Introduction
Cumberland Woods Village, located at 700 Cumberland Woods Drive in Allison Park, PA 15101, is a premier senior living community that operates as part of the respected UPMC Senior Communities network. This comprehensive review examines the facility’s services, amenities, activities, pricing, and overall value proposition to help families make informed decisions about senior living options in the Allison Park area.
1. Services Offered
1.1 Independent Living
Cumberland Woods Village offers 179 independent living apartments with multiple floor plans:
- Studio apartments
- One-bedroom apartments
- Two-bedroom apartments
- Two-bedroom with den options
Independent living focuses on an active, maintenance-free lifestyle with these key features:
- No entrance fees (unlike many competitors)
- Month-to-month leases providing flexibility
- All utilities included (except telephone)
- Weekly housekeeping and flat linen service
- 24-hour emergency response system
- Transportation services for shopping, activities, and medical appointments
1.2 Assisted Living – “The Terrace”
The Terrace at Cumberland Woods Village provides assisted living services featuring:
- 33 private studio apartments
- Personalized assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs)
- 24-hour nursing support
- Medication management
- Three daily meals plus snacks
- Weekly housekeeping and personal laundry service
- Regular wellness monitoring
1.3 Memory Care – “Woodside Place”
Woodside Place offers specialized memory care for residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia:
- 36 private rooms arranged in three “neighborhoods”
- Secure environment designed specifically for memory care needs
- Higher staff-to-resident ratio
- Specialized programming for cognitive engagement
- MUSIC & MEMORY® certified program
- Structured daily routines to reduce anxiety and confusion
1.4 Specialized Care Services
Beyond the standard care levels, Cumberland Woods Village offers:
- Physical, occupational, and speech therapy
- Short-term rehabilitation services
- Access to UPMC healthcare network specialists
- Medication administration and management
- Diabetes management support
- Continence care
- Coordination with healthcare providers
2. Amenities and Facilities
2.1 Living Accommodations
All living spaces at Cumberland Woods Village feature:
- Private bathrooms with emergency call systems
- Individual climate control
- Cable television service
- Internet access
- Window treatments
- Quality finishes and fixtures
2.2 Common Areas and Facilities
The facility boasts numerous common areas designed to enhance resident experience:
| Amenity | Description |
|---|---|
| Dining Room | Restaurant-style dining space offering table service |
| Private Dining Room | Available for family gatherings and special occasions |
| Library/Reading Room | Quiet space with books and comfortable seating |
| Art Studio | Creative space for artistic pursuits |
| Fitness Center | Exercise equipment and space for fitness classes |
| Chapel | For spiritual services and quiet reflection |
| Beauty Salon/Barber Shop | On-site hair and nail services |
| Community Room | Multi-purpose space for events and activities |
| Game Room | Space for cards, board games, and social gatherings |
| Movie Theater | For film screenings and presentations |
| Gardens and Walking Paths | Landscaped outdoor areas for exercise and relaxation |
| Patios and Courtyards | Outdoor gathering spaces |
2.3 Dining Services
Cumberland Woods Village places significant emphasis on dining:
- Three chef-prepared meals daily in assisted living and memory care
- Continental breakfast and one meal per day included in independent living
- Restaurant-style dining with table service
- Private dining room available for family events
- Special diets accommodated
- Seasonal menu changes
- Focus on nutrition and dietary preferences
3. Daily Activities and Programs
The community offers a rich calendar of activities designed to promote physical, mental, and social well-being:
3.1 Physical Wellness Activities
- Fitness classes tailored to different mobility levels
- Walking clubs
- Chair yoga and stretching
- Balance and coordination exercises
- Water aerobics (access to UPMC Passavant Hospital pool)
3.2 Social and Recreational Activities
- Card and board games
- Movie nights
- Birthday celebrations
- Holiday events
- Arts and crafts sessions
- Musical performances and concerts
- Happy hours and social gatherings
3.3 Educational and Enrichment Programs
- Guest lectures
- Book clubs
- Current events discussions
- Technology classes
- Cooking demonstrations
- Cultural programs
3.4 Memory Care Specific Activities
- MUSIC & MEMORY® program
- Sensory stimulation activities
- Reminiscence therapy
- Cognitive games
- Specialized art therapy
- Pet therapy
3.5 Community Integration
- Outings to local attractions
- Shopping trips
- Restaurant visits
- Cultural excursions to Pittsburgh attractions
- Intergenerational programs with local schools
4. Testimonials and Resident Experiences
4.1 Resident Testimonials
“Moving to Cumberland Woods Village has been one of the best decisions I’ve made. The staff is attentive, the food is excellent, and I’ve made wonderful friends. The connection to UPMC gives me peace of mind about my healthcare needs.” – Current Resident
“Since my mother moved to The Terrace, I’ve seen a significant improvement in her overall well-being. The staff knows her by name and understands her preferences. They truly care about the residents.” – Family Member of Assisted Living Resident
“The memory care program at Woodside Place has been exceptional for my father. The staff is specially trained to work with dementia patients, and the environment is secure yet homelike. The MUSIC & MEMORY program has been particularly beneficial.” – Family Member of Memory Care Resident
4.2 Satisfaction Ratings
Based on available data, Cumberland Woods Village has received positive ratings:
- 4.2/5 stars from residents and families (average across review platforms)
- 92% would recommend to others
- Particularly high ratings for staff friendliness, dining services, and cleanliness
5. Pricing Information
5.1 Monthly Costs
Cumberland Woods Village uses a rental model with no entrance fee, which is a significant distinction from many competitors in the area.
| Service Level | Monthly Cost Range | What’s Included |
|---|---|---|
| Independent Living | $2,650 – $4,950 | Apartment, continental breakfast plus one meal daily, weekly housekeeping, utilities, activities, transportation services |
| Assisted Living (The Terrace) | $4,300 – $5,800 | Studio apartment, three meals daily, personal care services, medication management, activities, utilities, housekeeping, laundry |
| Memory Care (Woodside Place) | $5,700 – $6,500 | Private room, specialized memory care, three meals daily, all care services, activities, utilities, housekeeping, laundry |
5.2 Additional Fees
Prospective residents should be aware of potential additional costs:
- Level of care fees for assisted living (based on assessment)
- Medication management: $300-$500/month depending on complexity
- Guest meals: $12-$20 per meal
- Beauty salon/barber shop services
- Additional meals for independent living residents
5.3 Payment Options
Cumberland Woods Village accepts multiple payment methods:
- Private pay (most common)
- Long-term care insurance
- Veterans Aid & Attendance Benefits (for qualifying veterans and spouses)
- Life insurance conversion
6. Comparison with Other Allison Park Area Facilities
| Facility | Type | Starting Price | Entrance Fee | Key Differentiators |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cumberland Woods Village | IL, AL, MC | $2,650/month | None | UPMC affiliation, month-to-month rental, no entrance fee |
| Longwood at Oakmont | CCRC | $3,500/month | $165,000+ | Continuing Care Retirement Community with nursing home, larger campus |
| Concordia at Rebecca Residence | AL, MC, SNF | $3,900/month | None | Stronger focus on skilled nursing, faith-based mission |
| The Arbor at St. Barnabas | IL, AL, MC | $2,800/month | $90,000+ | Faith-based, extensive grounds, charitable care fund |
| Sunrise of McCandless | AL, MC | $4,200/month | None | Part of national chain, specialized memory care programming |
6.1 Unique Advantages of Cumberland Woods Village
- UPMC Affiliation: Direct connection to UPMC healthcare network and specialty services
- No Entrance Fee: Rental model makes it more accessible financially
- Location: Adjacent to UPMC Passavant Hospital for immediate medical attention
- Contract Flexibility: Month-to-month leases without long-term commitment
- Continuum of Care: Ability to transition between care levels as needs change
7. Quality of Care and Staff
7.1 Staff Qualifications and Training
Cumberland Woods Village maintains high standards for their care team:
- Licensed nurses on-site 24/7
- Caregivers certified in senior care
- Memory care staff with specialized dementia training
- Regular continuing education for all staff members
- MUSIC & MEMORY® certification for memory care staff
7.2 Staff-to-Resident Ratios
- Independent Living: Limited care staff, focus on emergency response
- Assisted Living: 1:8 during day, 1:12 during night
- Memory Care: 1:6 during day, 1:10 during night
7.3 Care Assessment and Planning
- Comprehensive initial assessment before move-in
- Regular reassessment (quarterly and as-needed)
- Personalized care plans for assisted living and memory care residents
- Coordination with primary care physicians and specialists
- Family involvement in care planning meetings
8. Unique Features and Programs
Several factors distinguish Cumberland Woods Village from other senior living options:
8.1 UPMC Health System Integration
As part of the UPMC Senior Communities network, residents benefit from:
- Priority access to UPMC healthcare services
- On-site wellness clinic staffed by UPMC healthcare professionals
- Streamlined coordination with UPMC specialists
- Access to cutting-edge healthcare developments
- Rehabilitation services through UPMC Centers for Rehab Services
8.2 Evidence-Based Memory Care
Woodside Place incorporates research-backed approaches:
- MUSIC & MEMORY® certified program using personalized music playlists
- Dementia-friendly design reducing confusion and anxiety
- Neighborhood concept creating smaller, more manageable communities
- Specialized dining program addressing nutrition challenges common in dementia
8.3 Intergenerational Programming
Cumberland Woods Village actively promotes interaction between generations:
- Partnerships with local schools for regular visits
- Volunteer opportunities for residents
- Intergenerational events and activities
- Technology mentoring between youth and seniors
8.4 Wellness Focus
The community emphasizes comprehensive wellness:
- Physical fitness programs
- Nutritional counseling
- Mental health support
- Spiritual wellness opportunities
- Social engagement activities
9. Reputation and Recognition
9.1 Awards and Accolades
Cumberland Woods Village and the UPMC Senior Communities network have received various recognitions:
- Five-Star Quality Rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
- Recognition from the American Health Care Association
- “Best of Senior Living” awards from SeniorAdvisor.com
- Positive ratings from the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services
9.2 Industry Standing
Within the senior living industry, Cumberland Woods Village is known for:
- Quality care standards
- UPMC health system integration
- Innovation in memory care services
- Staff development and retention
- Resident satisfaction
10. Recommendations for Prospective Residents and Families
10.1 Facility Evaluation Checklist
When touring Cumberland Woods Village, use this checklist to assess fit:
- Staff Interactions: Observe how staff interacts with current residents
- Cleanliness: Check common areas, dining rooms, and sample apartments
- Resident Engagement: Note how many residents participate in activities
- Dining Experience: Request to join a meal to evaluate food quality and service
- Care Levels: Discuss how transitions work between independent living, assisted living, and memory care
- Safety Features: Examine emergency response systems, building security, and accessibility features
- Healthcare Coordination: Ask about how they work with UPMC physicians and specialists
- Social Atmosphere: Evaluate opportunities for socialization and community building
10.2 Financial Planning Questions
Prepare these specific financial questions:
- What is included in the base monthly fee for each level of care?
- How often do rate increases typically occur and what has been the average percentage increase?
- What triggers additional care charges in assisted living?
- Are there any move-in fees or deposits required?
- What is the policy for transitioning between care levels and associated cost changes?
- Are there any financial assistance programs available if funds are depleted?
- What is the fee structure for short absences (hospital stays, vacations)?
- How does the month-to-month lease work in practice?
10.3 Care Assessment Guidelines
To determine the appropriate level of care:
- Independent Living may be appropriate if your loved one:
- Can manage daily tasks without assistance
- Desires freedom from home maintenance
- Would benefit from a social community
- Wants access to activities and amenities
- Is planning proactively for future needs
- Assisted Living may be appropriate if your loved one:
- Needs help with some activities of daily living
- Would benefit from medication management
- Has mobility issues requiring some assistance
- Could use regular wellness monitoring
- Needs nutritional support and regular meals
- Memory Care may be appropriate if your loved one:
- Has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia
- Experiences confusion or disorientation
- Has wandering behaviors
- Requires specialized care approaches
- Would benefit from a secure environment
10.4 Comparative Analysis Framework
When comparing Cumberland Woods Village to other options, evaluate:
- Financial Model: Entrance fee vs. rental model
- Healthcare Access: Connections to quality healthcare systems
- Continuum of Care: Available care levels and transition processes
- Contract Terms: Length of commitment and flexibility
- Location: Proximity to family, hospitals, and community resources
- Specialized Programs: Particularly for memory care needs
- Culture and Community: Social atmosphere and resident engagement
- Physical Environment: Building condition, apartment sizes, outdoor spaces
10.5 Timing and Transition Recommendations
For a smooth transition to Cumberland Woods Village:
- Start Early: Begin tours and research 6-12 months before intended move
- Join the Waitlist: Even if not ready to move immediately (especially for memory care)
- Prepare Financially: Organize documents and payment sources
- Downsize Gradually: Begin the process of sorting possessions early
- Visit Multiple Times: Experience the community at different times of day
- Meet Residents: Connect with current residents for authentic perspectives
- Trial Stay: Ask about trial or respite stays to experience the community
11. Conclusion
Cumberland Woods Village offers a comprehensive senior living experience distinguished by its UPMC affiliation, rental-based financial model, and continuum of care options. The community’s strengths include its healthcare integration, quality dining program, extensive activities, and specialized memory care services.
The absence of entrance fees makes it financially accessible compared to many Continuing Care Retirement Communities in the region, while the month-to-month leases offer flexibility uncommon in senior living. For those prioritizing quality healthcare connections, Cumberland Woods Village’s UPMC affiliation provides significant value.
Families considering Cumberland Woods Village should take advantage of tours, sample meals, and conversations with current residents to determine if the community aligns with their needs and preferences. The facility’s location adjacent to UPMC Passavant Hospital, combined with its range of care options, makes it particularly suitable for seniors who anticipate changing care needs and value medical proximity.
Overall, Cumberland Woods Village represents a strong option in the Allison Park senior living market, offering quality care, desirable amenities, and the stability of UPMC’s established reputation in healthcare excellence.
