Manchester Commons operates as a multi-level senior care facility in Fairview, Pennsylvania, providing assisted living, memory care, and nursing home services. The facility, Manchester Commons, maintains certification for both Medicare and Medicaid coverage while offering various care levels under one roof.
Located near Erie’s medical facilities, the senior living community serves residents requiring different levels of assistance – from independent living arrangements to full nursing care. Recent facility evaluations show Manchester Commons distinguishes itself through specialized memory care units and comprehensive medical support services.
The facility’s current operations reflect significant changes in Erie’s senior care landscape, where traditional nursing homes have evolved into integrated care communities. Manchester Commons exemplifies this shift through its tiered care system, allowing residents to transition between care levels as needs change.
Understanding Manchester Commons
Manchester Commons completed a $20 million renovation of its former elementary school building through multiple construction phases. The facility now operates 78 certified beds and maintains an average daily occupancy of 68.3 residents.
Facility Overview and History
Federal regulators awarded Manchester Commons 5 out of 5 stars for both short-term rehabilitation and long-term care services. The rating places the facility among the top 7% of healthcare providers nationwide for compliance standards.
Types of Care Offered
Manchester Commons provides multiple care levels:
- Independent and assisted living programs with customized care plans
- Memory care units for Alzheimer’s and dementia patients
- Skilled nursing with 24-hour supervision
- Short-term rehabilitation programs
Staff deliver 4.2 hours of daily nursing care per resident, with licensed nurses providing 1.7 hours of that total. These staffing levels support resident independence while ensuring proper medical oversight.
Location and Accessibility
The facility sits along Highway 5 near Lake Erie’s shoreline. Key nearby services include:
- UPMC Hamot hospital, 4.3 miles from the facility
- Wegmans pharmacy, 1.6 miles away
- Multiple restaurants and retail locations
The property features secured outdoor spaces where residents can safely participate in outdoor activities.
Life at Manchester Commons
Manchester Commons features redesigned living spaces that replaced traditional hospital-style corridors with neighborhood-style layouts. The renovation eliminated centralized nursing stations in favor of more residential environments.
Daily Activities and Social Life
The facility’s activity program includes:
- Non-denominational worship services each week
- Regular music events and arts programming
- Tai chi and yoga fitness classes
- Book discussions and social groups
Dining Experience and Menu Options
Manchester Commons offers restaurant-style dining with customizable weekly menus that families help select. The dining areas feature open layouts promoting social interaction among residents. Kitchen staff prepare specialized meals meeting low-sodium, gluten-free, and diabetic dietary requirements.
Staff Interaction and Care Quality
Staff members provide 4 hours and 53 minutes of daily nursing care per resident, exceeding standard care metrics. Data shows 97.3% of residents maintain independence in daily activities.
The facility’s updated design emphasizes resident comfort through separate clinical spaces and dedicated dining areas for each neighborhood. Reports indicate 87.2% of residents retain mobility and self-sufficiency in daily tasks.
Cost and Value Analysis
Manchester Commons sets monthly rates between $2,518 and $9,523 through a tiered pricing system based on care requirements and room selection.
Pricing Structure Breakdown
Base monthly costs include:
- Studio apartments (Assisted/Independent): $1,500 – $4,500
- Memory Care units: $4,000 – $7,000
- Private nursing home rooms: $6,000 – $8,000
Insurance and Payment Options
The facility maintains certification for both Medicare and Medicaid, supporting residents across different financial circumstances. Manchester Commons has held Medicare certification since August 1996.
Value Comparison with Local Alternatives
Manchester Commons reports an average monthly cost of $5,204, exceeding Erie’s average rate of $4,285. The higher rates correspond with several performance metrics:
- Daily nurse staffing reaches 4 hours and 53 minutes per resident versus the state’s 3-hour-48-minute average
- Consistent staffing levels between weekdays and weekends
- Emergency room visits measure 0.5 per 1,000 patient days, below the state’s 0.9 average
The facility’s 5-star Medicare rating and performance data indicate service quality matching the premium pricing structure.
Making Your Decision
Manchester Commons provides 4.2 hours of daily nursing care per resident, federal data shows. The facility’s performance metrics reveal consistent staffing patterns across all shifts.
Key Factors to Consider
Critical evaluation points include:
- Medicare coverage extending to 100 days for rehabilitation services
- Equal staffing levels between weekdays and weekends
- Quality care protocols for injury and infection prevention
- Direct care staff availability throughout shifts
Common Concerns Addressed
Federal data shows Manchester Commons maintains lower emergency room transfer rates compared to state averages. The facility accepts both Medicare and Medicaid coverage, reports indicate.
Family Testimonials and Reviews
Recent facility reviews highlight specific resident experiences. A healthcare professional visiting her mother noted the “clean and fresh atmosphere”. Another family reported finding a “beautiful facility” with “very welcoming” staff. Multiple reviews describe “studio apartment-type” rooms promoting resident independence.
The memory care unit earned recognition for its architectural design. “The whole memory care unit is an open area except for the rooms,” one family member reported, describing the layout’s impact on resident comfort.
Conclusion
Manchester Commons earned a 5-star federal rating while maintaining higher staffing levels than state averages. Monthly rates range from $2,518 to $9,523, exceeding Erie’s average costs. Federal data shows the facility’s emergency room transfer rates fall below regional benchmarks.
The $20 million renovation project converted the former school building into specialized care neighborhoods. Current facility features include flexible dining programs, dedicated memory care spaces, and multiple activity areas supporting resident independence.
Federal records show Manchester Commons maintains Medicare and Medicaid certification while offering skilled nursing, memory care, and independent living services. The facility’s staffing patterns and care metrics align with top-performing senior care providers across Pennsylvania.
FAQs
Q1. What types of care does Manchester Commons offer? Manchester Commons provides a range of care options including independent and assisted living, memory care for residents with Alzheimer’s or dementia, skilled nursing with 24-hour supervision, and short-term rehabilitation services.
Q2. How much does it cost to live at Manchester Commons? The monthly costs at Manchester Commons range from $2,518 to $9,523, depending on the level of care and type of accommodation. Studio apartments start from $1,500, while private nursing home rooms can cost up to $8,000 per month.
Q3. What amenities and activities are available for residents? Residents can enjoy a variety of activities including weekly religious services, music performances, craft sessions, fitness programs like tai chi and yoga, and book clubs. The facility also offers restaurant-style dining with flexible meal scheduling and accommodates various dietary needs.
Q4. How does Manchester Commons compare to other facilities in Erie, PA? While Manchester Commons’ average monthly cost of $5,204 is higher than Erie’s average of $4,285, it offers superior staffing levels, excellent weekend staffing consistency, and lower emergency room visit rates. The facility also maintains a perfect 5-star Medicare rating.
Q5. What do families say about Manchester Commons? Families consistently provide positive reviews, praising the clean and fresh atmosphere, beautiful facility, welcoming staff, and spacious rooms. The memory care unit is particularly noted for its open layout and engaging activity calendar.
