Fair Haven Retirement Community

Pros

• The food quality at Fairhaven is excellent, and many residents are satisfied with their meals.
• Some staff members are friendly and competent, providing good care to residents and offering necessary updates to families.
• Residents enjoy the activities offered in the community, contributing to their overall happiness.
• The community is clean, which pleases both residents and their families.
• Families appreciate the caring and helpful nature of the staff, fostering a positive environment for residents.

Cons

• The staff at Fairhaven is unbelievably cruel, with some nursing assistants being physically rough and rude towards residents and their families.
• Several staff members treated the resident badly, leading to injuries that were overlooked by the overseeing nursing staff.
• Complaints about the resident's health were dismissed and brushed off as expected after a stroke.
• There have been issues with billing that need to be resolved.
• Despite some positive experiences, one reviewer would not recommend Fairhaven due to the negative treatment received by their loved one.

Review

The experience of families seeking care for their loved ones in assisted living facilities can vary greatly, with some finding genuine comfort and support, while others are met with unfortunate realities that shatter hopes. A striking contrast emerges when comparing the narratives surrounding Fairhaven, a facility first admired for its beautiful facade but ultimately criticized for its inadequate care and staff behavior.

Upon entering Fairhaven, many were initially taken by its attractive exterior and seemingly welcoming environment. One reviewer spoke of excitement over considering this facility for their mother following a stroke that left her with limited abilities. Unfortunately, this initial impression was soon overshadowed by troubling experiences with the staff. While some nurses and physical therapists at Fairhaven were described as friendly and competent, there was a concerning depiction of several nursing assistants who reportedly treated residents poorly. The reviewer shared distressing incidents where their mother was handled roughly, leading to injuries; these alarming accounts raise serious questions about the facility’s training and management of personal care staff.

In addition to concerns about physical treatment, there were also complaints regarding the attitude of the overseeing nursing staff. These professionals were characterized as having a lackadaisical approach to patient health issues, often dismissing family concerns with remarks suggesting that setbacks were to be expected due to the nature of strokes. Regrettably, these dismissive attitudes resulted in critical health problems being overlooked until intervention was required in an emergency room setting. This has understandably left families feeling frustrated and betrayed after entrusting their loved ones to the facility's care.

Conversely, not all experiences at Fairhaven reflect such bleak circumstances. Several reviews shared positive accounts from families whose loved ones seemed content within the community. One family noted that their mother enjoyed her meals and appreciated engaging activities. The caregivers received praise for their attentiveness and communication concerning updates on resident well-being—an essential aspect for families anxious about their relatives' conditions.

Despite facing minor billing issues, which are common when navigating elder care services, one reviewer expressed overall satisfaction with their family's experience at another community similar to Fairhaven's offerings. The connection between staff members and residents contributed significantly to these positive sentiments; the caring demeanor exhibited by personnel fostered an environment where residents felt valued rather than neglected or disrespected.

It is worth noting that while some reviewers expressed happiness with both food quality and community interaction—highlighting good meal variety and resident participation in activities—this did not outweigh severe criticisms from other families still suffering from negative encounters at Fairhaven. Such divided opinions underline how subjective personal experiences can be when evaluating assisted living communities; what works for one individual may not work for another.

Ultimately, prospective residents and their families should approach facilities like Fairhaven armed with knowledge from various reviews reflecting both sides of the experience spectrum. They should ask pressing questions about staffing protocols, health monitoring practices, and how complaints are addressed before making a decision on an appropriate residence for their loved ones' well-being—a choice that is undoubtedly filled with emotion but must also prioritize safety and dignified care above all else.

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)