The Jefferson in Arlington - any experience?

[Anonymous]

This is an assisted living facility near the Ballston metro, which is a great location for me. However, it is for-profit and there are a few disturbing reviews on Google. Does anyone have experience with this facility? Thank you!

[Anonymous]

My understanding is there are only one or two floors of assisted living there.

I've talked with several people who live there in the independent living and they like it a lot. Would be interested in hearing experiences from others though.

[Anonymous]

Pay attention to any bad reviews as it is telling.

Elderly people often don't say anything bad about their facility because they are afraid they will be kicked out and won't have anywhere to go. (A legitimate concern by the way.)

I suggest you contact the Ombudsman office:

"Considering a long-term care facility? Need assistance with a care issue? Want to file a complaint?

Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Call 703-324-5861, TTY 711
Send an Email"

https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/familyservices/older-adults/long-term-care-ombudsman-program

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Pay attention to any bad reviews as it is telling.

Elderly people often don't say anything bad about their facility because they are afraid they will be kicked out and won't have anywhere to go. (A legitimate concern by the way.)

I suggest you contact the Ombudsman office:

"Considering a long-term care facility? Need assistance with a care issue? Want to file a complaint?

Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Call 703-324-5861, TTY 711
Send an Email"

https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/familyservices/older-adults/long-term-care-ombudsman-program

100% agree - I would weigh the negative reviews much higher than the positive ones. The problem with these places is that family isn't there 24/7 and can't really determine what it's like to live there from their occasional visits. You really need to visit multiple facilities numerous times at different times or day to get a better sense of the environment and the staff. Make sure you ask about staff attrition rate - a lot of these facilities have a revolving door of employees which is not a great sign. Also, go online and read reviews from the staff on Glassdoor, Indeed, etc. You can insight into the working environment and potential issues from those sites. Find out what % of staff is dedicated to Memory care, as well as what type of staff they have overnight and weekends.

[Anonymous]

We did not have a good experience and would not recommend it. It did have good PT, however, if that’s of importance to you.

[Anonymous]

We had a pretty good experience (3-4 years of progressive care) at Sunrise at Bluemont.

I think the Jefferson is more independent living - a lot of elderly neighbors move there and seem to like it. You have to buy the condo units, although I think a lot of them are for rent.

[Anonymous]

My father lived there and liked it. Great location, facilities etc.

However, when he needed to be in their Care facility, there was no space for him. Apparently they are open to non residents. Was not happy about that.

Post death, buried in page 170 or so of their condo docs is a bunch of language which basically says the heirs are on the hook to pay the monthly service fee of $3.5K or so until you sell the unit. We stopped paying it to kick of a procedure that involves a "return to receivership". We ended up selling before getting to the end of that process but buyer beware.

If you are going to buy in, you and your heirs need to understand how that facility works in terms of dedicated care from them and what the financial commitment is post death.

[Anonymous]

I've been dealing with a consultant for assisted living places, and she said that my parent wouldn't quality for the Jefferson because of assisted living. I got the idea that it's basically a independent living place where you get meals. Also, parking is horrible.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We had a pretty good experience (3-4 years of progressive care) at Sunrise at Bluemont.

I think the Jefferson is more independent living - a lot of elderly neighbors move there and seem to like it. You have to buy the condo units, although I think a lot of them are for rent.

Was this recently? Sunrise is known as a very modest facility, more nursing home like than the newer places? I would not allow my relative there unless they were not able to do much of anything.

[Anonymous]

I know someone who has lived there for the past 3 years and she loves it. She doesn't have needs yet (lives independently, quite healthy...) so I can't speak to what it would be like for assisted living. But she loves the community, has tons of friends, love the activities, etc...

Nothing but good things to say about it from her.

[Anonymous]

"there" meaning Sunrise? or Jefferson, pp?

[Anonymous]

My MIL is at the Jefferson and has lived there for almost 11 years. Assisted living and nursing care floors are available but very expensive and not covered in the independent living contract.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:"there" meaning Sunrise? or Jefferson, pp?

Meaning The Jefferson - was answering the op.

[Anonymous]

Go with Greenspring or any other Erickson property/facility.

[Anonymous]

An elder care lawyer in our area did an honest presentation on various options on senior care, and her key warning was to always have a lawyer go over the contract so that you know what the rules are. Assisted living or nursing bed openings may give a preference to residents, but the goal is most often to keep them filled. Another question is to ask about any buyin for lifetime medical care and what it means. Be clear if the person should choose to leave how much can one get back? Also any rules on selling an IL condo etc. Also find out if there are any Medicaid beds.