Jan M.

Review of Heatherwood Retirement Communi...

My mother is in her 90s, and was formerly a reside...

My mother is in her 90s, and was formerly a resident at a "chain" assisted living facility in NoVa for only 2 months before she moved into Heatherwood Retirement Community. She has since been a happy Heatherwood resident for the past 4 years. After experiencing such outstanding care, comfort, good humor and positivity from our "Heatherwood Family," as well as the beautiful rooms and surroundings, our mother does not want to live anywhere else!

Here's a quick story to illustrate why, in our opinion, Heatherwood is the best Retirement and Assisted Living facility to be found in NoVa...... My mother was recently hospitalized and was very sick with a noncontagious illness. She kept asking us when she could go home to Heatherwood (an unusual request since mom has usually been pretty comfortable in hospitals). Hearing that, we hoped that if we moved her home to Heatherwood sooner, she would be happier and recover. We ordered a hospital bed and required that she be discharged directly back to Heatherwood. Michelle Edwards (Heatherwood's Dep Dir of Nursing) called me to see if there was anything she could do to help us, and I mentioned that my brother and I were going to be at Heatherwood early the next morning to rearrange furniture in mom's room for the hospital bed and table. Soonafter, I received a text from Michelle to let me know that she and Mike Suchar (Dir. of Environmental Services) had just left mom's room and had taken care of all of that for us, working late to do so. From experience, they knew just how to rearrange everything so that Mom would be comfortable, and knowing what a close family we are, Michelle and Mike even put a recliner next to her bed so we could hold her hand while we visited. When we stopped by Heatherwood that night on the way home after receiving Michelle's text, we were overcome with emotion at the outward demonstration of compassion that Michelle and Mike gave us. They are just over the top! From the moment mom settled back in, each and every Heatherwood team member -- without exception -- gave mom, and us, that extra care and support, that extra service, that extra attention, that extra smile or hug that we all needed.

So how's mom now? She's nearly recovered!! And I daresay that would not have happened if she had been discharged to any other place than Heatherwood.

It is also important to note the safety and security that Heatherwood offers. The Administrator, Bryan LaMartin, along with Mike Suchar, have overseen numerous facility improvements, notably the expansion of a full building generator, providing electricity to every residents' room to secure their health and well-being during the inevitable power outages that occur during inclement weather. Bryan and his team also installed a call button pendant system for residents to wear around their necks in case they need a nurse or technician for assistance in their apartment, or anywhere else in the Heatherwood facility. It's pretty amazing. Heatherwood also has a designated Doctor, who is SUPERB, and an office and exam room onsite for his weekly appointments with residents.

We have and continue to recommend Heatherwood to all of our friends and co-workers. The transition of our parents from independence to dependence is a difficult one, but the staff at Heatherwood has unfailingly done everything imaginable to make the transition smooth and problem free. The drive and commitment of each and every Heatherwood team member to create the safest, most comfortable and happy community is unmatched. They each hold themself to the highest standards of excellence and professionalism.