The Blake at Charlottesville

We chose this community because it was very new, clean, classy and very friendly staff and it was only five years old. At times items on the menu were unavailable and some food was too spicy. They have had a lot of staff turnover which could have contributed to the lower rating for meals and dining experience.

My loved one is currently a resident at The Blake at Charlottesville. Overall, The Blake has been a wonderful experience. They have made some really good changes. We have a monthly meeting with the director and she listens to our questions and provides good feedback. So far, I am very pleased. I would recommend The Blake at Charlottesville.

My mother has lived at The Blake in Memory Care for approximately 1 mo. During this time, I've had to address turning the shower on for my mom, not just asking her, when we were specific that she would not do this on her own. Basic toiletry needs neglected. I've had to alert unsanitary hydration methods for memory care. Unclear when clothes and linens get laundered. We specified that due to religious reasons, my mother was not to be given pork. I do not blame the personal assistants or staff because they were not properly instructed, but my mom was given, and eaten, pork bacon. If she knew this she would freak out since she trusted what was given to her. Imagine if this was an allergy food item. 10 vacant positions! Problem...the Manager in over her head.

The Blake is a FANTASTIC place. My mom is so happy there and they take great care of her. Communication with the family is very good. Move in process was super easy for us because we took the model apartment fully furnished. I recommend this facility to people constantly. It is beautiful and clean and bright and well-kept. They have SO MANY activities, both on-site and off. My mom does almost all of them. In fact, I have to time my phone calls to her because she doesn't like being interrupted at exercise class or bingo or cocktail hour, etc! The food is good--my mom arrived kind of scary thin following my dad's death, and she has now filled out. The only thing they kind of struggle with is staff turnover and sometimes staffing because of illness. I can't really see this myself, it is something my mom mentions--like, the person helping her shower is new, etc.

It was a horrible experience working with my dads caregivers/caregiving organizations. In all the times that I visited my dad in memory care, I only saw planned calendar activities going on twice.Very difficult to coordinate visits to the salon. Salon had a hard time contacting memory care staff to get him to his appointments.They did not coordinate with hospice very well. I didn't even get condolences from the facility or staff when my dad passed away there. I only picked the facility based on cost.

My father-in-law went to the "Blake" from a "rehabilitation center" that was awful. He had decompensated considerably. He refused to go to meals or participate in any activities. I was disappointed that they "couldn't " make him go out of his room. When I was there I "made" him go out. He didn't last long there through no fault of anyone at the "Blake". I believe if we could have moved him there sooner it would have been better.

We lucked out - dad really likes it there.All of the factors I listed here and the biggest one - dad liked everything. And it was within our budget. We actually were really interested in another place in Charlottesville, and would have gone there, BUT they only had one space open...and they rented that in the 2 hours from when I took a tour and I called to say "we like it, and we'll take it." They had rented it to someone else. Can't remember the name of it at the moment, but it was a blessing in disguise, because while I liked it, dad didn't like it as much as I did. So I was kind of driving on that one (mainly because it was good quality and a bit cheaper than the Blake), but when we decided on the Blake it was a little more expensive (but well within our budget), and he liked it better. So I'm very glad that first place filled up and couldn't take him.

Every single category deserves a 5! My father in law is loving it and has only been there 2 weeks. What really stood out to us about The Blake at Charlottesville was the overall cleanliness and neatness!! Also the community is bright and cheery.

My mom is currently a resident at The Blake at Charlottesville. The staff is very very helpful. The communication with the family is great. The move in process was good. The meals are good. The place is awesome! I have no complaints or concerns for the care of my mom. I would recommend The Blake at Charlottesville to family and friends.

This place is great for the "cruise ship crowd"--the people who did senior cruises. Because it kind of feels and is structured like a permanent cruise. My mom mostly just has mobility and fall issues, so this place is perfect for her. She had been stuck in her house for a year since my dad died, but now she is starting to wear lipstick and get her hair done again. Mostly, she leaves her apartment in the morning and just goes from activity to meal to activity until the evening! And when I talk to her, she has things to say! It has been wonderful.

They have a huge staff turnover! No one knows what's going on. Terrible management. Placed my mother a few months ago and it has been a terrible experience for the family. I wouldn't recommend to anyone.

They have improved on the housekeeping schedule for laundry and bed linens. There could be improvement in choice of beverages with lunch and dinner.

The community has been very nice and very helpful. The staff calls me every time they have any concerns or questions regarding my loved one. The staff is very friendly. My dad says the place is beautiful and update to date. Everyone seems to be on top of everything and well organized.

I like that this community is close to us so that we are able to see our loved one. We have had some issues with some of the care and things that have happen but overall we have been pretty satisfied. They do have activities however my loved one is going through things and does not have very much interest in this. She does however, do things that she is capable of doing.

The first thing I noticed at the Blake was the positive greeting by all staff when I saw them any place in the facility. The first meeting with [name removed] was not only informative but also most welcoming. The gentlemen at the front door [names removed] could not be more helpful or positive. [name removed], in charge of wellness, worked overtime to make sure that my needs were met. [name removed], newly in charge of activities, was brimming with ideas. I do hope that they are appreciated for all they are doing. Bunny Sheppard

I would tell others that The Blake is fantastic. My loved one loves it here. The challenges are the response time from the staff to questions or concerns I may have about my loved one. I expected more feedback on how my loved one is doing overall.

My wife and I moved into the Blake with such high expectations. Several months in the excitement wore off as they seemed to be having difficulty with their management team after several directors left. We were very disappointed and dissatisfied and felt as thought their were many unfulfilled promises. We were preparing to move out as our frustrations intensified but in the last month or so the new leadership team has overcome obstacles and are making up for the errors of the past. We are seeing much more activity, excitement, and our needs being met. We never thought our closet and sink would be fixed, but just mention to the new Executive Director and it was done in a jiffy, he even fixed it himself. The food has improved and the care staff are happy and eager to serve us. Our apartment is spacious with great lighting and a suitable kitchenette. Our shower is large, easily accessible, with safety rails. We have several area we’re we mingle with our neighbors including a well stocked bar and theatre. I belong to the bridge club and I play 3-4 times a week with them. I attend all of outings and we can easily schedule a transport if needed. Thankful for the turnaround. We are excited to see things improving and are so thankful for the care and opportunities we are offered at The Blake at Charlottesville!