Monarch Communities

I moved my dad in about a month ago and its was a great decision. They have been wonderful from Keisha the receptionist to the managers. Everyone is so accommodating and wants to help anyway they can. The food is fantastic and I join my father for meals often. The care staff are long term and truly care for their residents. I am both relieved and happy my father is a resident at The Fountains. I highly recommend to all.

Who would have thought that a little over a year ago that I would find the perfect retirement setting for my mom? It didn’t happen easily, as my mom, Ann moved from one place to another before settling happily into her apartment at Brandywine Senior Living at Haverford. It was a very circuitous route as she began this journey. My mom was a very independent woman, who at 91 was still driving, getting out every day, and enjoying her very spacious apartment in Plymouth Meeting. She and I went out for lunch every week and enjoyed a variety of shopping adventures. In December of 2013, my mom started feeling ill, and we had an appointment to see a gastroenterologist right after the New Year. But on New Year’s Day, she dialed 911 and was taken Einstein Hospital in East Norriton, where she had major surgery and spent the next 6 weeks in the hospital. When her 6 week stay came to an end, the only rehab room available was in Wayne. Bothe hospital and the rehab center were 45 minute rides each way from where I live in Bala Cynwyd. My mom’s experience in Wayne was far from perfect, and she did not thrive. We thought we were losing her. A close friend who worked at a retirement community in Wilmington suggested she move there. This community had separate facilities for independent, and assisted living, and skilled nursing care. My mom moved into the skilled nursing section and had a lovely double room. Eventually, she gained weight was thriving. She seemed ready to be moved to the assisted living part of the community. I was very disappointed to learn that my mom was not qualified to move to that level, because she had not bought into the community. There were a few activities, an occasional van ride to local sites, and movies shown on a regular basis. Now I was driving once week to Delaware to see her, and before I saw her almost every day. When I did visit I took her out for lunch and tried to plan something fun for us to do. It was on one of my visits that my mom said she wanted to move closer to me and be near her “own kind of people”. WOW, I thought. I’d better find the info I had gathered earlier, when it seemed like maybe she shouldn’t be living alone anymore. The two on top of my list were [different community name] in Plymouth Meeting, still a far ride, The [different community name] and Brandywine Assisted Living, 15 minutes from my home. I remembered that [different community name] seemed quiet with not a lot going on and [different community name] was overwhelming. My recollection of Brandywine was much different, it boasted a welcoming atmosphere, Boutique feel, equipped with a Bistro for snacks and beverages, activities in the main living room and people engaged in a variety of activities in other activity rooms that I passed while touring, a movie theatre, fine dining and a beautiful Courtyard. It was a “no Brainer”. I made an appointment immediately to have a “serious” second look. As I walked in the door, Janis, the concierge, gave me a big smile and welcome and introduced me to Lani, the Director of Admissions. This time I looked at available apartments (there weren’t too many) and learned a great deal more about the facility. There was a completely furnished apartment which was used as the model, but could be available with the furniture. By then, I was sold, and we talked about logistics. I left a deposit which was good for 2 weeks and made an appointment to bring my mom back in a few days. I called my mom and told her I found her “new home”. When we returned for her visit, we were greeted on a first name basis, not by Janis and Lani, but by all the staff, especially those working in the dining room. We had a delicious lunch with two residents, Ronni and Nancy and my mom’s eyes just lit up. She loved the apartment, and we signed the contract. In a few days we were packed and on the way to Brandywine Senior Living at Haverford Estates. My mom loves everything about her new life style. It is not about “waiting to die”, but finding something exciting to live for every day. She loves the outings to the dollar store, the supermarket where she buys snacks and drinks to fill her small fridge, and occasional lunches at local restaurants. Bingo has become an important pastime where she is a winner quite frequently. Wine and cheese is served several times a week, and challenging mind games in the living room, are led by Shantelle, the very spirited Activities Coordinator who keeps the residents on their toes. Dining at Brandywine is like eating at a country club. Dan, Director of Dining creates exquisite meals, and Antoinette prepares every meal with love. I often join my mom for lunch. The wait staff is impeccable. If she wants something special, or prefers to eat in her apartment, she just asks someone in the kitchen or calls the dining room. As a caring daughter, one of the high points of Brandywine has been the continued devotion of ALL staff members to my mom and all the other residents. The nursing staff is excellent, as well as regular visits from a local physician. Nursing care is available 24/7. I have been called for emergencies, as well as for the simple application of a Band Aid for a “boo boo”. I don’t have to worry if my mom is okay. Several times 911 had to be called, and I met my mom at the ER. Brandywine really takes the worry out of “parent care”. I sleep well knowing that my mom is safe. Care with love is top on the list of many qualities that define Brandywine. Be one of the fortunate families who choose Brandywine for its beautiful, safe, exciting environment that is offered for long term living or Hotel style respite stay while you are on a vacation. I am thrilled that I found this wonderful gem.

It's a very nice facility. The people are very friendly and caring. They have Good activities. The transportation is very good. This facility is In a very good area. My mother enjoys food. Overall, The Fountains at RiverVue is a great community. My mother and I are very pleased and satisfied. I am glad that my mother is happy here. I would highly recommend The Fountains at RiverVue to anyone who is searching for assisted living.

Prior to my mother moving into Brandywine @ Howell, she was in another facility. They had her in therapy, and, still in a wheelchair. During the 6-8 weeks there, she was hospitalized three times. Since moving into Brandywine, my mothers progress has been remarkable. Within three days, she was getting around with a walker, going to the dining room, and, attending programs. When her cardiologist examined her a week ago, he was pleased with her progress, and, with no hospital visits in the 6 weeks she has been there. My mom has made friends, and, regularly attends bingo and other programs. The food is unbelievable. The staff is friendly, and, cannot be more helpful. To the Brandywine-Howell staff, I would like to thank you all for taking such good care of my mother, and, for the friendship you have shown my family. God bless you all.

My mother spent a year and a quarter at Brandywine Senior Living at Pennington before a stroke forced us to move her to a nursing home. We were extremely satisfied with all aspects of her living at Brandywine. Since first impressions are important, it is relevant to note that Brandywine is an extremely attractive facility that is well kept and immaculately clean. My mother used to comment frequently on how lovely the premises were. The quality and friendliness of the care she received there was outstanding. Of particular note is the affectionate, caring, warm and friendly attitude of the very professional nursing staff. Without exception these fine nurses were always willing to go out of their way to do anything they could to help my mother. The nurses are supported by a staff of aides who were always available to assist my mother and who were always friendly and warm. The concierges who staff the front desk are exceptionally friendly and helpful. Brandywine's dining services are quite good and their policy of "all day dining" (the ability to get a meal at any time of day up until 7PM) is truly appreciated (it was not unusual for my mother to forget to go down to a meal at the appointed time...but that never meant she had to go hungry). Michael, who runs the dining room, is most charming and made extra effort to make my mother feel welcome. Particularly appreciated by my mother was the regular Friday afternoon "social" or happy hour and the ability to have a glass of wine served with dinner. Overall, we had an excellent experience at Brandywine. We truly appreciate the friendliness, caring approach, accessibility and competence of everyone who works at Brandywine.

I cannot say enough good things about Spring Meadows . My experience with the staff has been nothing but positive. My mom is being well cared for and is also very busy with activities and events daily. I could not have made a better choice. Thank- you Spring Meadows for giving my mom her life back .

Brandywine was extremely positive with the care and friendliness provided by the people to be the heart of a rewarding experience. The director, Ms. Yngojo-Bowes and the the head of nursing Ms. Limuaco are very professional and caring, setting the tone for the everyone. I would highly recommend. RA.

I placed my mother in the Brandywine gables in brick nj.I was met with amazing service care and love.these people do a fantastic job.Linda Melendez is the nicest and the best in the industry.I just also want to mention maria mildred and jania.also the people whos names I forgot.you will be at peace placing your parent in this facility joez

Thanks so much for your annual Breakfast with Santa! My kids had a blast, & as usual, the staff was warm and welcoming. The residents really enjoy having the children visit.

They're doing a good job taking care of my loved one at Bella Terra, Mom seems very happy here. It's a very nice looking place, and the rooms are a nice size for what you pay. The staff are friendly, and take good care of the residents, she has been getting all of the services she needs and seems to be doing much better than when she was living on her own.

Brandywine Senior Living Longwood welcomed my mother two years ago and has provided consistent compassionate support at this special time of her life. No one wants to be in this chapter of their life, and no one would write this as a storybook ending for a loved one, yet the reality is our parents will age, and not all can live independently until the last day. My mother was frightened, confused, lonely and unhappy living in her home far away. The family made the hard choice to find a new care plan to not only bring mom the supports she needed, but also to ease our daily worries about her well being. The Brandywine staff took time to explain all aspects of the transition process and they have remained attentive to my family. My mother is respected here, as is each Resident. My mother attends amazing activities, enjoys interesting field trips, looks forward to festive holiday parties, and has made many new friends. Her quality of life has improved significantly, despite her declining capacities associated with dementia. No other facility offered such special care. Brandywine Senior Living Longwood delivers excellence each day to every resident. My mother is thriving and she is safe. I feel grateful for their outstanding services.

My 82 year old mother was living independently one day and having emergency surgery the next. It became apparent quickly that going back to her home was not a likely option for her. My first phone call to Brandywine at Brandall Estates connected me to Katherine, who could not have been kinder or more gracious. When we toured the facility I was very impressed. The building is beautiful and impeccably maintained. In every area we visited, the residents were busy and engaged. Once we decided that Brandywine was the place, Katherine guided us through the process, told me what to expect during my mother’s time at the rehab facility, and visited her there on a regular basis. We met Sherry the following week, who was equally supportive, encouraging and understanding. This was a difficult transition for all of us, and Katherine and Sherry guided us through with confidence, caring and a sense of humor. Often it was the little things I didn't think about (but they did) that made such a difference in the transition. Katherine encouraged me to select a paint color (which I dropped off and they used to paint her rooms). The maintenance staff hung her curtains, shelves and other items which we brought from her home. When we moved her in – it looked like home. They deliver the newspaper (which we ordered) to her room each morning. The food is delicious, the coffee good (very important to my mother!), the schedule full of activities. The staff is fabulous – management, dining room, housekeeping, and the women at the front desk are all friendly, caring and seem genuinely interested in the well being of the residents. It is a warm and compassionate place – and I feel fortunate that my mother is there.

My cousin is a 62 year old intellectually challenged individual with some medical issues whose parents are deceased and she has no siblings. As her guardian, after touring and reviewing a number of placements, i found Brandall Estates offers her the best possible environment and amenities; and it's located close to her family. She has lived here for 3 years. Brandall has an excellent, caring staff, and the staff to resident ratio is ideal. Personal care quality and hygiene needs are met with respect and dignity. Laundering is done for one resident at a time; your personal things are never laundered with anyone else's. The staff is responsive to requests, emotionally supportive and they provide a timely response to any concerns. Food preparation, quality and presentation are impeccable in their formal dining room with flowers and table cloths on every table daily. I was pleasantly surprised to see filet mignon, shrimp, and lobster on the menu from time to time. All of this, plus 24 hour nursing staff make Brandall a safe environment. It is a beautifully decorated facility that resembles the Floridian Hotel in Disney. The atmosphere here is homelike, very warm, and friendly. They provide stimulating social and recreational activities and have transportation for excursions to doctors, stores, the library, and restaurants. Without hesitation, I highly recommend Brandall Estates to everyone I know; when the time comes, I too would choose Brandall for myself.

A first class facility - run by professional, knowledgeable and caring people. My mom has been a resident at Brandywine-Wall since Sept 2008 and loves every day there. Being her son, I felt guilty traveling as much as I do, but rest knowing that she is well taken of at this facility. From the receptionists to the nursing staff, to the food services staff, to the entertainment coordinator, her stay here is a happy and safe experience. Everyone that we have come in contact with are wonderful, caring and helpful. I would highly recommend this facility to any child facing the situation of caring for a parent

We moved our mother up to Litchfield from another Assisted Living facility in NY We were worried about her being lonely and far away from where she lived all her life, but we needed her to be closer to us. She has thrived at Brandywine and it puts our mind at ease knowing she is in such good and caring hands. Everyone knows her , it seems, as well as we do! If we call, or go there, they always ask us how she is, or tell us something about her or what she said, or just tell her they say hello-it is all truly genuine. We are very pleased with Brandywine and have recommended it to others. It is truly a home away form home.

Over two years ago we moved our mother to Brandywine. Any transition would be difficult, but it went as smoothly as we could have expected. I am a nurse and my husband is a physician, and we visit at least once to twice a week. We have come to really know the staff… from the administration, front desk staff, nurses, activity coordinators to the caring aids that assist with daily care. Our mom may have physical limitations, but her mind is still active. She takes advantage of all that Brandywine has to offer, from the entertainment to the daily games, movies, holiday celebrations and other various activities. The staff has submitted her artwork to local competitions and has supported her efforts. Most recently, they completed a wonderful mural project which combined the residents’ love of art and music. A beautiful video of this event was taped and it brought tears to my eyes. As for the medical care, while our mother still takes her own medication, the nursing staff alerts us when they see something that should be brought to our attention. They have adjusted her level of care as needed. While she has her “favorites”, the aids love talking to her and assist her when needed. We are most grateful for the excellent Physical Therapy on site as this is also a crucial part of her care and it is so easy for her to schedule and attend. Our only concern is the food which we think should be more individualized for dietary concerns (like low sodium diets)… but the dining staff is caring as well and she rarely opts to have a meal in her room. In summary, we are grateful for all that Brandywine has to offer our mom. She is busy, well taken care of, comfortable and safe. Thanks to all of you!!

loved it i think its to far and to expensive for my brother

Our parents went into Brandywine four years ago while they were both in their mid-nineties. Although our Mom was suffering from memory loss they made accommodations to keep our parents together in their Assisted Living facility. The staff went over and beyond to tend to their individual needs. It gave us peace of mind knowing Mom and Dad no longer had to worry about housekeeping, laundry and meals. This past winter, after our Dad passed away, the staff immediately moved Mom into Reflections, their memory care facility. The transition went very smoothly for all of us. It’s comforting that Mom can still join in activities that are geared to her special needs. We recently had to go through the arduous task of applying for Medicaid. Being completely naïve with the process, Brandywine’s knowledgeable staff is helping us every step of the way, so our Mom can stay where she belongs. We will always be grateful for their patience and understanding

Best Senior Living. Assisted Living Week festivities were a blast. Singer Eric Kearns was truly a ton of fun. Food and Fun for everyone. Good times with my grandma.

Having a business near Brandall Estates we were very familiar with the property. When we felt our mother could no longer live at home by herself, we knew there were many assisted care facilities we could choose from in the area, but it just seemed right to choose Brandall Estates. Our mother has lived there now for the past 3 years and we could not be more pleased with our decision. The facility is wonderful and the grounds beautiful, which we already knew. But what impresses us the most is the level of professionalism and care that each member of the Brandywine team displays on a daily basis. There is always something going on at Brandall Estates and the staff makes sure the residents get involved. If you are considering this to be a home for your loved one, come take a tour, you will see what a great place it is. And when there say hello to my mother she is the one busy in the activity room , or the Bistro having fun.