Independent Living in Irving, Texas

Brett Hurey

Our experience with The Villages lack of care was horrible. I do not use that word lightly. Response time for nurse "calls" typically took an hour or more. And there were times that no one responded at all. The Administrator interaction from Alex, was hostile regularly. And Erica from the business office, in a word, was a bully. If my friend and resident didn't have someone as an advocate there regularly, she would have died prematurely many months ago. Also, the Director of Nursing, Obi, exhibited abusive behavior towards her and other patients that we witnessed. Do not place your loved one in the care of this place!

Wilford

My wife and I have lived here 18 months. The staff have helped us make the transition from a home to a home for the elderly. I am a retired pastor. They have given me the opportunity to serve and conduct religious services. Both the staff and the residents have received and affirmed my wife and me. We love our apartment. We have a 2-bedroom, and it's very nice. We're under quarantine now, the whole place is. I have no qualms about what they do. Overall, the food is decent and very good.

Shiela

We had my husband's dad in MacArthur Hills. The rooms are updated, but clean, and the food was good. They do exercises, they have bible classes, they have outings, and they also do crafts with them, there's singing, and they have people who come in to sing and dance. They also have different dinners inspired by different ports and places around the world. The place itself is nice and clean, updated, and very well-kept.

Spouse needing respite care

I had the opportunity to leave my husband, who has mild-moderate Alzheimer's, at this facility for a week while I attended a business conference in Florida and then spent a few days of vacation on the beach with my brother. It was the first time I had left Bill overnight at a facility--other times he's been left briefly with friends. I was nervous, especially since I was going to be so far away. I shouldn't have been. I can't think of any place I'd want to leave my loved one--or go myself--than Silverado Valley Ranch. I assume their other facilities are just as wonderful. When we went for a visit, Bill immediately said "this place looks like the Waldorf Astoria." While we waited for Tony to arrive and give us a tour, someone showed us how to make coffee and chatted us up--it was a resident. I felt like we were on a cruise ship. Nobody--NOBODY--was in their room. Everybody was engaged in activities, either planned or on their own. The facility divides up the higher-functioning, more independent folks on one wing and those needing more one-to-one care on another, but neither had the feel of a nursing home. Friendly pets, a kitchen stocked with healthy and fun snacks, cozy corners for private visits with family or to curl up with a book--I was ready to move in! They have a lovely playground for grandchildren, and I understand a neighborhood school also brings children there to play and interact with residents. There's a patio with a grill for cookouts, and an enclosed courtyard. The two dogs, two cats, caged birds and rabbit are all rescued animals, and are sweet and friendly. The day is packed with physical and cognitive activities, but nobody is required to do anything they don't want to do. I didn't see anybody resisting--the residents were friendly and engaged. They also have field trips and sometimes take sunset drives. It was more like a resort than a memory care center or nursing home. Even the drug cart looked more like a nice cocktail bar on wheels than a medicine cart. When I dropped him off on the way to the airport my friend and I were invited to stay for breakfast (it was delicious) while the nursing staff and others came to greet us and make sure everything was in order. You can tell these folks genuinely love their jobs. Everybody--from housekeeping staff to upper management--met us with warm, genuine smiles--and I could tell they know every resident's name. As we were leaving to go to the airport, Bill played the piano in the lobby. Several friends visited him while I was gone, and Tony kept me up to date with texts and pictures of Bill's art projects and a short video of him dancing during a social hour. All our friends raved about what a wonderful place it is. Bill was only there for a week of respite care, but he was treated like a long-term resident, and made friends there. When I called he was happy and actually anxious to return to what he was doing, rather than talk to me! I plan to try to keep him involved or take him for visits now and then, and am looking into their day program, since he is not ready for permanent placement. However, if he was, and it fit my budget, I wouldn't hesitate to place him here again, whether for a short respite or long-term stay. Look up the corporate website and read about their scientifically-based Nexus program and watch the documentaries about the residents. Few places live up to their marketing materials---Silverado does. I see so many people going into memory care facilities that are glorified warehouses for the old and sick. People with Alzheimer's and other dementias are still alive, even if they can't communicate like they used to. The activities and caring staff at Silverado allow them to LIVE, encourage them to pursue their interests, and care for them with the dignity all people deserve. Silverado Valley Ranch is amazing, and as much fun as I had on vacation, I'm a little jealous my husband got to stay there while I was gone. I wish I could give it more than 5 stars.

Deana

I lived there, moved out of state and now I want to return. It is a wonderful home for seniors; caring and superior staff and I love it.