Charis Place
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701 N. Forest Drive,, Kenai, AK 99611
For more information about senior living options: (844) 490-3973
There are mixed impressions from families who have had loved ones in care facilities in the region, and the experiences described here touch two places in particular: Aspen Creek Kenai and Charis Place. Across the stories, some families emphasize warmth, attentiveness, and a sense of family, while others recount safety concerns, neglect, and a lack of clear communication about appropriate levels of care. The contrast between these perspectives suggests that the quality of care and the fit for a given individual can vary widely, even within the same facility.
Several reviews paint Aspen Creek Kenai as a place with a generally clean appearance and friendly staff, yet they also signal that its strengths may be more aligned with residents who are still fairly independent rather than those needing constant high-level supervision. One family described Aspen Creek Kenai as "great to work with and clearly provides quality care," highlighting the sincerity of the leadership as a defining factor. They singled out Rene, the regional director, as "excellent," noting that her genuine care helped set a tone that the staff strives to emulate. Another administrator named Rio was praised for meaningful leadership qualities. For these reviewers, the relationship between administrators and frontline staff seems to translate into a positive, respectful environment and a care ethos that families feel comfortable recommending. In short, for some families, Aspen Creek Kenai projects a sense of professionalism and warmth rooted in solid administrative leadership.
Yet, not all experiences at Aspen Creek Kenai are favorable. A different set of stories focuses on serious safety and care concerns. A family member described the facility as best suited for seniors who are still largely independent, but with a care level mismatch that left their loved one vulnerable. They reported a high patient-to-nurse ratio and noted multiple falls that resulted in hospital visits, attributing these events to being left unattended for too long. In their view, the facility did not communicate clearly with the legal guardian about the appropriate level of care, and there were ongoing maintenance and housekeeping oversights, including cleanliness issues. The sentiment is that without a stronger emphasis on appropriate placement and transfer to a more suitable facility when needed, these gaps pose real risks. The reviewer urged others to exercise caution when considering Aspen Creek Kenai for a loved one who requires higher levels of care.
Charis Place appears in the collection of reviews as a venue with a much more consistently positive tone, though with some exceptions. A number of reviewers extol Charis Place for its loving, caring, and family-like atmosphere. They describe a setting where staff and residents feel like a family, with frequent invitations to visit, and a sense that management prioritizes attentiveness and professional care. One reviewer called Charis Place "the best assisted living on the Kenai Peninsula," praising the staff as wonderful and the administration as very attentive and professional. Others echoed the sentiment that Charis Place fosters a warm, welcoming environment, noting that the atmosphere is shaped by the collaborative spirit of residents, family members, and staff. This positive sentiment includes expressions of gratitude from families who felt their loved ones benefited from a secure, supportive setting where caregiving felt personal and compassionate.
As with many communities, there are also strongly negative voices about Charis Place. One reviewer bluntly stated, "This facility is a complete pit, don't put your loved one in here," capturing a much harsher experience that stands in stark contrast to the glowing praise. Additional comments point to common criticisms that can surface in any setting: concerns about the adequacy of cleanliness, the perception that meals and amenities fall short of expectations, or that the environment does not consistently feel like a safe or nurturing home. In particular, some reviews reference the importance of careful evaluation and candid conversations with staff before deciding to place a loved one in a facility that may or may not match their needs. The range of reactions to Charis Place highlights how subjective the experience can be, depending on individual expectations, specific staff, and the particular needs of each resident.
Beyond the qualitative assessments of care quality and atmosphere, several reviews raise practical concerns that families may want to consider when evaluating options. One reviewer noted the absence of an after-hours contact number, which could be critical in an emergency. There are comments about the cost and what is included in room-and-board, with at least one report describing a very high outlay for basic services and amenities - no WiFi, limited television channels, inability to have a personal landline, and what appeared to be restricted flexibility in daily routines. A memorial account from a 97-year-old relative's family described significant service gaps: the resident paid a substantial amount for room and board, experienced poor food quality, and endured insufficient calls and response times from life-alert services during a time of distress when breathing became difficult. These specifics underscore the reality that even seemingly well-regarded facilities can fall short in essential services and responsive care.
There are also mentions of positive care for specific needs. Some reviewers praise facilities for their support of residents with dementia or Alzheimer's, noting that there are places that take commendable care of those conditions. Yet even within such praise, reviewers emphasize that quality depends on leadership and consistent staffing, reinforcing the idea that the leadership tone often trickles down to the level of daily interactions, cleanliness, and attention to safety.
Taken together, these reviews reflect a landscape in which two facilities - Aspen Creek Kenai and Charis Place - offer markedly different experiences for families and residents. Aspen Creek Kenai is praised for its administrative leadership and for a care culture that can feel warm and professional when the right people are at the helm, but several accounts warn of safety gaps, insufficient communication, and care misalignment for residents who require more intensive supervision. Charis Place earns broad praise for its apparent family-like atmosphere and strong staff dedication, yet it also faces pointed criticisms from a minority of reviewers who question cleanliness, responsiveness, and overall quality of life for residents - reminding readers that one should investigate multiple facets of care, including after-hours accessibility, the transparency of pricing, and the facility's responsiveness in emergencies.
If you are evaluating these facilities for a loved one, the recurring takeaway from these perspectives is to look beyond first impressions. Visit in person, speak with administrators and direct caregivers, and ask pointed questions about staffing ratios, fall prevention, care level appropriateness, and how transfers to higher-care settings are handled. Check for after-hours contact options, confirm what is included in the room-and-board package, and verify the availability of essential services such as reliable life-safety devices, emergency response times, and direct lines for family communication. By balancing the positive experiences with the cautions raised by other families, you can form a more complete view of how well a given facility might meet your loved one's unique needs and circumstances.
Charis Place is an assisted living community located in the serene town of Kenai, AK. Our community offers a range of amenities and services to ensure the comfort and well-being of our residents.
At Charis Place, we understand the importance of spiritual nourishment, which is why we offer devotional services off-site for our residents. These services provide an opportunity for spiritual growth and fellowship, promoting a sense of peace and tranquility.
Our indoor common areas are designed to encourage social interaction among residents. Whether it's engaging in lively conversations or participating in group activities, these spaces serve as a gathering place for fostering friendships and creating a sense of community.
We also provide specialized care for residents with diabetes. Our trained staff members are experienced in managing diabetic care needs, ensuring that each resident receives personalized attention and support.
In addition to the enriching activities offered within our community, Charis Place benefits from being surrounded by several local amenities. With two cafes nearby, our residents have convenient options for enjoying meals out or meeting friends for coffee. The presence of four pharmacies ensures easy access to medications and healthcare supplies.
For medical needs, there are eleven physicians located nearby, allowing our residents to receive quality healthcare services without having to travel far. Furthermore, there are ten restaurants available within close proximity, offering a variety of dining options for those looking to explore different cuisines.
We understand that transportation is important for our residents' independence and mobility. That's why we have three transportation options nearby to help them get around easily and conveniently.
For those seeking spiritual connections outside the community, there are ten places of worship close by where residents can practice their faith or attend religious services.
Lastly, if our residents wish to enjoy entertainment or cultural experiences outside our community, there is a theater nearby that offers various shows and performances.
At Charis Place in Kenai, AK, we strive to create an environment that promotes wellness, fosters social engagement, and provides access to essential amenities and services. With a range of opportunities for spiritual growth, easy access to nearby cafes, pharmacies, physicians, restaurants, transportation options, places of worship, and entertainment venues, our community ensures that residents have everything they need for a fulfilling and comfortable lifestyle.
This part of Kenai, Alaska offers a variety of amenities and services that may be appealing to seniors considering the area for living. With several restaurants nearby such as Playa Azul and Odies Diner, residents have easy access to dining options. Places of worship like Kenai Christian Church and Holy Assumption Orthodox Church provide spiritual support and community engagement. Transportation options including Lake & Peninsula Airline and Kenai Municipal Airport offer convenience for travel needs. Additionally, cafes like Veronica's Coffee House and Starbucks provide opportunities for socializing and enjoying a cup of coffee. Parks such as Beaver Creek Park offer outdoor recreational activities, while healthcare facilities like Central Peninsula Hospital ensure access to quality medical care. Overall, this area in Kenai provides a blend of conveniences and resources that may cater to the needs of seniors looking for a comfortable living environment.
Charis Place is located at 701 N. Forest Drive,, Kenai, AK 99611 in Kenai Peninsula Borough, Alaska
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