Friends Boarding Home

Pros

• Residents are happy and feel well cared for in the community.
• The staff is accommodating and attentive to residents' needs and preferences.
• The facility offers enjoyable meal options, contributing to resident satisfaction.
• Many reviews highlight the friendly and knowledgeable staff, creating a welcoming environment.
• The personalized care at this smaller facility is appreciated by both residents and their families.
• Residents engage in various enjoyable activities, like bingo, and enjoy outings such as walks and shopping trips.
• Families are pleased with the level of care provided, noting that their loved ones thrive in the environment.
• The facility's charming atmosphere resembles a warm home rather than a typical retirement center.
• Overall experiences have been positive, with many recommending the community to others seeking similar care options.

Cons

• The costs increase substantially each year, which can be a burden for those on a fixed budget.
• After only a few months of residency, the rent increased, leading to concerns about long-term affordability.
• There are limited amenities, such as no kitchenette and lack of transportation options on weekends for church.
• Concerns raised about indifference from management regarding the financial struggles faced by residents on a fixed income.
• While initial rates appear affordable, hidden costs and annual increases make it difficult for residents to sustain their living situation.
• Some residents feel trapped due to high buy-in fees that make transitioning to more economical options challenging.
• The room sizes are smaller compared to other communities, which may not meet everyone's needs.

Review

Friends Home & Village has garnered a variety of feedback from residents and their families, reflecting both positive experiences and some concerns regarding the cost of living in the community. Many loved ones express satisfaction with their family members' well-being, stating that they are happy and well-cared for. The supportive environment created by the staff is frequently noted, as individuals comment on the accommodating nature of aides who cater to residents' needs. Specific staff members, like aides whose names were mentioned, have formed positive relationships with residents, contributing to an overall feeling of warmth and care within the community.

The meal options available at Friends Home & Village have also received praise. Families report that their loved ones enjoy the homemade meals provided, which is crucial for maintaining a healthy lifestyle while residing there. The facility’s atmosphere has been characterized as friendly and inviting; numerous reviewers highlight that upon entering, it feels more like stepping into a home than a traditional retirement center. Especially appreciated is the small size of the facility, which allows for more personalized care—a feature many families desire for their aging relatives.

While initial impressions of Friends Home & Village are overwhelmingly positive, some reviewers voiced concerns about rising costs over time. Although many found the initial pricing to be affordable and attractive compared to other communities, they reported significant yearly increases in rent—some noting jumps of $600 per year within just 15 months. This situation raises concerns for families on fixed incomes who may find it challenging to sustain such expenses long-term. The lack of transparency regarding these price increases can lead to feelings of unease among families trying to determine whether this community will remain affordable as their loved ones age.

Some reviews also made note of certain limitations within the facility's offerings. Specifically, criticisms included smaller room sizes without kitchenettes and limited weekend transportation options for residents wishing to attend church services or engage in off-site activities. These factors can impact overall satisfaction if residents have specific lifestyle needs or personal preferences that are not met by the community's offerings.

Despite these drawbacks, most reviewers spoke highly of how warmly they were treated during tours and visits. Many expressed gratitude towards staff members like Norma Coverdale, who worked diligently to help new residents transition smoothly into life at Friends Home & Village after medical challenges or hospital stays. Such support reflects an attentive approach that combines both compassion and professionalism—factors essential for those looking for quality assisted living arrangements.

In conclusion, Friends Home & Village showcases a caring environment marked by attentive staff and a strong sense of community among residents. From personalized meal options to thoughtful assistance tailored to individual needs, it appears to be a nurturing place where elderly individuals can thrive socially and emotionally. However, prospective residents should be mindful of potential annual cost increases when considering a long-term stay in this unique facility nestled in historical Newtown. Overall, while there are aspects worth investigating further before making a decision—especially concerning finances—the heartfelt testimonials from current residents indicate that Friends Home & Village likely remains one of several commendable choices in senior care today.

Located in Newtown, Pennsylvania, this area offers a variety of amenities that cater to seniors looking for convenience and comfort. With multiple places of worship nearby, including St Luke's Episcopal Church and New Beginnings Church, residents have access to spiritual fulfillment. Pharmacies such as CVS and Rite Aid are easily accessible for any medical needs. There is also a selection of restaurants like Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant and J.B. Dawson's Restaurant & Bar for dining out options. The proximity to parks like Tyler State Park and Delaware River Canal Tow Path provides opportunities for outdoor activities and relaxation. Additionally, there are several physicians' offices in the area, including CHOP Primary Care and Wilson Dermatology & Skin Care, ensuring easy access to healthcare services. For entertainment, AMC Neshaminy 24 theater is close by for movie enthusiasts. Public transportation options include Trenton-Mercer Airport (TTN) and Septa Warminster Train Station, providing convenient travel options for those who may not drive. Overall, this part of Newtown offers a well-rounded community with amenities suited for a comfortable senior living experience.

Places of Worship

• St Luke's Episcopal Church (0.1 miles)
• New Beginnings Church (8.1 miles)
• Neshaminy Warwick Presbyterian Church (8.8 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (0.2 miles)
• Rite Aid (0.5 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.3 miles)
• Rite Aid (3.6 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (4.1 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (4.1 miles)
• Walgreens (4.2 miles)

Restaurants

• Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant (0.7 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (0.8 miles)
• J.B. Dawson's Restaurant & Bar (3.6 miles)
• Taco Bell (4.1 miles)
• McDonald's (4.2 miles)
• Erini Restaurant (5.4 miles)
• Blooming Grove Inn (5.8 miles)

Parks

• Tyler State Park (1 miles)
• Delaware River Canal Tow Path (5.2 miles)
• Washington Crossing Historic Park (5.7 miles)
• Cadwalader Park (8.2 miles)

Physicians

• CHOP Primary Care (1.1 miles)
• Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Centers (1.1 miles)
• Wilson Dermatology & Skin Care (4 miles)
• Wrightstown Family Medicine (4.1 miles)
• Wrightstown Family Medicine (4.3 miles)
• Stoltz and Hahn Family Practice (6.5 miles)
• Delaware Valley Family Eye Care (7.1 miles)

Hospitals

• St Mary Rehab Hospital (1.9 miles)
• Frankford Hospital-Bucks County (4.7 miles)
• Trenton Psychiatric Hospital (6.8 miles)
• Mercer Family Health Center (8.3 miles)
• Capital Health Medical Center (9.4 miles)
• Hunterdon Medical Center-Lambertville Rescue Squad (10.2 miles)
• Jefferson Torresdale Hospital (11.1 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (4.3 miles)
• Starbucks (8.8 miles)
• Starbucks (9.5 miles)
• Union Coffee (9.6 miles)
• Chive Cafe (9.7 miles)

Theaters

• AMC Neshaminy 24 (6.1 miles)
• Regal Warrington Crossing Screenx, 4Dx, Imax & RPX (11 miles)

Transportation

• Trenton-Mercer Airport (TTN) (7 miles)
• Septa Warminster Train Stn (8.5 miles)
• Trenton Transit Center (9.5 miles)