Atria Briarcliff Manor

My 100 year old mother has been a resident of Atria of Briarcliff Manor for 6 months now and is very happy there. Prior to that she lived in her own house without daily assistance. However, after a hospital and rehab stay, we realized she would no longer be independent. So, my wife and I started researching assisted living facilities. We were already familiar with Atria, as my wife’s aunt had been a resident there for years and she had a very positive experience. However, we were sold on it when the Director, Kate, took us for a tour and everyone knew her and she knew everyone by name – it showed a personal touch. My mother’s experience has been excellent. The staff is very professional and personable. She has a personal bond with her assistants, from Alice who helps her get ready in the morning, to Smile, Judy, Ursula, Rosa and all the others who take care of her during the day, to Elvia who tucks her in at night. The entire staff is great – she loves them all! Besides the excellent personal care, she gets great medical attention from JoEllen and the wellness team. They not only administer her medications, but keep an eye on her. For example, when they noticed she was coming down with a cold, they made an appointment with the visiting doctor and then kept me up to date on her condition. This incredible amount of attention she receives puts my mind at ease. Not only do they take care of her physical health, but Bridget, the Activities Director, always make sure there are stimulating things to do. From holiday celebrations, to discussion groups, to Bingo, there is always something going on – Bridget is tireless! She has also developed a number of friendships with other residents of Atria, which is great since she had been isolated living at home alone. Its a very good community environment. Food is very important to my mom and Atria doesn’t disappoint. She enjoys the wide variety of meal choices and the restaurant style service. I recently asked my mother how she likes it at Atria and she said that she would prefer to live in her own house by herself, but she knows that’s no longer possible. She said this is the best option because she does need help, but doesn’t want someone living with her around the clock. At Atria, she gets the level of support she needs and yet she can be alone when she wishes. Most importantly she said she feels safe, comfortable and actually loved there and that it is slowly becoming her new home.

Since my aunt moved to Atria Briarcliff Manor six months ago, her wellbeing has improved incredibly. She's doing better physically, socially, and emotionally now than in the last fear years she spent alone at home. I believe the social aspect of living in community, surrounded by friends and familiar faces, has turned her life around. She's eating better, getting some exercise, socializing and seems so much happier. She has access to nursing staff, doctors and physical therapy in-house which has lead to material improvements in her health. She's made friends and trying out all sorts of new activities she would not have considered before. Knowing that attentive, well-trained and empathetic people are looking after her has set my own heart at ease. Working with Atria has been easy from the start. Everyone on staff is knowledgable and responsive and clearly cares about the residents. Having staff who have been there 5, 10, 15 or more years is really impressive. Retaining employees for so long is a testament to the quality of the work environment, which of course benefits the residents as well.

“This is a special place.” That’s what my loved one said to me recently after living at Atria for just three months. My family and I spent the previous year searching for the right place—and then trying to convince my dad to make the move. Atria’s flexible approach helped ease his concerns, especially knowing this wasn’t a decision he was locked into forever. Once he moved in, everything else simply fell into place. What truly makes Atria unique is the longevity of the staff. Your loved ones aren’t being cared for by people who are here today and gone tomorrow, but by individuals who are genuinely invested in the community. That investment shows in the happiness, comfort, and joy of the residents. I can’t say enough wonderful things about Atria—the facility, the people, the location, the activities and programs, and the overall vibrancy of the community. When I first toured the building, a complete stranger stopped me to say how wonderful it was. Now, I’m that person.