I wanted to leave a raving review just days after my mom moved in but decided to wait a while to really see how we all still felt. Six months later, we could not be happier with mom's experience at Sonata. My mother is safe, she is eating well, getting her medications on time, and in the right dosage, she is being cared for, and kept busy. The daily activity list rivals some cruise ships. All the things that we just could not sleep well, not knowing while she was living alone. Peace of mind for our family is one of the biggest benefits from this experience so far.
So, about Sonata... first of all, this place just feels like home. I tell people it feels like you're walking into a country inn that anyone would want to stay at. Let's face it.... these are elderly residents. The decor, and furnishings in the public areas are appropriate for their lifestyle... warm, homey, comfortable, and accessible.
Mom's large studio apartment is the perfect size. We furnished it with a full-sized bed, dresser, nightstand, two easy chairs, ottoman, dinette set, desk, and end tables. The bathroom is large and safe with handrails. The room is bright, and cheery. She has plenty of space. A mini fridge and microwave is supplied. Although the fridge is low to the ground and hard for her to bend down. I think I just need to move it for her.
But this review is not about the accommodations. It is about the staff, and other residents. Mom made friends immediately. She loves going out onto the patio and sitting with the ladies after meals, k'bitzing, commiserating, talking on the phone, and sometimes even dozing off. Every day there is something going on. Games, movies, exercise programs, arts & crafts, live entertainment, and religious services. It would be difficult to participate in everything that is available. Toya and her team are awesome. They keep everyone moving. I have even seen them go from room to room encouraging residents to get out and participate in the activities. Nobody is left to just sit and rot in their room.
The nursing staff and care team lead by Jennifer are incredible. These are not just a bunch of unskilled "orderlies". They are amazing professionals... every one of them. Lets face it... this is why mom is here... to be CARED for. This is not a nursing home. It is "Assisted" living, but they do more than just assist... believe me. They actually care for the residents. They check in on the residents often, they're patient, they talk with them, they understand each resident's individual situation, and care for them appropriately. When a change order or prescription is sent from her doctor, the nursing staff handles it. When a medical issue arises, this team snaps into action. We already had one experience and could not be more pleased with the communication and how it was handled. I can call or text Jennifer and she will either respond, or have someone contact me right away. Bottom line.... the care team is spectacular, and we have peace of mind every day.
I don't have any knowledge of how this Sonata facility was run in the past, I only can speak to the last 6 months. Just about the time that Reggie took over as the Executive Director. When I met Reggie, I immediately felt his sincerity, and professionalism. Reggie is a talented leader that is striving (and succeeding) to make the experience for Sonata residents and families one of the best in our area. We did our research before moving mom in, and compared to other Boca assisted living facilities, the level of care, quality of food, cleanliness, comfort, social programs, and activities scheduled, is far and away the best value out there.
I thank this team and am grateful for finding Sonata for my mother to enjoy her life with safety, health, and comfort as the priority. I promise to update my review as time goes on so that other families considering Sonata can make well informed, and appropriate decisions for their loved ones too.