Dominican Village

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.

This place is awesome. On the independent side the apartments are spacious, clean and safe. The resident say the food is exceptional. All your amenities are on the premises including doctors, beauty, shop, café, library, game, rooms, etc. Amy is the Director who walked us around the premises and she is knowledgeable and a sweetheart. I have no worries having my mom lived there for the rest of her remaining days.

I hosted my wedding reception at Helen Butler Hall and it was perfect.
The hall is large and has tables and chairs for just over 200 guests...
The dance floor is huge and we were able to utilize the stage for our dj and our photobooth to be set up.
Jackie was a pleasure to work with and if I ever have to throw a huge party in the future again I will certainly come back here.
There was adequate parking for everyone and even a little patio in the back to utilize.

Perfect DIY event spot.