Monarch Communities

My 89 year old mother moved in during summer of 2014, having come from living independently. I was concerned about how she would adapt, but I was pleasantly surprised when after the first night she said she loved it, and has never looked back. Everyone is warm, friendly, welcoming, beginning with Leslie, Mae, Nancy and Olga. There's little turnover in staff - my friend visited and Nancy and Olga remembered her from 8 years earlier, when her aunt was there. The food is good, the aides are amazing, the drivers are terrific taking mom to doctor appointments. I can't say enough good things about Brandywine in Princeton. My husband & I looked at several neighboring places during our investigation but Brandywine was the first one we looked at and all others paled in comparison. Having your parent(s) here will enable you to sleep at night. It has helped me. Thank you, everyone!

My Dad has been at this Brandywine facility since it opened in July 2015. The facility is beautiful, from the large rooms, dinning room, and beautiful décor. There is also a movie theater, pub, pool, etc. This is all nice but the most important thing to me is outstanding care that they provide for my dad. I know that my dad loves Brandywine because all the aids, nurses, and management. They treat my dad special and that means the most to me. I am 100% confident that they provide the best possible care for my dad. This place is the best ! Thank You Brandywine

Sunrise of Paramus would get a 6 on friendliness if I could. Because my dad has insurance and it covers it we may have a different perspective on value so for us it is really good. It's been wonderful at this facility. Margaret, Amy, and Patty have been so helpful and wonderful. Margaret really helped mom feel comfortable with the whole process. Overall it has been a very nice experience.

Sunrise of Paramus, NJ is great. The facility is beautiful. And the staff could not be more friendly or helpful! Thank you for helping make this move easier!

My father and mother-in-law have been living at Brandywine Voorhees, NJ for a little over a year now. When we were looking at options for their care, what impressed us about Brandywine was that they said that Brandywine becomes our new family (not only for my parents but also for us as their children). I was skeptical and thought that this was great sales talk. After a year now, I can say that Brandywine means what they say when they call us their family. My Dad and mother-in-law are happy to be living there. As their children, who live 2 hours away, we have comfort in knowing that they are well cared for. Brandywine has helped us to understand the aging process and to distinguish between what is important and needs attention vs what is part of aging. They have been available to us when we called to ask questions and always return our calls. The medical care is outstanding. My father has a heart condition and they provide daily monitoring. My mother-in-law has developed delusions and they have helped both my father and us understand what this means and that it is not an act for attention. Brandywine has helped us to make some tough decisions regarding her care. As a family, we are delighted with our decision to have our parents stay at Brandywine. We visit on a regular basis and both Dad and my mother-in-law say they are happy. We can not ask for more.

I am surprised to see this review. I am a family member whose Dad has lived at the Fountains for over 5 years and from day one the staff at Rivervue welcomed my Dad with open arms. They welcomed him from the beginning and to the point that he returned to the community after having gave it a trial run to make the permanent move..he came to the realization that in the short time he spent in the beginning that he made friends instantly and with all the variety of activities and the fact that he joined their men's club spoke volumes. I wouldn't have chosen any other place but The Fountains at Rivervue, and we looked at several. They always are attentive to my Dad's needs and have gone the extra mile. When I speak with my dad he tells me about the great lunch he had with his friends and were catching up on activities from the weekend. I have never heard my Dad complain about his time at The Fountains and am happy to speak to anyone who is beginning their search.

I am surprised to see this review. I am a family member whose Dad has lived at the Fountains for over 5 years and from day one the staff at Rivervue welcomed my Dad with open arms. They welcomed him from the beginning and to the point that he returned to the community after having gave it a trial run to make the permanent move..he came to the realization that in the short time he spent in the beginning that he made friends instantly and with all the variety of activities and the fact that he joined their men's club spoke volumes. I wouldn't have chosen any other place but The Fountains at Rivervue, and we looked at several. They always are attentive to my Dad's needs and have gone the extra mile. When I speak with my dad he tells me about the great lunch he had with his friends and were catching up on activities from the weekend. I have never heard my Dad complain about his time at The Fountains and am happy to speak to anyone who is beginning their search.

The staff is fantastic. They have a good handle on all of the residents and visitors that enter the facility. We often get comments from the staff members that we hardly know about how well my mother in law is doing and what she was up to each day. Incredibly over the top on keeping up with the activities.

The "add a review" section of SeniorAdvisor offers 5 categories. I am delighted to comment on all 5, since Brandywine maxes-out on all of them. My aunt has been a resident here for one year, and over that time I've observed: Cleanliness -- this past year, Brandywine added resident rooms and refurbished/redecorated the entire facility. At no time did this overhaul (it looked great even before the refresh) compromise cleanliness. My aunt's own one room apartment has always been spotless -- weekly cleaning is thorough. Friendliness -- staff at every level is upbeat and cordial, greeting my aunt by name (keeping it personal). Housekeeping, dining room staff, lobby reception, administration, nursing -- even maintenance -- all contribute to a friendly, cheerful atmosphere. My aunt has no short term memory but she always comments "this is a great place!" Value -- the care that my aunt receives is priceless, but, of course, it has a price. There is no question in my mind -- and the minds of other family members entrusted with her care -- that Brandywine is a fabulous value. We researched other facilities but are confident that this is better value than the monthly fee. Care services -- Exceptional. From medication administration to monitoring behavior, attendance for meals, personal hygiene, my aunt is in the best hands. Brandywine is flexible with special needs and tailors services to correspond to needs. They have also been extremely helpful in assisting with decisions on care from their wealth of experience. Activities -- My aunt is not a "joiner" -- a single, very independent self-starter all her life -- so group activities don't typically appeal to her. Brandywine's staff has been successful in getting her to join-in from time to time, and respects her wishes when she says "no." There's a calendar of daily activities that relates to myriad interests; I've observed song sessions, bingo, shuttle bus departures for area restaurants and concerts on the town green, craft programs (and on and on). My cousins and I sleep nights, knowing our aunt is safe, cared-for, well-fed, respected and -- well -- loved. Brandywine is perfect for her -- and us.

Loved this place nice bright big apartments. Seniors looked active. [removed]

It's wonderful, my father in law is very happy, and they are taking very good care of him. It's got to be the best place we looked into. They adjusted the price to reflect the care he needs so we can just pay more as he starts to need more care. He eats well, and they go on trips, they went to a baseball game today. They are the best. They treat him like he is a king. I would recommend them to anyone.

My Grandmother has been living at Brandywine for four years now. My first impression of Brandywine was that it is a fancy hotel, giving the residents their independence while providing them with daily needs (meals / housekeeping / laundry / activities). All of the staff members at Brandywine are wonderful, welcoming and helpful. There is nursing staff available 24/7 and they are always available to speak with me regarding any concerns I might have. All of the management staff has also always been helpful and supportive when I needed to make important decisions.

I moved my dad in about a month ago and its was a great decision. They have been wonderful from Keisha the receptionist to the managers. Everyone is so accommodating and wants to help anyway they can. The food is fantastic and I join my father for meals often. The care staff are long term and truly care for their residents. I am both relieved and happy my father is a resident at The Fountains. I highly recommend to all.

Who would have thought that a little over a year ago that I would find the perfect retirement setting for my mom? It didn’t happen easily, as my mom, Ann moved from one place to another before settling happily into her apartment at Brandywine Senior Living at Haverford. It was a very circuitous route as she began this journey. My mom was a very independent woman, who at 91 was still driving, getting out every day, and enjoying her very spacious apartment in Plymouth Meeting. She and I went out for lunch every week and enjoyed a variety of shopping adventures. In December of 2013, my mom started feeling ill, and we had an appointment to see a gastroenterologist right after the New Year. But on New Year’s Day, she dialed 911 and was taken Einstein Hospital in East Norriton, where she had major surgery and spent the next 6 weeks in the hospital. When her 6 week stay came to an end, the only rehab room available was in Wayne. Bothe hospital and the rehab center were 45 minute rides each way from where I live in Bala Cynwyd. My mom’s experience in Wayne was far from perfect, and she did not thrive. We thought we were losing her. A close friend who worked at a retirement community in Wilmington suggested she move there. This community had separate facilities for independent, and assisted living, and skilled nursing care. My mom moved into the skilled nursing section and had a lovely double room. Eventually, she gained weight was thriving. She seemed ready to be moved to the assisted living part of the community. I was very disappointed to learn that my mom was not qualified to move to that level, because she had not bought into the community. There were a few activities, an occasional van ride to local sites, and movies shown on a regular basis. Now I was driving once week to Delaware to see her, and before I saw her almost every day. When I did visit I took her out for lunch and tried to plan something fun for us to do. It was on one of my visits that my mom said she wanted to move closer to me and be near her “own kind of people”. WOW, I thought. I’d better find the info I had gathered earlier, when it seemed like maybe she shouldn’t be living alone anymore. The two on top of my list were [different community name] in Plymouth Meeting, still a far ride, The [different community name] and Brandywine Assisted Living, 15 minutes from my home. I remembered that [different community name] seemed quiet with not a lot going on and [different community name] was overwhelming. My recollection of Brandywine was much different, it boasted a welcoming atmosphere, Boutique feel, equipped with a Bistro for snacks and beverages, activities in the main living room and people engaged in a variety of activities in other activity rooms that I passed while touring, a movie theatre, fine dining and a beautiful Courtyard. It was a “no Brainer”. I made an appointment immediately to have a “serious” second look. As I walked in the door, Janis, the concierge, gave me a big smile and welcome and introduced me to Lani, the Director of Admissions. This time I looked at available apartments (there weren’t too many) and learned a great deal more about the facility. There was a completely furnished apartment which was used as the model, but could be available with the furniture. By then, I was sold, and we talked about logistics. I left a deposit which was good for 2 weeks and made an appointment to bring my mom back in a few days. I called my mom and told her I found her “new home”. When we returned for her visit, we were greeted on a first name basis, not by Janis and Lani, but by all the staff, especially those working in the dining room. We had a delicious lunch with two residents, Ronni and Nancy and my mom’s eyes just lit up. She loved the apartment, and we signed the contract. In a few days we were packed and on the way to Brandywine Senior Living at Haverford Estates. My mom loves everything about her new life style. It is not about “waiting to die”, but finding something exciting to live for every day. She loves the outings to the dollar store, the supermarket where she buys snacks and drinks to fill her small fridge, and occasional lunches at local restaurants. Bingo has become an important pastime where she is a winner quite frequently. Wine and cheese is served several times a week, and challenging mind games in the living room, are led by Shantelle, the very spirited Activities Coordinator who keeps the residents on their toes. Dining at Brandywine is like eating at a country club. Dan, Director of Dining creates exquisite meals, and Antoinette prepares every meal with love. I often join my mom for lunch. The wait staff is impeccable. If she wants something special, or prefers to eat in her apartment, she just asks someone in the kitchen or calls the dining room. As a caring daughter, one of the high points of Brandywine has been the continued devotion of ALL staff members to my mom and all the other residents. The nursing staff is excellent, as well as regular visits from a local physician. Nursing care is available 24/7. I have been called for emergencies, as well as for the simple application of a Band Aid for a “boo boo”. I don’t have to worry if my mom is okay. Several times 911 had to be called, and I met my mom at the ER. Brandywine really takes the worry out of “parent care”. I sleep well knowing that my mom is safe. Care with love is top on the list of many qualities that define Brandywine. Be one of the fortunate families who choose Brandywine for its beautiful, safe, exciting environment that is offered for long term living or Hotel style respite stay while you are on a vacation. I am thrilled that I found this wonderful gem.

It's a very nice facility. The people are very friendly and caring. They have Good activities. The transportation is very good. This facility is In a very good area. My mother enjoys food. Overall, The Fountains at RiverVue is a great community. My mother and I are very pleased and satisfied. I am glad that my mother is happy here. I would highly recommend The Fountains at RiverVue to anyone who is searching for assisted living.

Prior to my mother moving into Brandywine @ Howell, she was in another facility. They had her in therapy, and, still in a wheelchair. During the 6-8 weeks there, she was hospitalized three times. Since moving into Brandywine, my mothers progress has been remarkable. Within three days, she was getting around with a walker, going to the dining room, and, attending programs. When her cardiologist examined her a week ago, he was pleased with her progress, and, with no hospital visits in the 6 weeks she has been there. My mom has made friends, and, regularly attends bingo and other programs. The food is unbelievable. The staff is friendly, and, cannot be more helpful. To the Brandywine-Howell staff, I would like to thank you all for taking such good care of my mother, and, for the friendship you have shown my family. God bless you all.

My mother spent a year and a quarter at Brandywine Senior Living at Pennington before a stroke forced us to move her to a nursing home. We were extremely satisfied with all aspects of her living at Brandywine. Since first impressions are important, it is relevant to note that Brandywine is an extremely attractive facility that is well kept and immaculately clean. My mother used to comment frequently on how lovely the premises were. The quality and friendliness of the care she received there was outstanding. Of particular note is the affectionate, caring, warm and friendly attitude of the very professional nursing staff. Without exception these fine nurses were always willing to go out of their way to do anything they could to help my mother. The nurses are supported by a staff of aides who were always available to assist my mother and who were always friendly and warm. The concierges who staff the front desk are exceptionally friendly and helpful. Brandywine's dining services are quite good and their policy of "all day dining" (the ability to get a meal at any time of day up until 7PM) is truly appreciated (it was not unusual for my mother to forget to go down to a meal at the appointed time...but that never meant she had to go hungry). Michael, who runs the dining room, is most charming and made extra effort to make my mother feel welcome. Particularly appreciated by my mother was the regular Friday afternoon "social" or happy hour and the ability to have a glass of wine served with dinner. Overall, we had an excellent experience at Brandywine. We truly appreciate the friendliness, caring approach, accessibility and competence of everyone who works at Brandywine.

I cannot say enough good things about Spring Meadows . My experience with the staff has been nothing but positive. My mom is being well cared for and is also very busy with activities and events daily. I could not have made a better choice. Thank- you Spring Meadows for giving my mom her life back .

Brandywine was extremely positive with the care and friendliness provided by the people to be the heart of a rewarding experience. The director, Ms. Yngojo-Bowes and the the head of nursing Ms. Limuaco are very professional and caring, setting the tone for the everyone. I would highly recommend. RA.

Nice staff and we liked the smaller sized community (~50 assisted-living members) and the at home feel of the facility. Time will tell.