Mimi's Place I

Pros

• The facility has a dedicated owner who is passionate about caregiving.
• Residents have access to assistance, although the staff-to-resident ratio could be improved.
• There are opportunities for relaxation with television available for entertainment.
• The owner is proactive in managing resident medications and health needs.
• There’s a sense of community among residents, even with limited staff support.

Cons

• The owner appears to be burned out from caretaking responsibilities.
• There is only one assistant available for all of the residents, indicating inadequate staffing.
• Requests for specific dietary needs, such as cranberry juice for a chronic bladder infection, were dismissed by the owner.
• Rate increases were implemented without prior notice to residents or their families.
• The recreational activities offered are limited to constant television viewing.
• The facility has unpleasant odors of dog and mildew, contributing to an overall poor environment.

Review

In recent assessments of a local care facility, a troubling pattern has emerged regarding the quality of care and the overall environment provided to residents. Concerns raised range from insufficient staff support to poor living conditions that have left many questioning whether this facility is suitable for their loved ones. The primary caregiver's apparent burnout also raises significant alarms regarding the level of attention and empathy residents receive.

One critical point highlighted by concerned family members is the limited staffing available at the facility. With only one assistant managing care for all residents, it becomes challenging to meet individual needs adequately. This constraint not only places a heavy burden on staff but also diminishes the overall quality of care provided to each resident. Families expect personalized attention, especially for those who may require additional support due to health conditions or mobility issues.

A specific incident further illustrates these concerns: when family members requested that cranberry juice be made available in the mornings to help alleviate symptoms of a chronic bladder infection affecting their loved one, they were met with resistance from the owner. Instead of accommodating this reasonable request, which could have contributed positively to their mother's health and comfort, the owner suggested that she could simply take a pill instead. This dismissive response points not only to a lack of understanding about dietary needs but also reflects an overall attitude that seems more focused on convenience than on providing holistic care.

Adding to these concerns is the issue of rising costs without prior notice. Families already grappling with emotional stress when placing loved ones in such facilities are understandably upset when financial burdens unexpectedly increase. The unilateral decision by the owner to raise rates without proper communication creates an atmosphere of distrust and dissatisfaction among families who are entrusting their loved ones’ well-being into someone else's hands.

Furthermore, recreational offerings within the facility appear sorely lacking as well. Family members noted that options for engagement are virtually nonexistent beyond continuous television viewing—a particularly uninspiring form of entertainment for elderly residents who may benefit significantly from more stimulating activities or social interactions. A robust schedule encompassing varied recreational activities could enhance cognitive function and overall well-being among residents; however, this seems severely underprioritized at this establishment.

Finally, environmental concerns cannot be overlooked in evaluating this facility’s suitability for long-term residency. Reviews describe unpleasant odors reminiscent of dog dander and mildew permeating common areas—a major red flag reflecting inadequate cleanliness and maintenance routines within the building itself. Such conditions not only threaten resident comfort but can also pose serious health risks, particularly for those with respiratory issues or weakened immune systems.

Given these substantial concerns—from inadequate staffing ratios and poor communication regarding medical needs to rising costs and subpar living conditions—the overwhelming sentiment among reviewers is clear: potential residents should proceed with caution before choosing this facility as a home for their loved ones. Families seeking compassionate and attentive care would likely find better options elsewhere, where both their loved ones' physical needs and emotional well-being are prioritized diligently.

This area of Lake Forest, California offers a convenient and diverse range of amenities for senior living. There are multiple CVS Pharmacies within a short distance, as well as hospitals such as South Coast Medical Center and Kaiser Permanente nearby. The variety of restaurants in the area cater to various tastes, with options like McDonald's, Chick-Fil-A, and Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers. Additionally, there are several parks for enjoying outdoor activities and cafes like Kona Loa Coffee and Starbucks for socializing or relaxing. Places of worship such as Harvest Community Church and Saddleback Church provide spiritual support, while transportation options like Amtrak and Metrolink Irvine Station make it easy to get around. Overall, this part of Lake Forest offers a well-rounded environment for seniors looking for convenience and comfort in their daily lives.

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (0.3 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.1 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.5 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.6 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.7 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.9 miles)
• Rite Aid (3 miles)

Restaurants

• McDonald's (0.9 miles)
• The Village Hookah Lounge (2 miles)
• Farmer Boys (2.3 miles)
• Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers (2.3 miles)
• In-N-Out Burger (2.3 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (2.4 miles)
• McDonald's (2.7 miles)

Hospitals

• South Coast Medical Center For New Medecine (1.4 miles)
• Palm Terrace (3.4 miles)
• Kaiser Permanente Hospital (4.8 miles)
• Head & Neck Associates Of Oc (5.8 miles)
• CHOC Children's at Mission Hospital (6 miles)

Cafes

• Kona Loa Coffe (2.1 miles)
• The Alley (3.1 miles)
• Starbucks (3.4 miles)
• Yifang Fruit Tea (5.4 miles)

Parks

• Vintage Park (2.1 miles)
• Baker Ranch Community Park (2.3 miles)
• Lake Forest Sports Park (3.1 miles)
• Cadence Park (3.2 miles)
• Orange County Great Park (3.5 miles)
• The Pools Park (3.8 miles)
• Sheep Hills Park (3.9 miles)

Places of Worship

• Harvest Community Church of Irvine (2.4 miles)
• Saddleback Church (2.9 miles)
• Islamic Center of Irvine (5.5 miles)
• Corpus Christi Catholic Church (5.8 miles)

Transportation

• Amtrak and Metrolink Irvine Station (2.5 miles)

Physicians

• Saddleback Medical Group (2.6 miles)
• South County Orthopedic Specialists (3.2 miles)
• Mission Pain & Spine (4.6 miles)
• Kaiser Permanente Orthopedics (4.8 miles)
• Advanced Eye Medical Group (5.8 miles)
• Community Orthopedic Medical Group (5.8 miles)
• Leon Joseph Baginski (5.9 miles)

Theaters

• Regal Foothill Towne Center (2.6 miles)
• Regal Irvine Spectrum Screenx, 4Dx, Imax, RPX & Vip (3.1 miles)
• Regal Edwards Aliso Viejo & IMAX (5.1 miles)