Rose Garden ALH

Pros

• The owner, Steve Walski, is personable and knowledgeable about the residents, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
• The staff and residents appear relaxed and content during meal times, indicating a positive environment.
• Steve's commitment to knowing each resident's likes and dislikes fosters a sense of care and attention.
• The planned upgrades, such as replacing carpeting with hardwood look vinyl flooring, show a dedication to improving the living space.
• The option to personalize the room with furniture and decorations demonstrates an understanding of individual needs.
• Steve’s approach to caregiver scheduling ensures that staff are well-rested and able to provide quality care.
• The proximity of the home to family members offers convenience and peace of mind.

Cons

• The house was not pristine, which may be a concern for some families looking for a more maintained environment.
• Initially, there were doubts about Steve Walski's reliability, as he seemed flaky at first.
• The current state of the carpeting may indicate a need for maintenance and updates in the home.
• The fact that caregivers are not on 24-hour shifts could raise questions about continuity of care for residents.
• There may be reservations about whether the relaxed atmosphere and staff dynamics translate to adequate care quality.

Review

In the search for an appropriate care home for their mother, two sisters had the opportunity to visit a facility owned by Steve Walski. Initially, one of the sisters had reservations about Steve, perceiving him as potentially flaky. However, their doubts began to dissipate as they toured the house and observed the atmosphere among residents and staff during lunchtime. The relaxed demeanors of both groups painted a positive picture of the environment Steve had created. This initial impression laid the groundwork for a budding trust in his leadership.

As they continued their tour, the sisters were impressed to learn that Steve took personal responsibility for shopping and cooking meals at the home. His hands-on approach included knowing each resident's likes, dislikes, and names intimately. Such attention to detail signaled that he genuinely cared about those in his care. This personal touch not only convinced them of his commitment but also warmed them to him as an individual capable of managing a nurturing environment.

While the physical condition of the home was not entirely pristine—evident in some worn carpeting—Steve assured them that improvements were on the way. He mentioned plans for replacing old carpets with modern hardwood-look vinyl flooring by October, indicating an investment in creating a more pleasant living space for residents. Hearing this gave them reassurance about maintaining a welcoming atmosphere and underscored that ongoing upgrades were part of his vision for providing quality care.

Moreover, Steve’s timeline aligned well with what the sisters needed; he projected that a room would soon be available for their mother within 10 to 20 days—a timeframe that suited them perfectly. He expressed willingness to paint a nice-sized room before their mother moved in, demonstrating flexibility and attentiveness to making it feel like home. The option to bring personal furniture and decor was also particularly appealing; allowing family members to create a comforting environment would undoubtedly ease their mother's transition into this new chapter in her life.

In stark contrast to another facility known as Sierra—which operated under different management practices—Steve did not require caregivers to work 24-hour shifts. Instead, he believed employees should return home after a shift so they could arrive refreshed each day at work. This philosophy hinted at an understanding of caregiver burnout and reinforced his commitment not only to residents but also staff wellbeing; happy caregivers are often associated with higher quality care for residents.

Encouraged by their visit and developing level of comfort with Steve's operation style, one sister planned to meet with both a registered nurse (RN) and additional caregivers shortly after touring the facility. They intended to further assess compatibility between these professionals and their mother’s needs before making any final decisions regarding her placement there. As long as nothing unexpected arose from this next meeting or impacting circumstances developed, they planned on giving Steve a $500 deposit—a gesture indicating serious interest in reserving a room while factoring into future rent payments—as this caring community was conveniently located just within a mile of her own residence.

Overall, this experience marked significant progress toward finding suitable housing for their mother while instilling hope through positive interactions with Steve Walski’s caregiving model. It exemplified how vital interpersonal relationships can be when considering assisted living options—highlighting how important it is not just where someone lives but how invested caretakers are in enhancing residents' daily lives.

This part of Scottsdale, Arizona offers a convenient and diverse range of amenities for seniors looking to settle in the area. With a variety of restaurants, cafes, and pharmacies within close proximity, residents have easy access to dining options and healthcare services. The presence of reputable physicians and hospitals such as Mayo Clinic ensures quality medical care nearby. Additionally, places of worship are available for those seeking spiritual fulfillment. For leisure activities, parks like Kierland Park and Thompson Peak Park provide opportunities for outdoor recreation. Transportation options such as Enterprise Rent-A-Car and Scottsdale Municipal Airport offer convenience for travel needs. Overall, this neighborhood offers a well-rounded environment with essential services and recreational facilities that cater to the needs of seniors.

Restaurants

• Jack In The Box (0.6 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (1.5 miles)
• Pei Wei Asian Diner (1.6 miles)
• Wendy's (1.6 miles)
• The Union Jack British Pub (1.7 miles)
• Buddha's Ritual (1.7 miles)
• Twin Peaks Scottsdale (1.7 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.6 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (0.7 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.7 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.8 miles)
• Walgreens (4.3 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (4.4 miles)
• Fry's Pharmacy (4.4 miles)

Physicians

• Scottsdale Endocrinology (0.8 miles)
• Mayo Clinic (0.9 miles)
• Toca (1.7 miles)
• Integrated Medical Specialists (1.7 miles)
• Arizona Asthma & Allergy Institute (1.8 miles)
• Associated Retina Consultants (1.8 miles)
• Healthcare Specialists (1.9 miles)

Cafes

• Panera Bread (1.5 miles)
• Starbucks (1.6 miles)
• Butters Pancakes & Cafe (1.8 miles)
• Dutch Bros Coffee (1.9 miles)
• Starbucks (3.5 miles)
• Dutch Bros Coffee (3.5 miles)
• Dutch Bros Coffee (5.3 miles)

Places of Worship

• Shepherd of the Desert Lutheran Church (2.3 miles)
• Impact Church (3.5 miles)
• Saint Bernard of Clairvaux Catholic Church (3.8 miles)
• St Bernadette Catholic Church (5 miles)

Hospitals

• Piper Surgery Center (2.6 miles)
• Mayo Clinic Hematology/Oncology (4.7 miles)
• Mayo Clinic (5.9 miles)

Transportation

• Enterprise Rent-A-Car (2.7 miles)
• Scottsdale Municipal Airport (SDL) (2.9 miles)

Parks

• Kierland Park (3.9 miles)
• Thompson Peak Park (4.3 miles)
• Desert Horizon Park (5.6 miles)
• Sonoran Hills Park (6.1 miles)

Theaters

• Harkins Theatres Scottsdale (4.8 miles)