Simpson House, a CCRC

Pros

• Residents appreciate the cleanliness and well-maintained facilities at Simpson House, highlighting the spotless environment and immaculate landscaping.
• The variety of activities offered, including fitness workouts, arts and crafts, and social events, enriches the community experience for residents.
• Many residents find the staff to be friendly, caring, and accommodating, fostering a warm and welcoming atmosphere within the community.
• Access to on-site health services, physical therapy, and recreational amenities greatly enhances the quality of life for residents.
• The proximity to Fairmount Park provides a charming outdoor setting that residents enjoy.
• Residents express satisfaction with the food quality and variety available in the dining services.
• The smaller size of Simpson House allows for strong connections among residents and staff.
• The availability of free van transportation for grocery shopping and other outings is highly valued by residents.

Cons

• Some employees at Simpson House feel there is little chance for advancement and may feel stuck in their jobs, which affects overall courtesy and respect.
• There have been concerns expressed regarding the responsiveness of staff, particularly when assistance is needed, such as during a resident's move-in.
• The green box program is seen as a barrier and potentially unsanitary, needing to be revisited.
• Safety and privacy issues have been highlighted, with suggestions for improved security measures throughout the property.
• A resident experienced significant frustration due to delays in getting internet set up for their mother, taking eight months despite repeated inquiries.
• Post-cancellation communication was poor from Simpson House representatives regarding the refund of improvement costs, leading to feelings of disappointment and mistrust.
• While landscaping is praised, serious concerns about safety and security overshadow its beauty, indicating that aesthetics alone are not enough to ensure a safe environment.

Review

Simpson House has earned a reputation for its charm, historical beauty, and welcoming atmosphere. Nestled next to Fairmount Park, this senior living facility showcases picturesque landscaping that impresses both residents and visitors alike. The architecture reflects a classic elegance that resonates with many, drawing people in and creating an inviting environment. Residents often express their appreciation for the well-maintained surroundings, noting the immaculate grounds dotted with trees and greenery. However, despite its exterior appeal, some reviews highlight internal challenges that require attention.

The facilities at Simpson House cater to various needs among its residents. Many commend the broad range of activities available, from fitness classes and spiritual growth sessions to arts and crafts projects. Regular movie nights, Thursday socials, and van trips for shopping further enrich community life. For those in memory care or rehabilitation programs, on-site health services provide reassurance. Moreover, the resident population benefits from familiar relationships with staff members who have dedicated decades to caring for individuals within this community, fostering a sense of belonging.

While many residents praise the attentive staff and quality services—including housekeeping and linen service—there are concerns regarding responsiveness in certain areas. Some families note delays in setting up essential services after moving in; one resident's family faced an eight-month wait for internet installation despite repeated inquiries. Additionally, while many staff members exhibit genuine kindness and support, there is room for improvement regarding courtesy and respect across all interactions within the facility.

Compensation systems also emerged as a point of contention among employees and residents alike. Concerns were raised about employee morale due to perceived stagnation in career advancement opportunities within Simpson House’s workforce. Recognizing excellent staff performance through raises or bonuses based on merit could significantly boost motivation among hardworking employees while promoting a positive work culture conducive to high-quality service delivery.

Financial transparency is another area demanding attention at Simpson House; a notable incident involving deposit refunds after contract cancellations exemplifies this issue. A family reported difficulty obtaining reimbursement despite prior promises by management. Such experiences can tarnish reputations built on trust and lead potential new residents to reconsider their choices based on how senior needs are treated by management representatives.

Despite these drawbacks, many still wholeheartedly recommend Simpson House as an ideal choice for senior living due to its amicable community atmosphere combined with comprehensive amenities such as hair care services and recreational facilities like libraries and small theaters—all fostering social engagement among residents. For those seeking independent living options or transitioning into more skilled care environments, Simpson House remains a noteworthy contender worth considering amidst both its strengths and areas needing improvement; ultimately embodying a blend of history, community spirit, proactive health support pathways alongside pressing calls for enhanced safety measures necessary in today’s world.

This area of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania offers a mix of urban convenience and green spaces for residents to enjoy. With several parks nearby such as Fairmount Park and Schuylkill River Park, seniors can easily access outdoor recreational activities and enjoy the beauty of nature. There are also plenty of cafes and restaurants in the vicinity including Starbucks, Panera Bread, and local eateries like Larry's Steaks and Rosy's Taco Bar, providing a variety of dining options. In terms of healthcare, there are pharmacies like CVS and Rite Aid nearby as well as hospitals such as Lankenau Medical Center and Temple University Hospital for medical needs. Public transportation is accessible with SEPTA stations within a few miles, making it easy to get around the city. Additionally, there are physicians' offices including Children's Hospital of Philadelphia for healthcare services. Overall, this area provides a convenient and well-rounded environment for senior living in Philadelphia.

Parks

• Fairmount Park (0.6 miles)
• Schuylkill River Park (3.7 miles)
• Rittenhouse Square (4 miles)
• Franklin Square (4.5 miles)
• Piazza Dog Park (4.6 miles)
• Palmer Doggie Depot (4.7 miles)
• Palmer Park Farmers Market (4.7 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (0.6 miles)
• Starbucks (0.9 miles)
• Starbucks (0.9 miles)
• Panera Bread (1 miles)
• The Landing Kitchen (1.5 miles)
• Pilgrim Roasters (1.9 miles)
• Starbucks (2.6 miles)

Restaurants

• Pizza Hut (0.7 miles)
• Larry's Steaks (0.8 miles)
• Custard & Cakes Creamery (2 miles)
• Dalessandro's Steaks (2.5 miles)
• Rosy's Taco Bar (3.7 miles)
• McDonald's (3.7 miles)
• K'Far (3.9 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (0.8 miles)
• Rite Aid (1.8 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.4 miles)
• Rite Aid (2.5 miles)
• Rite Aid (2.6 miles)
• Penn Medicine University City Outpatient Pharmacy (2.8 miles)

Hospitals

• Lankenau Medical Center (2.4 miles)
• Philadelphia VA Medical Center (3.4 miles)
• The Pavilion (3.5 miles)
• Veterans Administration Community Living Center (3.5 miles)
• Temple University Hospital (3.6 miles)
• Episcopal Hospital (4.7 miles)
• Albert Einstein Employee Health Center (5 miles)

Transportation

• 30th Street Station (3.3 miles)
• SEPTA: MFL/TRL 30th Street Station (3.3 miles)
• Septa Wayne Junction Station (3.7 miles)
• Jefferson Station (4.3 miles)
• SEPTA: 101/102 Lansdowne Avenue Station (4.5 miles)
• Stenton Station (5 miles)

Physicians

• Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (3.4 miles)
• CHOP Buerger Center for Advanced Pediatric Care - Raymond G. Perelman Campus (3.5 miles)
• Dr Madonna's Family Practice (4.8 miles)
• Simms Hank Md Albert Einstein Medical Center Philadelphia (4.9 miles)

Theaters

• Landmark Theatres - Ritz Five (5.1 miles)