Identifies as women-owned
Yes
Choice Connections New York in Schenectady
Categories
Location on the map
Schenectady, Schenectady County, New York, US
From the business
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Yes
Phone: +1 518-894-2443
Site: http://choiceconnectionsny.com/
Site: http://choiceconnectionsny.com/
Opening hours
- Monday:8AM–6PM
- Tuesday:8AM–6PM
- Wednesday:8AM–6PM
- Thursday:8AM–6PM
- Friday:8AM–6PM
- Saturday:Closed
- Sunday:Closed
Comments (47)
We learned of Choice Connections in a roundabout way. We made contact and began putting together our plan.We needed to have options due to my brother’s medical condition which complicated our situation. Renee worked with us and explained what facilities were able to offer based upon my brothers needs.We established our criteria and we were given a number of facilities to visit. Renee (Choice Connections) made arrangements for me to tour when I was in town. We were able to pick two facilities that we thought best met our needs and submitted the application.Since I was “in new territory” and living in the West, having someone with local knowledge of what was available lowered the stress level. Our phone calls and or e-mails were responded to quickly. Our questions were answered promptly and honestly.Renee stated in contact with us throughout this journey. Thank you!Clyde A. Solenski
My family members and I were very impressed and appreciative of the efforts that Renee B. at Choice Connections made on behalf of an elderly family member. Renee provided us with timely referrals pertaining tosenior housing options, followed up with daily calls and provided other information, when warranted.I highly recommend Choice Connections - a wonderful resource.
A million heartfelt thanks to Renee and Melonie for finding a home for my mother in law. After two years trying to navigate ourselves with no success, they took the reins and quickly found us options. A+. Thank you again.
The wonderful woman at choice connections have been an incredible resource for me in dealing with my aging parents. They make the time to help you work through options and are able to utilize their own personal experiences as reference. Having their help through this hard process as been a game changer.
My family and I are grateful for the compassion and wealth of knowledge that Melonie Pratt shared with us to assist in finding the right environment for our Great Aunt. Navigating through an often broken health care system is challenging enough, Melonies confidence helped us through the process. My Great Aunt is very happy and wished she reached out sooner to have family help in this process.I highly recommend Choice Connections, Melonie Pratt and Renee Birnbaum will take the stress out of an often overwhelming process. 💜
Our family had a wonderful experience with Choice Connections. Renee and Melonie are incredibly knowledgeable about care options in the area. They assisted us in finding a new home for our dad. Their kind competence was reassuring during this stressful time. Our father is thriving in his new home. Renee and Melonie helped us find assisted living that met our specific needs. The process was incredibly smooth. They were easily accessible every step of the way.
It is a mind boggling process to find the right placement for an elderly loved one; especially those that suffer from dementia or Alzheimers. We had spent weeks talking to different places and were just not getting the feeling that it was the right fit. We were put in touch with Mel and Renee at Choice Connections by an attorney that was helping us out with some financial planning. After spending some time talking with us about our loved ones needs and requirements we were looking for, they made a recommendation for possible placement. We called the place they recommended and after listening to what they had to offer, it sounded like it would be a perfect fit and they even had an opening. While it has only been 2 months, everything is going well and we are very pleased with the care she is receiving. Thank you Choice Connections for all your help!
I recently worked with Choice Connections to find Assisted Living for my Mom. With Melonies assistance, I was able to find a great location for my mom. Choice Connections made an emotionally difficult decision much easier. Their compassionate approach and expert knowledge of the local market helped my family navigate the decision with confidence. I highly recommend this great service!
When I was faced with finding a safe and appropriate place for my mom, who has dementia, Choice Connections was a godsend. Not only are they understanding and knowledgeable, they possess the compassion to listen to the physical issues and psychodynamics of your family situation. This enables them to ask the right questions and guide you through the landscape of placement possibilities. And, they always follow up to ensure you have the support you need to see it through to a successful outcome. To top it all off, their services are FREE so they are available to every family in need. A wonderful resource for a trying and stressful time!!
Choice Connections was an amazing resource! Renee worked with me closely to help me find the right assisted living facility for my sister. This has been the most overwhelming experience and I am so grateful for the time Renee spent on the phone with me discussing options and offering her expertise. I could not have done this without Renee, Thank you!
Melonie and Choice Connections were an enormous help to my wife and I as we desperately researched choices/options for 89 y.o. father-in-law. The decision to move him into assisted living was incredibly challenging and brought with it many demands: physical, emotional, legal, financial and others. Having Melonies support, guidance and assistance from start to finish was invaluable to us. Dont know what we would have done without you. Thank you Melonie! Thank you Choice Connections!
Thank you Choice Connections New York for assisting me with finding an assisted living facility to meet the needs of my mother. There really is not enough praise and thank yous that I can afford them! Both Melonie and Renee really cared about getting my mother into the right facility for her and this offered me peace of mind. Thank you so much!
Finding Choice Connections FIRST would have saved me hours and hours of phone calls and misinformation. I was looking for help on line on a Saturday night and came across Choice Connections. I called the number expecting to leave a message and got a live person! Melanie answered many questions and gave me hope for finding the right place for my mom. She offered two places that had not been mentioned to me by past agencies and turn out one of them is the total right fit for my mom! The next day I was contacted by Renee who took my case and helped me immensely!! I cannot truly put into words how helpful and informational Renee is, just amazing! She guided me through some rocky misinformation I was I given in the past and got me on a clear path to placing my mom and with the best economical route. When my choices took me out of her scope, she still kept in contact to make sure my end result was in reach. I 100% recommend using Choice Connections when placing a loved in Senior Care.
Working with Choice Connections, and Renee in particular, made finding the right assisted living facility for our father so much easier. It’s a daunting task on top of the emotion toll to move an elderly parent you love because of health and safety concerns. Renee asked the right questions and researched facilities that were the best fit for our family. Thankfully we were able to visit each facility and make the right decision before the pandemic shut everything down. When we did move our dad right in the middle of the crisis, we were comforted knowing that he was in a wonderful facility and being taken care of. Our family could not be happier with Choice Connections and so grateful for all of their knowledge and guidance. Their compassion and expertise helped us navigate a complicated system and put us at ease. Many thanks to Melonie and Renee!!!!BarbaraSchenectady
Melonie and Renee were very knowledgeable, caring and SO patient while helping me look for a good fit for memory care for my relative. There is no way I could have evaluated places, chosen a place or accomplished the move without them. I am most grateful for and appreciative of their assistance.
I would like the world to know that Melonie and Renee of Choice Connections are experts at helping navigate the assisted living world and truly care about the proper identification of the needs and services required in the care of your aging loved one. They took the feeling of “overwhelming” and turned it into heart centered focus on where and who would be a best fit scenario and location for my Dad. They followed up with me to see how they could be of assistance numerous times along the way as our situation changed. Highly recommend their assistance in a journey where the final decision still rests in the hands of you and your loved one.
I have been working with Choice Connections for a couple of years. I have talked with both Melonie and Renee. I can’t say enough on how helpful they have been. They are both top notch! They are extremely professional. As my moms disease has progressed, they have been there every step of the way. They have met me at different homes to personally show each facility. They understood and listened to our concerns. They continue to call and follow up to make sure all is going well. There is not a better organization out there, who will take the time to explain all the ins-and- outs of the process, finding the right home for your loved one. They have worked tirelessly to help us find the”right fit” for my mother. This journey is an overwhelming process for the families. They are extremely knowledgeable as to what is available in our area for our loved ones. They do all the leg work which helps reduce the family stressThey are the best! 5 plus stars! I highly recommend Renee and Mel at Choice Connections. I am forever grateful for there helpClaire Z
Melonie and Renee were so helpful when we needed to find senior housing for my Grandmother. We needed to find an affordable assisted living residence quickly as she was in rehabilitation in a nursing home and couldn’t return home. They were able to direct us to the perfect new home for her and they guided us every step of the way. I highly recommend their service.
Melonie and Renee were absolutely wonderful to work with. They were very so helpful in our journey of placing our mom in the right facility. They listened to our needs and gave recommendations that fit what we needed for our family. In addition they were able to speak from a place of experience as well struggled with the desire of keep Mom at home and the need for better care for her. Their knowledge of the facilities available and both the pros and cons of each was so helpful. They personally met us at tours of those facilities. We would highly recommend them to anyone needing to find the right living place for their loved one.
Melonie and Renee were incredible. They took the time to understand my mother and her needs, then helped me understand the different types of care and important options I should consider. I recommend them highly.
I am so grateful for the people at Choice Connections! When it became clear that we needed to move my mom to an alternative housing situation due to her dementia, Melonie was right there to help us find the right place to best fit her needs. I dont know what we wouldve done without her!
The representatives from Choice Connections were extremely helpful, polite, and very professional when helping us find an assisted living facility for aunt. I am very grateful for all the assistance they gave to us with our efforts.Rosemaryu
My father was living in Florida (for 14 years) until he decided he wanted to return to New York in July of 2018. He was showing signs of progressive dementia while in Florida but, had no family there to assist him. He arrived at our home with a suitcase and a carry-on bag full of medication. My husband and I took care of all his needs from legal, financial, medical and day to day living. We did so, for a year, with support from loving friends and distant relatives. We did so through all of dad’s mood swings, paranoia, indecisions, anger and occasionally laughter. On his second trip to the hospital in a month, I was introduced to Choice Connections by Dr. Peterson’s case manager. Right away, I knew I found my angels in Renee and Melonie! They listened, really listened, to all my concerns and were supportive of my decisions. They did so at my pace as I was hesitant to talk about placement for dad at first, feeling as though I was failing.When I finally accepted my husband and I could no longer continue at the pace we were going and still try to maintain our full lives, Renee and Melonie were right there, ready to find the perfect home for dad. They asked many questions, got to know dad and our family dynamics, considered location, size and care offerings and found us the perfect spot for dad. I was able to tour as many facilities as I needed to be comfortable with the choice. Dad has been at The Home of the Good Shephard in Malta for a few months now. Melonie still checks in with me to be sure things are going well.There are not enough words for me to show my gratitude for Choice Connections. I would highly recommend them to anyone who is going through a simalar situation.Susan ZarzyckiGansevoort, NY
Melonie and Choice Connections were such experts to find exact places (assisted living) that would be a fit for our mother. Based on income and skill need, Melonie was spot on. As a nurse, and working full time, I appreciate all the work they do to help ease our worries and do this leg work for us. Thrilled to have these services available
Locating housing can be overwhelming and difficult. Renee and Melonie take the time to assess the situation and find the best option for your loved one. I always appreciate being able to reach out to them as a resource. I recommend using their services and have been very satisfied with their professionalism.
I dont know what I would have done without Renee. She is knowledgeable, kind and helpful. She explained the process, answered my questions, and assured me that she understood the stress of the situation. I would recommend Choice Connections to anyone looking for guidance about the next step for a loved one.
My wife and I wish to thank Melonie Pratt, and Choice Connections, for their caring and expertise. My mother was deemed ready to leave a skilled nursing/ rehab facility in Vermont, and we needed to get her into assisted living in the Albany area. We had toured some places, but felt like we were just making the rounds and not really focusing on finding the right place that would meet mom’s needs now, while at the same time allowing a possible future Medicaid filing, and permitting her to stay on. Rather than traipsing all over the area and checking loads of places, we were able to avail ourselves of Melonie’s knowledge of the facilities and avoid delays. Mom is now in a good place and we are relieved. An interstate move has its complications, but Choice Connections minimized them. Thank You and we will highly recommend Choice Connections to anyone who finds themself in such a predicament! .Jim and Judy McDonald
Melonie and Renee have a wealth of knowledge between them about Senior living communities and resources in our region. They will assist you every step of the way while you and your family explore whats out there, and theyll help you make the best decision for your familys needs. I always refer to them and I know the folks I refer will be in great hands. I cant say enough good things about this service!
Choice Connections was wonderful. Sent us many options for us to explore. Helped answer questions about each facility so we could make the best choice for our parents. Our process was long and slow and they were very patient. Thanks for all of the help Renee and Melanie!
What a great experience I had with Choice Connections. Melonie was a huge help in finding a great place for my Aunt to come live in. Im so grateful I called them.
When you get to that horrible time in life, when you have to admit that your beloved parent can no longer function without more assistance, I *Highly* recommend Renee. Once I contacted her, she took care of everything for me to visit a number of facilities and find exactly what I was looking for. She stayed in touch and did everything I asked. I couldnt recommend her more highly.
We were made aware of Choice Connections through Hamilton County. My wife and I have appreciated their help, and I want to especially commend them for suggesting senior communities without putting a lot of pressure on us to make a decision.
Melonie and Renee were very helpful as we were trying to navigate options for my mom with senior living...They not only provided the options but also contacted the various facilities in the area to set up visitations for us...Thank you both!
Highly informative and compassionate guidance. I strongly recommend this service - Renee and Melonie are godsent!
This is a wonderful free-of-charge service that is available to Capital District residents free of cost. Renee Birnbaum emailed and called me numerous times with information that had not been given to me by other professionals I hired for the same service.
The level of personal care and commitment is unparalleled in this very difficult field to navigate. Every family has a different circumstance.... be clear eyed, ask hard questions, and then ask more hard questions.
Melanies experience saved us so much time and resources. Always giving the best advice and answered all my questions. This is an invaluable service to families. I recommend people utilize the experience here and give them a call!
Total reviews rating 5
47 Reviews for Choice Connections New York 2023:
Review №1
2022-04-14Coming to grips with the reality that I could no longer meet my mothers level of care she required was extremely difficult. However, contacting Choice Connections was the best call I could have made. Renee was extremely compassionate but more importantly very professional and knew all options to be considered. Renee took the time to inquire about my moms condition and needs. In doing so Renee was able to recommend memory care assisted living as an option. (I feared my mom was beyond that type of setting.) Within one week of my first conversation with Renee, she provided me with a list of facilities to considered; we selected three; Renee set up personal tours; and I selected the facility best fit for my mom.Renees knowledge and expertise saved me hours of phone calls and tours. Most importantly Renee led me in the direction that was best for my mom.My mom is now settled nicely in a beautiful facility, surrounded by great staff and fellow residents to socialize with. Mom is safe and happy (and I am adjusting well) thanks to Renee and Choice Connections.I have already recommended Choice Connections to three friends and will continue to recommend them to anyone who is faced with placing aging parents.
Review №2
2022-01-19I am the health care proxy for my great aunt who is well into her 90s. When she started showing clear signs of cognitive decline in early 2021 I began the process of reaching out to her health care provider and taking the next steps to move her from her assisted living facility to memory care.The process seemed overwhelming. Researching, visiting, choosing, I had no idea where to start. The care coordinator for my great aunts provider referred me to Choice Connections New York. From there, Mel and Renee supported me in this journey. They walked me through the costs, and recommended the best options for my great aunts continued care. Renee even scheduled the tours for me to go and see each place. All I had to do was show up on time and ask my questions.This team was professional and caring. What a great resource.
Review №3
2022-05-18I could not be more grateful for the guidance, compassion, and knowledge that is Choice Connections and Renee and Melonie specifically. Their service and constant support has been critical in our familys efforts to find the best care for our beloved Dad. With so much confusion and misinformation out there on long term care for our loved ones, having a resource like Choice Connections of New York is invaluable to our community. These ladies are simply the best and I cannot possibly praise them enough for what they did for my family and I.
Review №4
2022-05-14Choice Connections works hard to connect seniors to the residence that best fits their needs. For the second time in eight years, Renee (and Melonie) diligently searched through all the Capital Region senior living places to find the optimal place for my parents.First, Choice Connections asks detailed questions so they get to know you and what you are looking for, then they wade through a multitude of options.... and present you with many good possibilities. First my parents were searching for independent living. They wanted a large living space with 2 bedrooms AND 2 baths, a place that would welcome their small dog, and a full kitchen area since Mom loves to cook. Renee (and sometimes Melonie) toured over a dozen places with us!! Eventually my parents settled in Saratoga in a situation where they made many friends, had wonderful staff.. and overall had a great experience!!!Recently it was time to move my folks to an assisted living facility that met their requirements of two bedrooms, a larger space overall (compared to other residences), willingness to allow Mom to manage her celiac (wheat allergy) disease, and had memory care available on site for Dad for the future. And if there could be a small kitchen of any time that would be bonus. A tall order for sure.We worked mainly with Renee... but Melonie also chipped in and provided her expertise as appropriate. Both of the women are friendly, caring, compassionate, detail-oriented and thorough. They want the best for their senior customers. I would highly recommend Choice Connections to any person or family who need to navigate the area senior housing alternatives.
Review №5
2022-04-23Melonie and Renee helped my family navigate two major moves for my mother and they were amazing. They are knowledgeable and compassionate when both are needed as you are trying to do the best you can to care for a parent. I recommend Choice Connections highly!
Review №6
2022-01-08We were lost and overwhelmed when trying to find a place for Mom to stay after she left the PT/OT rehab center. She was unable to take care of herself and needed more attention than we could give her. We had no idea where to start and began fumbling through possibilities on the internet. A friend of mine, who had used Choice Connections before with his mother, gave me a recommendation to call them because he had a great experience with their services. I did and Renee called me right back even though she was in her car, going out of town for the weekend. Renee listened to our needs, made some suggestions for what we needed to have done before applying to a facility, suggested some facilities that would fit our particular needs, helped make appointments for us, and followed up continuously to make sure we made it through this process. We seriously could not have done this without their help. Im now confident that we picked the right place for Mom and have no nagging feelings that there may be some place better that I missed. Thank you Renee!
Review №7
2022-05-16Renee & Melonie are fantastic - they helped us find the perfect memory care for Mom much quicker than we ever thought possible. They did all the legwork for us and made an already difficult decision so much easier. I highly recommend Choice Connections!
Review №8
2022-02-03I first spoke to Melanie in October 2021 about a family member who needed more support in their home immediately and likely would be requiring 24 hour supervision in the near term. Melanie reviewed the different options, assisted living, enhanced assisted living and memory care.A plan was created to provide more support in the home as the family reviewed the options available and decided on a next steps. Melanie was patient and provided support and information to family members . Visits were made to centers, evaluations, doctors input and ultimately a decision for placement was made.Our family member is now safe, medication is being managed and the day to day concerns about meals and personal care have been eliminated.The environment of this assisted living center with enhanced medical care and memory care can support our family member through the next chapter of life.I am thankful for the guidance and insight of Choice Connections. Melanie was wonderful and kind. She knows the community well and the services available for aging family members who need more support.Julie Sweeney
Review №9
2022-01-19I was connected to Renee by my best friend here in NY. And I can tell you this was the best thing to happen! Renee was so helpful and guided me to facilities that mom could tour with me for her to live.Renee just took over with so much knowledge and support in how I was to help get my mom into a comfortable place. All my questions were answered and my insecurities too!Thank you Renee! For all you have done!!! And for what you do for all!!!Laura Rivers
Review №10
2021-11-12Choice Connections provided assistance to us in pacing my dad into an assisted living facility. I found both of them to be very knowledgeable about senior care options available in our area. Being new to this process, we had lots of questions and both Renee and Melonie were patient, took their time in explaining all available options, and provided very good advice that was tailored to our specific situation. I would highly recommend Choice Connections if you have an elderly relative who needs this kind of assistance.