Introduction
The Barclay at Sarasota, formerly known as Elance at Sarasota and before that as The Fountains at Lake Pointe Woods, is a senior living community located at 3260 Lake Pointe Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34231. This review provides a detailed assessment of the facility’s services, amenities, resident experiences, and overall value to help potential residents and their families make informed decisions about senior living options in the Sarasota area.
Facility Overview and Transition
The facility has undergone a branding transition, now operating as The Barclay at Sarasota under QSL Management (The Blake by QSL Management). This rebranding appears to be part of ongoing renovations and upgrades. According to resident testimonials, the facility is currently “a work in progress” with active remodeling taking place to enhance the living environment and amenities.
Care Services and Living Options
Core Services
The Barclay at Sarasota offers two primary living options:
- Independent Living: Designed for active seniors seeking a maintenance-free lifestyle with amenities and community engagement
- Assisted Living: Provides additional support with daily activities while maintaining resident independence
Unlike some comprehensive care communities, The Barclay does not appear to offer memory care or skilled nursing services based on available information.
Assisted Living Support Services
For residents requiring additional assistance, the facility provides:
- Medication management
- Personal care assistance
- Housekeeping and maintenance
- Individual-based care programs
As one resident noted, the staff maintains “privacy and dignity” while providing necessary support.
Physical Environment and Accommodations
Residential Options
The Barclay offers several accommodation types:
- Studio apartments
- One-bedroom apartments
- Two-bedroom apartments
- Private villas (for independent living residents)
According to resident reviews, “the rooms are very large,” providing comfortable living spaces. Each unit appears to include:
- Kitchens/kitchenettes
- Private bathrooms
- Cable TV
- Wi-Fi/internet access
- Emergency call systems
- Maintenance services
Campus and Common Areas
The facility is situated on landscaped grounds that appear to include:
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Interior courtyard
- Living room with fireplace
- Dining facilities
- Activity and game rooms
- Fitness center
- Beauty salon/barbershop
- Library with computers
Dining Services and Culinary Program
The Barclay features restaurant-style dining with chef-prepared meals. While specific menu details are limited, the facility appears to offer:
- Restaurant-style dining room service
- Fresh, locally-sourced ingredients
- Accommodation of dietary needs and preferences
The dining program received a rating of 5.0 out of 5 from reviewers on Caring.com, suggesting high resident satisfaction with meal quality and service.
Activities and Lifestyle Programming
The facility offers a robust activities program that received a perfect 5.0/5 rating from reviewers. According to a current resident, programming includes:
- Fitness classes
- Water aerobics
- Movie nights
- Entertainment events
- Social gatherings
Additionally, the facility features a bar that’s “open on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays,” providing opportunities for social interaction.
Other amenities and services that enhance resident lifestyle include:
- Transportation to medical appointments
- Cultural and educational programs
- Community outings
- Wellness initiatives
Resident Experiences and Satisfaction
Overall Ratings
The Barclay at Sarasota has received positive feedback from residents and families:
- Caring.com: 4.2 out of 5 stars (based on 17 reviews)
- A Place for Mom: 8.0 out of 10 (based on 25 reviews)
Resident Testimonials
Several residents and family members have shared positive experiences:
One current resident noted: “I live in Elance at Sarasota. They’re doing a lot of remodeling and fixing up what was the fountains. It’s not finished. It’s a work in progress. The rooms are very large. They have transportation to doctors. They have activities going on. They have a gym. They have fitness classes and water aerobics, and movies, entertainment.”
A family member expressed: “I can not recommend this facility highly enough – 10 stars! The facility is clean, the rooms are large and well maintained, the grounds are beautiful. However, it is the staff that sets [the facility] apart.”
Another family member shared: “My parents have been thrilled with this location… They have been able to maintain their independence, but now have many activities to enjoy everyday.”
Staff and Management Quality
The staff at The Barclay receives consistently high marks from residents and families, earning a perfect 5.0/5 rating on Caring.com. Family testimonials particularly highlight staff dedication, especially during challenging situations like hurricane evacuations.
One review noted the “high standards” to which staff members are held, with another mentioning that the staff was “loving and helpful” through transitions. Management appears responsive to resident needs, with family members noting issues being “addressed quickly and efficiently.”
Pricing and Financial Considerations
While specific pricing details are limited in available sources, The Barclay at Sarasota appears to offer competitive rates for the Sarasota market. The community accepts various payment options, though specific details about insurance acceptance, Medicare, or Medicaid eligibility are not clearly indicated.
Value ratings from residents average 5.0 out of 5, suggesting that despite potentially premium pricing, residents feel they receive good value for their investment.
Location and Area Amenities
The Barclay at Sarasota benefits from its location in South Sarasota, with proximity to:
- Siesta Key beaches
- Oscar Scherer State Park
- Shopping centers (Sarasota Pavilion, Sarasota Square, Pelican Plaza)
- Diverse dining options (seafood, pizza, Japanese, Latin American)
- Recreational areas (Turtle Beach, Red Bug Slough Preserve, Osprey Fishing Pier)
- Medical facilities (Sarasota Memorial Hospital less than 10 miles away)
- Transportation access (Sarasota Bradenton International Airport approximately 25 minutes away)
This location provides residents with convenient access to healthcare, entertainment, shopping, and natural attractions.
Comparison to Other Sarasota Senior Living Options
When compared to other senior living facilities in the Sarasota area, The Barclay appears to be positioned as a mid-to-high-end option with strong ratings. Alternative communities include:
- Brookdale Colonial Park: Located at 4730 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota
- Grand Villa of Sarasota: Located at 730 South Osprey Ave, Sarasota (starting at $3,595/month for studios)
- Morningside House of Sarasota: Located at 5851 N Honore Ave, Sarasota (starting at $6,500/month for studios)
The Barclay’s ratings (8.0/10) compare favorably with local competitors, though some facilities like Grand Villa (9.9/10) and Morningside (9.8/10) show slightly higher resident satisfaction scores based on available data.
Recent Changes and Future Outlook
The facility is currently undergoing renovations and updates as part of its transition to The Barclay at Sarasota branding. According to resident testimonials, these improvements are ongoing and aimed at enhancing the living environment. The acquisition by QSL Management suggests potential alignment with their other senior living communities under The Blake brand, which may bring additional resources and programming standardization.
Conclusion and Recommendations
The Barclay at Sarasota appears to be a quality senior living option with particularly strong ratings for its staff, dining program, and activities. The current renovation process suggests a commitment to improving facilities and services, though prospective residents should be aware that some areas may still be under development.
The facility seems best suited for:
- Active seniors seeking a maintenance-free lifestyle with robust amenities
- Individuals requiring light to moderate assistance with daily activities
- Those who value strong social programming and community engagement
Prospective residents and families should:
- Schedule an in-person tour to assess the current state of renovations
- Request to see multiple room types and floor plans
- Inquire about the timeline for completion of ongoing improvements
- Ask for specific pricing information based on care needs
- Consider a trial stay if available to experience the community firsthand
Overall, The Barclay at Sarasota appears to be a well-regarded senior living option in the Sarasota market, with particularly strong ratings for its staff quality and resident programming.
