The Ivy at Watertown

Pros

• The Ivy at Watertown provides a loving and caring environment, making residents feel right at home from the moment they enter.
• The staff consistently exceed expectations with their friendliness and attentiveness, ensuring residents receive the support they need.
• Residents enjoy a variety of engaging activities that promote socialization and a sense of community, with staff actively including their preferences in the activity calendar.
• The facility is well-kept and beautifully decorated, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for both residents and visitors.
• Many families appreciate the delicious food options provided, with meals served restaurant-style and ample choices available.
• Overall satisfaction with the quality of care and services offered reinforces that The Ivy is a top-notch choice for assisted living.
• The management team is praised for being approachable and supportive, working closely with families to meet individual needs.
• Residents feel happy and engaged in their daily routines thanks to the diverse programs designed to cater to their interests.

Cons

• The Ivy Memory Care facility did not meet many promises made during the initial interview regarding support for transition.
• There was an insufficient number of staff available to assist residents, leading to long wait times for help.
• Activities were limited, with many hours spent in front of the TV and inadequate options for engagement.
• The cleanliness of the apartments was subpar, and carpet cleaning policies failed to adequately address unpleasant odors.
• Staff were reportedly not allowed to assist residents with food preparation or cutting meals, which did not meet dietary needs.
• After hiring personal care aides, the Ivy stopped performing laundry and sheet changes for residents.
• Overall care did not justify the cost, especially after retaining private aides for assistance.
• Complaints about food quality have been noted, although recent changes may improve it.

Review

The Ivy at Watertown has garnered a mixed bag of reviews from residents and families, highlighting both the strengths and weaknesses of this assisted living facility. Many reviewers appreciate the community's warm atmosphere and the supportive staff, emphasizing the loving environment that is created for both residents and their families. The initial impressions during tours lead several families to believe that this was an ideal place for their loved ones, particularly those suffering from conditions such as Parkinson’s disease or memory-related issues. The commitment of the staff to create a caring environment often shines through in these accounts. Numerous reviewers remarked on how friendly the staff are, describing them as attentive and genuinely concerned about their residents' well-being.

However, while many aspects of The Ivy are praised, there are notable criticisms regarding its service levels and staffing adequacy. Several families expressed dissatisfaction with promises made during pre-admission interviews that were not fulfilled once their loved ones moved in. A common theme among critics was the insufficient number of staff members available to assist residents with daily activities. For instance, some family members reported long waits for assistance with transfers or personal care needs when aides were unavailable. This situation has led some to question whether they received adequate care relative to the costs associated with residency at The Ivy.

Residents have mixed feelings about activities available within the community. Some have commended the variety offered and noted how engaged residents appear during these planned events, which include spiritual, emotional, and physical programs tailored to individual preferences. Praise has been directed toward activity directors who create impactful calendars based on resident feedback, fostering a sense of belonging amongst participants. Yet others voiced concerns over limited engagement opportunities or inadequate facilities for certain activities, leading some residents to spend excessive time in front of televisions rather than participating in uplifting social interactions.

Food quality is another area that reflects a spectrum of reviews; while many praise it as delicious with diverse menu options available daily—emphasizing that dietary requests can be accommodated—others raised complaints regarding meal presentation and preparation assistance for those who may struggle with cutlery due to health constraints. Previous dining experiences have been described as great by numerous visitors, but such positive experiences seem dependent on consistency within kitchen management.

Cleanliness standards also seem variable according to recent accounts; while many described The Ivy as immaculate upon entering and maintaining its facilities well overall, some reported dissatisfaction regarding how specialized cleaning needs related to hygiene were handled—particularly in cases involving incontinent residents where deeper cleaning seemed inconsistent at best. Reviewers also highlighted instances where regular services like laundry were discontinued after personal care aides were introduced into care routines.

Overall sentiment surrounding The Ivy is heavily influenced by personal circumstances; prospects seeking placement for loved ones will find glowing testimonials coexisting alongside stark warnings about unmet expectations or aspects needing improvement. While most agree that warmth emanates through interactions between staff and residents alike—and numerous recounts reflect a true sense of community among those living there—it is essential for potential residents and families considering this facility to weigh these multifaceted perspectives carefully before making lasting decisions about senior living arrangements.

Located in Watertown, Connecticut, this area offers convenient access to a variety of healthcare providers including physicians at Quadrastep, Stride, and Yale Medicine Dermatology within just over a mile away. Pharmacies such as CVS and Walgreens are also nearby for easy access to medications. There are several dining options close by such as Aldo's Ristorante and Spartan Pizza & Restaurant for enjoyable meals. For recreational activities, Bucks Hill Park and Hollow Park are within a short drive for outdoor enjoyment. Additionally, there are hospitals like Saint Mary's Hospital and Naugatuck Valley Surgery Center in the vicinity for quick medical attention if needed. Overall, this part of Watertown provides a mix of healthcare services, dining options, recreational areas, and medical facilities that could be appealing for seniors looking to settle in a well-rounded community.

Physicians

• Quadrastep (0.7 miles)
• Stride (0.7 miles)
• Yale Medicine Dermatology (1.4 miles)
• Alliance Medical Group (1.4 miles)
• Fernando Surani MD (1.4 miles)
• Choudhry, Farah, Md - Alliance Medical Group (1.5 miles)
• Ihsan I Jabbour (2.1 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (1.1 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.4 miles)
• Walgreens (2.7 miles)
• Saint Mary's Hospital, Inpatient Pharmacy (3.4 miles)
• Walgreens (4.6 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (5.5 miles)
• Canfield Corner Pharmacy (5.7 miles)

Restaurants

• Aldo's Ristorante (1.4 miles)
• Frankie's Hot Dog (2 miles)
• Spartan Pizza & Restaurant (2.4 miles)
• Wendy's (2.5 miles)
• Burger King (2.5 miles)
• San Marino Ristorante Italiano (2.6 miles)
• McDonald's (2.6 miles)

Hospitals

• Naugatuck Valley Surgery Center (2.2 miles)
• Saint Mary's Hospital (3.5 miles)
• Saint Mary's Health System Affiliates (5.8 miles)
• The Wellspring Foundation (7.6 miles)
• Hospital Of Central Connecticut At Bradley Memorial (11.6 miles)

Cafes

• Riders Smokehouse Bar (3.1 miles)
• Panera Bread (8.8 miles)
• Starbucks (12 miles)
• Starbucks (12.1 miles)
• Starbucks (12.2 miles)
• Starbucks (12.4 miles)

Parks

• Bucks Hill Park (4.2 miles)
• Hollow Park (6.4 miles)
• Plymouth Green (8.2 miles)
• Lock 12 Historical Park (11.4 miles)

Theaters

• AMC Starplex Cinemas Southington 12 (9.9 miles)

Places of Worship

• Church of Eternal Light (11.5 miles)