Friendship Village - South Hills a CCRC

Pros

• The staff at Friendship Village demonstrates exceptional professionalism and compassion, creating a positive environment for residents.
• Residents receive attentive care that meets their individual needs, fostering a sense of safety and well-being.
• The therapy programs are highly effective, helping residents to maintain an optimistic mindset and facilitating their recovery.
• Families appreciate the consistent updates from staff regarding their loved ones' progress and well-being.
• The dining experience is praised for its quality, with many residents enjoying delicious meals tailored to their dietary requirements.
• Friendship Village offers a beautiful and clean facility, along with a variety of amenities that enhance the living experience for residents.
• The transition into the community is often smooth, with staff providing excellent support during the adjustment period.

Cons

• The staff at Friendship Village frequently use agency workers, leading to inconsistencies in care and unfamiliar faces entering residents' apartments.
• There are reports of staff arguing and being unprofessional, with instances of yelling in hallways.
• Requests for basic assistance, such as emptying overflowing trash cans, are met with negative attitudes from the staff.
• Residents experience cold food and poor dining options, with additional charges for dining in their own apartments.
• Some patients suffer from a lack of rest due to noise levels from both patients and staff.
• Nurses have been described as kind but ineffective in addressing patients' medical needs.
• Families express disappointment regarding inadequate wound care and recurring infections tied to neglectful practices.
• Patients report feeling neglected or not receiving timely assistance when they need help.

Review

Friendship Village, an assisted living and rehabilitation facility, has garnered a mix of reviews highlighting both commendable care and troubling experiences. The facility’s reputation is somewhat polarized, with many praising the dedication of the staff while others criticize various aspects of the care and environment provided.

On one hand, numerous families have expressed heartfelt gratitude for the compassionate care their loved ones received at Friendship Village. Many recount positive therapeutic experiences where patients were able to regain their strength and mental well-being after hospitalization. One reviewer articulated a poignant account of how their mother transformed from a place of despair to one filled with laughter under the encouragement of dedicated therapists. These instances exemplify the facility's potential to foster healing and positivity in residents who may be struggling with severe health challenges.

However, discontented reviews paint a contrasting narrative regarding the consistency and quality of care at Friendship Village. Multiple accounts describe chaotic scenes within the facility, detailing instances where staff appeared unprofessional or inattentive. Common complaints include long response times when assistance was requested, unaddressed medical needs leading to deteriorating conditions, and frustrations about unsatisfactory room assignments that negatively affected patient comfort and recovery. Some families reported witnessing conflicts among staff that disrupted the peace necessary for proper patient recuperation.

Moreover, visitors frequently addressed concerns regarding the atmosphere within Friendship Village. Several noted unpleasant odors permeating common areas, including strong marijuana scents from aides vaping in hallways. The promised independent lifestyle often felt more like confinement as residents grappled with strict dining policies that added unexpected charges for meals served in apartments—particularly distressing for those unable to attend communal dining due to health reasons.

While some reviews highlighted exemplary staff performance during challenging times, there remained an alarming prevalence of negative experiences that could not be overlooked. Instances where family members encountered difficult emotional circumstances—such as being denied adequate visitation opportunities during critical moments—left lasting impressions on grieving relatives. One heart-wrenching account detailed a family's desperate attempts to connect with their dying mother through closed windows while frustrated nurses enforced stringent COVID-19 visiting rules.

In considering all perspectives presented by reviewers, it becomes evident that while Friendship Village has succeeded in creating moments of joy and healing for some residents through engaged staff and therapeutic practices, significant systemic issues remain in need of attention. Visitors’ reports illuminate frustrating lapses in communication between staff members as well as a lackadaisical attitude towards fulfilling basic resident needs—a critical component often overshadowed by isolated success stories within this multifaceted community.

Ultimately, prospective residents and their families should weigh these polarized accounts carefully when considering Friendship Village as an option for assisted living or rehabilitation services. While some individuals have thrived under attentive care provided by committed professionals at this facility, others have encountered barriers that detracted from meaningful recovery experiences—raising essential questions about whether it truly delivers on its promises across its diverse population.

Located in Upper Saint Clair, Pennsylvania, this neighborhood offers a variety of amenities suitable for senior living. With numerous parks like Boyce-Mayview Park and Peters Lake Park nearby, residents can enjoy outdoor activities and nature walks. There are also several cafes such as Al's Cafe and Starbucks for socializing with friends or enjoying a cup of coffee. For healthcare needs, there are multiple physician offices like Bachner Darla Pediatric South Peters and Stepping Stone Psychiatric Care within a short distance. Additionally, there are pharmacies like Rite Aid and CVS Pharmacy conveniently located for easy access to medications. In terms of entertainment, seniors can catch a movie at the Chartiers Valley Stadium 18 theater or visit restaurants like Eat'n Park Restaurant or Fiori's Pizzaria for a delicious meal. Overall, this part of Upper Saint Clair provides a well-rounded community with various options for senior living.

Parks

• Boyce-Mayview Park (0.7 miles)
• Peters Lake Park (3.7 miles)
• Village Green Park (4.2 miles)
• Mt. Lebanon Park (5.1 miles)
• South Park Dog Park (5.6 miles)
• Collier Community Park (6.4 miles)
• Evans Fields (6.5 miles)

Cafes

• OTB Bicycle Cafe at Hastings (1.1 miles)
• Al's Cafe (2.4 miles)
• Starbucks (2.8 miles)
• Starbucks (3.5 miles)
• De Lallo's Fort Couch Cafe (3.5 miles)
• Panera Bread (4.3 miles)
• Starbucks (4.7 miles)

Physicians

• Bachner Darla Pediatric South Peters (1.5 miles)
• Pediatric Alliance-St Clair (2.7 miles)
• Integrated Medical Systems (2.7 miles)
• Stepping Stone Psychiatric Care - Muhammad I Shaikh MD (2.8 miles)
• Eye Gallery The (2.8 miles)
• Waterdam Family Practice (3.7 miles)
• Complete Family Care (3.7 miles)

Restaurants

• Eat'n Park Restaurant (1.8 miles)
• Bee'z Bistro & Pub (1.9 miles)
• Wendy's (2.1 miles)
• McDonald's (2.6 miles)
• Bruster's Ice Cream (2.6 miles)
• McDonald's (2.8 miles)
• Fiori's Pizzaria (2.8 miles)

Places of Worship

• St Louise De Marillac Church (2 miles)
• Calvary Full Gospel Church (3 miles)
• Saint Barbara Church (3.9 miles)
• St Elizabeth Ann Seton Church (6.3 miles)
• St Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish (6.3 miles)
• St Simon & Jude Church (6.6 miles)

Pharmacies

• Rite Aid (2.9 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3 miles)
• Walgreens (3 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.7 miles)
• Walgreens (3.7 miles)
• Rite Aid (3.7 miles)
• Market District Pharmacy (4.1 miles)

Hospitals

• St Clair Hospital Outpatient Center (3.1 miles)
• UPMC South Hills (3.8 miles)
• Washington Hospital (5.5 miles)

Transportation

• South Hills Village Trolley Stop (3.4 miles)

Theaters

• Chartiers Valley Stadium 18 (3.7 miles)