Avalon House On Gelston Circle

Pros

• Residents at Avalon House receive excellent care, often leading to improved health and well-being.
• The staff is professional, kind, and communicative, providing support to both residents and their families during difficult times.
• Meals are home-cooked and tailored to meet the specific dietary needs of each resident, contributing to their overall satisfaction.
• The facilities are clean, safe, and provide a warm, inviting atmosphere that feels like home.
• Families feel encouraged to be involved and appreciated for their contributions to the residents' experiences.
• Dedicated live-in staff foster personal relationships with residents, enhancing the level of care provided.
• Avalon House offers a peaceful environment without the pressure or overwhelming nature of larger facilities.
• Many families express gratitude for the peace of mind that comes with knowing their loved ones are well cared for in a supportive community.

Cons

• There were staff members who were cold, unprofessional, and ran the house as if the residents were inmates.
• Negative feedback about certain staff members was dismissed by management, leaving families feeling unheard.
• Communication from staff regarding issues or conflicts with loved ones was inadequate; families did not receive timely calls.
• The quality of food varied significantly based on who was cooking, leading to complaints from residents about its variety and quality.
• Some families had a negative experience due to a lack of information and engagement during COVID restrictions.
• One location had below-average staff compared to other Avalon locations, resulting in a disappointing experience for some families.
• A particular facility's layout and activities were unappealing, making it feel cramped and overpriced for the level of care provided.

Review

Avalon House is a unique and compassionate option for families seeking memory care for their loved ones. The facility's approach to caring for residents with varying stages of memory impairment has garnered positive feedback, particularly during emotionally challenging times. Families appreciate that their loved ones are not isolated in their struggles with dementia but are surrounded by others facing similar challenges. This sense of community fosters a supportive environment where residents can thrive despite their conditions.

One significant strength highlighted in the reviews is the professionalism and kindness exhibited by the staff at Avalon House. Many families felt reassured by the clear communication provided by both caretakers and management as they navigated the emotional waters of placing a loved one in a facility. For instance, one reviewer emphasized how staff members were present during the passing of their mother, holding hands and offering compassion at an incredibly difficult moment. This level of emotional support extends beyond mere caregiving; it forms meaningful connections that can help alleviate some of the burdens families face in such trying circumstances.

The dietary needs of residents are also well-addressed at Avalon House, which stands out from other facilities that may struggle with such considerations. Reviews indicate that staff work closely with dieticians to create meal plans tailored to individual health requirements, ensuring residents receive three home-cooked meals daily along with appropriate snacks. This commitment to nutrition is especially crucial for residents like those managing diabetes or other dietary restrictions. Positive remarks about food quality and variety further underscore how Avalon strives to cater to its residents’ tastes while prioritizing health.

Cleanliness and comfort within the facility have been frequently mentioned as strong points. Reviewers noted that they did not encounter unpleasant odors or unkempt conditions often associated with elder care facilities elsewhere. Instead, Avalon House was found to be warm, immaculate, and inviting—qualities essential for creating a home-like atmosphere where residents can feel safe and secure. Families reported feeling confident knowing that their loved ones lived in such an environment while enjoying personal touches like decorated rooms that made them feel more at home.

However, experiences among family members have not been universally positive across all locations within Avalon House, highlighting variability among different homes and staff members. While many reviews sing praises of empathy and professionalism displayed by certain caregivers, some pointed out instances where interactions felt dismissive or unprofessional. One family reported encountering particular aides whose behavior did not align with standards they expected concerning respect and care for their loved one’s dignity—situations exacerbated when concerns were downplayed by management.

Furthermore, communication regarding resident well-being appears inconsistent across various Avalon locations. Some reviewers expressed disappointment over lackluster outreach about medication levels or any issues affecting their loved ones; regular updates were sometimes lacking despite requests made by family members wanting to stay informed on their relatives' conditions. Food quality was another area noted for inconsistency depending on who was on shift that day—indicating both strengths and opportunities for improvement within the organization as it strives to maintain high standards across its homes.

In summary, Avalon House provides a meaningful alternative to traditional nursing homes through its emphasis on community living, individualized care plans including specialized diets if needed, cleanliness, emotional support from dedicated staff members who often go above and beyond expectations during tough times—all thoughtfully wrapped up inside inviting settings where residents belong rather than merely exist under institutional oversight—a truly commendable pursuit recognized deeply among those fortunate enough to call it home in various locales.

Located in McLean, Virginia, this neighborhood offers a variety of amenities and services that cater to the needs of seniors. With a range of restaurants nearby such as McDonald's and Founding Farmers Tysons, residents can easily find dining options to suit their preferences. Additionally, multiple pharmacies like CVS provide convenient access to medications and healthcare supplies. For transportation, the Tysons Corner Metro Station is within reach, offering easy connectivity for those looking to explore the area or visit loved ones. There are also cafes such as Starbucks and Shotted Specialty Coffee for socializing or enjoying a relaxing cup of coffee. For entertainment, theaters like AMC Tysons Corner 16 offer movie showings while places of worship like McLean Islamic Center provide spiritual support. Parks like Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historic Park and medical facilities including Inova Fairfax Medical Campus ensure residents have access to outdoor recreation and healthcare services in close proximity. Overall, this part of McLean provides a well-rounded living environment for seniors seeking convenience and comfort in their daily lives.

Restaurants

• McDonald's (1.4 miles)
• Founding Farmers Tysons (2.1 miles)
• Sir Sandwich (2.2 miles)
• The Block (2.2 miles)
• Earls Kitchen + Bar (2.2 miles)
• Eddie V's Prime Seafood (2.2 miles)
• Shake Shack (2.3 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (1.7 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.6 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.9 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (4.2 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (4.3 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (4.7 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (4.9 miles)

Transportation

• Tysons Corner Metro Station (2.2 miles)
• East Falls Church Metro Station (5 miles)
• Vienna/Fairfax - GMU Metro Station (6.1 miles)
• Bethesda Metro Station (6.4 miles)
• Medical Center Metro Station (6.7 miles)
• Ballston-MU Metro Station (6.8 miles)
• Grosvenor-Strathmore Metro Station (7.7 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (2.3 miles)
• Shotted Specialty Coffee (2.3 miles)
• Bluestone Lane Tysons Boro Café (2.3 miles)
• Paris Baguette (2.4 miles)
• Panera Bread (2.6 miles)
• Caffe Amouri (4.6 miles)
• Starbucks (4.6 miles)

Theaters

• AMC Tysons Corner 16 (2.3 miles)
• ShowPlace ICON at The Boro (2.3 miles)
• AMC Montgomery 16 (6.1 miles)

Places of Worship

• McLean Islamic Center (2.6 miles)

Parks

• Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historic Park (2.7 miles)
• Tysons Pimmit Park (2.9 miles)
• Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts (3.5 miles)
• Foxstone Park (3.7 miles)
• Great Falls Park (4.3 miles)
• Bluemont Junction Trail (6.6 miles)
• Glencarlyn Park (7.4 miles)

Hospitals

• Sibley Memorial Hospital (5.2 miles)
• Inova Fairfax Medical Campus (6.4 miles)
• Inova Heart and Vascular Institute (6.5 miles)
• Labor and Delivery - Fairfax Hospital (6.5 miles)
• MedStar Georgetown University Hospital (7.4 miles)
• Georgetown University Hospital Pasquerilla Center (7.4 miles)

Physicians

• Virginia Heart (5.3 miles)
• Foxhall Pediatrics (6.5 miles)
• Capitol Medical Group (7.6 miles)