13209 Induran Drive, Shafter, CA 93314
For more information about senior living options: (844) 490-3973
The location is beautiful. The staff are friendly.
There was a disturbing lack of cleanliness in the rooms, including a moldy pumpkin left to rot in the grandmother's room. The food was a constant problem: meals were bizarre, often serving breakfast and lunch items for dinner, and not fresh except for prepackaged box meals. The owner was absentee and the only trained RN, delegating narcotics and daily medications to non-trained staff, one of whom spent most of the time sleeping on the couch or on her phone. COVID policies turned the facility into a "Sr. living prison," with visits limited to the porch for almost a year. Visitation restrictions were extensive and not applied equally; some residents could have outside visits while others could not. The staff routinely ran the dryer during visits, blowing hot air and lint onto food and children. The owner barred all visitations a week before the grandmother died, citing cost and PPE availability despite other observations. Basic safety precautions were ignored: no masks, no gloves, no hand sanitizer, and no handwashing between visiting patients or before handling food and medication. A staff member invited a child in, but the owner threatened to cut off all visitation if she returned. The grandmother died alone, with the implication that the owner lacked compassion for those under her care. The reviewer reported concerns to the Ombudsman and California licensing, but it was too late; readers are urged to stay away.What begins as a scene of beauty and welcome quickly unravels into a troubling tapestry of neglect, mismanagement, and fear. The location itself is described as a beautiful place with friendly staff, a surface impression that a reviewer acknowledges at the outset. Yet that initial warmth is repeatedly undermined by a pattern of failures that touch every corner of daily life for a resident who depended on the facility for care. The reviewer paints a stark contrast between appearances and reality, suggesting that compassion and dependable care were largely absent in practice.
Cleanliness emerges as a recurring and troubling issue. The reviewer reports a persistent lack of cleanliness, noting occasions where basic housekeeping fell far short of expectation. A particularly jarring example involves a Halloween pumpkin left to rot in a grandmother's room, to the point of molding. This detail is not incidental; it signals ongoing neglect of the most fundamental standards of hygiene and upkeep. Across multiple visits and rooms, the impression conveyed is that cleanliness and order were inconsistent at best, and seriously compromised at times, contributing to a sense of discomfort and insecurity for residents and their families.
Food, described as a constant problem, compounds the sense of neglect. Meals for the grandmother in the reviewer's care were described as bizarre and irregular, with an unsettling menu pattern that included breakfast and lunch foods served for dinner. The reviewer recalls a dinner consisting of pancakes and a hotdog, implying a lack of culinary care and nutritional consideration. The characterization of the food as not fresh - except for being "prepackaged Costco box meals" - suggests a systematic reliance on low-effort, pre-made meals rather than fresh, thoughtfully prepared options. This critique of nourishment speaks to a broader concern about the quality of daily life and the level of attention given to residents' well-being.
The governance and clinical oversight of the facility are described in stark terms. The owner is depicted as absentee, while a single trained registered nurse is implied to be the only professional with formal qualifications on staff. The reviewer alleges that narcotic and daily medication administration has been delegated to non-trained staff, raising serious safety questions about medication management and oversight. One caretaker is portrayed as largely disengaged - spending much of the time sleeping on a couch or using a phone - while broader operational changes during the pandemic recast the environment into something resembling a "Sr. living prison." The reviewer claims that for almost a year, visitation was effectively restricted to porch visits, a dramatic shift that severed ordinary familial contact and support during a vulnerable period.
Visitation practices and safety concerns are laid bare in a way that underscores a broader atmosphere of distrust and alarm. A sign barring all visitors, including healthcare workers, was posted on the door, and the reviewer notes that a year later the restrictions remained far more stringent than CDC guidelines would have suggested. The uneven application of rules is emphasized: some residents were allowed certain exemptions for family involvement in hair and nail appointments, while others were cut off entirely. The timing is particularly poignant, with a week-before-death moment when the owner barred all family visitation in all homes, citing PPE costs and COVID precautions, even as the reviewer observed staff not adhering to basic safety practices - no masks, gloves, or hand sanitizer, and little to no handwashing between handling food and medications. The reviewer describes a chilling mismatch between policy rhetoric and real-world practice, with PPE concerns used as a justification amid apparent lapses in safety protocols.
The emotional impact of these policies and practices is starkly felt in the family's experience around their grandmother's illness and death. The reviewer recounts being barred from consistent contact, and even a private family member's attempt to bring a young granddaughter into a visit was met with threats that visitation would be cut off in the future. The culmination of this isolation and mismanagement appears to be the grandmother dying alone, without the company or comfort of friends or family, a consequence the reviewer attributes to the owner's lack of compassion and the facility's troubling governance. The reviewer notes taking action by contacting the state Ombudsman and California licensing agencies, but laments that by the time those steps occurred, it was already too late for meaningful change.
In summation, the narrative presented is one of deep dissatisfaction and alarm: a place that can look appealing on the surface but, in the reviewer's account, frequently fails to deliver safe, compassionate, and dignified care. The combination of cleanliness lapses, questionable food practices, questionable medication administration, and restrictive, uneven visitation policies coalesces into a broader condemnation. The reviewer closes with a direct and stern warning for prospective families: avoid this facility if your primary concern is peace of mind and the humane treatment of loved ones. The overarching message is clear - what is advertised as care, in the reviewer's experience, did not translate into the trusted, compassionate support that families rely on in times of vulnerability.
6 resident community capacity
Assisted LivingAssisted living facilities provide crucial support and care for seniors who may need help with daily tasks such as medication management, bathing, and meal preparation. These communities offer a safe and comfortable environment where seniors can maintain their independence while receiving the assistance they need to thrive in their golden years.
Board and Care HomeBoard and care homes provide a smaller, more intimate setting for seniors who require assistance with daily tasks but do not need the level of care offered by a nursing home. They offer personalized care, meals, and social activities in a homelike environment, ensuring that seniors receive individualized attention and support in their golden years.
Cable or satellite TVCable or satellite TV is important for seniors because it provides entertainment, news, and companionship, helping to combat loneliness and boredom. It also offers a wide range of programming options tailored to different interests and preferences.
Dining roomDining rooms are important for seniors as they provide a space for socialization, connection, and nutritious meals. They offer opportunities for residents to bond over shared meals, foster a sense of community, and promote healthy eating habits. Dining rooms also ensure that seniors have access to well-balanced meals tailored to their dietary needs and preferences.
Fully furnishedFully furnished senior living communities are important for seniors because they provide convenience, comfort, and a hassle-free moving experience. Seniors can easily settle into their new living space without the stress of having to buy and move furniture. This allows them to focus on enjoying their new home and community.
GardenGardens are important for seniors as they provide a peaceful and therapeutic environment for relaxation, physical activity, and socialization. Being in nature has been shown to reduce stress, improve mood, and promote overall well-being. Gardens also offer opportunities for seniors to engage in gardening activities, which can improve mobility, flexibility, and cognitive function. Additionally, gardens create a sense of community and connection with others who share a passion for plants and outdoor spaces.
Housekeeping servicesHousekeeping services are important for seniors because they help maintain a clean and safe living environment, promote independence, and reduce the risk of accidents or illnesses. Additionally, having assistance with household chores can alleviate physical strain and allow seniors to focus on other aspects of their well-being.
Move-in coordinationMove-in coordination is important for seniors because it helps ease the transition into their new living environment. It ensures that all logistics, such as packing, organizing movers, and setting up utilities are taken care of, allowing seniors to focus on settling in and adjusting to their new home. Having a smooth move-in process can alleviate stress and anxiety, making the transition smoother and more enjoyable for seniors.
Outdoor spaceOutdoor spaces are important for seniors as they provide opportunities for physical activity, social interaction, exposure to natural light and fresh air, and a sense of connection to nature. Having access to outdoor spaces can improve overall well-being and quality of life for older adults living in senior communities.
TelephoneTelephones are important for seniors as they provide a lifeline for communication with loved ones, emergency services, and healthcare providers. They offer a sense of security and independence, enabling seniors to stay connected and access assistance when needed.
Wi-Fi/high-speed internet availableWi-Fi/high-speed internet is important for seniors to stay connected with loved ones, access online resources, and participate in virtual activities to combat feelings of loneliness and isolation. It also allows them to easily manage healthcare needs, access entertainment, and engage in lifelong learning opportunities.
Meadows (6 miles away)
24-hour supervision24-hour supervision is important for seniors to ensure their safety, well-being, and access to immediate assistance in case of emergencies or health issues. This constant support provides peace of mind for both seniors and their loved ones, allowing them to age in place with dignity and security.
Activities of daily living assistanceActivities of daily living assistance are important for seniors because they provide essential support with tasks such as eating, bathing, dressing, and mobility. This assistance helps seniors maintain their independence, dignity, and overall quality of life as they age.
Assistance with bathingAssistance with bathing is crucial for seniors as it helps maintain personal hygiene, prevents infections, and ensures their overall well-being and comfort. It also provides a sense of dignity and independence for seniors who may struggle with this task on their own.
Assistance with dressingAssistance with dressing is important for seniors because it helps maintain their independence, promotes personal hygiene, prevents accidents and injuries, and improves overall quality of life. This service ensures that seniors can continue to dress comfortably and confidently, despite any physical limitations they may have.
Assistance with transfersAssistance with transfers is crucial for seniors as it helps prevent falls and injuries, maintains their independence, and ensures they can safely navigate their living environment. It also provides peace of mind for both seniors and their loved ones. Coordination with health care providersCoordination with health care providers is crucial for seniors to ensure proper medical care, medication management, and overall well-being. This collaboration helps prevent overlapping treatments, track progress more effectively, and provide comprehensive support tailored to individual needs.
Diabetes dietA diabetes diet is crucial for seniors as it helps manage blood sugar levels, reduce risks of complications, and improve overall health and well-being. By following a balanced and nutritious diet tailored to their specific needs, seniors can better control their diabetes and enhance their quality of life.
Meal preparation and serviceMeal preparation and service are crucial for seniors as they may have limited mobility or energy to cook nutritious meals. Having access to healthy and convenient food options can ensure they are getting the proper nutrition needed to maintain their overall health and well-being.
Medication managementMedication management is crucial for seniors to ensure they are taking the right medications at the correct dosages and times. This helps prevent adverse drug interactions, reduces the risk of medication errors, and promotes overall health and well-being. Proactive management also allows for adjustments as needed based on changing health conditions or new prescriptions.
Special dietary restrictionsSpecial dietary restrictions are important for seniors because age-related changes in metabolism and health conditions can make it difficult for their bodies to process certain foods. By following a diet tailored to their specific needs, seniors can maintain their overall health and well-being, manage chronic conditions, and reduce the risk of complications such as malnutrition or food interactions with medications.
Transportation arrangement (medical)Transportation arrangements for medical purposes are essential for seniors as they may have difficulty driving themselves to appointments or accessing public transportation. Having reliable and safe transportation options ensures that seniors can receive timely medical care and maintain their health and well-being.
Transportation to doctors appointmentsTransportation to doctors' appointments is crucial for seniors as it ensures they have access to necessary medical care and support for their health needs. Without reliable transportation, seniors may struggle to attend important appointments, leading to potential delays in treatment and health complications. Providing transportation services helps seniors maintain their overall well-being and quality of life. Diabetes dietA diabetes diet is crucial for seniors as it helps manage blood sugar levels, reduce risks of complications, and improve overall health and well-being. By following a balanced and nutritious diet tailored to their specific needs, seniors can better control their diabetes and enhance their quality of life. Special dietary restrictionsSpecial dietary restrictions are important for seniors because age-related changes in metabolism and health conditions can make it difficult for their bodies to process certain foods. By following a diet tailored to their specific needs, seniors can maintain their overall health and well-being, manage chronic conditions, and reduce the risk of complications such as malnutrition or food interactions with medications. Community-sponsored activitiesCommunity-sponsored activities are important for seniors as they provide opportunities for social interaction, mental stimulation, and physical activity. These activities can help improve overall well-being, combat loneliness and isolation, and promote a sense of belonging and purpose among older adults. Scheduled daily activitiesScheduled daily activities are important for seniors because they provide structure, socialization, mental stimulation, and physical activity. Engaging in regular activities can improve overall well-being and quality of life for seniors living in a community setting.A Golden Heart in Shafter, CA is a warm and inviting board and care home that provides exceptional assisted living services. Our community offers a range of amenities to ensure comfort and convenience for our residents.
Our dining room provides a pleasant atmosphere for meals, where residents can enjoy delicious and nutritious food prepared by our skilled staff. The entire facility is fully furnished, creating a cozy and homelike environment. Our beautiful garden offers a tranquil space for residents to relax and enjoy the outdoors.
We understand the importance of maintaining a clean living space, which is why we provide housekeeping services to keep our community tidy and comfortable. Additionally, our move-in coordination services make the transition to our community seamless and stress-free.
Residents have access to outdoor space where they can engage in various activities or simply enjoy the fresh air. With telephone and Wi-Fi/high-speed internet available throughout the premises, staying connected with loved ones or browsing the web is convenient for all.
At A Golden Heart, we prioritize providing excellent care services tailored to meet each individual's needs. Our dedicated staff assists with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, and transfers. We also coordinate with health care providers to ensure comprehensive medical care for our residents.
Maintaining proper nutrition is crucial for overall well-being, which is why we offer diabetes diets as well as meal preparation and service. Medication management and assistance with special dietary restrictions are also provided to ensure residents' health needs are met.
Transportation arrangement for medical purposes is available within the community along with transportation to doctors' appointments to facilitate easy access to healthcare services.
Our community keeps residents engaged through scheduled daily activities designed to foster socialization and participation. Whether it's enjoying nearby cafes, parks, restaurants or theaters, there are numerous options for outings in close proximity. Pharmacies are conveniently located nearby in case any medication needs arise, while multiple physicians are readily accessible within the area for specialized healthcare requirements.
Overall, A Golden Heart in Shafter, CA is a compassionate and well-equipped assisted living community that provides exceptional care services and amenities to ensure residents' comfort, safety, and enjoyment.
A Golden Heart is located at 13209 Induran Drive, Shafter, CA 93314 in Kern County, California
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