Certus Senior Living

My wife [name removed], 81 and diagnosed with Alzheimers Dementia, was placed into memory care, not Certus, last March. She had high anxiety and was overly aggressive and combative. The caregivers at this first facility admittedly did not know how to handle her. I saw her with the same clothes on day after day and nott getting a shower. One of the caregivers said "I don't want to get hit". They had given up on her. After 4 months they sent her to the hospital not to be returned. A week later she was accepted into Certus at Mount Dora where I was assured they would know how to handle her. Yes, she was a handful, but the staff was patient and did not give up on her and found techniques where they were able to bathe her and change her regularly with cooperation. When I visit her now, she is mostly joyful and content and always looks fresh and well dressed I now sleep comfortably at night knowing she is getting the best care possible. Than you Certus, you have my highest recommendation.

This was my 3rd time dealing with facilities after my FIL and my Mom. This facility is the best of the three. The facility is clean smells good and all clients are safe. The staff is very caring and have become like family. The fact that all medical visits makes it easy as no need to take them out.a variety of activities and entertainment is readily available but not all clients go but they work at trying to engage them as much as possible. Open communication with staff and opportunities to engage family inc caregiving meetings help us deal with this tragic journey. Diet has been a slight issue but it boils down to preferences but the chef is very caring and tried to accommodate all request and offers a lot of choices to encourage them to eat. In our case my hub can't remember how to use utensils to feed himself and they try to give him things easy to handle and stuff he likes. I'm never afraid to ask any questions whether it be medical, dietary, activities, or what ifs. I have even gotten a background ck so I can volunteer later. Most facilities in past had increases yearly and they do increase about 1% a quarter but I get it costs for everything goes up from food utilities to staffing . I do wish facilities would offer a lock in for a period of time. I was impressed when pharmacy contract expired that they thought outside of the box and found a different pharmacy across from the facility that in some cases is half what the other was. The other company I used at other two facilities but initially here was locked in again to them or be charged an extra [fee removed] a mo which became a no brainer despite drugs being more. The old company was not local so when ie my FIL needed an antibiotic it took a few days to get it from the coast, delaying treatment. If Medicare med policy changes as I see in book it should be better overall with a max of [fee removed] for meds per a year! I have referred several to this facility and as a nurse of 48 yrs I'm picky .

Before placing my husband of 51 years in a facility I toured several in the area. Most were nice but Certus had a certain " feel" to it. It feels like extended family. At times I feel the place is a bit understaffed but the care never suffers. My husband is treated like family. I go there EVERYDAY at lunch time and am treated very well. I am always told about his care and how he is doing. I believe the people who reside there are truly well cared for. The meals are well presented and nutritious. The entire facility is clean and pleasant. Memory care is expensive but I do believe of all the facilities that I toured this is the best care and value for the fee he could receive and I am very pleased with my decision.

Certus is strictly a memory care facility and that makes all the difference. Many other facilities treat assisted living and memory care and I don't think the memory care residents get the attention they need. At Certus, the entire staff is trained in memory care and they handle resident issues better. It's really a nice place . My husband is very happy there. The people are wonderful and the food is good too. Lots of activities for the residents and they bring in live entertainment quite often. They are attentive to all the residents needs and treat them as family . It takes time for the staff to understand the needs of a new resident so be patient and communicate any issues with the staff and director. [name removed] is great and follows through with any of your concerns. Thank you for recommending CERTUS.

My Dad LOVES it there. So many options & activities + joyful staff, delicious meals w/ options makes this a success. We have been impressed with how much science goes into what they do. Check them out! We are thrilled! The courtyard is a HUGE thing for us. Certus is the only place I know of that allows residence to come and go safely as desired into a protective outside area that is beautiful. Having friendly and helpful staff is a must and we have been so blessed with some amazing people helping to TRULY care for my Dad. Getting him there was hard… hard for us all, but day 1 proved it was a great choice and it continues to be one of the best decisions we have made.

I would not recommend anyone consider having a loved one stay in your facility

We are very happy with Certus. It is an excellent facility that is clean and well staffed by caring individuals. They specialize in only memory care unlike other SNF facilities we visited.

Everybody is professional.There's a really large staff.My mother is safe and happy and well taken care of.

The facility is clean and smells good. The staff is wonderful and caring. Communication lines are open. They truly care for our loved ones like a family. The move in was a breeze. The meals are tasty and if it's something my husband doesn't care for, they have a sandwich mine will eat and they try to encourage him with stuff he likes. Medical care is excellent. [Name removed] is organized and smart and the rapport with all aspects of care that he needs are addressed. Having had my mom and FIL at two other places, this is by far the best and I have been an RN for 48 years so I'm pretty picky and observant. The activities are engaging even though mine may or may not want to participate, but they encourage and engage him as often as they can.

First of all it is close to the rest of the family so they can visit often. Second, it is very well designed and maintained. It didn't look or smell like an elder care facility and third, the senior staff seemed to have a good understanding of memory care.

The facility is big, and doesn't look "institutional". The staff is good. They are caring. I still think regular visits by family and friends are important. I would recommend CERTUS at Waterford Lakes to other families looking.

My mom’s care at Certus in Vero Beach is fantastic! ALL STAFF…administrative, nursing, caregivers, activities director, chef, receptionist, maintenance are professional and truly care about my mom! I visit regularly and love seeing my mom engaged in activities, eating well, and enjoying her days. Once again, so impressed by the professionalism, communication, and caring at Certus!

CERTUS is an extraordinary facility and I am truly grateful to their management and staff. My dear brother, [name removed] had severe memory issues. He was treated with dignity, respect and wonderful medical care by the entire staff at CERTUS. There are no words to express my family’s appreciation to CERTUS for going that extra mile to ensure [name removed]'s quality of life until the end. I highly recommend CERTUS without any reservations.

From day one the administration and staff were top notch. [name removed] showed us the facility and options to help us. The staff were very friendly and the residents were happy. It is clean with plenty of activities. The medical staff and Front desk made our stay feel like home. To [names removed] and everyone, thank you for making us part of your family

My love one is well cared for. The staff are always visible helpful, attentive and friendly. On my visits the meals that are served seem to be tasty and good as all the residents clean their plates. The pricing is very high in my opinion and difficult for most people to spend their life savings for care of their loved one. Certus is a very nice facility and I would recommend it for the quality care and attention they give to their residents.

Certus is amazing. Nothing but respect and support from the staff. They are all amazing people. They actually give a [profanity removed]. Which is awesome. Cost / value is extremely fair.

The facility and culture really stands out to us here. The staff loves my dad and he loves them back. I absolutely would recommend them to family and friends.

I was impressed when I toured at Certus at Orange City, but overall she didn't need all the services but was a great place for her stay. Very impressed with the quality and great staff with quality care showing they were very committed to what they did.

When I think of CERTUS the first thing that comes to mind is that the staff. Particularly the director and the front office staff, who are very very responsive. For example: CERTUS is in Mount Dora, Florida and I live in Huntsville, Alabama. I visit every 6-8 weeks to check on my sister and see how things are going. If I call or send an email, I'll get a response back the same day. I have emailed the business manager a question regarding billing at 7pm on a Friday night, and she replied within 30 minutes. There was an incident between my sister and another resident, so I emailed the director to ask what had gone on and she replied within an hour. This was on the Sunday night of a holiday weekend. It really means a lot to know there is always someone there who will answer my questions, day or night. Regardless of whether I'm checking on something or simply asking a question.

Vero does not have many options when it comes to dementia care. We have heard a few people complain about CERTUS but I wasn't concerned as that's all these rich old people seem to do in ZERO Beach. What mattered to me was the way I felt when I was in the community and let me tell you - it is second to none. Sure, they may have hiccups, but if you want your loved one to have the BEST memory care, this is it.