1. Introduction

Buckley Landing, located at 7430 Buckley Road, North Syracuse, NY 13212, is an assisted living facility offering a range of services for seniors in Onondaga County. This review provides an in-depth analysis of the facility’s offerings, pricing, resident experiences, and market position to help families make informed decisions about their senior living options.

2. Services and Care Options

Buckley Landing offers a comprehensive suite of services designed to meet the diverse needs of its residents:

2.1 Core Services

2.2 Specialized Care Options

While Buckley Landing primarily focuses on assisted living, they offer:

1. Transitional Care: For residents needing temporary support or transitioning between care levels.
2. Memory Care Support: While not a dedicated unit, staff are trained to assist residents with mild cognitive impairments.

2.3 Rehabilitation Services

Buckley Landing partners with local healthcare providers to offer:

• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Speech therapy

These services are typically coordinated through external providers and may incur additional costs.

3. Amenities and Daily Life

3.1 Living Spaces

• Private and semi-private apartments
• Cozy common lounges and game areas
• Landscaped courtyards and walking paths

3.2 Dining Services

• Restaurant-style dining room
• Three nutritious meals daily
• Special dietary accommodations available
• Private dining areas for family gatherings

3.3 Wellness and Recreation

• On-site hair salon
• Fitness classes tailored for seniors
• Social events and educational programs
• Religious and spiritual services

3.4 Technology and Connectivity

• Wi-Fi access throughout the facility
• Cable television in apartments
• Emergency response systems in all living spaces

4. Daily Activities and Social Engagement

Buckley Landing offers a diverse activity program to keep residents engaged and promote social interaction:

1. Social Events:
   • Weekly happy hours
   • Holiday celebrations
   • Birthday parties
   • Community outings to local attractions
2. Fitness Classes:
   • Chair yoga
   • Gentle stretching
   • Balance exercises
   • Walking clubs
3. Educational Programs:
   • Guest lectures on various topics
   • Book clubs
   • Current events discussions
   • Art and craft workshops
4. Wellness Activities:
   • Meditation sessions
   • Gardening clubs
   • Music therapy
   • Pet therapy visits

5. Pricing and Fee Structure

Buckley Landing’s pricing is competitive within the Onondaga County market:

• Base Rate: Starts at $6,010 per month
• State Average: $7,086 for assisted living facilities in New York

5.1 Additional Fees

Families should be aware of potential additional costs for:

• Personal care assistance beyond basic services
• Medication management
• Specialized dietary requirements
• Additional housekeeping or laundry services
• Special transportation requests

Actionable Tip: Schedule a meeting with Buckley Landing’s financial advisor to get a personalized cost estimate based on your loved one’s specific care needs. This will help you budget more accurately and avoid unexpected expenses.

6. Resident Experiences and Testimonials

Resident satisfaction at Buckley Landing is mixed, with ratings varying across platforms:

6.1 Positive Feedback

• Compassionate care approach
• Thoughtful amenity selection
• Professional staff interactions
• Clean and well-maintained facility

6.2 Areas for Improvement

• Building layout concerns for mobility-challenged residents
• Mixed reviews regarding facility atmosphere
• Limited recent testimonials available

Actionable Tip: To get a more accurate picture of resident experiences, consider:

1. Requesting to speak with current residents or their families during your tour.
2. Asking about recent improvements or changes made in response to resident feedback.
3. Inquiring about the facility’s process for addressing resident concerns and how they measure satisfaction.

7. Quality of Care and Staff Responsiveness

Buckley Landing maintains a 24-hour professional staff dedicated to resident care, including:

• Licensed nursing professionals
• Personal care assistants
• Activity coordinators
• Housekeeping staff
• Administrative team

The facility emphasizes personalized care plans and a commitment to maintaining residents’ independence. However, the limited number of recent reviews makes it challenging to accurately assess current staff responsiveness and care quality.

Actionable Recommendation: During your visit, observe staff-resident interactions and ask about:

1. Staff-to-resident ratios during different shifts
2. Training programs for staff, especially in areas like dementia care and fall prevention
3. Turnover rates and average tenure of care staff
4. Protocols for addressing medical emergencies and coordinating with local healthcare providers

8. Unique Features and Programs

While Buckley Landing offers standard assisted living services, some features that set it apart include:

1. Serene Location: The country-like setting provides a peaceful environment while maintaining proximity to urban amenities.
2. Competitive Pricing: Starting rates are below the local market average, offering good value for the services provided.
3. Flexible Care Model: The emphasis on personalized care plans allows for adjustments as residents’ needs change over time.
4. Community Integration: The facility’s location and transportation services facilitate continued engagement with the broader community.

9. Comparison with Other Facilities in Onondaga County

When comparing Buckley Landing to other facilities in the area:

Actionable Insight: While Buckley Landing offers competitive pricing and a unique setting, families should consider:

1. The level of specialized care needed, especially for memory care or extensive medical support
2. The importance of a country-like setting versus an urban location
3. The trade-off between lower costs and potentially fewer specialized services compared to some competitors

10. Reputation and Recognition

While specific awards for Buckley Landing are not readily available, it’s part of the Loretto network of senior care facilities. Loretto has received several recognitions:

• Recognized as one of the “Best Companies to Work for in New York” for five consecutive years
• Received awards from LeadingAge New York for Employee of Distinction, Professional of the Year, and Innovation of the Year
• First home care agency in New York State to receive the American Heart Association’s Home Health Heart Failure Certification

Actionable Recommendation: When evaluating Buckley Landing, inquire about:

1. How the facility benefits from being part of the Loretto network
2. Specific quality improvement initiatives implemented at Buckley Landing
3. Any recent recognitions or achievements specific to this location

11. Conclusion and Recommendations

Buckley Landing offers a competitively priced assisted living option in a peaceful setting, with a focus on personalized care and maintaining resident independence. Its strengths lie in its location, pricing, and basic service offerings.

Final Recommendations for Prospective Residents and Families:

1. Schedule an In-Person Visit: Experience the community firsthand, paying attention to resident-staff interactions and the overall atmosphere.
2. Participate in a Meal: Arrange to join a meal service to evaluate the dining experience and interact with current residents.
3. Review Care Plans: Request a detailed overview of how care plans are developed, implemented, and adjusted over time.
4. Discuss Financials: Have a thorough discussion about all costs, including potential additional fees for specialized services.
5. Explore Activities: Request a monthly activity calendar and consider participating in a social event to gauge the community engagement level.
6. Assess Future Needs: Consider how the facility can accommodate changing care needs, especially if memory care might be required in the future.
7. Speak with Current Residents: Request to speak with residents or their families to get firsthand accounts of life at Buckley Landing.
8. Evaluate Staff Engagement: During your visit, observe how staff interact with residents and ask about ongoing training programs and staff retention rates.

By thoroughly evaluating these aspects, you’ll be better equipped to determine if Buckley Landing aligns with your or your loved one’s senior living needs and preferences.