Dear Susan,
I just wanted to send a letter regarding my mother's stay there until the date of her passing on April 7, 2015. When I first came to the Bristal in Westbury, it immediately became my #1 choice for Mom. It was beautiful, not to mention clean and cheerful, and there were so many activities and sitting areas as well as a beautiful dining room for the daily meals. I was so very impressed by how the entire building is so well maintained - I've never seen anything like it. I would bet that place could pass the white-glove test! I would like to thank everyone there from the bottom of my heart for making my mother's final months a truly beautiful experience. While everyone (and I do mean everyone) at the Bristal, from the Handymen, to the Exec. Director, were all over the top wonderful, always smiling and always willing to help in any circumstances, there are a few I would like to give special thanks to.
The first person I met was "O.C", who was seated at the reception desk in the lobby. Although I was there after hours, this wonderful person did everything he could to help me arrange a meeting - he even gave me brochures he had on hand of the beautiful assisted living accommodations. This man single-handedly gave the Bristal the appearance of being on "the Love Boat". Always smiling, always friendly, and I can go on and on. When I would see him there, it just reminded me every time that my mother was in good hands and living among people who truly cared about her.
I then met Susan Mucci, who was responsible for getting my mother all signed up. She definitely made the process much easier, and she was always a pleasure to deal with. While with Susan I then met Colleen Jones - also a wonderful person who assured me that Mom was going to be well taken care of. And she was true to her word.
On many occasions, Mom had to visit the Wellness Dept. What a terrific crew you have over there as well. While everyone was equally great, Jamie and Vanessa were the ones we most often dealt with. They kept me informed every step of the way any time my mom had a medical issue. And there were many. My mother loved them both, and again, I wish to thank them from the bottom of my heart for their concern and for taking such good care of Mom.
Unfortunately, Mom passed away without much warning. She would go up and down, but she always came back. This time that didn't happen. I had to go to the Bristal to wrap things up, and everyone cried with me. What a feeling. I must commend your entire staff for the wonderful atmosphere they create as well as the care they provide for the residents. It truly is like one big family... if you didn't know who the employees were, you would swear they were family members; that's how well everyone got along. I only wish my mother had moved there sooner. Please feel free to use my as a reference at any time.
With my most sincere gratitude,
Michele McGrath
My mother lived out the last few months of her life here, I had never seen her so happy. She was always singing every time I visited. The staff in the memory care unit was absolutely amazing. They treated my mother with respect and dignity. They danced with her, sang with her and encouraged her to become part of the community. I miss my mother and I miss visiting the Bristal.
Relative of a Resident at Sayville
Dear Melanie,
Here I am 86 years old living my final years in the Bristal Assisted Living in Sayville. From the time that you walk in, you are impressed with the beauty of the new facility. It is a place dedicated to the elderly, those who require daily assistance, and those seeking companionship after the loss of their spouses and loved ones.
The clients both male and female are those of ages 70 and above. There is more to the Bristal that is not measured in just brick and mortar, that is, the new building etc.
The employees provide the residents of the Bristal with compassion, love, and dedication in their required task. This didn’t just happen, it took management expertise, training, and all of the little things that make the Bristal a well-run organization. Each and every employee calls each of the 100+ residents by their first names. This creates a home-like atmosphere because in effect, this is our home. I am especially interested in the organization’s no tipping policy. All duties performed by every department enhances the quality of life for Bristal residents. It is here that I wish to express my gratitude toward the Bristal and its staff.
My inspiration to write this derived from a creative writing group run by Brittany in the recreation department. In this group I was inspired and encourages to reflect upon my significant life experiences. Together, we discussed a synopsis that I had written approximately 3 years ago., I haven’t touched the synopsis in years, but I dug it out and asked Brittany to read it. From there Brittany and I have devoted weeks into writing, adding, and editing the content of my synopsis into a book to which I hope to one day publish. There will be a special chapter within this book that will be dedicated to the influence of this writing group and the Bristal.
At the Bristal the amenities are numerous, starting with your first impression.
The receptionist, Geri greets friends and relatives with a friendly hello, and provides visitors with help and assistance in contacting their loved ones. As you travel through the building and become acquainted with the various departments, you realize that your loved ones will be kept safe, well fed, and busy through their daily programs. The Bistro is one of my favorite rooms in the Bristal, it’s always full of activity. It has 24 hour refreshments, TV, entertainment, beautiful upholstery, and many activities that take place here. It is here where I jot down most of my thoughts regarding my experiences. My thoughts regarding the staff here are as follows.
Jim and Frank, of the maintenance department, are always available and reactive to each resident’s needs. They’re a Great Duo! Alicia and the Housekeeping department provide all of our housekeeping services and keep the community looking spotless. The stylists in the hair salon keep everyone looking their best. Rob and Mike, whip provide us residents with physical and occupational therapy, perform mini miracles amongst the residents here. I myself have witnessed residents in wheelchairs graduate to walkers with their assistance. The wellness aides are wonderful, they treat the residents with care and compassion. However, it appears that organization between the confines of the office need improvement regarding doctor’s visits, schedules, and coordination between the doctor and residents.
The dining room with table cloths and silver cutlery is a beautiful sight. The wait staff provide uniformed services. The food prepared by Nadine in the kitchen and her accomplice Kristen in the dining room, are a winning team! Breakfast is what you order, lunch and dinner provide a variety of entrees, both hot and cold. No one goes hungry at the Bristal.
I am always impressed by the recreation department, Andrea, Brittany, Allie, Erika, Jade, Tori, and Crystal are extremely well organized. Activities are ongoing 7 days a week for the residents of the assisted living and reflections communities. Residents are kept busy from the moment we wake up, with the fitness classes following breakfast, and educational programs that are engaging and inviting. Bingo, educational classes, the arts, creative writing, choir groups, poetry, and physical activity are all designed to meet the interests of the residents. These girls are understanding of the special needs of each resident. Recently I witnessed Tori help a resident in distress find their way, and I knew that this is a department that I myself can turn to in a time of need.
The performance of the Bristal is ongoing, it gets better every day, as new people are added they are trained and indoctrinated in the Bristal way.
Sincerely,
George Keckeisen
My wife has Alzheimer's disease and before placing her in the East Northport Bristal, I checked out numerous other facilities for people with Alzheimer's in Suffolk and Nassau, making visits to 6 of them. Based upon my site visits, I thought that this facility would be best for my wife.
My wife has now been a resident in the Bristal's East Northport "Reflections" unit for 19 months, and I am very pleased with the care she has been receiving.. My wife still misses me a lot, but I can honestly say that she enjoys her daily activities at the Bristal and is happy living there. Whenever a problem has arisen with her care, it has been handled quickly and properly. She has very caring aides, and administrators are very responsive to any issues I bring to their attention. The Executive Director, Reflections Director, Social Worker, Wellness Center Director, Food Services Director ... everyone works together as a team to provide the best care possible. After visiting my wife on a daily basis these past 19 months, I recently decided to take a week to visit with our son and family in Michigan. Needless to say, I left with some degree of anxiety. However, not only was Clare extremely well cared for during my absence, but the Reflections Director even took the time to email me while I was away to let me know that all was well, and that I should relax and enjoy my visit! That email helped to relieve a lot of my anxiety! In fact, I was so pleased with how my absence was handled that I am now planning to visit our son and his family every few months because I now know that my wife will be okay during my absence. Even though I knew my wife would be asking for me every day, the Bristal staff knew how to manage her daily anxiety and that provided me with invaluable peace of mind. I recommend this facility without reservation to any caregiver seeking a caring assisted living facility for a loved one with Alzheimer's.
I recommend The Bristal
Our mother, Jane Mangan was a resident of the Bristal at Lynbrook, Reflections unit for the last 4 1/2 years. We were exceptionally pleased with the competent care and love she was shown by so many fine Bristal staff members. Words cannot express our thanks to Shaniqua Hayes and the caring professionals on the Reflections unit. Each one went above and beyond to give our mom and the other residents on that floor the respect and dignity they deserved as well as making their final years as pleasant and fun as possible. The commitment to their "family", as they called their residents, demonstrated professionalism, empathy and loving care.
I have never met a more dedicated group of women who take so much pride in their work. Shaniqua Hayes and Tiffany Campbell top the list-they set the high standards for the Reflections unit that were reflected in the work of each member of their team. Sarah Johnson, Cislyn Butcher and Icilda Esty, always went above and beyond in their care for all their residents. Marie Pierre, Pauline Staine, Mireille Joseph, and Mercylin Brown were exceptional in their care and concern as were Nadine Richards, Marie Pierre, Jodian Campbell, Marie Noel Gaspard, and Michenelle Valcourt. Many thanks also to Sheree Sims, Amiria Casimir, Ruth Arevalo, Beverly Hall, Michelle Jones, Jacqueline Armstrong, Jeanette Campbell, Marcia Edwards and Veronica Fremong who always had a kind word and smile for Jane.
Thank you to John Giordano, Parthenia, and Melissa who were very helpful during Jane's last few weeks on hospice, as well as Alan, David, Michelle, and Pamela who always greeted Jane by name for the 4 years she was there. I must also mention Billy and Mike who always had a smile and hello for Jane and Jeanette who hugged her every time she dropped off towels. Thank you to the ladies from Queen of Peace Parish who prayed with Jane and made it possible for her to receive Holy Communion each week. Special thanks to Viola, Jane's roommate for 4 1/2 years, and devoted niece, Renee. Your support meant the world to us. Thank you also to all the wonderful residents of the Reflections unit. May God bless you all and watch over you.
Our family has been very privileged to know all of you and on behalf of Jane, we wish you much good health and happiness in life. We also hope that at the end of our lives and yours, we will all be so fortunate to be cared for by such kind and loving people as yourselves.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!
Fond regards- Robert, Elizabeth, Michael, and Pat Mangan
Kristin, Keriann, Kevin, Kiaya, Ryan, Kevin, Andrea, Ellie, Ryan, Conor, CassidyThe Family of Jane Mangan
"My aunt is in The Bristal at Lynbrook. We are very pleased with the place, and we see a couple of other things that we like. We settled on that because it was five minutes away from family members. The rooms are very nice. They have activities like cards, dominoes, and bingo. They go on shopping trips. In the summer, they go swimming. I like that the staff seems quite sincere, accommodating, and helpful."
Relative of a Resident at Lynbrook
We toured this community, and overall were very impressed by what we saw here! The cognitive level of the residents seems high, and for the most part they seem able and social. The staff seem attentive and caring, and although they don't need to provide much hands on care they do keep a close eye on everyone.
Toured This Community - Seems like a nice place!
"My mother is a resident in the Bristal in East Northport. She has been there for about a year now. We visited a dozen different places before deciding on the Bristal. The first time we walked in we knew this was the place. The overall appearances, amenities, and set up are second to none. The rooms are bigger and the facility is brand new. These things are immediately apparent, but the thing that appealed to us most were the people. She hasn't been happier in years. You must visit this place before making any decisions or you're doing your loved ones a terrible disservice."
Relative of a Resident
Sir/Madam:
On behalf of my husband Collin Murray who was a resident at the Bristal Assisted Living at N. Woodmere from 11/20/12 to 9/19/14, I am writing to express my sincere gratitude to the members of your staff and especially to the Reflections staff who worked with the Dementia patients including my husband, your effort should not go unnoticed. My visits there from time to time were net with courtesy and so much respect. The love and care that they all extended to Collin was so remarkable just how much they cared for his well being. A very big "Thank You".
To Wendy, the care and compassion that she displays Is just amazing. She goes above and beyond to help out in situations and cares deeply for her residents. She was always ready and willing to answer any questions or concerns that I might have. "Thank you Wendy".
I must also thank Melanie Scharfenberger, the Executive Director who was the driving force in getting Collin situated into the home in 2012. It was handled with great urgency and professionalism for that I truly thank her.
I wish my husband could have stayed there longer; but due to financial constraints, and requires a higher level of care he had to be moved into a nursing home.
Thank you all once again from the bottom of my heart and May God continue to lift you up.
Sincerely,
Eulalee Murray
"I spoke to my Dad first thing this morning. Thank you so much for your help with the card & lotto scratch offs, and the lovely surprise of a balloon too! What can I say...you and everyone at The Bristal are so very wonderful!! Please know that my brothers, cousins, and I appreciate everyone there and all the good work that you all do. It is such a comfort to know that my parents are well taken care of, especially living so far away from them.
I really feel like they have turned a comer and are settling in nicely.... such a blessing!!
Once again, I thank you."
Cindy Story