Independence Hill Assisted Living

Pros

• The new director runs the facility in an excellent and professional manner, leading to significant improvements in operations.
• Many longtime staff members are personally connected with the residents, creating a warm and caring environment.
• The facility offers a beautiful atmosphere and well-maintained grounds, contributing to a cheerful living experience.
• Residents enjoy a variety of fun activities, such as music performances and games like bingo, enhancing their social engagement.
• The dining staff is friendly and knows the residents by name, adding a personal touch to meal times.
• The flexible dining options allow residents to have breakfast plus either lunch or dinner, accommodating different preferences.
• Independence Hill is recognized for its engaging activities and positive atmosphere, making it suitable for independent individuals or those needing entry-level assistance.
• Family members appreciate the smooth move-in process and prompt attention to maintenance requests in residents' apartments.
• Overall cleanliness of the facility is maintained well, with regular steam cleaning of carpets noted positively by visitors and residents alike.
• Many families have found Independence Hill to be a great value for their loved ones' care needs compared to other facilities in the area.

Cons

• Some residents feel that the facility does not provide a high enough level of care or licensure for long-term aging in place.
• The carpeting throughout common areas looks worn and is difficult to keep clean, contributing to a perception of uncleanliness.
• There have been reports of staff turnover being nearly 100%, leading to a lack of familiarity between staff and residents.
• Concerns were raised about medication errors by new med techs, indicating potential issues with medication management.
• Certain services that were promised are not being received, and some are hard to obtain or clarify regarding availability.
• The quality of food has significantly declined since the initial move-in period, with many residents expressing dissatisfaction with meals.
• Some caregivers do not follow instructions properly during personal care tasks, leading to safety concerns for residents.
• Reviews indicate that previous levels of personal care and assistance have decreased over time, causing frustration among families and residents.
• New management changes have led to initially poor experiences that improved but still left lingering concerns among residents and their families.

Review

Independence Hill Assisted Living has garnered a mix of reviews from residents and family members, reflecting both positive experiences and areas for improvement. Over the years, the facility has undergone significant changes, particularly with the management transition to a new director who has instilled a professional approach to operations. Many reviewers have noted that this change has led to an improved atmosphere within the community. The new director is recognized for being proactive in addressing concerns as they arise and has taken steps to ensure that the facility runs efficiently. Longtime staff members maintain strong personal connections with residents, contributing to a welcoming environment.

The facility itself is often described as beautiful and well-maintained, with many praising the cleanliness of common areas. Regular maintenance, including steam cleaning of carpets, helps preserve its appearance; however, some guests pointed out that the carpets in high-traffic areas look worn and can be difficult to keep clean. Activities such as music performances, bingo nights, and various outings create an engaging atmosphere for residents. Reviewers mentioned that waitstaff knew residents by name—a touch that added warmth and familiarity to daily interactions—and highlighted the flexibility offered in meal options, allowing residents to choose breakfast along with lunch or dinner.

While there are many positives associated with Independence Hill, several concerns were raised regarding care levels suitable for aging in place long term. Some reviewers expressed apprehensions about whether there was enough support for more dependent individuals within assisted living settings. Specific incidents related to medication distribution were cited as alarming; staff turnover was noted at one point as almost 100%, leading to inconsistencies in care quality and resident familiarity among caregivers.

In terms of food service, opinions varied widely. Some newcomers found meals appealing during initial tours but reported a decline in quality after moving in—citing issues such as tough meat and overcooked vegetables that no longer met expectations set during earlier visits. Feedback indicated collective dissatisfaction among residents concerning meal preparation—something that family members observed as critical given its impact on daily life.

Despite some complaints about certain aspects of care—particularly when requests for assistance didn’t get followed through—many families expressed relief upon choosing Independence Hill for their loved ones due to its homey atmosphere and engaging activities designed specifically for seniors. Residents lauded opportunities like "sittercize," walking paths around campus, various entertainment options such as musicals and shopping trips—which helped combat feelings of isolation while promoting social interaction.

Family members often felt reassured by the attentiveness displayed by staff while finding value aligned with their expectations considering cost-effectiveness compared to other local facilities. Reviews reflected that Independence Hill might not suit every senior's needs but could be ideal for those needing entry-level assistance or maintaining independence without excessive help. Overall, Independence Hill Assisted Living appears committed to fostering a community where comfort meets care but continues striving toward improving specific services—the very factors crucial when providing support for elderly citizens seeking dignified living arrangements amid changing health needs.

This part of San Antonio, Texas, boasts a variety of amenities and services that cater to residents' health, dining, entertainment, and transportation needs. With several pediatric physicians and pharmacies nearby, healthcare is easily accessible. There are also cafes and restaurants offering a range of dining options, as well as places of worship for spiritual fulfillment. For leisure activities, there are theaters within a short drive for movie buffs and beautiful parks for those who enjoy outdoor activities. Transportation options include nearby airports and rental car centers for convenient travel. Overall, this area offers a diverse array of resources that cater to the needs of seniors looking for a vibrant community to call home.

Physicians

• ABCD Pediatrics - Stone Oak (0.4 miles)
• San Antonio Kidney Disease Center (0.7 miles)
• Neurosurgical Associates (1.1 miles)
• TruOrtho (1.1 miles)
• Sonterra Dermatology (1.2 miles)
• North Central Federal Clinic (2.3 miles)
• Pediatric ENT (2.6 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.4 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (0.7 miles)
• Walgreens (1.4 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.4 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.4 miles)
• Walgreens (2.2 miles)
• Walgreens (2.4 miles)

Cafes

• Local Coffee (0.8 miles)
• Starbucks (1.3 miles)
• Starbucks (4.7 miles)
• La Media Luna Cafe (6.1 miles)
• Starbucks (6.3 miles)
• Starbucks (6.6 miles)
• Kaffeinated Crepes and Coffee (6.6 miles)

Restaurants

• Chama Gaucha Brazilian Steakhouse (1.1 miles)
• Little Woodrow's (1.2 miles)
• Kneaders Bakery & Café (1.2 miles)
• Eggspectation (1.3 miles)
• Chili's Grill & Bar (2 miles)
• Whataburger (2.3 miles)
• Lupe Tortilla (2.5 miles)

Places of Worship

• Northrock Church (1.4 miles)
• Community Bible Church (2.6 miles)
• Hope Church (3.3 miles)
• Abiding Presence Lutheran Church (3.5 miles)
• Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (4 miles)
• Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (4.9 miles)
• St George Episcopal School (6.8 miles)

Theaters

• Regal Northwoods (2.1 miles)
• Alamo Drafthouse Stone Oak (3.2 miles)
• Santikos Palladium IMAX (6.7 miles)
• Alamo Drafthouse Park North (7.3 miles)

Hospitals

• Baptist Neighborhood Hospital (4.4 miles)

Parks

• Phil Hardberger Park (4.8 miles)
• Phil Hardberger Dog Park (4.9 miles)
• Eisenhower Park (5 miles)

Transportation

• Landmark Aviation (6 miles)
• Skyplace Center (6.3 miles)
• Southwest Airlines Cargo (6.5 miles)
• American Airlines (6.8 miles)
• San Antonio International Airport (SAT) (6.9 miles)
• Rental Car Center (6.9 miles)
• Terminal 1 Arrivals (6.9 miles)