to walk with him, though the standing water that freezes and is hazardous has not been addressed for the coming winter.I sympathize with those who comment about the food, and the service but I can cook if I do not care for the food, and I vacuum and clean my bathrooms oftener than every 2 weeks, I would rather Housekeeping help others who aren't able to do their own. The Maintenance staff, waiters, and Concierges are friendly and helpful, as are most residents, but I am seriously considering moving if the harassment continues. I do not like being sworn at, yelled at, and “bad dog letters”. Thus, my rating, sadly, has to be a -3 .

We have been at Grand Lodge for one year. we are continually surprised at what they have to offer. They think in terms of Mind, Body and Spirit. They offer different classes from Bellevue University, Constitution, technology, among others. Annette encourages us as we work on a sewing project, calls Bingo,work on decorations, mindless coloring keeping our mind busy. For the body, Michael and Meg (the fitness gurus)keep us strong and fit with strength and balance class yoga, tai chi, and aqua fit classes in the 88 degree salt water pool. Those 3 are passionate. thoughtful and caring about what they offer us to do. Chaplain Jerry and Pastor George offer 3 bible studies and a Sunday service to keep our spirits in shape . Along with the two dining rooms offering 2 different reasonable menus, and delicious desserts and ice cream one can put on some pounds. Definitely not "the applesauce buffet" Guests are warmly welcomed by staff and friendly residents. All this...movies, card clubs, puzzles, concerts and serenaded with marimba music at noon!! Obviously we are fans of GRAND LODGE!