Cambridge Village of Wilmington

I have a relative living at Cambridge Village in Wilmington. Several months ago, I wrote about the problems with the food service there. I wrote about the poor planning which resulted in the kitchen continually running out of common items including staples. I wrote about how the food was too often delivered to the tables cold. I wrote about the mediocre food quality and about the lack of healthy options. Then I bit my tongue. I felt I said my piece and that would be it. But things have not improved and today they hit a new low when, as the lunch "special," they served bologna sandwiches! Really? You are charging residents $400 per month for food and you serve up bologna sandwiches as the special. This has become an ethical issue. Cambridge Village's food service is terrible and they are about to raise rents 3%. So, here's my plan: I eat there with my relative periodically, and I'm going to write about my experiences there -- probably not each time, but frequently enough -- until there is significant improvement. I'll point out the good and the bad, but frankly, at present, there needs to be a lot of improvement. Here is one other thing that concerns me that I want to mention: Cambridge Village runs contests with prizes to incentivize its residents to vote for it in competitions for "Best Independent Living Facility" and similar competitions held by local community publications and the like. Not only is that not appropriate, but it makes me question the authenticity of many of the reviews on this and other sites. If I sound frustrated, it's because I am. It costs a great deal of money to live there, and residents have a right to expect better. One more thing: I suspect a Cambridge Village staff person will respond to this review. Great! Please specifically address the rational behind the bologna sandwich specials and the ethical considerations about incentivizing residents to vote for your facility as the "best." Thanks.

I have a relative living at Cambridge Village in Wilmington. Several months ago, I wrote about the problems with the food service there. I wrote about the poor planning which resulted in the kitchen continually running out of common items including staples. I wrote about how the food was too often delivered to the tables cold. I wrote about the mediocre food quality and about the lack of healthy options. Then I bit my tongue. I felt I said my piece and that would be it. But things have not improved and today they hit a new low when, as the lunch "special," they served bologna sandwiches! Really? You are charging residents $400 per month for food and you serve up bologna sandwiches as the special. This has become an ethical issue. Cambridge Village's food service is terrible and they are about to raise rents 3%. So, here's my plan: I eat there with my relative periodically, and I'm going to write about my experiences there -- probably not each time, but frequently enough -- until there is significant improvement. I'll point out the good and the bad, but frankly, at present, there needs to be a lot of improvement. Here is one other thing that concerns me that I want to mention: Cambridge Village runs contests with prizes to incentivize its residents to vote for it in competitions for "Best Independent Living Facility" and similar competitions held by local community publications and the like. Not only is that not appropriate, but it makes me question the authenticity of many of the reviews on this and other sites. If I sound frustrated, it's because I am. It costs a great deal of money to live there, and residents have a right to expect better. One more thing: I suspect a Cambridge Village staff person will respond to this review. Great! Please specifically address the rational behind the bologna sandwich specials and the ethical considerations about incentivizing residents to vote for your facility as the "best." Thanks.

Hi, We are very happy with Cambridge Village of Wilmington as is our mom. The facility is great as are the people who work there. Mom has acclimated very quickly and is busy with many of their activities. The only issue (obviously not their fault) is that they were hit quite hard by the hurricane and are doing everything they can to remediate as quickly as they can. Mom has just been moved to another apartment there while they fix hers. Her apartment had significant water damage even though she is on the third floor. The first floor was damaged quite badly and is still being repaired to my knowledge. Thanks for your help and the inquiry.

I have a close relative at Cambridge Village. There is a lot to like about this place. The staff is terrific and the programming is quite good. However, there are major problems with their food service and that's what I want to address today. (And this is why I gave it only 1.5 stars for care services.) The problems seem to fall into the following categories: 1) They are constantly running out of food items that are on the menu. This is a significant source of frustration for residents. 2) They offer almost no flexibility. If you want to substitute carrots for the sweet potato that comes with your chicken, you are likely to be told that they cannot make the substitution. 3) The quality of the food is very uneven. Sometimes good and sometimes poor. 4) There are few healthy choices available. I'm really surprised and disappointed at how inattentive management is to the problems in the restaurant. Most other aspects of Cambridge Village are quite positive, but the food service has major issues.

I have a close relative at Cambridge Village. There is a lot to like about this place. The staff is terrific and the programming is quite good. However, there are major problems with their food service and that's what I want to address today. The problems seem to fall into the following categories: 1) They are constantly running out of food items that are on the menu. This is a significant source of frustration for residents. 2) They offer almost no flexibility. If you want to substitute carrots for the sweet potato that comes with your chicken, you are likely to be told that they cannot make the substitution. 3) The quality of the food is very uneven. Sometimes good and sometimes poor. 4) There are few healthy choices available. I'm really surprised and disappointed at how inattentive management is to the problems in the restaurant. Most other aspects of Cambridge Village are quite positive, but the food service has major issues. I'll provide periodic updates to this review.

From the moment [name removed] walked through the doors of Cambridge Village she was embraced by compassion, love and professionalism. A vibrant retirement community catering to one's social, cognitive, spiritual, health and physical needs it immediately felt like home. Whatever one's interests, they can surely be met with lots of enthusiasm by both staff and residents. Strolling through the halls one may hear live music emanating from the pub along with laughter and voices actively engaging in conversation. Or maybe a competitive spirt is being tested in a game of shuffleboard. Relaxation may call for a movie in the theater or a walk to the wellness center to work out. The new MedSpa provides services to promote anti aging through massages, facials and many components of beauty care. Life is never dull for special events fill the calendar regularly with classes engaging its participants in new skills or revisiting ones enjoyed previously like painting, writing, card games, book clubs and the list continues. For those who want to spread their wings and leave the cocoon of Cambridge there are trips to local attractions, exploration of other areas of NC, the Opera, Symphony, plays, etc. The point is Cambridge Village's family prides itself on catering to the individual's needs and they are successfully achieving that goal. Happiness fills the air while positive energy abounds. Overall, Cambridge encourages living one's life to the fullest and our family can't say enough wonderful things about the staff, residents, facilities and environment. Thank you to all for making this a special place for our mother.

The "tour" was informative and did not leave any questions unanswered. We were very pleased with [name removed] and her knowledge. [name removed]

Cambridge Village is an outstanding facility. We had an excellent and thorough tour with [name removed]. She spent a lot of time with us and provided information on all the facilities and services provided. If, when we're ready to make a decision on our future living and determine that we can afford it, Cambridge Village will be at the top of our list.

Beautiful community. New facility with all the bells and whistles. Offers a wide range of amenities and services particularly for those in independent living. Residents in concierge care most likely will not be able to use all of the amenities. They off a wide range of care levels. The price is high and maybe worth it if residents are active and able to take advantage of the amenities. I don’t think residents requiring concierge care will get their use out the amenities.

My husband and I were truly impressed with Cambridge Village. It is so beautiful and the amenities are unbelievable. So clean and we'll managed. You truly feel you are at a resort. The services to keep you healthy and well fit, will keep us going. The food is fantastic cooked by an Executive chef. We look forward to living there. [Removed]

Lovely apartments within walking distance to Mayfaire and close proximity to the beach.

Very impressed with Cambridge Village. [Removed] great representatives showing us around Friendly and professional. Amenities and programs great. Particularly liked $400 credit in monthly rent to be used as desired and the optimal living program. Another plus for me is the $1000 payment option to reserve an apartment for a year.My biggest negative is the size of the one bedroom apartments. I plan on returning to Wilmington in November at which time I will probably make my final decision.

[Removed] was wonderful in showing us the qualities of living at Cambridge. Her presentation and the facilities and features are exceptional. We are seeking to move from California to be closer to our children, our son is in Wilmington. My wife may not qualify to move in and it is the family decision that it is best we move closer to our daughter that lives in Maryland and Delaware. After seeing Cambridge you have set a standard that may make it difficult to match.

This is a new fantastic looking community. They offer a theater and a workout wing. The staff were very nice to us. This community just did not seem to be as supportive of dad's needs. I would recommend this community for more independent residents.

Absolutely beautiful. Everything you could ask for in independent living. The staff was warm and welcoming and so caring on my tour. When the time comes, this will be my first choice!!!

We were very impressed with Cambridge Village. The layout of the apartment was carefully thought out for very efficient use of space. We felt that the cost was very reasonable with respect to all of the inclusives. The wellness center was awesome--pool, workout areas, schedule of activities, smoothie bar! The food and service were excellent and very reasonably priced. We received a complimentary meal, and we were introduced to a couple who were residents. We enjoyed our meal with them and learned so much about Cambridge from them. Cambridge Village is in a wonderful location in Wilmington, NC. It is within walking distance of the Mayfaire shopping area--lots of shopping, eating, movies, etc. Our tour guide was so knowledgeable and enthusiastic; we knew right away that she loved her job and Cambridge! We believe that living at Cambridge Village will be like staying at an inclusive resort and being on vacation for the rest of our lives! We are very excited!

I am returning to Wilmington after being away the past 10 years. How fortunate that Cambridge Village will be available for me in the Spring. The location is perfect and the complex is beautiful. Looking forward to calling it my new home.

The staff are always welcoming and friendly. The staff do a great job keeping the community clean and nice. My dad uses the indoor pool, exercise, go to movies and gatherings. The food is very good and has a full menu with plenty of options. I would absolutely recommend this community!

Lovely place; however, the cost is a bit too high for us. Thank you for the nice tour and info

I toured with my parents, who are considering a move to a senior community near their hometown. I would be delighted and feel very confident if they chose Cambridge Village. The facilities are beautiful, the services and amenities offered are top-notch and, as the community grows into Phase II, the amenities will only get better. The location, near medical offices and shopping area of Mayfaire Town Center certainly are factors in my parents' decision making. The representative from Cambridge who we toured with was completely genuine and professional. If my parents choose Cambridge, I believe they will have found their new "home"!