The Athenaeum of Skaneateles

Pros

• The Athenaeum of Skaneateles is described as a beautiful and clean mansion, transformed into a warm and inviting assisted living facility.
• Visitors appreciated the personal touch of the full tour, during which they interacted with friendly staff members, including the chef and maintenance personnel.
• The dining area, with its stunning view of Skaneateles Lake, fosters a sense of community by encouraging residents to dine together at large tables.
• Residents feel that living at the Athenaeum resembles being in their own home, providing comfort during a challenging transition.
• Overall, the Athenaeum is recognized as the best assisted living facility in Central New York, offering excellent care and a supportive environment for residents.

Cons

• It can be a sad day when a loved one can no longer live in their own home.
• The transition to assisted living may be challenging for some individuals and their families.
• Leaving a familiar environment for a new facility might evoke feelings of loss or sadness.

Review

The Athenaeum of Skaneateles stands as a remarkable testament to what assisted living can offer in Central New York. Housed in a stunning mansion that was once a single-family home, the Athenaeum has been thoughtfully transformed into an inviting community with 14 well-appointed rooms. This transition from a personal residence to a welcoming communal environment reflects not only the physical space but also the essence of what it means to feel at home. Its architecture and ambiance lend themselves to a warm atmosphere where residents can truly feel secure and comfortable.

During our visit, we were impressed by the cleanliness and the overall upkeep of the facility, which speaks volumes about the commitment to providing high-quality care for its residents. The layout feels more like a large family home than an institutionalized setting, fostering an intimate atmosphere that encourages social interactions among residents. A full tour offered us deep insights into daily life at the Athenaeum, as we engaged with various team members who shared their experiences and responsibilities within this unique space.

From conversing with staff members like the maintenance guy to meeting the director of events, it became clear that every individual plays an essential role in creating an enriching environment for those who reside there. Their dedication and passion reverberated throughout our discussions; it's evident that they care deeply about both their work and, most importantly, the residents they serve. The head of the facility graciously guided us through our two-hour exploration, illustrating how each aspect of daily operations contributes to nurturing this supportive community.

A highlight of our visit was meeting the chef, who exuded friendliness while discussing meal preparations and dining options available to residents. The dining area itself is nothing short of spectacular; with large windows offering breathtaking views of Skaneateles Lake, it provides an idyllic backdrop for communal meals. The setup includes two expansive tables where residents gather together for mealtime—an experience reminiscent of sharing meals in an affluent family home rather than in a typical dining hall setting. This arrangement fosters camaraderie among residents as they share not just food but stories and companionship.

Residents are encouraged to engage with one another during meals, creating opportunities for friendship and connection that are vital for emotional well-being. The Athenaeum prides itself on striking a perfect balance between independence and support—allowing individuals to maintain their dignity while receiving excellent care tailored to their unique needs. This blend is particularly meaningful given how difficult it can be for families when loved ones must transition from their own homes due to health or safety concerns.

Ultimately, choosing an assisted living facility is never easy; leaving behind familiar surroundings is often accompanied by feelings of sadness or apprehension. However, stepping inside The Athenaeum offers reassurance—a promise that your loved ones will be embraced by kindness, compassion, and attentive service. We strongly encourage anyone considering assisted living for themselves or family members to take a tour of this exceptional facility—it could very well alleviate some worries during what may be one of life's most challenging transitions. For those seeking comfort wrapped in elegance alongside top-notch care in Central New York, The Athenaeum stands out as a destination worth exploring.

Located in Skaneateles, New York, this area offers a variety of amenities and services that cater to seniors looking for a comfortable and convenient lifestyle. Thayer Park and Shotwell Memorial Park provide opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation just a short distance away. Nearby restaurants such as Doug's Fish Fry and The Sherwood Inn offer delicious dining options, while pharmacies like Kinney Drugs and CVS Pharmacy are easily accessible for prescription needs. Physicians like Victory Sports Medicine & Orthopedics and Family Care Medical Group are available for healthcare needs, with Auburn Community Hospital located just 7.3 miles away for more extensive medical care. Places of worship such as the Auburn Church of the Nazarene and cafes like Panera Bread provide spiritual support and social opportunities within the community. Additionally, transportation options including Skaneateles Aero Drome (6B9) make it easy to get around the area. Overall, this part of Skaneateles provides a peaceful and supportive environment for seniors looking to enjoy their golden years in comfort.

Parks

• Thayer Park (0.4 miles)
• Shotwell Memorial Park (0.6 miles)
• Marcellus Park (4.6 miles)
• Hoopes Park (6.3 miles)
• Emerson Park (6.5 miles)
• The Great Race (6.8 miles)
• Otisco Lake (7.9 miles)

Restaurants

• Doug's Fish Fry (0.5 miles)
• Skaneateles Skoops (0.5 miles)
• Angel's Heavenly Hamburgers (0.5 miles)
• Skaneateles Bakery (0.6 miles)
• Blue Water Grill (0.6 miles)
• LakeHouse Pub (0.6 miles)
• The Sherwood Inn (0.6 miles)

Pharmacies

• Kinney Drugs (0.7 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (0.7 miles)
• Duck Flats Pharma (6.5 miles)
• Kinney Drugs (6.5 miles)
• Walgreens (6.6 miles)
• Rite Aid (6.7 miles)
• Kinney Drugs (7.1 miles)

Physicians

• Reflections Dermatology (1.3 miles)
• Victory Sports Medicine & Orthopedics (1.4 miles)
• Carlberg's Office (1.5 miles)
• Family Care Medical Group (1.5 miles)
• David P Locastro Md Pc (1.5 miles)
• Village Visions (1.6 miles)
• Endocrinology Diabetes Metabolism (6.2 miles)

Transportation

• Skaneateles Aero Drome (6B9) (2.4 miles)

Places of Worship

• Auburn Church of the Nazarene (5 miles)
• Skaneatles Religious Society (6.9 miles)
• United Church of Auburn (7.1 miles)
• Church of the Holy Family (7.5 miles)
• First Love Fellowship (8.2 miles)

Cafes

• Panera Bread (6.3 miles)
• Bailiwick Market & Cafe (6.5 miles)
• Starbucks (6.6 miles)
• Gretchen’s (7.3 miles)
• Cafe 108 (7.6 miles)
• Crow City Roasters (7.7 miles)

Hospitals

• Auburn Community Hospital (7.3 miles)