Verena at Delray

Verena Delray is a vibrant and beautiful independent senior living community that truly stands out. The property is stunning, with well-manicured grounds and modern, spacious apartments that feel like home. The community is active and full of life, offering a wide range of engaging activities and events that cater to all interests. The staff is warm, helpful, and genuinely cares about the residents’ well-being. Verena Delray strikes the perfect balance between independence and community, making it an ideal place for seniors to thrive. Five Stars!!!!

Great show from the wonderful people who reside in this Assistant living. Come by and view the Condos .Great place to retire.

A couple of years ago this residence was purchased by an equity group based in Chicago. My mother has lived here for six years. Before the change of hands, the residence had a food service manager and a chef, both pros, who turned out simple but nutritionally balanced and appealing meals for over five years. The new management has done an admirable job of renovating and remodeling the facility, but they immediately began gutting the food service budget. Things bottomed out in late 2022 when a spate of food poisoning affected a significant percentage of the residents. Shortly after, they attempted to pass off pressed, processed meat products as chicken cordon bleu and beef brisket. The turnover in the kitchen has been constant, with no chef or sous chef lasting more than a few months, most of them unqualified. Last summer they found a chef who was truly committed to quality, but he left in frustration, since food sourcing and menus are dictated by corporate. In my recent visit I was served a salad in which most of the lettuce was browning, and the vegetables were overcooked to the point of being tasteless mush. Recently, the dish of the day has become increasingly unhealthy : sausage, pork fried rice, and cheese blintzes. There seems to be little consideration for the dietary needs of an aged demographic. Starting a year ago, many residents have resorted to ordering hamburgers every night, as they perceive this as the only safe option. When confronted with meal-related concerns, local management are condescending and dismissive, and while the corporate VP offers assurances, nothing fundamentally changes. It’s clear that they just don’t care. What should be a moment of conviviality with friends, has now become a source of apprehension. If you’re considering living here, or placing your loved one here, please forgo the private lunch that is offered, and instead ask to eat in the late afternoon with the residents, so that you can see what they are being served for dinner. An update, responding to Verena’s post on 1/12/24: Their corporate officers always sincerely express their regrets regarding any disappointments concerning food service, reassert their commitment to quality, and promise to make improvements. This has been their MO for the past two years. Yet, what matters are results. Here’s excerpts from reviews posted online by family members of residents in recent months: “The food offered is horrible,” “The food is of very poor quality with no options to choose from. Many residents are skipping meals,” “The choices, quality and portion sizes of the dinners are unacceptable - I am so disappointed in the way the dining room is run.” And an excerpt of a post from a recent director: “The corporate office does not support the staff - This is "Independent Living" at its worst - I would NEVER recommend it as a place to live.” If the well-being and satisfaction of the residents were really a “top priority” for Verena, they would hire a qualified chef, source reasonable quality foodstuffs, and serve well prepared, nutritious meals. They could turn the situation around in a week’s time…..if they wanted to.

My mom has lives there. She is happy, with the people and her friends which is why I gave 3 stars. However, since the new ownership, they seem to be doing a lot of renovations to attract new residents and are not taking care of the loyal residents they already have. The food is of very poor quality with no options to choose from. Many residents are skipping meals. Offering Tacos to the elderly is not appropriate when there are no other options. They need to do better.