Hunters Woods is beautifully decorated with stunning paintings from local artists and the apartments have all brand new appliances and are very comfortable. There are multiple common living room areas inside and out for people to gather and the amenities are amazing..... gym, PT room, hair salon, library, and activity rooms. The front desk staff, house keepers, and dining servers as well as kitchen staff are all very friendly and helpful. All that being said, our mother has lived at Hunters Woods for nearly two years now. Overall she is very happy and she has developed wonderful friendships, however, there are several issues that people should be aware of if they are considering becoming a resident.
When my parents and I toured with a member of the marketing team, one of their primary concerns was the cost. My parents were told that ANY annual increase would be CAPPED at 5%. They moved into Hunters Woods in June 2021 and in November 2021 (5 months later) they were presented a bill with a 9% increase in rent. After having several conversations with the management team, during which they acknowledged the 5% cap that had been offered to my parents, the rate increase was reduced to 6%. Then this December, our mother was presented with a bill with an 8% increase and again we found ourselves in the position of advocating for a lower increase and reminding the management of the initial promise that had been made to our parents. They have never honored the 5% annual cap that had been a significant part their decision to sign their initial contract, although they have given a small reduction of the increase.
Another VERY important issue for people who are considering residency has to do with the acoustics of the building. If you or your family member has a hearing loss and/or wears hearing aids be aware that there are major issues with being able to hear in the dining room, the Bistro, and in the theater. The staff will talk to you about their "T coil" system, but this has never consistently or effectively worked. Our mother often becomes depressed while at dinner, or Happy Hour in the Bistro, or at events in the theater because, even with her hearing aids (which have T coil) she is unable to hear people speaking in those environments. When she is in her apartment, she can hear fine with her hearing aids. We have tried to address these issues many times with the staff and nothing has been done to improve the acoustics in the dining area or the theater. This is a major and...
Read moreI've been helping my mother find an independent living option recently. We've visited a few sites and browsed a few more; Hunters Woods at Trails Edge was the best. It's not even close.
The location is great. They are situated right next to a paved footpath that connects to miles of trails, one of which takes you to a shopping center with a Safeway just across the street (you can use the footpath to cross the street via a tunnel under the road if you want to avoid the (well-marked) crosswalk).
Mom's room has a northern exposure that looks out on a greenway, making for a great view. The apartment itself is clean and spacious, with an up-to-date kitchen, open bath, and built in Washer and Dryer.
As great as the building is, it pales next to the staff. Everyone that we've met - WITHOUT EXCEPTION - has been friendly and helpful. Whether it's Sherry or Trachelle patiently answering one of our myriad questions, or Vanessa cheerfully helping us stage items for Mom's move-in, or Ahmed swapping out a malfunctioning dishwasher in under an hour, we have seen nothing but kindness and smiles from everyone.
I could go on with the list of amenities and services that they offer, but Sherry does is so much better than I ever could. At the end of the day, finding a place for a parent can be emotionally draining. Even when independent living is the best option for everyone there's always a sense of guilt, and a desire to make sure that Mom (or Dad) is in a safe and comfortable space, with caring people around them. I really think we've found that place, and Mom's excited to move in.
I'll update this review in a few months to let you know how...
Read moreThe HWTE team recognizes that they are working in someone's home and act with kindness, compassion, and consideration. They are truly partners in the caregiving process. From our experience, there is nothing more important than the caregiving team and this team communicates well; provides thoughtful and individual care; and is friendly and shares some of their personal experiences so that it feels like a community and not a facility. Lastly, the Wellness team is very knowledgeable and experienced so that they can help families recognize changes in their loved ones.
The building is beautifully maintained. There are numerous activities on-site and opportunities for shopping and culture experiences off-site. The balconies offer a shaded view of the trees that make Reston such a comfortable and peaceful home.
The leadership team is 100% there for families and employees. They lead by example with the same thoughtful attention to detail and compassion.
As a caregiver and advocate, I feel like I have found partners in caring for my loved one. It is scary to trust someone else to care for your loved ones, whether young or old, but I have confidence in HWTE. I appreciate what they have taught me about healthcare and the aging process so that I can be a better caregiver and...
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