First Colonial Inn

I was a senior life-enrichment speaker, and worked in the industry for more than a decade. I’m also a chef who’s worked in 3 countries… so the experience I bring to senior communities, gives me a rather critical eye. I first came looking for a place for my aunt. She has no children and I was worrying about her ability to continue to care for her home. Inna was our first contact. I loved her transparency and candor as we spoke about issues affecting senior populations. My aunt also had a dog and she thought something horrible would have to happen before she would ever consider a senior community. Just the opposite is true as first colonial allows people to bring their beloved dogs and cats to the community. I was struck by the atmosphere as some people walk through the grounds with their fur babies… Stopping so everyone could pet or greet or speak to the critters. Everyone seems to know each pet by name. Having been a former activity director I expected to not be very impressed with activities but they offer so much more than bingo. Stimulating and fun, social events, classes, speakers, FILL the activity calendar daily! It blew my mind as these were activities that I would want to take part in. Then the food: well I didn’t expect to like the food as my mother is in a facility in NC that has really lousy food And most senior communities offer Just mediocre meals. I was blown away as nothing comes out of a can there and all the meals are scratch made. Whether it’s eggs Benedict or halibut with a lemon cream sauce over pasta… It blew me away! These are meals I would want! These are meals I would be proud to serve! My aunt has now been there for a month and I felt sure the warts would start to show. It just hasn’t been the case at all. From the very caring housekeepers who do resident’s laundry and look after the day today appearance of their apartments, to Kimberly, who always greets you with a smile from the front desk, to the maintenance men who come to help hang pictures in a timely manner whenever needed… Or Dana the executive Director. Everyone cares about your concerns and are well-versed with the issues that plague, senior communities from troubles with mobility, to memory care, or depression. First Colonial Inn is an aesthetically pleasing, beautiful facility that’s Homey, friendly, and a place anybody would be proud to call home. I cannot say enough great stuff about the staff, the activities, and the food. Inna has been our shining star through the whole process of walking my aunt Kathy & me through the stages, with us every step of the way. Residents are encouraged to stay busy with the games, or the book club, which they provide the book of the month to all members as a courtesy… I know I sound like I work for the place, but I don’t. I just could not be more thrilled with what I found there. Not only do they offer top-tier services, but they do so affordably. Whether your loved one has a green thumb, is an artist, or wants to learn more about the environment and the importance of honeybees (YES THEY EVEN HAVE A BEEHIVE 🐝!) there is something there to appeal to everyone multiple times a day Huge thanks to the very attentive staff who make the place run so smoothly and thank you again, Inna, Dana & Kimberly for always taking the time to fully address any concern we might have! I could not be happier!

My Mom has been living at First Colonial for 8 months now and seems to be very happy. The staff is wonderful and responsive to her needs. Inna was a wonderful placement person and we appreciate her help as well.

My family has felt so assured with the professionalism and personal care that my mother has received. First Colonial Inn has brought us in as part of their extended family. They have shown us that our latter years in life can be enjoyable and relaxing.

The staff was so pleasant. Talking to all the residents. It was so clean and cheerful in the building and outside was so peaceful. Lots of places to sit and relax and talk. The apartment was very nice and accommodating.

Okay, as I've said a thousand times before and here again I will say it once more. I do not come on here to badmouth anybody or any business. I do this so that I can share what I have experienced. My truthful experience! At one point this was an absolutely fabulous place to send your parents or whoever, but I do believe those days are now over. Whether they're over permanently or this is just a hiccup so to speak, I don't know. The people that run the show there are quick to spend the residence money on some Ludacris things. A perfect example is the video game room that they built for the residents. Keep in mind, this place is full of people that are 75 years and up in age. Next to No One uses it, even though they spent a very large chunk of money to build it. The people that run this facility are quick to tell you how things work and how they expect it to go. They don't take a lot of input from the residents, as a matter of fact they take next to none. If you cause too many issues or troubles, ie, like calling maintenance for issues that you may have in your apartment, they will discontinue renting to you. They will make you stay very uncomfortable. They are always short-staffed on med techs and are always short-staffed on aids. Their kitchen and its staff are an absolute pleasure and put out some beautiful meals. The housekeeping staff is for the most part an absolute pleasure and does a wonderful job caring for the residence apartments. The supervisor of the housekeeping department, on the other hand, has a real propensity for talking to and treating residents in an absolutely abysmal way. I have personally seen this woman make multiple residents cry with the things that she will say to them. They do have laundry services as well, but it is a service that you have to pay for. Which is kind of funny when you look at how much money you have to pay monthly to live there. On top of that, you will end up paying extra if you would like your personal clothes washed. They do fold the clothes and bring them back to the residents, but they do an absolutely terrifying job of holding those clothes. Bear in mind, this place can run you anywhere between $5,000 a month, all the way up to 10,000 a month. I will say this though, one of the most brilliant and most underappreciated aspects of this facility is there wellness program. These individuals will go so far above and beyond the call of duty to keep the residents occupied and happy that it is miraculous! Again, just for the record, this is just my opinion, although it is based on things that I have seen personally or on things that I have been told by the residents themselves.