Andara

Pros

• The staff at Andara is described as amazing, friendly, compassionate, and dedicated to providing excellent care for the residents.
• Residents enjoy a variety of engaging activities that keep them smiling and active within the community.
• The community is praised for its beautiful grounds and inviting amenities, creating a pleasant living environment for seniors.
• Many individuals have had positive experiences during transitions, appreciating the support provided during difficult times.
• The management team is commended for their effective communication and commitment to improving the overall quality of life for residents.
• The dining experience receives high marks, with residents expressing satisfaction with the delicious food offered.
• New leadership at Andara has brought about positive changes and improvements within the community atmosphere.

Cons

• The warmth and atmosphere of the community were lacking, making it not the right fit for their needs.
• The food service was described as cafeteria style, which did not meet expectations.
• There was a constant churn of staff, resulting in a lack of consistency in care and services.
• The last nurse was rarely available and lacked a good understanding of staff and resident needs.
• Staff members displayed unprofessional behavior, including making derogatory comments about residents.
• Personal belongings went missing from residents' apartments, and little action was taken when reported to leadership.
• Families couldn't access information online regarding meals or activities, limiting engagement opportunities for their loved ones.
• There were significant gaps in care processes, leading to delays in critical testing due to incorrect information being shared.

Review

The reviews regarding Andara Senior Community paint a multifaceted picture of a facility that offers both commendable qualities and notable shortcomings. A common thread among many reviewers is the high level of professionalism and dedication demonstrated by the staff. Many individuals praise specific team members, such as Peter Lesio, Quillyn “Q” Baldwin, Jennifer "Jen" Van Gysel, RN, and others, highlighting their compassion and effective communication. One reviewer expressed immense appreciation for how smoothly transitions were handled when moving a loved one into the community. The emphasis on caring management not only fosters an inviting environment but also ensures families feel supported during emotionally challenging times like moving or experiencing the loss of a loved one.

Activities aimed at keeping residents engaged are frequently cited as one of Andara's strengths. The community is described as vibrant with numerous events organized to foster socialization among seniors. Residents particularly enjoy live music sessions and various activities led by an enthusiastic Activities Director. These efforts contribute to maintaining a positive atmosphere within the facility, making it feel welcoming and lively—qualities that many seniors seek when transitioning into assisted living environments.

However, amidst these praises lies a more critical assessment of the assisted living sector within Andara. Numerous reviewers pointed out significant deficiencies in care delivery in this particular area. Issues such as rapid staff turnover resulted in inconsistencies in care quality, leaving families concerned about their loved ones' well-being. One reviewer highlighted problems like outdated medical information being circulated, lackluster teamwork among staff members, and troubling incidents where residents were not treated with proper respect or dignity. Such reports reveal systemic problems that require attention to ensure that elderly residents receive adequate care.

In addition to caregiving challenges, logistical issues have also been raised concerning communication methods used at Andara Community. Residents and their families voiced dissatisfaction with relying exclusively on paper-based systems for meal schedules and activity planning rather than providing an online portal for easy access. This situation has created barriers for families wishing to encourage their loved ones’ participation in available activities—a feature that could significantly enhance resident engagement.

On the financial side of things, some reviewers noted that while the rent may be comparatively high for similar communities, they felt justified based on amenities offered and quality of food provided by the kitchen staff. Nonetheless, concerns about billing processes arose due to disorganization amongst staff members—highlighting ongoing struggles faced by families needing clarity and reliability when managing payments.

Overall, while many aspects of Andara Senior Community shine brightly through positive interactions between dedicated staff members and engaged residents seeking fulfilling experiences in their golden years, grim realities regarding assisted living services cannot be overlooked. Prospective residents must weigh these contrasting perspectives; they might find themselves enchanted by the supportive atmosphere yet cautious about flaws found within operational practices impacting patient care directly—ultimately underscoring how vital thorough assessments are before deciding on long-term housing options for aging family members.

This part of Scottsdale, Arizona, offers a range of healthcare options including East Scottsdale Medical Care, NeuroHealth Solutions, and Mayo Clinic, all within a few miles of each other. The area also has several places of worship such as Saint Bernard of Clairvaux Catholic Church and Shepherd of the Desert Lutheran Church for spiritual support. Additionally, there are various dining options nearby including Goldie's Neighborhood Sports Cafe, Chick-Fil-A, and Pei Wei Asian Diner. For medical needs, there are pharmacies like Walgreens and CVS within a short drive. Residents can enjoy cafes like Dutch Bros Coffee and Panera Bread for social outings. Transportation services from Enterprise Rent-A-Car are available for convenience. Overall, this area provides a well-rounded environment with easy access to healthcare, community amenities, and entertainment options suitable for senior living.

Physicians

• East Scottsdale Medical Care (0.6 miles)
• NeuroHealth Solutions (0.6 miles)
• Mayo Clinic (2.3 miles)
• Healthcare Specialists (2.3 miles)
• Advanced Fertility Care (2.6 miles)
• Medical Plaza 1 (3 miles)
• HonorHealth Virginia G. Piper Cancer Care Network - 10460 N. 92nd St (3 miles)

Places of Worship

• Saint Bernard of Clairvaux Catholic Church (1.2 miles)
• Shepherd of the Desert Lutheran Church (2.5 miles)
• Impact Church (5.7 miles)
• St Bernadette Catholic Church (7.5 miles)
• Salt River Assembly of God (7.9 miles)

Restaurants

• Goldie's Neighborhood Sports Cafe (2 miles)
• Jack In The Box (3.2 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (3.2 miles)
• Portillo's Hot Dogs (3.3 miles)
• White Castle (3.7 miles)
• Pei Wei Asian Diner (4 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (4 miles)

Hospitals

• Mayo Clinic Hematology/Oncology (2.3 miles)
• Piper Surgery Center (3.1 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (3.2 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.2 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.9 miles)
• Fry's Pharmacy (4.3 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (5.5 miles)
• Walgreens (5.6 miles)
• Walgreens (6 miles)

Cafes

• Dutch Bros Coffee (3.5 miles)
• Panera Bread (3.9 miles)
• Starbucks (4.2 miles)
• Butters Pancakes & Cafe (4.2 miles)
• Dutch Bros Coffee (4.5 miles)
• Starbucks (5.8 miles)
• Dutch Bros Coffee (7.9 miles)

Transportation

• Enterprise Rent-A-Car (5.2 miles)
• Scottsdale Municipal Airport (SDL) (5.3 miles)

Parks

• Kierland Park (6.4 miles)
• Thompson Peak Park (6.9 miles)
• Desert Horizon Park (8 miles)

Theaters

• Harkins Theatres Scottsdale (7.4 miles)