Providence Extended Care Ctr

Pros

• The reviewer loves Providence Extended Care.
• Providence Extended Care is described as very nice and neat.
• Its services and facilities are described as the best.
• The reviewer highly recommends Providence Extended Care.

Cons

• The reviewer felt that many things and services were lacking during the stay.
• The reviewer described the facility as a very bad place to have one's parents.
• The reviewer was denied access by staff to see their mother.
• The reviewer states that staff and security had the police called on them, though they claim they did nothing.
• The reviewer asserted they are not a criminal and sought an explanation of the alleged infraction.
• The reviewer condemned the staff for mistreating a family and for continuing to work in such a facility.

Review

Experiences at two Alaska senior care facilities diverge quite a bit, reflecting how ownership, management practices, and day-to-day operations can shape family perceptions as much as the actual care experience. On one hand, there is a facility that recently changed hands and now operates under the name Polaris Transitional and Extended Care. On the other, Providence Extended Care stands out in another reviewer's account as a beacon of ease, cleanliness, and dependable service. Together, these voices sketch a landscape where a patient's stay and a family's access can feel dramatically different depending on where you are and who is running it.

For Polaris Transitional and Extended Care, the sentiment is notably mixed but tinged with disappointment after a recent change in ownership. One reviewer recalls that the place "was nice when I first came to the facility," but soon found that "things chang[ed]," and a lot of things and services began to fall short of what they expected. The language hints at a gradual erosion of the experience they had hoped for, and the reviewer emphasizes that the deterioration left them with a stay that was far from enjoyable. The sense conveyed is that the facility's post-change operations failed to meet the standards or consistency the reviewer had initially encountered, leaving a negative impression of the care environment and the services available.

In contrast, Providence Extended Care draws effusive praise from another reviewer. Descriptions here are notably positive: the facility is characterized as "very nice and neat," with strong affirmations about the quality of services and the overall condition of the place. This reviewer goes so far as to say the services and facility are "the best" and offers a clear recommendation. The tone is confident and approving, implying a well-organized operation, attentive staff, and an environment that feels orderly and well cared for. The Providence facility is portrayed as a model of what the reviewer values in extended care - cleanliness, structure, responsiveness, and a sense that residents' needs are being met effectively.

A very different and troubling perspective comes from a review that paints Polaris in a far more negative light, focusing on access and the emotional toll of keeping families apart. The reviewer writes that "this is a very bad place to have your parents at," recounting that they were "denied by staff from seeing my mother." The author describes themselves as "the only one son here in Alaska," which adds a layer of isolation and urgency to the family's struggle. They describe a confrontation with staff and security, even noting that "the police [were] called on me," despite insisting that they did nothing wrong and merely wished to visit their mother. The plea is for accountability and clarity - "I would like her counselor to explain what was my infraction" - and the writer emphasizes that they are not a criminal. The closing lines express a blend of disappointment and continued respect for people, yet they condemn the behavior of those who would treat a family in distress as a problem to be managed, not as people to be supported. The reviewer's tone is chastened and distressed, highlighting a deep sense of moral and emotional wrongness in the experience.

Taken together, these reviews illuminate a spectrum of realities within long-term care facilities. They underscore how changes in ownership or management can shift the level and consistency of service, and how policies - particularly around visiting and contact with loved ones - can either facilitate family involvement or create painful barriers. The difference between Polaris and Providence, as reflected by the reviewers, isn't just about the physical state of the buildings or the surface features of care; it's about the lived experience of residents and their families - the ease with which families can connect with loved ones, the perceived fairness and transparency of staff interactions, and the sense that there is accountability when policies feel punitive or opaque.

For families navigating options in this space, these accounts suggest a few practical takeaways. Ask about ownership and management structure, and seek up-to-date information on policies regarding visitation and accessibility to residents. Inquire about what changes accompanied an ownership transition and how those changes have affected staffing, programs, and day-to-day operations. When possible, visit facilities with questions in hand, observe interactions between staff and residents, and listen for whether families are treated with respect and clarity. The Providence account offers a reassuring counterpoint - cleanliness, organization, and a clear sense of well-run care - while the Polaris feedback serves as a cautionary note that ownership changes can coincide with tensions or gaps in what families expect and what is delivered.

Ultimately, these comments together form a nuanced portrait of care in a regional setting. They remind readers that a facility's outward appearance and its advertised services do not always tell the full story of the daily realities experienced by residents and their families. By weighing positive testimonies about environment and service alongside concerns about access, fairness, and accountability, prospective families can form a more complete picture of what to anticipate and how best to advocate for their loved ones' needs. In the end, the goal remains consistent across these voices: a safe, respectful, and well-supported place where elders receive compassionate care and families feel heard rather than shut out.

This part of Anchorage, Alaska, is conveniently located near several hospitals including Providence Alaska Medical Center and St. Elias Specialty Hospital Wound Care, providing easy access to healthcare services. In addition, there are numerous cafes such as Starbucks and Black Cup within close proximity for socializing and enjoying a cup of coffee. Nearby physicians' offices like Anchorage Neighborhood Health Center and Aesthetica Medical Spa offer medical care options for seniors. There are also a variety of restaurants like IHOP and New Peanut Farm, as well as pharmacies such as Geneva Woods Pharmacy and Walmart Pharmacy for convenience. Woodside Park offers a peaceful outdoor space for leisurely walks or relaxation, while the Lutheran Church of Hope provides spiritual support for residents seeking religious services. Overall, this area offers a range of amenities and services that may appeal to seniors looking to settle in a well-equipped community in Anchorage.

Hospitals

• Providence Alaska Medical Center (0 miles)
• St. Elias Specialty Hospital Wound Care (0.1 miles)
• Concentra Urgent Care (1.3 miles)
• Providence Alaska Medical Center (1.8 miles)
• Providence Health & Services Alaska (1.9 miles)
• Providence Sleep Disorders Center (2 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (0.3 miles)
• Black Cup (1.2 miles)
• Starbucks (1.4 miles)
• Kingfisher Coffee (1.5 miles)
• Starbucks (1.8 miles)

Physicians

• Anchorage Neighborhood Health Center (0.4 miles)
• Aesthetica Medical Spa (0.7 miles)
• Polar Pediatrics (0.7 miles)
• Geneva Woods E.N.T. (0.9 miles)
• Anchorage Audiology Clinic (0.9 miles)
• Patrick Martinez MD (1 miles)
• Grendahl Eye Associates (1.1 miles)

Restaurants

• IHOP (0.4 miles)
• New Peanut Farm (0.4 miles)
• McDonald's (0.9 miles)
• Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen (1.2 miles)
• Wendy's (1.3 miles)
• Arby's (1.3 miles)
• Matanuska Brewing - Midtown Anchorage (1.3 miles)

Pharmacies

• Geneva Woods Pharmacy (0.5 miles)
• Walmart Pharmacy (1.1 miles)
• Safeway Pharmacy 0720 Anchorage (1.2 miles)
• Carrs-#0720 (1.3 miles)
• Fred Meyer Pharmacy (1.3 miles)
• Carrs Pharmacy (1.3 miles)
• Walgreens (1.4 miles)

Parks

• Woodside Park (1.8 miles)

Places of Worship

• Lutheran Church of Hope (2 miles)