Fair Haven Retirement Community in Birmingham, AL

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Fair Haven Retirement Community

Fair Haven Retirement Community in Birmingham, AL

Information last verified:

1424 Montclair Rd, Birmingham, AL 35210

For more information about senior living options: (844) 490-3973

3.3 from 99 reviews
5 stars
46
4 stars
11
3 stars
3
2 stars
8
1 stars
31

Fair Haven Retirement Community Costs & Pricing

Fair Haven Retirement Community offers competitive pricing for its residents, particularly when compared to both Jefferson County and the broader state of Alabama. For a studio unit, residents can enjoy a cozy environment at just $1,793 per month, significantly lower than the county average of $4,002 and the state average of $3,279. The one-bedroom option is priced at $3,140, which is slightly above the county's rate of $3,094 but remains more affordable than the state average of $3,417. For those seeking a two-bedroom accommodation, Fair Haven's monthly cost stands at $3,460 - while this is higher than Jefferson County's average of $3,079 and Alabama's average of $3,788, it reflects the community's commitment to providing quality services and amenities that enhance the overall living experience. Overall, Fair Haven presents an appealing choice for seniors looking for value without compromising on comfort or care.

Floor plansFair Haven Retirement CommunityJefferson CountyAlabama
Studio$1,793$4,002$3,279
1 Bedroom$3,140$3,094$3,417
2 Bedrooms$3,460$3,079$3,788

Overall Review of Fair Haven Retirement Community

Pros

  • pro Nurse Rochandra and social worker Alexis took great care of the grandfather; highly recommended.
  • pro The nursing personnel and staff were wonderful, making the transition easy.
  • pro They got him quickly back on his feet, and therapy continued after discharge.
  • pro Everyone kept families informed and treated residents like family.
  • pro Erika the social worker and nurses Simone and Jessica made it easier on families, and therapy helped the patient.
  • pro Keke Coleman provided exceptional and efficient meals.
  • pro The staff were kind, professional, attentive, and treated residents with dignity and respect.
  • pro The rehab center staff were superb, with nurses and aides showing genuine care.
  • pro Independent Living at Fair Haven is a close-knit community and a great place to live.

Cons

  • pro The staff are unbelievably cruel and unhelpful.
  • pro The facility is dirty, run-down, and not properly maintained.
  • pro Residents experience neglect, with long delays for basic care.
  • pro There are reports of abuse by night staff, including assault.
  • pro Call bells and meals are often late or ignored, with nurses rarely responding.
  • pro Personal belongings go missing and medications are mishandled.
  • pro Roaches and pests are present, indicating sanitation issues.

Review

Fair Haven Retirement Community in Birmingham is best suited for families prioritizing a faith-based, not-for-profit environment with a robust rehabilitation track record and a sense of campus familiarity. The community shines when a loved one needs skilled nursing rehab and a clear pathway back to assisted living or independence, backed by therapists and nurses who communicate and treat residents with genuine respect. For families navigating memory care or assisted living transitions, Fair Haven can be a comforting option when the unit operates with consistent staffing and engaged frontline caregivers. Those seeking a crystal-clear, uniformly high standard across all care needs should weigh other Birmingham-area options, because staffing variability and mixed long-term care experiences appear in the record and require careful vetting.

On the plus side, the rehabilitation component emerges as a consistent strength. Numerous accounts praise therapy teams that push progress, help residents regain mobility, and coordinate care so therapies continue after hospital discharge. Families frequently commend the nursing staff and aides who deliver attentive, compassionate care, and several testimonials highlight successful transitions from rehab back into assisted living with ongoing therapy. The dining experience also shows promise in many reviews, with kitchen staff delivering tasty meals and a level of individualized attention in the dining room that residents and families value. When the unit runs smoothly, communication from social workers and clinical directors provides a sense of accountability that reassures families during a stressful recovery period.

Yet, the cons are real and recurring enough to influence decision-making. A substantial portion of reviews describe deep concerns about staffing levels and responsiveness, with calls for assistance sometimes going unanswered and rooms not being cleaned promptly. Long-term and memory-care residents are frequently cited as the most vulnerable to understaffing, with reports of inconsistent daily activities or engagement in units designed for memory impairment. Cleanliness and maintenance issues surface in several accounts, along with anecdotes about missing items or delays in routine care such as bathing or medication administration. These threads often carry an undercurrent: when management steps in with new leadership or process changes, some families report noticeable improvements; when it does not, frustration and fear for loved ones understandably rise.

The degree to which the positives offset the drawbacks tends to hinge on unit, leadership, and the specific care trajectory. For residents who enter via rehab and then transition to assisted living, the proven rehab teams, reliable meal service, and supportive social work can deliver meaningful gains and peace of mind. The presence of steady leadership, occasional mentions of new managers and interim directors steering improvements, also signals a potential for turning around problem areas like staffing and housekeeping, provided continuity is maintained. In environments where activity programming for memory care is limited, the ability to access meaningful daily engagement becomes a decisive factor. When the campus is well-run, families notice; when turnover or gaps appear, the same families feel the impact almost immediately.

Given the mixed performance, there are clear signals about who should consider alternatives. If a loved one requires constant, high-touch supervision with an emphasis on spotless hygiene, timely medication administration, and rigorous, daily programming, especially in memory care, Fair Haven may not consistently meet those expectations. Several reviews point to experiences that range from respectable care to grave concerns about neglect and disrespect, including accounts of delayed assistance, rough handling, or inadequate cleaning. For families with such priorities or with relatives who have a history of sensitivity to staffing gaps, exploring other Birmingham organizations with stronger staffing ratios and more uniform outcomes could be a prudent hedge. Additionally, concerns about long-term care environments with high variability in day-to-day care argue for firsthand touring and references beyond the brochure.

Practical steps guide families through the evaluation process. Start with floor-by-floor visits focused on the rehab unit, assisted living, and any memory-care wings to observe staff engagement, cleanliness, and activity offerings. Request candid conversations with the director of nursing and the administrator, and ask for recent staffing ratios, incident reports, and a tour of the dining room during peak hours. Probe the transition pathways between rehab and long-term care, and seek references from families whose loved ones recently completed rehab or moved into memory care. Finally, compare Fair Haven against nearby facilities not only on menu quality and amenities, but on consistency of care, responsiveness, and the facility’s track record with student-level improvements under new leadership. In the end, Fair Haven can be a strong fit for rehab-forward care and a faith-driven community, but the decision warrants careful scrutiny of current staffing stability, unit-specific culture, and the facility’s ability to sustain reliable, compassionate care across all resident needs.

Features

Types of Care

  • Assisted Living Assisted LivingAssisted living facilities provide crucial support and care for seniors who may need help with daily tasks such as medication management, bathing, and meal preparation. These communities offer a safe and comfortable environment where seniors can maintain their independence while receiving the assistance they need to thrive in their golden years.
  • Independent Living Independent LivingIndependent living communities are important for seniors because they offer a safe and supportive environment where older adults can live independently while still having access to amenities and services that enhance their quality of life. These communities provide social opportunities, recreational activities, and assistance with daily tasks, promoting overall well-being and allowing seniors to maintain their independence for as long as possible.
  • Memory Care Memory CareMemory care is crucial for seniors as it provides specialized support and services for individuals with dementia or Alzheimer's disease. These programs offer a safe and secure environment where residents receive personalized care, cognitive stimulation, and help with daily activities. Memory care helps seniors maintain their independence, quality of life, and dignity while also providing peace of mind for their families.

Pets

  • Cats allowed Cats allowed"Pet friendly" senior living communities are important for seniors because pets provide companionship, reduce feelings of loneliness and depression, promote physical activity and mental stimulation, and offer a sense of purpose and responsibility. Pets can improve overall well-being and quality of life for seniors in many ways.
  • Dogs allowed Dogs allowed"Pet friendly" senior living communities are important for seniors because pets provide companionship, reduce feelings of loneliness and depression, promote physical activity and mental stimulation, and offer a sense of purpose and responsibility. Pets can improve overall well-being and quality of life for seniors in many ways.

Amenities

  • Activities on-site Activities on-siteActivities on-site are important for seniors because they provide opportunities for socialization, mental stimulation, physical activity, and overall well-being. Engaging in activities can help seniors stay active, maintain their independence, and improve their quality of life.
  • Beautician on-site Beautician on-siteHaving a beautician on-site at a senior living community is important for seniors as it allows them to easily access grooming and personal care services, boosting their self-esteem and overall well-being. It also provides convenience and helps seniors maintain their sense of independence and personal style.
  • Devotional services off-site Devotional services off-siteDevotional services off-site are important for seniors as they provide spiritual nourishment, social engagement, and a sense of community outside of the senior living facility. This can enhance overall well-being and help combat feelings of isolation and loneliness often experienced by older adults.
  • Devotional services on-site Devotional services on-siteDevotional services on-site provide seniors with spiritual support and a sense of community, as well as an opportunity for reflection and guidance during their senior living experience. This can promote emotional well-being and connection to others, leading to a more fulfilling and enriching lifestyle in their later years.
  • Indoor common areas Indoor common areasIndoor common areas are crucial for seniors as they provide a space for socialization, recreation, and community engagement, promoting overall well-being and reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness.
  • Outdoor common areas Outdoor common areasOutdoor common areas are important for seniors as they provide a space for socialization, physical activity, and relaxation. Being outside in nature can improve mood and overall well-being, while also encouraging movement and engagement with others. These spaces can help combat feelings of isolation and promote a sense of community among residents.

Transportation

  • Birmingham International (3 miles away) Birmingham International (3 miles away)

Care Services

  • Ambulatory care Ambulatory care"Ambulatory care services provide essential medical support and treatment to seniors without requiring hospitalization, allowing them to maintain their independence and quality of life while managing chronic conditions or receiving routine medical care."
  • Diabetic care Diabetic careDiabetic care is crucial for seniors as they are more susceptible to developing diabetes due to aging and other health conditions. Proper management of diabetes can help prevent complications such as heart disease, vision loss, and nerve damage, improving the overall quality of life for seniors in senior living communities.
  • Incontinence care Incontinence careIncontinence care is essential for seniors to maintain their dignity, hygiene, and overall quality of life. By addressing incontinence issues promptly and effectively, seniors can enjoy a sense of independence and comfort in their daily activities.
  • Medication management Medication managementMedication management is crucial for seniors to ensure they are taking the right medications at the correct dosages and times. This helps prevent adverse drug interactions, reduces the risk of medication errors, and promotes overall health and well-being. Proactive management also allows for adjustments as needed based on changing health conditions or new prescriptions.

Dining

  • Kosher KosherKosher options are important for seniors because they adhere to dietary laws that are significant to many Jewish individuals, providing them with peace of mind and an opportunity to maintain their cultural traditions and beliefs while living in a senior living community.
  • Meals provided Meals provided"Meals provided" are crucial for seniors in assisted living communities as it ensures they have access to nutritious, balanced meals without the stress of meal planning and preparation. This can help promote overall health and well-being for seniors who may have limited mobility or cognitive abilities.
  • Vegetarian VegetarianA vegetarian diet is important for seniors because it can help lower the risk of chronic diseases, maintain a healthy weight, and provide essential nutrients needed for aging bodies. Additionally, plant-based diets are often easier on digestive systems and can contribute to overall well-being in older adults.

Activities

  • Activities on-site Activities on-siteActivities on-site are important for seniors because they provide opportunities for socialization, mental stimulation, physical activity, and overall well-being. Engaging in activities can help seniors stay active, maintain their independence, and improve their quality of life.
  • Devotional activities offsite Devotional activities offsiteDevotional activities offsite are important for seniors because they provide social engagement, spiritual growth, and a sense of community outside of their living environment. This can improve overall well-being, mental health, and combat feelings of isolation or loneliness.
  • Devotional activities on-site Devotional activities on-siteDevotional activities on-site provide seniors with a sense of community, spiritual fulfillment, and emotional support, promoting overall well-being and a positive sense of purpose in their lives.

Description

Fair Haven Retirement Community is a vibrant assisted living community located in Birmingham, AL. We offer a range of care services, including Independent Living and Memory Care, ensuring that each resident receives the specialized support they need.

Our community boasts a variety of amenities designed to enhance the overall quality of life for our residents. A skilled beautician is available on-site, offering convenient hair salon services. Additionally, devotional services are offered both on-site and off-site, providing spiritual nourishment for those who desire it. Indoor and outdoor common areas provide opportunities for socializing and relaxation.

At Fair Haven Retirement Community, we understand the importance of personalized care. Our staff is trained to provide exceptional diabetic care and incontinence care as needed. Medication management ensures that residents receive their prescribed medications accurately and on time.

We take pride in our dining program, with delicious meals provided for our residents. We accommodate dietary preferences, including vegetarian options, to ensure that everyone's needs are met.

Engaging activities are an integral part of life at Fair Haven Retirement Community. Devotional activities both on-site and off-site cater to various spiritual interests. In addition, our location offers numerous nearby attractions such as cafes, parks, pharmacies, physicians' offices, restaurants, transportation options, places of worship, and hospitals – providing opportunities for residents to explore the local community and maintain an active lifestyle.

At Fair Haven Retirement Community in Birmingham, AL, we strive to create a warm and welcoming environment where residents can live comfortably while receiving the care they require.

Nearby Places of Interest

This part of Birmingham, Alabama offers a diverse range of amenities that cater to the needs and interests of seniors. With a variety of restaurants including Milos, Subway, and Zaxby's in close proximity, dining options are conveniently accessible. Additionally, there are several pharmacies such as Winn-Dixie and Walgreens nearby for easy access to medication and healthcare supplies. For spiritual enrichment, there are numerous places of worship including McElwain Baptist Church and Canterbury United Methodist Church within a few miles radius. The area also boasts several cafes like Starbucks and Continental Bakery for leisurely outings. In terms of healthcare, there are reputable physicians like Ginsburg Dermatology Center-Montclair and Baptist Health System providing quality medical care. Furthermore, the presence of parks like Beacon Park and East Lake offer opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation. Transportation options are also readily available with the Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport nearby for ease of travel. Additionally, the close proximity to hospitals such as Ascension St Vincent’s Birmingham and UAB Hospital ensures access to top-notch medical facilities in case of emergencies. Overall, this part of Birmingham provides a vibrant and well-rounded environment that would be ideal for seniors looking to enjoy a comfortable and convenient lifestyle.

Restaurants

  • Milos - Eastwood (0.2 miles)
  • Subway (0.2 miles)
  • Zaxby's (0.2 miles)
  • Chick-Fil-A (0.5 miles)
  • SAW’s Juke Joint (0.8 miles)
  • The Filling Station (1.2 miles)
  • McDonald's (1.8 miles)

Pharmacies

  • Winn-Dixie (0.3 miles)
  • Walgreens (0.3 miles)
  • CVS Pharmacy (0.6 miles)
  • Mills Discount Pharmacy (1.8 miles)
  • Guardian Pharmacy (1.8 miles)
  • Walgreens (3.3 miles)
  • Birmingham Nuclear Pharmacy (3.7 miles)

Places of Worship

  • McElwain Baptist Church (0.4 miles)
  • Levite Jewish Community Center (1.7 miles)
  • East Lake United Methodist Church (2.6 miles)
  • Canterbury United Methodist Church (2.9 miles)
  • Church of the Highlands (4.2 miles)
  • South Roebuck Baptist Church (4.2 miles)
  • Galilee Baptist Church (4.7 miles)

Cafes

  • Starbucks (0.6 miles)
  • The Red Cat (3.6 miles)
  • Continental Bakery (3.6 miles)
  • Starbucks (4.4 miles)
  • The Essential (4.4 miles)
  • Revelator Coffee Company (4.7 miles)
  • Starbucks (4.7 miles)

Physicians

  • Ginsburg Dermatology Center-Montclair (0.9 miles)
  • Alabama Psychiatric Services PC (0.9 miles)
  • Advanced Internal Medicine (1.1 miles)
  • Sleep Disorders Center of Alabama (1.4 miles)
  • Baptist Health System (3.3 miles)
  • Maria S. Prelipcean, MD (3.6 miles)
  • Pediatric Nephrology Of Alabama, PC (4.1 miles)

Parks

  • Beacon Park (1.9 miles)
  • Avondale Park (2.5 miles)
  • East Lake (3.3 miles)
  • Rotary Trail (4.4 miles)
  • Railroad Park (4.8 miles)

Transportation

  • Concourse C (3 miles)
  • Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM) (3.1 miles)
  • Runway (3.2 miles)

Hospitals

  • Ascension St Vincent’s Birmingham (3.7 miles)
  • UAB Spain-Wallace Building (4.3 miles)
  • UAB Hospital (4.5 miles)
  • Callahan Eye Foundation Hospital (4.5 miles)
  • Women & Infants Center (4.6 miles)
  • Benjamin Russell Hospital for Children (4.7 miles)

Theaters

  • AMC Summit 16 (5 miles)

Frequently Asked Questions

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