Lakeside Residential Care, LLC

Pros

• The owner is a good man who really cares about his residents.
• The Lakeside staff, including the manager, assistant manager, and maintenance team, are described as good people who care about their residents.
• Lakeside is independent living where residents take care of themselves, with staff available to assist when needed.
• They provide three meals a day, and the food is good with MD serving as the primary cook.
• The place is being fixed up and improved every day.
• The community treats each other like family and shows love and care for its residents.

Cons

• It is described as the worst place they have ever been.
• They were served canned chicken noodle soup with tuna and a slice of fatty ham with squash and onions the next day.
• There was no lease, leaving residents without formal protections.
• The owner wanted $1,100 in rent while their income was barely over $1,200.

Review

Living in housing for people with disabilities can be a mixed bag, and the most striking thing about these experiences is how differently two places can feel. One reviewer describes the worst place they've ever been, a place that left them hungry for dignity as much as for meals. They paint a stark picture: canned chicken noodle soup with tuna, a piece of fat ham, squash and onions the next day, and a sense of being undervalued. There was no lease to anchor stability, rent was a steep $1,100 while their income hovered just over $1,200, and the situation was even tougher because they are physically disabled. In their words, the combination of unsafe meals, unclear living terms, and financial strain created a troubling and unsatisfying experience - one that underscored how crucial it is for a residence to feel predictable, supportive, and respectful.

Against that grievance stands a much brighter contrast at Lakeside Residential. The transition from a disappointing experience to a place described as safe, drug-free, and community-focused feels almost like a different universe. This reviewer emphasizes that Lakeside isn't just a building; it's a home they're choosing to live in, with plans to share more about the community on social media, including Facebook, to reach others who might be seeking a similar environment. The emphasis is on safety and peace of mind, a crucial distinction for anyone looking for stability in their living situation.

What makes Lakeside stand out, according to the review, are the people who run it. The owner, Jay, the manager Kevin, the assistant manager, and the maintenance staff are all described as genuinely good people, devoted to the residents. They're not just overseeing an apartment complex; they're actively fixing things up and improving the place every day. The sense is that Lakeside is a community in motion - constantly getting better, with a shared commitment to the well-being of every resident. The team is portrayed as approachable and dependable, ready to assist with anything that might come up, which is particularly meaningful for someone navigating disability and housing needs.

The reviewer also highlights the practical and personal touches that shape the Lakeside experience. The narrator serves as the primary cook, with meals described as good, which matters enormously when daily meals are part of what sustains a person physically and emotionally. Lakeside is described as independent living, meaning residents take care of themselves while knowing there is a supportive team available if help is needed. The sentiment is that Lakeside is more than a place to live; it's a habitat where residents feel seen, valued, and treated with respect. The author gives the place a five-star rating, a striking endorsement rooted in a long personal history of instability - from foster homes to mental institutions, group homes, motels, and even homelessness. In light of that background, Lakeside represents a rare stability and a sense of belonging that the reviewer had hoped for but rarely found.

Beyond the basics of food and safety, the review paints Lakeside as a community that functions like a family. The residents and staff are described as caring deeply for one another, with the owner and team treating Lakeside as a home rather than just a property to manage. The gratitude is explicit: thanks extended to Jay, Kevin, and others - nicknamed "cowboy" and "cam" - for making life better day by day. The sense of being part of a close-knit, supportive network is what elevates Lakeside in their view, especially after years of moving from place to place and enduring uncertain living arrangements. The reviewer emphasizes that if there is space, Lakeside would welcome new residents into a community where love and care are more than slogans.

There is also an emphasis on ongoing development and openness to the future. The team at Lakeside is described as always looking for ways to improve, with intentions to update pictures and keep the community current as improvements continue. The language conveys pride in the progress being made and a willingness to grow alongside the needs of the residents. It's not just about maintaining a building; it's about cultivating a living, breathing community that reflects the people who call it home. The reviewer's voice suggests that Lakeside is poised to become even more welcoming and robust as it expands its reach and capabilities.

In sum, the narrative contrasts a troubling earlier experience with an extraordinarily positive and hopeful one at Lakeside Residential. The Lakeside story centers on a caring, responsive team led by an owner who truly believes in the residents' well-being, a sense of home that feels intimate and protective, and practical support that makes independent living feasible for people who have faced significant life upheavals. For the reviewer, Lakeside represents what housing for people with disabilities can be when it is grounded in dignity, consistency, and genuine neighborly care. The closing note - who they are and why they stay - speaks volumes: a place where love and daily acts of service come together to create a stable, supportive home. And for anyone considering joining, the message remains hopeful and welcoming: there is space, there is care, and there is a community ready to embrace you.

Located in Hot Springs, Arkansas, this area offers a variety of amenities suitable for senior living. With multiple restaurants nearby such as Sonic Drive-In, McDonald's, and Zoe's, residents have convenient dining options. Additionally, there are several pharmacies including Lakeside Pharmacy and National Park Pharmacy within a short distance for easy access to medications. For medical needs, there are various physicians' offices like Central Arkansas Pain Center and Hot Springs Pediatric Clinic, as well as the Orthopaedic Center of Hot Springs. Seniors can also enjoy the peaceful surroundings of parks like Hot Springs National Park CT and Anthony Chapel for leisurely walks or relaxation. Places of worship like the First Church of Christ Scientist and Divine Interventions provide spiritual fulfillment. Overall, this area offers a mix of practical conveniences and opportunities for recreation making it an attractive option for senior living in Hot Springs.

Restaurants

• Sonic Drive-In (0.1 miles)
• McDonald's (1.3 miles)
• Zoe's (3.1 miles)
• Red Oak Fillin Station (3.9 miles)
• Split Rock Grill (4.6 miles)
• Flossie's Funnel Cakes (5 miles)
• Burger King (5.1 miles)

Physicians

• Porter Jack C DDS (2.1 miles)
• Central Arkansas Pain Center (2.9 miles)
• Hot Springs Ear Nose & Throat Clinic (2.9 miles)
• Hot Springs Pediatric Clinic, P.A. (3.9 miles)
• Hot Springs Surgery Clinic PA (4 miles)
• Orthopaedic Center of Hot Springs (4 miles)
• Arkansas Institute For Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery (4 miles)

Pharmacies

• Lakeside Pharmacy (3 miles)
• Lakeside Pharmacy (3.2 miles)
• National Park Pharmacy (4.4 miles)
• Green Springs Medical (4.5 miles)
• Kroger Pharmacy (5.1 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (5.2 miles)
• Walmart Pharmacy (5.2 miles)

Cafes

• Shipley Do-Nuts (3.2 miles)
• Chipmunk Cafe (4.6 miles)
• Cafe 1217 (4.7 miles)
• Starbucks (5.3 miles)
• Best Cafe & Bar (5.9 miles)
• Arlington Lobby Cafe (5.9 miles)
• Kollective Coffee + Tea (6.1 miles)

Places of Worship

• Anthony Chapel (4.6 miles)
• First Church of Christ Scientist (5.7 miles)
• Pentecostal Church of God (6.4 miles)
• Divine Interventions (6.6 miles)
• Starr Fuentes - Intuitive Healer and Spiritual Teacher (6.6 miles)

Parks

• Hot Springs Central Avenue Historical District (5.9 miles)
• Hot Springs National Park CT (6.2 miles)
• Hot Springs National Park (6.7 miles)