The McAuley, a CCRC

Pros

• Residents enjoy a vibrant community at The McAuley, forming friendships and maintaining active social lives.
• The staff at The McAuley is described as friendly, caring, and attentive to the needs of residents.
• Many residents appreciate the excellent offerings and activities available within the facility.
• The apartments are well-designed, with a variety of sizes and amenities that cater to residents' preferences.
• Residents value the diverse community, which includes individuals from different faiths and backgrounds.
• Families feel reassured knowing their loved ones are happy in their living situation at The McAuley.
• Transportation services for medical visits add convenience for residents requiring assistance.
• Residents often regard the dining experience positively, enjoying the food options available.
• Newcomers have opportunities to make friends and engage with their peers despite initial challenges in adapting to community rules.

Cons

• The dining room seating arrangement made a new resident feel shunned and alienated, as she was not invited to a table.
• Residents are required to provide their own daily living necessities, leading to situations where residents may lack basic supplies like toilet paper.
• The food quality is consistently criticized by many residents, with complaints about it being inferior.
• Some apartments were reported to be dusty despite recent cleaning, indicating issues with cleanliness.
• There is concern about safety in stairwells due to the lack of cameras, which could delay help if someone falls.
• Availability of food on Sunday evenings was noted as worrisome, suggesting inadequate meal options for residents at times.
• One resident described the facility's appearance as resembling public housing rather than an independent living community.
• Staff friendliness and engagement were perceived as lacking, with a suggestion that they need to be more welcoming and proactive.

Review

The McAuley is a senior living facility that has garnered a mix of praise and criticism from both residents and their families. Many individuals have expressed their satisfaction with the vibrant community atmosphere, emphasizing how the independent living experience allows residents to maintain their active lifestyles while building friendships with fellow residents. One common theme is the freedom from the burdens associated with home and condo ownership, which many find liberating as they navigate this new chapter in their lives. Residents appreciate the support of a friendly staff and engaging activities designed to foster connection among community members.

Several reviewers highlighted the diversity within The McAuley, noting its inclusion of various faiths, including Christian and Jewish residents alongside those who are non-practicing. This diverse environment helps create a rich social tapestry in which individuals can connect over shared experiences while celebrating differences. While many residents reside independently, there is a dedicated floor for assisted living options, reflecting the facility's commitment to meeting varying degrees of need among its population. Notably, apartments come in various sizes—studio, one-bedroom, or two-bedroom—each equipped with full kitchens; additionally, some feature porches for outdoor enjoyment.

Family members have also recounted positive experiences regarding their loved ones’ well-being at The McAuley. For instance, one reviewer shared that their father has never been happier since moving into the independent living area last year. The combination of high-quality food choices and fostering connections with other residents contributed significantly to his contentment. Another family observed that although their parents had initially struggled to adjust after moving into assisted living at The McAuley in January 2018 due to age-related challenges, they eventually found joy through friendship and camaraderie.

However, not all reviews paint such an optimistic picture. Issues surrounding dining arrangements were highlighted by multiple reviewers who noted that newcomers sometimes feel alienated when trying to navigate established social dynamics at mealtimes. One resident’s mother felt shunned because she had not been invited to join any dining tables during her initial days at The McAuley. This seemingly exclusive practice resulted in discomfort for her and sparked conversations about more inclusive dining policies that would allow all residents to sit where they wish rather than relying on invitations which could leave some feeling isolated.

Concerns surfaced regarding staff responsiveness and facilities maintenance as well. One visitor noted issues related to cleanliness in resident apartments even shortly after cleaning services had been performed; furthermore, safety concerns arose regarding unmonitored stairwells that could leave vulnerable residents at risk if they fell unnoticed. A lack of food availability on Sunday evenings was also noted as worrisome for some visitors who feel this could negatively impact overall resident wellness.

Finally, another major issue reported involved essential daily supplies—such as toilet paper—not being provided by The McAuley despite it being a basic necessity for any resident's comfort and dignity. This situation raised red flags about how much support is genuinely available for those experiencing declining health or cognitive challenges within the facility—especially as one family expressed frustration over policies related to vacating agreements that seemed inflexible given their uncle’s deteriorating state.

Ultimately, The McAuley's mixed reviews suggest it may be an excellent fit for some seniors seeking an active community lifestyle but caution potential residents about certain practices within its dining setup and provisions concerning medical care essentials. As they strive for improvement amidst feedback from both current occupants and visitors alike, it remains important for management at The McAuley to address these concerns so every resident feels safe included in what should be an enriching stage of life.

This part of West Hartford, Connecticut, offers a convenient and diverse array of amenities for senior living. With multiple parks nearby such as Elizabeth Park and Fernridge Park, residents can enjoy the beauty of nature and outdoor activities. There are also several medical facilities in close proximity including Village For Families & Children and Hartford Orthopedic Surgeons for healthcare needs. Additionally, pharmacies like Walgreens and CVS provide easy access to medications. Various cafes like Starbucks and Blue State Coffee offer opportunities for socializing and enjoying a cup of coffee. Restaurants such as Koma Japanese Steakhouse and Barcelona Restaurant provide dining options for different tastes. Places of worship like Emanuel Synagogue and Universalist Church cater to spiritual needs. In case of emergencies, St Francis Hospital is conveniently located within 1.5 miles. Overall, this area offers a well-rounded community with various resources for senior citizens to enjoy a fulfilling lifestyle.

Parks

• Elizabeth Park (0.6 miles)
• Fernridge Park (1.8 miles)
• Bushnell Park (2.7 miles)
• Satan's Kingdom State Recreation Area (2.9 miles)
• Wolcott Park (3.6 miles)
• Sperry Park (5.8 miles)
• Mill Pond Park (6.2 miles)

Physicians

• Village For Families & Children (0.8 miles)
• Medical Oncology and Blood Disorders (1.4 miles)
• Woodland Anesthesiology Associates PC (1.5 miles)
• SHE Medical (1.5 miles)
• Assoc'd Ear Nose and Throat Specialists (1.5 miles)
• Woodland Women's Health Associates (1.5 miles)
• Hartford Orthopedic Surgeons (1.6 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (1 miles)
• Walgreens (1.3 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.4 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.6 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.8 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.9 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.4 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (1 miles)
• Starbucks (1.9 miles)
• Blue State Coffee (2.9 miles)
• Rebel Dog Coffee Co. EAST HARTFORD (5.2 miles)
• Dom's Coffee (5.8 miles)
• The Coffee Trade (5.8 miles)

Restaurants

• Lox Stock & Bagels (1.1 miles)
• Koma Japanese Steakhouse (1.2 miles)
• Spigot Cafe (1.6 miles)
• Max's Oyster Bar (1.7 miles)
• Bartaco (1.8 miles)
• Artisan (1.8 miles)
• Barcelona Restaurant (1.8 miles)

Places of Worship

• Emanuel Synagogue (1.1 miles)
• Universalist Church of West Hartford (1.3 miles)
• Jehovah's Witnesses (2.3 miles)

Hospitals

• St Francis Hospital (1.5 miles)
• Infectious Disease Division (3.1 miles)
• Menla Holistic Health (5 miles)
• Newington Veterans Hospital (5.6 miles)

Transportation

• Union Station (2.5 miles)
• Pratt & Whitney (5 miles)