Dominican Village

I recently ended a stay of over 2 1/2 years at the Village. This review only covers Independent Living. It is pleasant and quiet, with the population skewered towards women in their 80s and late 70s. The meals were surprisingly good until 6 months ago they changed to an inferior service. To cut cos...

I recently ended a stay of over 2 1/2 years at the Village. This review only covers Independent Living. It is pleasant and quiet, with the population skewered towards women in their 80s and late 70s. The meals were surprisingly good until 6 months ago they changed to an inferior service. To cut costs? Meals are a big part of your life at these places, and it was very disappointing to see it go from very good to average. Not just my opinion, but the opinion of the others I dined with. The downgrade in food cost them a star. I expected for $5000+ a month that I would have transportation for medical purposes. No. Only for places within a short radius. Otherwise they charge you. A ride was provided me to go to Sloane Kettering in Manhattan for a procedure, but I was billed $250. Four days a week they provide small bus service to local shopping strips. Only two meals are served a day, and one on Sunday. They actually check to make sure you don't double dip. The cafe at which you might purchase lunch has a sparse inventory, erratic hours, and expensive food. People who are serious Catholics should like Dominican Village. During the month there are masses, communion services, rosary. Sunday you can watch mass on TV, with real consecrated hosts distributed. Or take a bus over to the motherhouse nearby for live mass. A devout Catholic who sang with my mother in the church choir for many years checked out Dominican Village, but went instead to a place much further east. She told me that the one they moved to offered much better value, and I guess that this was probably true. Value is not a strong selling point. Little is included with your rent. Even a glass of wine costs $1.50. You should know that Dominican Village is no longer run by the kindly Dominican nuns. They were known for gentle treatment of residents. When their money ran out they were able to let many of these stay on or assist in finding a place to relocate. Despite a hefty 5% rent increase 2 years ago and a lesser one last year, they were losing money. Over a year ago the sisters sold the residence and gave up control. I ran out of money, which is my responsibility. The new CEO is stern. In my case he gave me only one relocation that did not suit me. but I had to take it or be out on the street. If you think you might run out of money, please inquire in advance how you will be treated. Since ownership recently transferred, I would inquire about their financial stability. Quite a few new residents checked in last summer. (It's very odd that there are virtually no reviews for the last five years). If you are of an age where you are not looking for strenuous or outdoor activity, and especially if you are a devout Catholic, and you want to be around nice people, you might check out Dominican Village. Many of the independent living people who would otherwise need assisted living are allowed to have private aids. Maybe the food has improved since I left.

No longer run by the kindly Dominican sisters. I recently ended a stay of 2 1/2 hears at the Village. This review only covers Independent Living. A large number of those living in Independent hire their own aides so that they can remain there when they need some assistance. It is pleasant and quiet,...

No longer run by the kindly Dominican sisters. I recently ended a stay of 2 1/2 hears at the Village. This review only covers Independent Living. A large number of those living in Independent hire their own aides so that they can remain there when they need some assistance. It is pleasant and quiet, with the population skewered towards women in their 80''s and late 70s. Management: You should know first that Dominican Village is no longer run by the Dominican nuns. One of the reasons I stretched my budget was because this residence was run by the Dominican sisters. They were known for a kinder and gentler treatment of residents who run out of money. They were able to let many of these stay on. Others were placed in a cheaper but nice residence that accepted Medicaid. Over a year into my stay, the sisters sold the community to a private company and lost control. The new CEO is not good with the elderly and vulnerable. I was offered one relocation that did not suit me, but I had to take it or be out the next day. In the haste to vacate, I had to leave behind all furniture and many other items of value. If you think that you may not have enough money you should definitely ask about their policy. Get any promises added to your contract. Dominican Village, like many homes for the elderly, was hit hard by COVID and had been losing money. The change in management, in addition to annual rent increases of five and three percent, may not be enough to keep Dominican Village afloat. There did appear to be an encouraging number of new residents this year. But ask about financial stability. Activities: There are a good number of activities aimed towards the older, such as light exercise. Venerable Bingo is the most attended. Three or four films are screened each week. Catholics will find several masses and rosaries and more. The people are mostly nice, but if you go to the front desk where it is labeled "concierge," you will not find them willing to go to much trouble for you. There are also four or five shopping trips each week to local malls. Meals: These are often the center around which senior residences orbit. Here I have to report a great disappointment. The service providing meals for my first two years I thought produced near restaurant quality meals. I often looked forward to meals. But about six months ago they switched to another food service and the quality and variety has seriously dropped (not just my opinion). Cost cutting? I have to deduct a star for meals. Only two meals a day are served: breakfast and dinner. One meal on Sunday. They have a café from which you can order sandwiches, salads, burgers or a snack. It also has a limited number of sandwiches, salads, and yogurt, as well as candy and chips on shelves ready to purchase. It carries facial tissues, soap, and other personal supplies. This place I think was going to see a lot of changes, because the selection and the hours it was open were not good. With the Dominicans no longer in charge, and the decline of the food, I can''t see myself choosing it again. It is the best for serious Catholics, as there are a lot of pastoral activities still run by the nuns.