University House Wallingford

By means of introduction, I am a health care provider; specialty in geriatric rehab. I have practiced 35 plus years (three states including WA) allowing me an opportunity to work in different settings. This includes: home health (working with people in their home environment), long term care (nursing homes), assisted living facilities (ALF) and independent retirement communities (University House). During this span I have encountered varying degrees of quality of care in all settings including issues of concern needing immediate action. When found in such situations, I facilitated the needed corrective action. With this exposure, when I am in an ideal environment, it stands out, above the others. This is the University House. My husband and I live out of state. We have the opportunity to visit his father 3-4/year. My father in law has resided here at the University House since 2014. Most recently, while we were visiting, my father in law required emergency care-twice in three days. Once the nurse was contacted, she was at the apt within five minutes and remained until EMS arrived. At the same time, housekeeping was needed and was helping, again within five minutes of notification. First incident time of occurrence: 10:30 pm. At all times each person who assisted us was respectful and treated my father in law and us with dignity. This includes verbal and non verbal communication. As we have been in and out of the facility the last six years, staying with my father in law, we immediately become part of the environment. This allows ongoing interaction with everyone. This includes: housekeeping, nursing staff, food services, administration. No matter who we are working with, there is an immediate response to address the issue. At all times (since [date removed]), we have been treated with dignity and respect. We are encouraged to contact the staff. As my husband and I live out of state,this presents it's own stress-wanting to be at hand when needed. The communication with the staff from nursing to the executive director, is transparent. At all times, the approach is problem solving, working to set the resident for success. What is also endearing to my husband and myself is that the residents know us. We are welcomed-with an open invitation each time we visit- to join the early morning coffee group. We know we are accepted when we are teased. It has been heartwarming to be so readily welcomed. In closing, it is in light of my profession. I would create a position of employment to work at the University House addressing the unique needs of the residents. It would be such, that for those who make the decisions, the only decision would be yes.

We love University House! My parents lived there together for six years (2004-2010) and then my mother lived there for six years after my father passed away (2010-2016). I often visited my mom. I stayed in her apartment, ate meals with her in the dining room, played ping-pong with her, attended lectures and shows, borrowed books from their (fabulous) library, went on all the various music and cultural trips and walks. I often wandered down the first floor hallways to see the interesting and various works of art on the walls. (They have wonderful and regular Art Openings for very interestingly-themed photos and paintings.) The neighborhood is great as well - lots of restaurants, a big grocery store, a Bartell's Drug Store, a library, ice-cream shops, a dry cleaner, and a fun Thrift Shop. There is a nice park nearby for walking as well. This is all within a few blocks. We developed many relationships with other residents; it felt like family. And it still does. My mother died two years ago, and we still visit University House to see the folks we have come to love!

We toured this community for the care. The staff is caring and friendly. The community is beautiful with a nice feeling when you arrived. We liked the activities and the menu. The care at this community has a lot to offer. We would suggest that families tour the community for the care that is needed