1. Facility Overview
The Medallion Jewish Assisted Living, located at 6262 Braeswood Blvd, Houston, TX 77074, is a premier senior living facility that combines elegant living with comprehensive care services. Part of the Seven Acres Jewish Senior Care Services network, The Medallion boasts over 75 years of experience in senior care, offering a unique blend of cultural sensitivity and high-quality assisted living services.
Key Statistics:
- Total Units: 52 private apartments
- Property Type: Private pay residence
- Operating History: Over eight decades of experience
2. Services Offered
2.1 Core Services
| Service Category | Details | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Assisted Living | Personal care, medication management | 24/7 |
| Skilled Nursing | Access through adjacent Seven Acres campus | As needed |
| Rehabilitation | On-site physical therapy | Scheduled |
| Spiritual Care | Multi-faith chaplaincy services | Regular |
2.2 Specialized Care Options
While The Medallion primarily focuses on assisted living, its connection with the Seven Acres campus allows for a continuum of care, including:
- Memory Care: Available through Seven Acres for residents developing cognitive issues
- Short-term Rehabilitation: For residents recovering from surgeries or illnesses
- Skilled Nursing: For those requiring more intensive medical care
3. Amenities and Lifestyle
3.1 Living Spaces
The Medallion offers various apartment options to suit different needs and preferences:
| Apartment Type | Features | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | Kitchenette, granite countertops | $3,850/month |
| One-Bedroom | Full kitchen, living room | $5,500/month |
| Two-Bedroom | Expanded living space | $6,200/month |
All apartments come equipped with emergency call systems and private bathrooms.
3.2 Community Amenities
- Dining: Kosher restaurant-style dining with personalized meal planning
- Wellness Center: Fully equipped for fitness and therapy sessions
- Social Spaces: Media room, library, game rooms, and landscaped courtyards
- Personal Services: Beauty salon, barbershop, and scheduled transportation
4. Daily Activities and Programs
The Medallion offers a rich tapestry of activities designed to engage residents mentally, physically, and socially:
4.1 Sample Daily Schedule
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 9:00 AM | Morning Exercise Class |
| 10:30 AM | Art Workshop |
| 2:00 PM | Guest Lecture Series |
| 4:00 PM | Social Hour |
| 7:00 PM | Evening Entertainment |
4.2 Special Programs
- Cultural Celebrations: Regular observance of Jewish holidays and traditions
- Intergenerational Activities: Programs involving local schools and youth groups
- Lifelong Learning: Partnerships with local colleges for continuing education
- Community Outreach: Volunteer opportunities for residents to stay engaged with the broader Houston community
5. Dining Experience
The Medallion has recently elevated its dining services, receiving high praise from residents:
- Kosher Cuisine: All meals prepared under strict kosher guidelines
- Chef-Driven Menu: Led by sous-chef Michael Chrisp, focusing on fresh ingredients and appealing presentations
- Customized Nutrition: Personalized meal plans catering to individual dietary needs and preferences
- Social Dining: Restaurant-style setting encouraging community interaction
6. Pricing and Value
6.1 Monthly Rate Comparison
| Apartment Type | The Medallion Rate | Harris County Average | Texas Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $3,850 | $4,021 | $3,758 |
| One-Bedroom | $5,500 | $4,027 | $3,761 |
| Two-Bedroom | $6,200 | $4,574 | $4,215 |
6.2 Payment Options
- Private pay basis
- Long-term care insurance accepted
- Medicare/Medicaid not accepted
While The Medallion’s rates are higher than average for one and two-bedroom apartments, the studio option remains competitive. The premium pricing reflects the high-quality amenities, specialized kosher dining, and comprehensive care services offered.
7. Management and Staff
7.1 Leadership
The Medallion is led by CEO Marsha Cayton, whose 36-year tenure with the organization has been marked by a commitment to excellence and resident-centered care. Her progression from nutritionist to CEO demonstrates a deep understanding of resident needs at all levels.
7.2 Staff Quality
While specific staff-to-resident ratios were not provided, The Medallion emphasizes personalized care, suggesting a high level of individual attention. Recent testimonials indicate a positive shift in service quality, particularly in dining services.
8. Resident Experiences and Testimonials
Recent feedback from residents and families has been overwhelmingly positive, especially regarding recent improvements:
- Selma Silverberg (Resident): “No question about it; he’s done a wonderful job” – regarding new dining services
- Alan Van Dix (Family Member): “There’s a definite difference in the food. I had lamb chops a couple of weeks ago. They were fabulous.”
- Irwin Miller (Resident): “Really, there’s no comparison; it’s much, much better, especially the fish.”
These testimonials highlight The Medallion’s commitment to continually improving resident experiences, particularly in areas that directly impact daily life, such as dining.
9. Unique Features and Programs
9.1 Cultural Integration
The Medallion stands out for its deep integration of Jewish culture and traditions:
- Regular celebration of Jewish holidays
- Kosher dining adhering to strict guidelines
- Multi-faith spiritual support, welcoming residents of all backgrounds
9.2 Continuum of Care
The facility’s connection to the Seven Acres campus allows for seamless transitions to higher levels of care if needed, providing peace of mind to residents and families.
9.3 Location and Community Integration
Situated in the heart of Houston’s Jewish community, The Medallion offers easy access to cultural centers, synagogues, and community events, fostering a strong sense of belonging for residents.
10. Comparison with Local Competitors
While The Medallion offers a unique focus on Jewish culture and traditions, it’s important to consider how it stacks up against other local options:
| Feature | The Medallion | Seven Acres | Industry Standard |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $3,850/month | $3,290/month | Varies |
| Care Types | Assisted Living | Assisted Living, Memory Care, Nursing Home | Varies |
| Cultural Focus | Strong Jewish emphasis | Jewish-oriented, open to all | Typically secular |
| Dining | Kosher, chef-prepared | Standard dining services | Varies |
| Community Size | 52 apartments | Larger campus | Varies |
The Medallion’s higher pricing is offset by its specialized services, particularly its kosher dining program and cultural activities. However, Seven Acres offers a broader range of care options, which might be preferable for those anticipating changing care needs.
11. Recommendations for Prospective Residents
- Schedule a Tour: Experience the ambiance and interact with current residents to get a feel for daily life at The Medallion.
- Attend a Meal: Given the recent improvements in dining, participating in a meal service can provide insight into this crucial aspect of daily life.
- Review Care Plans: Discuss potential care needs with the staff to ensure The Medallion can accommodate future requirements.
- Explore Activity Calendars: Request recent activity schedules to ensure they align with personal interests and lifestyle preferences.
- Discuss Financial Options: While The Medallion operates on a private pay basis, explore if they offer any financial assistance programs or partnerships with elder care financial planning services.
- Evaluate Cultural Fit: For those seeking a strong Jewish community, The Medallion offers unparalleled cultural integration. However, also inquire about how they accommodate residents of other faiths.
- Consider Future Needs: Discuss the process for transitioning to higher levels of care, should the need arise, given the proximity to Seven Acres’ additional services.
Conclusion
The Medallion Jewish Assisted Living offers a unique blend of high-quality care, cultural sensitivity, and elegant living. Its recent improvements in dining services and strong leadership under CEO Marsha Cayton demonstrate a commitment to continual enhancement of resident experiences. While the pricing is on the higher end for the Houston area, the specialized services, particularly for those seeking a Jewish-oriented community, provide significant value.
The facility’s connection to the larger Seven Acres campus offers peace of mind for those who may need access to a continuum of care in the future. However, prospective residents should carefully consider their current and potential future needs, as well as their budget, when making a decision.
Overall, The Medallion stands out as a premium option in Houston’s senior living market, particularly for those seeking a culturally rich, Jewish-oriented community with a strong emphasis on quality of life and personalized care.
