Blakehurst Retirement Community

Pros

• Blakehurst Retirement Community is praised for its beautiful surroundings, warm atmosphere, and top-notch food quality, creating a welcoming environment for residents.
• The staff at Blakehurst is described as friendly, helpful, and dedicated to providing exceptional customer service and personalized care to each resident.
• Residents enjoy a variety of amenities, including a well-equipped fitness center with tailored exercise classes, which enhances their overall quality of life.
• The community hosts creative activities and events that foster social connections among residents, helping them build friendships and feel engaged.
• Feedback highlights the compassionate care provided by the assisted living staff during challenging times, emphasizing their empathy and dedication to improving residents' lives.
• Many visitors appreciate the on-site restaurant and café that offers reasonably priced American cuisine in an upscale setting.
• Overall, Blakehurst is recognized as a smaller community that prioritizes personal attention and builds strong relationships between staff and residents.

Cons

• The food quality has deteriorated significantly, with residents now preparing their own meals and discarding what is provided.
• Communication with the front desk is frustrating and inefficient, leading to long wait times and multiple transfers.
• Family members are restricted from visiting residents while they are allowed to leave, creating a heartless situation during critical times.
• The community seems focused more on renovations and external appearances rather than addressing the needs of its residents.
• There are concerns about the expensive monthly costs not correlating with the current level of service and care provided.

Review

Blakehurst Retirement Community in Towson, Maryland, has evoked a mixture of appreciation and disappointment from both residents and visitors over the years. Initially, many families felt optimistic about their loved ones moving into this beautiful community, which was praised for its attractive interior design, pleasant ambiance, and friendly staff. The on-site amenities, including a restaurant and café open to the public and a well-equipped fitness center with specialized classes tailored for seniors, were also highlights that made Blakehurst stand out among other retirement facilities. Those who visited remarked on the superb quality of food in the early years, expressing satisfaction with meal options and various activities organized by the staff.

However, the past couple of years have seen a significant decline in the quality of services offered at Blakehurst. Several visitors have voiced concerns specifically regarding food quality; what was once considered tasty has become virtually inedible according to some residents’ reports—green beans served with yellow spots being cited as particularly unappetizing. This significant change has led some residents to resort to preparing their own meals rather than eat what is provided. The situation has been exacerbated during COVID-19 when stress levels are already high for everyone involved.

Furthermore, there seems to be an ongoing issue regarding communication between families and staff at Blakehurst. One reviewer recounted an arduous experience trying to reach her mother through the front desk—over an hour spent navigating multiple departments only to encounter confusion due to assumptions made about new leadership within the facility. In critical situations or emergencies where immediate contact is necessary, these communication barriers could pose serious challenges for family members seeking assistance for their loved ones.

The pandemic has introduced another layer of frustration: while residents are allowed to leave Blakehurst freely to dine or socialize in public spaces, families have faced strict restrictions on visiting their loved ones inside the community. Such contradictions have left many feeling helpless and frustrated since it seems contrary that residents can engage with outsiders while family support systems remain severed during crucial times when emotional connection is vital.

Despite these issues arising recently within Blakehurst's operations, several reviewers praised specific staff members for their dedication and compassion towards improving resident experiences. For instance, one guest shared touching stories about how staff went above and beyond when welcoming new residents by introducing them to others they might connect with socially. Many spoke highly of caregivers' compassion during difficult health transitions—one visitor especially noted how this kindness was evident even during his mother's final days as they provided unwavering support both physically and emotionally.

In conclusion, while Blakehurst Retirement Community boasts remarkable features such as ample amenities, beautiful surroundings, dedicated personnel who genuinely care for residents' well-being—the recent decline in service standards throughout various aspects leaves room for improvement. Visitors recommend considering alternatives if seeking senior living arrangements due not only to financial costs associated but also because external care options available may better suit individual needs going forward. Ultimately—while Blakehurst's environment itself remains appealing—it’s crucial that management address these pressing concerns around food service quality communication effectiveness before it can reclaim its standing as one of Towson's best retirement communities again.

This part of Towson, Maryland offers a convenient and vibrant community for seniors looking to settle into a comfortable and active lifestyle. With several reputable physicians, pharmacies, and hospitals nearby, residents can easily access top-notch healthcare services. There are also plenty of dining options ranging from fast food to casual dining, as well as cafes for socializing with friends. Additionally, the area boasts recreational opportunities with parks and theaters within a short distance. The public transportation options make it easy for seniors to get around town without relying on a car. Overall, this neighborhood provides a well-rounded living experience for older individuals seeking a supportive and engaging environment in Towson.

Physicians

• Advanced Allergy & Asthma Center (0.7 miles)
• Greater Baltimore Medical Center (1.3 miles)
• Clinical Associates (1.6 miles)
• O'Dea Building- St Josephs Hospital (1.7 miles)
• Maryland Pediatric Group: Winkelstein Amy L MD (2.6 miles)
• Dr Richard A. Adler, Belcara Health Ophthalmology (2.7 miles)
• Pediatric Partners (2.7 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (0.9 miles)
• Walgreens (0.9 miles)
• Walgreens (1.5 miles)
• Walgreens (2.1 miles)
• Walgreens (2.8 miles)
• Rite Aid (2.8 miles)
• Walgreens (3 miles)

Restaurants

• McDonald's (0.9 miles)
• THB - Towson (1.3 miles)
• The Cheesecake Factory (1.3 miles)
• Subway (1.3 miles)
• THB Bagels & Deli of Timonium (1.5 miles)
• Sonic Drive-In (1.9 miles)
• Nautilus Diner (2 miles)

Places of Worship

• Church of the Immaculate Conception (1 miles)
• Church of the Nativity (1.6 miles)
• Brown Memorial Woodbrook Presbyterian Church (2.1 miles)
• St Demetrios Greek Ort (5.3 miles)

Hospitals

• GBMC (1.3 miles)
• Sheppard Pratt Health System (1.3 miles)
• Johns Hopkins Medicine at Green Spring Station (2.5 miles)
• Lifebridge Health Campus Service (4 miles)
• MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital (4.1 miles)
• Sinai Hospital Of Baltimore (4.4 miles)
• MedStar Union Memorial Hospital (5.6 miles)

Transportation

• Lutherville Light Rail Station (1.3 miles)
• Penn Station (7.1 miles)

Theaters

• Cinemark Towson And Xd (1.4 miles)

Cafes

• Panera Bread (2.3 miles)
• Starbucks (3.3 miles)
• Miss Shirley's Cafe, Roland Park (4.5 miles)
• Panera Bread (6.3 miles)

Parks

• Rodgers Forge Tot Lot (2.3 miles)
• Meadowood Regional Park (2.4 miles)
• Lake Roland (2.8 miles)
• Cromwell Valley Park (3.7 miles)