2129 Birkdale Terrace, Decatur, GA 30032
For more information about senior living options: (866) 208-4318
Overall Review of Art Of Living - Community Living Arrangement IX
Pros
Art of Living has been a pleasant surprise.- The staff is exceptional and patient.
- Everyone there has gone over and above in making Hassan successful.
- Hassan is living his best life at AOL.
- He loves the day program and living in his residential home with his roommates.
- AOL pushes independence by giving individuals’ choices, providing a monthly calendar of activities, and teaching life skills and community involvement.
- The staff at the home is truly remarkable.
- Art of Living has some of the best people to care for individuals with disabilities.
Cons
A caregiver yelled at an exceptional adult in public at Dollar Tree, demonstrating a clear lack of patience and respect.- The caregiver’s behavior—yelling to slow down and to keep up—showed impatience with people with exceptionalities.
- The reviewer implied that anyone lacking patience to work with people with exceptionalities should choose another line of work.
- The incident and treatment were described as completely unacceptable, with people with exceptionalities deserving respect and dignity, not humiliation.
- The company was labeled unprofessional, rude, careless, and bogus, with high caregiver turnover and weekly changes in staff.
- The owners were alleged to be liars who withhold paychecks and cut days when favors cannot be done, described as mean.
Review
Art Of Living - Community Living Arrangement IX in Decatur is best suited for adults with developmental disabilities who want an engaged, community-integrated living setup. The model pairs a residential home with three roommates and a robust day program that emphasizes independence, life skills, and real-world experience. Families seeking a place where a structured calendar of activities, plus community outings and support navigating public transit, can be part of daily life will find it appealing. The staff’s focus on teaching autonomy, allowing individuals to choose daily activities while still providing supervision, creates a practical bridge between shelter and self-reliance. This blend makes it a strong option for those who prize practical independence over hands-off, sterile care environments.
That said, not every family should assume this option is the right fit. A few reviews flag high caregiver turnover and inconsistent staffing, which can undermine reliability for residents who rely on familiar faces. There are also concerns raised about the conduct of some staff, including a public incident of yelling at an adult in a store, which raises questions about daily tone and boundaries. A sense of uncertainty around ownership and pay practices is mentioned by some critics. These issues are not universal, but they are sufficiently prominent to warrant careful digging during due diligence and concrete assurances about supervision, grievance reporting, and a plan to stabilize teams over time.
On balance, the institution’s strongest positives are compelling: patient, capable staff; a culture of patience and professionalism; a genuinely life-skills oriented program; and the safety of a structured home environment. The day program’s energy, encompassing social activities, field trips, and monthly calendars, promotes independence and community engagement, while staff members like Joi and David are highlighted for helping residents acclimate and participate. For families, this translates into tangible progress toward self-sufficiency and meaningful daily routines. However, the flip side, staff turnover, occasional lapses in behavior, and worries about management, cannot be dismissed. The key question is whether the care plan can be sustained with stable personnel and transparent accountability.
Families planning a visit should see more than polished tours: observe interactions during meal times, note whether the same staff appear consistently, and ask to meet the direct caregivers who would work with a loved one. Inquire about the organization’s incident reporting, family updates, and how supervisors handle concerns about staff conduct. Obtain a clear statement on caregiver retention rates and training protocols, and request a demonstration of the day-program calendar in action. Clarify what happens if a preferred staff person is unavailable, and understand the policy on redress if a misstep occurs. These concrete touches reveal whether the glossy positives hold up in daily life.
Daily life centers on choice within structure. A resident can expect a shared home setting, three roommates, and routine supports around life skills, transportation assistance, and community engagement. The day program is the anchor, with activities and road trips designed to keep participants connected to Atlanta’s resources. The environment is described as a safe haven by families who value steady oversight and clear communication. Yet, for those needing continuous medical supervision or highly customized medical supports, this setting may fall short. Prospective residents should map out a realistic week and confirm that medical and behavioral supports align with current needs.
Bottom line: Art Of Living IX stands out for families seeking practical independence and a welcoming, activity-rich day program within a secure residential setting. When staffing is stable and staff communicate well, the benefits, autonomy, structured routines, and community integration, can far outweigh the drawbacks. If turnover and supervisory consistency are ongoing concerns, or if a loved one requires constant one-on-one medical attention, alternatives with stronger clinical staffing or more predictable caregiving relationships should be explored. The prudent path is a disciplined site visit, careful benchmarking of staff continuity, and a clear plan for ongoing family involvement and oversight before committing.
3 resident community capacity
Assisted Living
Cable or satellite TV
Dining room
Fully furnished
Garden
Housekeeping services
Move-in coordination
Outdoor space
Telephone
Wi-Fi/high-speed internet available
William B Hartsfield-Atlanta International (10 miles away)
24-hour supervision
Activities of daily living assistance
Assistance with bathing
Assistance with dressing
Assistance with transfers
Diabetes diet
Meal preparation and service
Medication management
Special dietary restrictions
Transportation arrangement (medical)
Transportation to doctors appointments
When to Transition from Assisted Living to Memory Care: Key Indicators, Steps, and Finding the Right Community
Assisted Living and Memory Care: Understanding Their Core Differences
Beyond the Bingo Hall: 50+ Enriching Activities for Seniors in Assisted Living