[Warren Kiefer]

We accepted an invitation to tour the new Carriage House retirement facility. At eleven thirty AM today we went to do our tour and have a complementary lunch. The facility and the sister facility, Steeplechase, is located behing the Walmart on highway 466. If you have not had the opportunity to visit this facility, you really should do so. The Carriage House is remarkable !!! The developer certainly did not cut any corners in the construction or in providing for the enjoyment of the residents. The entry is breathtaking as you view the beautiful dining area and stairs to the upper floors. Without a doubt this is one of the finest retirement facilities in the area. Apartments are rented by the month, with the cost starting for a one bedroom apartment at less than $3000 per month. The good part is the monthly rental amount COVERS EVERYTHING (linen service weekly, apartment cleaning weekly, anytime snacks, three meals daily, movie theater, excerise room, crafts and so much more. You only pay for your phone. This is made to order for the single or couples to spend their retirement and forget those home owner responsibilities and preparing meals.

[gomoho]

Warren - is this independent or assisted living? Sounds lovely.

[gocubsgo]

I can tell you this about Hawthorn Retirement and Carriage House. I know they are currently being sued by at least 3 former employees for sexual harassment and for retaliation. They pink slipped a huge number of people for no reason a couple of months ago just so they could bring in corporate employees at a cheaper rate. There are 2 women who have filed lawsuits and the EEOC has filed Federal charges against them. I don't mean to throw a wet blanket on what started out as a praising thread but I feel it's important to know the truth about the place. Yes, it's pretty and they spent a large amount on furniture and pictures on the wall but how they treat their employees is shameful.

[Warren Kiefer]

Originally Posted by gocubsgo

I can tell you this about Hawthorn Retirement and Carriage House. I know they are currently being sued by at least 3 former employees for sexual harassment and for retaliation. They pink slipped a huge number of people for no reason a couple of months ago just so they could bring in corporate employees at a cheaper rate. There are 2 women who have filed lawsuits and the EEOC has filed Federal charges against them. I don't mean to throw a wet blanket on what started out as a praising thread but I feel it's important to know the truth about the place. Yes, it's pretty and they spent a large amount on furniture and pictures on the wall but how they treat their employees is shameful.

Being sued is not being guilty, law suits and charges etc, really have nothing to do with my posting. Those residents I spoke to are extremely happy. The administration may have problems, so let us wait and see.

[Moderator]

Good reply, Warren.... let's try to keep the discussion on track to the facilities and amenities at the Subject property.

[CFrance]

If praises are being sung for something, and there is a big red flag about that "something," it ought to be able to be brought up with impunity. I thought the forum was in part for the presentation of information. It is my opinion that this kind of information is informative. My husband's career was in Human Resources. He has a lot of experience with these kinds of lawsuits, and they are not brought about for nuisance reasons, especially when instituted by the EEOC.

The OP gave one facet of the facility. gocubsgo gave another that people might not know about, and certainly the facility might not divulge. It's good to have as much info as possible to work with.

Hopefully the situation will be resolved positively, and the only thing we'll need to know about these facilities is that they are lovely places to live.

[BettyCrocked]

Originally Posted by CFrance

If praises are being sung for something, and there is a big red flag about that "something," it ought to be able to be brought up with impunity. I thought the forum was in part for the presentation of information. It is my opinion that this kind of information is informative. My husband's career was in Human Resources. He has a lot of experience with these kinds of lawsuits, and they are not brought about for nuisance reasons, especially when instituted by the EEOC.

The OP gave one facet of the facility. gocubsgo gave another that people might not know about, and certainly the facility might not divulge. It's good to have as much info as possible to work with.

Hopefully the situation will be resolved positively, and the only thing we'll need to know about these facilities is that they are lovely places to live.

[stuckinparadise]

Are these facilities part of the Villages? We are looking for a place for our mom.

[Barkay]

We moved our parents (87 and 91 y/o) into Carriage House on March 26 when it opened and they could not be happier. They previously lived in an independent living situation in NC and complained constantly about the poor food choices an quality. Now they PRAISE THE FOOD QUALITY, PREPARATION, PRESENTATION AND SERVICE at The Carriage House. The on site staff could not be better and treat the residents as lode family members. We now enjoy going to The Carriage House to enjoy wonderful meals and activities with the parents.

The Company philosophy of the owners puts people above profits. I understand that they must make a profit to remain in business but we see evidence that management truly cares about the well being of the residents. Like any business you are likely to have some unhappy employees, even some who will file lawsuits (usually frivolous issues), but all we can say is GREAT JOB CARRIAGE HOUSE on creating a beautiful space and caring hearts so the parents can live out their days comfortably.

Go visit by all means. First class all the way.

[gocubsgo]

Thank you to the fellow posers who agreed with me that all information, be it good or bad, is relevant to a discussion when it relates to a local business and how they conduct themselves behind the scenes. I only mentioned the lawsuits and charges because I know if I was considering moving into a place and signing a lease, I would want to know everything about it..the good, bad and just downright ugly.

[gocubsgo]

Originally Posted by Barkay

Like any business you are likely to have some unhappy employees, even some who will file lawsuits (usually frivolous issues)

Sexual harassment on a daily basis is not a frivolous issue especially to a woman.

[Warren Kiefer]

Originally Posted by gocubsgo

I can tell you this about Hawthorn Retirement and Carriage House. I know they are currently being sued by at least 3 former employees for sexual harassment and for retaliation. They pink slipped a huge number of people for no reason a couple of months ago just so they could bring in corporate employees at a cheaper rate. There are 2 women who have filed lawsuits and the EEOC has filed Federal charges against them. I don't mean to throw a wet blanket on what started out as a praising thread but I feel it's important to know the truth about the place. Yes, it's pretty and they spent a large amount on furniture and pictures on the wall but how they treat their employees is shameful.

I am not disputing yout statements in any way, but I Googled Hawthorn and could not find a single reference to Hawthorn having the legal problems you mention. Perhaps you could direct me to the information regarding Hawthorn being sued and them ridding the company of certain employees.
Thanks....

[gocubsgo]

I don't know if that information is made public yet or not. They filed the lawsuits about 3 weeks ago. Maybe check with the EEOC on their charges?

[salpal]

My 90 year old Mother lives in Steeplechase. She moved in 3 years ago and loves it. They are a first class operation. I visit her daily and have never witnessed anything I did not approve of within the facility. She was in a similar facility when we lived in the north east that was not nearly as nice and cost $1000 more a month!

When the time comes, I will move her into an assisted living place, hopefully one run by Hawthorne.

[BobnBev]

Warren, you mentioned stairs....do they have elevators as well?