Balfour Ann Arbor

Pros

• Residents at Balfour Ann Arbor feel content and respected, with their preferences being acknowledged and accommodated as much as possible.
• The facility offers exceptional food quality, with a restaurant-style dining experience that surpasses other assisted living options.
• Balfour Ann Arbor provides a supportive environment where residents can maintain their independence while receiving the care they need.
• The staff is described as outstanding, friendly, and dedicated to providing excellent care for the residents.
• Many residents are actively participating in activities and forming friendships within the community, leading to overall happiness.
• The facility is beautifully designed, contributing to a pleasant living atmosphere for its residents.
• Families appreciate the communication provided through an app that keeps them informed about their loved ones' activities and interests.
• There is a positive emphasis on adapting living spaces to meet individual resident needs, enhancing their comfort and satisfaction.
• Residents have access to various amenities and activities that cater to those who are more independent or active.
• Overall experiences with Balfour Ann Arbor are marked by high satisfaction regarding care quality and support during transitions into the facility.

Cons

• The facility is experiencing staffing shortages, which has led to communication issues and delays in service.
• Transitioning residents have faced difficulties, including the absence of laundry services for several weeks.
• Some residents feel that management is unresponsive and may punish those who ask questions about facility operations or services.
• Certain residents express concerns that the focus of the facility may be more on profits than on resident care.
• There have been safety issues that took an excessive amount of time to address, leading to dissatisfaction among residents.
• The community’s amenities may not cater to all residents' needs, particularly for those requiring a higher level of care rather than luxury features.
• Some residents believe they are not treated as valued customers by the management, but rather as a secondary concern compared to investors.
• Despite high-quality staff interactions, there are complaints about inadequate support due to persistent understaffing issues.

Review

Balfour Ann Arbor has garnered a reputation as a premier senior living facility, offering exceptional care and services, albeit at a higher price point than some competitors. Many families have expressed satisfaction with the level of care their loved ones receive at Balfour, highlighting the establishment's commitment to personalized service. One family noted that their mother felt respected and listened to regarding her preferences, reaffirming the facility’s philosophy of treating residents as individuals who deserve respect and dignity. This tailored approach fosters a sense of home and belonging that many families appreciate during such challenging transitions.

One of Balfour's standout features is its dining experience. Residents enjoy meals prepared by skilled chefs in locations that emulate restaurant-style dining, allowing for meaningful choices at every meal. A common theme among reviewers is how the food quality surpasses that of other assisted living facilities; where other places offer a limited selection often prepped across the building, Balfour prides itself on providing fresh, appealing options that residents actually desire. Reviews describe menus filled with delicious offerings tailored to the preferences of residents—an aspect that has significantly contributed to families' decisions in favor of this community.

While many praise Balfour's amenities—including an array of social activities and fitness facilities—there are indications that not all residents are able or interested in taking full advantage of these offerings. Some individuals particularly noted how their loved ones shy away from participation in organized activities or exercise programs even though they exist in abundance. Families appreciate that these opportunities are available, but recognize they may not suit everyone’s needs or desires for engagement within the community.

However, staffing issues have been a consistent concern raised by multiple reviewers. Like many establishments in the senior living sector today, Balfour struggles with adequate staffing levels which sometimes leads to communication lapses between staff members and families. While most staff members receive high marks for their kindness and attentiveness toward residents, there remains an underlying frustration about insufficient personnel to meet all needs effectively at peak times or during busy shifts. Families express hope for improvements as they advocate for better resources dedicated towards hiring qualified staff.

Moreover, some residents have experienced challenges due to varying policies or administrative oversight within the facility. Issues ranging from delayed laundry services during transitions to perceived lackluster responses from management when concerns are raised reflect areas needing attention beyond just staff availability. Reviewers aptly note instances where interactions with management were less than positive or responsive upon bringing forth valid inquiries about safety concerns or operational policies which further diminished resident satisfaction at times.

Despite these mixed reviews on certain operational aspects, overall sentiments remain overwhelmingly positive when it comes to the environment cultivated at Balfour Ann Arbor—the elegance of its physical space coupled with outstanding culinary experiences puts it well above average among competitors seeking to attract discerning seniors looking for comfort without sacrificing quality care options. Families continue praising not only how much their loved ones appreciate living there but also noting signs of happiness amongst residents who forge friendships through shared meals and communal events organized amongst peers embarking on similar life stages together.

Ultimately speaking—while there remains room for improvement regarding staffing solutions and administrative cohesion—Balfour Ann Arbor stands out as an establishment where compassion-driven care thrives alongside culinary excellence—a combination valued by discerning families searching for ideal accommodations tailored specifically towards those they cherish most deeply in life's later chapters.

This area of Ann Arbor, Michigan offers a range of amenities and services that cater to seniors. With multiple parks nearby such as Saginaw Forest and Allmendinger Park, there are plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities and leisurely strolls. Additionally, there are several physicians' offices in close proximity, including Liberty Pediatrics and Greater Ann Arbor Neurology Associates PC, ensuring easy access to medical care. The presence of cafes like Homes Campus and Starbucks provides convenient options for socializing and enjoying a cup of coffee. Various restaurants such as Carlyle Grill and Zingerman's Roadhouse offer diverse dining choices while pharmacies like Rite Aid and CVS Pharmacy are easily accessible for medication needs. Places of worship such as St Paul Lutheran Church are nearby for spiritual support, while hospitals like Saint Joseph Mercy Health System provide healthcare services within a short distance. The transportation hub at Ann Arbor Station further enhances connectivity for seniors looking to explore the city or travel to other destinations. Overall, this area combines convenience, healthcare facilities, recreational opportunities, and community resources to create a comfortable living environment for seniors in Ann Arbor.

Parks

• Saginaw Forest (0.3 miles)
• Burr Oak Park (1.1 miles)
• South Maple Park (1.3 miles)
• Fritz Park (2.3 miles)
• Allmendinger Park (2.8 miles)
• West Park (2.8 miles)
• Belize Park (3.1 miles)

Physicians

• Liberty Pediatrics (0.8 miles)
• Paul William Turke (1.9 miles)
• Iha (2 miles)
• Ann Arbor Family Care (3 miles)
• Greater Ann Arbor Neurology Associates PC (3.1 miles)
• See (3.5 miles)
• U of M Family Practice - Briarwood Circle (3.5 miles)

Cafes

• Homes Campus (0.9 miles)
• Panera Bread (1.8 miles)
• Starbucks (1.9 miles)
• Jefferson Market (2.8 miles)
• Starbucks (2.9 miles)
• Drip House Coffee Co. (3 miles)
• Hyperion Coffee Co. (3.1 miles)

Restaurants

• Carlyle Grill (1.1 miles)
• Fresh Forage (1.5 miles)
• Zingerman's Roadhouse (1.6 miles)
• McDonald's (1.6 miles)
• Taco Bell (1.6 miles)
• HOMES Brewery (1.7 miles)
• Burger King (1.8 miles)

Pharmacies

• Rite Aid (1.5 miles)
• Walgreens (1.6 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.7 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.9 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.7 miles)
• Meijer Pharmacy (3 miles)
• Meijer Pharmacy (3 miles)

Places of Worship

• St Paul Lutheran Church (2.9 miles)
• Grace Ann Arbor Church (4.1 miles)

Hospitals

• Saint Joseph Mercy Health System (3.5 miles)
• UofM Hospital 7C (4.1 miles)
• University Of Michigan Main Hospital - Dock 5 (4.2 miles)
• University of Michigan Hospitals (4.2 miles)
• 6th Floor Rehabilitation Center (4.2 miles)
• University of Michigan Von Voigtlander Women's Hospital (4.2 miles)
• Ped Cardiology Cs Mott (4.2 miles)

Transportation

• Ann Arbor Station (3.5 miles)