Frequently Asked Questions
The questions families ask us most, answered honestly.
ABOUT THE COMMUNITY
What is The Grand Residence?
The Grand Residence is a family-owned senior living community in Upper St. Clair, Pennsylvania, serving the South Hills of Pittsburgh. It offers personal care for older adults across a wide range of needs, from those living independently to those needing full daily support, all in one community.
Where is The Grand Residence located?
The Grand Residence is at 45 McMurray Road, Upper St. Clair, PA 15241, in the South Hills just south of Pittsburgh. The community serves families throughout Upper St. Clair, Mount Lebanon, Bethel Park, Peters Township, McMurray, Canonsburg, and the surrounding area.
Is The Grand Residence a senior living or personal care community?
Both terms apply. In Pennsylvania, the official license is "personal care," and "senior living" is the term most communities use to describe it. The Grand Residence provides personal care services for seniors, with support that ranges from light daily help to advanced care.
What amenities are included?
The Rose Garden's amenities include a gym, dance room, theater, salon, game room, two gardens, two dining rooms, activities room, five separate lounges, veterans' wall, and more. All amenities are available to every resident at no additional cost.
How long has The Grand Residence been family-owned?
The Polachek family has provided personal care across Pennsylvania for more than forty years, since 1984. They built The Grand Residence in 2001 and still run it today. It has never been a corporate chain.
How big is the community?
The Grand Residence has 70 apartments, with both private and shared options. It's large enough to offer a full range of activities, dining, and care, but small enough that the team knows every resident by name.
CARE & SERVICES
What kind of senior living and care does The Grand Residence provide?
The Grand Residence is a senior living community in Upper St. Clair, with care that ranges from light daily help to full, complex support, all under one roof. Some residents live independently and just need a hand now and then, while others need full assistance day to day, and most fall somewhere in between. Whatever the need, the care grows as it changes, so no one ever has to move to get more of it.
What happens if I need more care over time?
You stay right where you are. As your needs change, the care comes to you, in the same apartment, with the same team and neighbors. You move in once, and the care grows with you, so there's no second move and no starting over somewhere new.
Does The Grand Residence support residents with memory loss?
Yes. The Grand Residence supports residents living with dementia, Alzheimer's, and other memory changes, with daily cueing, reminders, and patient, familiar care. Many residents experience some cognitive change over time, and the team is experienced in supporting them while keeping daily life as normal and comfortable as possible.
Can couples live together if they need different levels of care?
Yes. At The Grand Residence, a couple can share the same apartment even when one is fully independent and the other needs significant daily care. Each person receives the level of support they need while staying together. This is one of the things that sets the community apart from most senior living in the South Hills.
How much staffing does The Grand Residence have?
The Grand Residence is staffed well above Pennsylvania's required level, typically two to three times the state minimum. That means more hands on deck and more attention for every resident.
Does the staff stay long-term?
Yes, and it's one of the things the community is proudest of. Full-time staff have an average tenure of about twelve years, and many have been here far longer. The Director of Nursing has been with the community since it opened in 2001. In an industry known for turnover, the people here stay.
DAILY LIFE
What is dining like at The Grand Residence?
Dining is restaurant-style, with meals cooked from scratch by chefs. Come down during dining hours, sit where you like, and order what sounds good that day. A cafe stays open between meals as well.
Can you accommodate special diets?
Yes. The kitchen handles a wide range of dietary needs and doctor-ordered meal plans, from heart-healthy and gluten-free to low-sugar, texture-modified, vegetarian, and allergy-specific meals.
What activities are available?
There's something to do every day. Activities include exercise and wellness programs, arts and crafts, games and cognitive enrichment, live entertainment, faith services, and regular outings like ballgames, scenic drives, and shopping trips. The full calendar is planned monthly.
There's something to do every day. Activities include exercise and wellness programs, arts and crafts, games and cognitive enrichment, live entertainment, faith services, and regular outings like ballgames, scenic drives, and shopping trips. The full calendar is planned monthly.
Is The Grand Residence pet-friendly?
Yes. Dogs, cats, and other pets are welcome, as long as you can care for them or have help to do so, and the pet is current on vaccinations. Many residents find that keeping a beloved pet makes the move feel much more like home.
What are the visiting hours?
Visiting is open any time for residents in private apartments. Family and friends are welcome to come by whenever works for them, and many do. Some even stay overnight when visiting from out of town.
How big are the apartments?
The apartments at The Grand Residence run larger than most in the area, with room to bring your own furniture and make the space your own. Both private and shared options are available.
Is transportation provided?
Yes. The community provides transportation to scheduled medical appointments in the local area, and a shuttle for group outings and activities.
Does The Grand Residence offer faith and spiritual services?
Yes. The community hosts regular services and welcomes residents of all faiths. This includes Catholic and non-denominational services, visiting clergy, and accommodation for individual religious needs and traditions.
COSTS & PAYMENT
How much does senior living cost at The Grand Residence?
Pricing depends on the apartment and the level of care, but unlike many communities, the base rate already includes care, medication management, help with daily routines, and regular wellness checks, with no surprise add-on fees as needs grow. Because every situation is different, exact pricing is shared during a quick conversation rather than listed online. Families are welcome to call for a straightforward answer.
What's included in the base rate?
Quite a lot. The base rate covers the everyday care many communities charge extra for, like medication management, help with bathing and dressing, and regular wellness checks. There are no surprise add-on fees as your care needs grow.
What payment options does The Grand Residence accept?
The Grand Residence accepts private pay and long-term care insurance, and is a veteran benefits eligible community. The team is happy to talk through your options and what you may qualify for.
Does The Grand Residence accept Medicaid?
No. The Grand Residence does not accept Medicaid. The team can still help you understand your options and point you in the right direction if Medicaid is needed.
MOVING IN
How do you move into The Grand Residence?
Moving in starts with a conversation and a tour of the community in Upper St. Clair. If it feels like the right fit, the next steps are simple: a free nursing assessment, help with the paperwork, and a move-in date. Once everything's in order, move-in can often happen within just a few days.
Is there an assessment before moving in?
Yes, and it's free. A nursing assessment helps the team understand the care you need and make sure the community is the right fit. It can happen before or after the decision to move forward, whatever works best for you and your family.
What documents are needed to move in?
A few standard items: a medical evaluation from a physician, personal care documentation, insurance information, personal information forms, and a residency agreement. The team walks you through all of it step by step.
Can I tour before deciding?
Absolutely, and it's the best way to start. Tours are available Monday through Friday, and same-day visits are usually possible. Come walk through the community, meet the team, and see what daily life feels like before making any decision
What if The Grand Residence isn't the right fit?
Absolutely, and it's the best way to start. Tours are available Monday through Friday, and same-day visits are usually possible. Come walk through the community, meet the team, and see what daily life feels like before making any decision
Still have questions? Choosing senior living is a big decision, and you don't have to make it alone. Call and talk to someone who's done this a long time.
Come See It for Yourself
The best way to know if The Grand Residence is right is to walk through the door. Take a tour, meet the team, have lunch if you like. No pressure, no sales pitch, just a chance to see what life here actually feels like.