Executive Summary
The Hearth on James is a premier senior living community located at 830 James St, Syracuse, NY 13203. This comprehensive review analyzes the facility’s service offerings, amenities, resident experiences, pricing structure, and market position to help families make informed decisions about senior living options in the Syracuse area.
Facility Overview
The Hearth on James offers multiple levels of care in a strategic urban location, providing convenient access to medical facilities and community resources. The facility features colonial-style architecture with three distinct floor plan options:
- Studio apartments
- The Bishop layout
- The Rugby layout
Services Offered
Care Services at The Hearth on James Data
| Service Type | Description | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Independent Living | Designed for active seniors seeking community living | • Private apartments• Maintenance-free lifestyle• Social engagement opportunities |
| Assisted Living | Personalized support with maintained independence | • 24-hour staff assistance• Medication management• Help with daily activities• Personalized care plans |
| Memory Care | Specialized program for cognitive impairments | • Person-centered approach• Safe and secure environment• Cognitive stimulation activities• Customized care plans |
| Rehabilitation Services | Comprehensive therapy programs | • Physical therapy• Occupational therapy• Speech therapy• Licensed professional delivery |
The facility emphasizes personalized care through:
- 24-hour professional staff availability
- Regular health assessments
- Individualized care planning
- Medication administration and management
- Assistance with activities of daily living
Amenities and Facility Features
The Hearth on James offers an extensive range of amenities designed to enhance residents’ quality of life:
| Category | Available Features |
|---|---|
| Comfort Features | • TV and internet access• Private•• Accessible amenities• Parking facilities |
| Recreational Areas•• Social gathering spaces | •• Wellness center |
| Dining | • Restaurant-style dining• Special dietary accommodations |
| Additional Amenities | • Pet-friendly environment• Housekeeping• Laundry services |
Daily Activities and Programs
The Hearth on James maintains a diverse activity schedule to keep residents engaged and fulfilled:
Physical Wellness
- Morning exercise sessions
- Fitness classes
- Walking groups
- Wellness programs
Social Engagement
- Community gatherings
- Holiday celebrations
- Group outings
- Monthly themed events
- Summer outdoor barbecues
Intellectual Stimulation
- Educational seminars
- Technology workshops
- Guest speaker events
- Arts and crafts sessions
- Cooking classes
Cultural Experiences
- Musical performances
- Local excursions to museums and theaters
- Cultural celebration events
- Seasonal festivities
Dining Experience
The dining program at The Hearth on James features:
- Restaurant-style dining with multiple venues
- Professional chef-prepared meals
- Fresh, quality ingredients
- Special dietary accommodations
- Three nutritious meals daily
- Snacks and beverages available throughout the day
Resident Experiences and Testimonials
The Hearth on James has received consistently positive feedback from residents and their families:
| Rating Source | Score | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 8.9/10 | Based on 22 reviews |
| 5-Star Ratings | 63% | Percentage of total reviews |
| 4-Star Ratings | 27% | Percentage of total reviews |
| 3-Star Ratings | 5% | Percentage of total reviews |
| 1-Star Ratings | 5% | Percentage of total reviews |
| Alternative Rating | 4.6/5 | Based on 27 reviews |
Notable Resident Testimonials
“At The Hearth on James, the staff is their biggest asset. They got to know my parents well, as well as family coming to visit.” – Julie
“I enthusiastically recommend The Hearth on James! When I first walked in the door for my tour, I was greeted by engaged residents and friendly staff.”
“The nursing staff has contacted me a couple of times with concerns that we were able to solve together…communication both ways is terrific.”
“I felt welcome immediately! The smaller setting and friendly, active residents and staff offered the very sense of community that my uncle would enjoy.” – Diane
Areas of Excellence
- Staff attentiveness and personalized care
- Communication with families
- Engaging activity programming
- Sense of community
Areas for Improvement
- “I rated the cleanliness a little lower due to some painting needs and the outdoor area needing to be kept up better.”
- Some security considerations mentioned by residents
Pricing Information
The Hearth on James offers a flexible pricing structure based on care level and accommodation type:
| Care Level/Room Type | The Hearth on James | Local Average | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Independent Living | Starting at $3,500 | ||
| Assisted Living | $4,000 – $6,000 | $4,500 – $7,000 | Up to $1,000 |
| Memory Care | Starting at $6,500 | $7,000+ | $500+ |
| Studio | $3,113 | $4,296 | $1,183 |
| One Bedroom | $3,408 | $4,270 | $862 |
| Overall Range | $2,909 – $9,946 | ||
| Average Cost | $6,529 |
Services Included in Base Price
- Housing accommodations
- Dining services
- Wellness programs
- Social activities
- Basic care services
- Housekeeping
- Transportation for medical appointments
Financial Assistance Options
- Medicaid eligibility (Age 65+, monthly income limit: $2,829, asset limit: $30,182 for individuals)
- Community First Choice Option
- Expanded In-Home Services for the Elderly Program (EISEP)
- VA assistance
- Long-term care insurance
- Bridge loans
- Personal loans
Market Comparison
| Facility | Starting Price | Location | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Hearth on James | $2,830/month | Syracuse, NY | Baseline |
| The Hearth at Greenpoint | $3,315/month | Liverpool, NY | +$485 |
| Syracuse Area Average | $4,937/month | Syracuse Region | +$2,107 |
| New York State Average | $3,684/month | Statewide | +$854 |
Management and Staff Quality
The Hearth on James emphasizes quality care through:
- Attentive and well-trained staff
- Personalized care approach
- Strong communication with families
- 24/7 staff availability
Staff quality is consistently highlighted in resident testimonials as one of the facility’s greatest strengths, with particular emphasis on their ability to build relationships with residents and families.
Awards and Recognition
The Hearth on James has received several notable accolades:
- “Best Assisted Living Facility” in Syracuse for three consecutive years
- Recognition from New York State Assisted Living Association for innovative programs
- “Community Partner of the Year” award from Syracuse Chamber of Commerce (2023)
- “Innovative Care Award” from National Senior Living Association
Community Involvement
The facility maintains strong ties with the Syracuse community through:
- Local charity support programs
- Regular staff volunteering initiatives
- Community outreach events
- Partnerships with local organizations
Decision Support Tools
Facility Visit Evaluation Guide
When visiting The Hearth on James, consider evaluating these key aspects:
| Area to Evaluate | Questions to Ask | Observations to Make |
|---|---|---|
| Staff Interactions | • What is the staff-to-resident ratio?• What• How are care plans developed and updated? | • Watch staff-• Note response time to requests• Observe general staff demeanor |
| • How• What security measures are in place? | • Check cleanliness of common areas• Assess noise levels and odors | |
| Activities | • May•• What out• Check• Observe any ongoing activities | |
| Dining Experience | • Can I• How are dietary• What is the meal•• Check dining area cleanliness | |
| Care Services | • How• What healthcare providers• How are care needs assessed? | • Note• Observe assistance• Check for privacy during care |
Care Level Decision Guide
Use this guide to determine which level of care might be most appropriate:
| Need | Independent Living | Assisted Living | Memory Care |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Activities | Minimal to no assistance needed | Needs some help with bathing, dressing, etc. | Requires regular assistance with most activities |
| Medication | Self-manages medications | Needs reminders or partial help | Requires full medication management |
| Mobility | Independent, may use cane/walker | May need some assistance | Often needs moderate to significant help |
| Memory/Cognition | Intact memory, good decision-making | Mild memory issues, generally good judgment | Alzheimer’s, dementia, significant memory issues |
| Social Engagement | Seeks active social calendar | Benefits from structured activities | Needs specialized programs and constant engagement |
| Medical Needs | Minimal, manages own appointments | Moderate, benefits from coordination | Significant, requires regular monitoring |
Financial Comparison Worksheet
| Expense Category | Current Monthly Costs | The Hearth on James Costs | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | Mortgage/Rent: $______Property Tax: $Utilities: $Maintenance: $ | Room & Board: $3,113 – $6(varies by care level) | Calculate |
| Food | GroceriesDining Out: $______ | Included in monthly fee | Calculate |
| Healthcare | Insurance: $DoctorIn-Home CareAdditional care: $ | Calculate | |
| Transportation | Car Payment: $______Gas: $Maintenance: $ | Basic transportation included | Calculate |
| Activities | EntertainmentMemberships: $Classes: $ | Included in monthly fee | Calculate |
| Home Services | HousekeLaundry: $Yard Care: $ | Included in monthly fee | Calculate |
| TOTAL | $______ | $______ | $______ |
Conclusion
The Hearth on James offers a comprehensive range of senior living options in Syracuse, with particular strengths in:
- Competitive Pricing: With rates significantly below regional averages, the facility presents strong value, especially for studio and one-bedroom accommodations.
- Staff Quality: Consistently highlighted in resident testimonials as the facility’s greatest asset, with particular emphasis on building relationships with residents and families.
- Diverse Programming: A robust schedule of activities spanning physical wellness, social engagement, intellectual stimulation, and cultural experiences.
- Community Recognition: Multiple awards and accolades reflecting the facility’s standing in the Syracuse area and commitment to quality care.
- Strategic Location: Convenient urban setting providing access to medical facilities and community resources.
Areas for potential improvement include some facility maintenance concerns and security considerations mentioned by residents. However, the overall value proposition, particularly considering the competitive pricing and high resident satisfaction ratings, positions The Hearth on James as a strong contender for seniors seeking quality care in the Syracuse area.
For families considering The Hearth on James, we recommend scheduling an in-person tour, using the provided evaluation tools, and speaking directly with residents and staff to determine if the community aligns with your specific needs and preferences.
