Sandston Plateau Retirement Community

Pros

• The office staff were very helpful in assisting with the move into a senior apartment.
• The resident enjoys living in her new apartment and appreciates the friendliness of other residents.
• The apartment was nice once it was shown to the family, indicating satisfaction with its appearance.
• The facility had some activities available for residents, contributing to a sense of community.

Cons

• The laundry rooms are filthy, and trash is not emptied regularly.
• Work orders do not get addressed in a timely manner.
• Residents are allowed to smoke in their apartments, creating a prominent smoke smell throughout the building, which is concerning for non-smokers and those with oxygen.
• The facility smells and appears more like a nursing home than an apartment community.
• Staff at the front desk do not engage with visitors, remaining behind a glass wall.
• There are no pets allowed, which may be disappointing for some residents.

Review

The experience of residents and their families at various senior apartment communities seems to be a mixed bag, revealing a spectrum of satisfaction and disappointment. Some individuals have found the transition into their new living spaces to be thoroughly positive, while others have encountered significant issues that detract from their overall experience.

One reviewer expressed gratitude for the assistance provided by the office staff during the process of moving their mother into a senior apartment. This support played a vital role in easing what could have been a stressful transition. The resident reported that their mother is thriving in her new environment, highlighting the friendly and kind demeanor of other residents within the community. The positive atmosphere appears to have contributed to her overall happiness, making this particular facility feel like a welcoming home rather than just another building.

In stark contrast, another review painted a much less favorable image of a different facility. The user articulated profound disappointment with what they perceived as misleading marketing. While the apartment initially appeared promising, they quickly became disillusioned due to unkempt laundry rooms riddled with filth and overflowing trash bins that went unaddressed despite multiple work orders. This review underscores concerns about maintenance standards that can significantly impact living conditions in such communities, leaving residents feeling frustrated and dissatisfied.

A major point of contention mentioned across several reviews involves smoking policies within these facilities. One reviewer noted that smoking is permitted in individual apartments, leading to an overwhelming smoke odor permeating common areas throughout the building. Such policies are particularly problematic for non-smokers or those with respiratory ailments who may find it uncomfortable or even unsafe to reside in close proximity to smokers—an especially concerning issue given there are residents using oxygen tanks. This aspect raises questions about the balance between individual freedoms and communal health considerations.

Additionally, some reviewers described an ambiance reminiscent of nursing homes rather than vibrant apartment communities aimed at fostering independence among seniors. The aesthetics—including lingering odors—along with seemingly distant front desk staff who choose not to engage face-to-face further contribute to this nursing home vibe. Pet restrictions also emerged as a repeated downside; for many potential residents looking for companionship through pets, such rules can diminish one’s sense of belonging and comfort.

Despite these challenges highlighted by several reviewers, there were mentions of activities offered within some facilities which suggest attempts at community engagement exist; however, they may not be as robust or varied compared to other places surveyed by those residents. Cleanliness appeared acceptable on some levels but fell short when juxtaposed against expectations set by more engaging environments found elsewhere.

The contrasting experiences shared in these reviews illustrate how pivotal certain factors are in determining satisfaction within senior living communities—from cleanliness and maintenance issues to personal freedoms regarding smoking and pet ownership—ultimately shaping each resident's perception of their chosen home.

Sandston, Virginia, is a bustling community with a variety of amenities to offer senior residents. The area boasts several places of worship, including Seven Pines Baptist Church and Providence United Methodist Church, providing spiritual support for those looking to stay connected to their faith. In terms of healthcare, there are numerous options such as Virginia Oral & Facial Surgery and the Pediatric Center for medical needs. Nearby hospitals like Henrico Health Care and Bon Secours Richmond Community Hospital ensure quality medical care is readily available. For convenience, pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens are within easy reach. The dining scene in Sandston includes options like Hardee's and Olive Garden for delicious meals, while cafes like Riverbend Coffee offer cozy spots for socializing. Additionally, parks such as Chimborazo Park and Dorey Park provide opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation. Overall, Sandston presents a well-rounded community with various resources to support seniors in their daily lives.

Places of Worship

• Seven Pines Baptist Church (0.2 miles)
• Southern Baptist Convention (5.2 miles)
• 31st Street Baptist Church (6.2 miles)
• Providence United Methodist Church (7.9 miles)

Physicians

• Virginia Oral & Facial Surgery (0.4 miles)
• Howmedica Osteonics (2.2 miles)
• Pediatric Center (3.2 miles)
• Laburnum Medical Center (3.3 miles)
• Chickahominy Family (5.4 miles)
• Dhakar Family Dentistry (5.5 miles)
• New Kent Pediatrics (5.8 miles)

Hospitals

• Crystal Clear Head Lice Removal (0.9 miles)
• Henrico health care (1.6 miles)
• Bon Secours Richmond Community Hospital (6.2 miles)
• VCU Critical Care Hospital (7.4 miles)
• Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU (7.6 miles)
• Hospital Hospitality House (7.8 miles)
• Vcu Health System Authority (7.8 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (1.7 miles)
• Springer Pharmacy (2.4 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (5.1 miles)
• Walgreens (5.7 miles)
• Walgreens (6.2 miles)
• Walgreens (6.6 miles)
• Walgreens (6.6 miles)

Restaurants

• Hardee's (1.7 miles)
• The Patron Mexican Restaurant & Cantina (1.8 miles)
• Olive Garden (3.2 miles)
• Dc Charbroiled Chicken (4.2 miles)
• McDonald's (5.7 miles)
• Bojangles' Famous Chicken 'n Biscuits (5.8 miles)
• Taco Bell (6 miles)

Theaters

• Henrico Theatre (2.2 miles)

Transportation

• Concourse B (2.2 miles)
• Richmond International Airport (RIC) (2.3 miles)
• TSA Checkpoint Concourse B - Richmond International Airport (2.3 miles)
• Main Street Station (7.4 miles)
• GRTC Pulse - Convention Center (8 miles)

Cafes

• Country Style Doughnuts (3.3 miles)
• Riverbend Coffee (6.7 miles)
• Union Market (6.8 miles)
• Ironclad Coffee Roasters (7.2 miles)
• Starbucks (7.9 miles)
• Quench (8 miles)
• The Smoky Mug (8.2 miles)

Parks

• Chimborazo Park (6.4 miles)
• Dorey Park (6.4 miles)
• Libby Hill Park (6.7 miles)
• Brown's Island (7.8 miles)
• Battery Park (8.4 miles)
• Monroe Park (8.6 miles)