McCrite Plaza at Briarcliff

At any assisted living or memory care place, no matter how great the facility is, you will still encounter issues - so stay in close contact. I've had an issue with just a few of the nursing staff, but they are trying to educate them because not all nurses know how to deal with Alzheimer's patients. They also have a support group twice a month, so I think that's really good. The community itself is very nice and they do lots of wonderful activities, it's a great place. I just know that no matter how great it is, you'll still encounter things. Some of their activities include taking them out to see live concerts in the park, art classes, sing-a-longs, walking groups, and a really nice gym (although my loved one doesn't utilize it). They also have a lot of educational things like poets, writers, and guests who will come in to speak about historical things. They also have a happy hour and exercise classes that are both standing and seated. They send out a weekly email with their activities list that changes each week, some of those include: a senior learning network presentation, a lesson on the Casa Grande ruins national monument, bingo, shows, trivia challenges, salon services, tai chi, music & movement, cardio drumming and so many other great things. They also have their own fundraisers that go towards Alzheimer's and other diseases. They do their own concerts under the stars for the residents and their friends & family where they'll have barbeque and music. The apartments are also very nice and probably a bit bigger than other facilities. It comes with a kitchen, a washer & dryer, and a nice balcony. The community has several balconies in the building where the residents can sit out and have breakfast if they want. They also have independent living there, so residents can all intermingle with one another. Assisted has their own floor and their own dining room; they all know each other and the staff knows everyone too. It's big, but small in a way. The staff there are very good and conscientious. They have their own staff doctor and pharmacy where they can get medications a lot faster than you having to drive your loved one to pick up medications. The physical pharmacy isn't inside the community, but they have the means to get things to them quickly. The food is really good too. A lot of places have that nursing home smell, but Briarcliff doesn't have that smell, it smells good. I looked at a few places and this one was the best. They say be careful when a place looks super nice, but this place looks nice nice, and it is actually nice. The activities director is constantly going around to different people's rooms, gathering them up and taking them to the activities. I would recommend McCrite Plaza at Briarcliff!