Shalom Garden

Pros

• Some residents enjoy the social aspects of being in the dining/TV area, engaging with their peers.
• The facility has a community environment where ambulatory residents can freely explore their surroundings.
• There are efforts to provide care, even if challenges exist in staffing levels.
• The management transition may lead to potential improvements in the future as they adapt to new strategies.
• Residents have opportunities to interact with each other, fostering connections within the community.

Cons

• The residents in wheelchairs are left to sit on the sidelines all day in the dining/TV area.
• Ambulatory residents are often left unsupervised, wandering aimlessly and entering each other's rooms.
• The facility is understaffed, with caregivers more focused on their phones than assisting residents.
• The nursing director position has been vacant for several months, leading to a lack of oversight.
• Communication with the doctor is ineffective; he does not return calls regarding testing or medication.
• There are no cameras in the halls, resulting in safety concerns for residents who fall and require assistance.
• Hygiene and toileting needs of residents are frequently ignored, with limited availability of toilet paper.
• There is no supervisor present on weekends, leaving the facility without proper management during critical times.
• The reception area is unstaffed during evenings and weekends, making it difficult for visitors to gain access.

Review

Shalom Gardens Memory Care in Richmond, VA has recently come under fire for the inadequate care and lack of supervision that residents are experiencing. Feedback from relatives and visitors paints a troubling picture of the facility, which is intended to provide specialized support for individuals suffering from memory-related issues. Many families feel that what should be a nurturing environment has turned into a pitiful excuse for memory care, marked by neglect and disorganization.

One of the most alarming issues reported is the treatment of residents who are reliant on wheelchairs. It has been observed that these individuals are often congregated in common areas like the dining room or TV lounge but are left to sit on the sidelines with minimal engagement or activity throughout their day. This practice not only deprives them of meaningful interaction but also reflects poorly on the facility’s commitment to providing enriched living experiences tailored to their needs. Meanwhile, ambulatory residents appear to be wandering aimlessly through the halls, entering each other’s rooms without supervision or restrictions, causing potential safety risks and confusion among residents.

A significant factor contributing to these concerning conditions seems to be chronic understaffing. Reports indicate that staff members often seem disinterested, preferring to spend time on their phones rather than attending to resident needs. The nursing director position, which plays an essential role in overseeing patient care and operations within the unit, has remained vacant since it was vacated several months ago. The absence of leadership at this level raises questions about accountability and continuity of care within Shalom Gardens.

Compounding these staffing shortages is a general lack of access to medical support for residents in need of immediate attention. Family members have expressed frustration over difficulties in getting timely testing or adjustments to necessary medications for their loved ones. The primary physician associated with the facility appears unreachable; numerous attempts have been made by families to contact him without receiving any callbacks or responses—leaving critical health concerns unaddressed and untreated.

Safety concerns have also emerged due to the absence of security measures such as video surveillance cameras in hallways and common areas. Instances have reportedly occurred where residents have fallen and required assistance; however, they were surrounded by other residents who may not comprehend how best to help while they waited for staff response—leading to increased anxiety among family members regarding resident welfare. Furthermore, adequate hygiene assistance appears lacking as well; toilet paper supplies are described as sparse at best, indicating a disregard for basic sanitary needs.

The overall lack of oversight becomes particularly pronounced during weekends when there reportedly isn’t any supervisory staff present on-site—a scenario compounded by an inadequately staffed reception area during evenings and weekends. This creates an atmosphere where communications break down completely; residents needing assistance may struggle without anyone available at reception lines where calls go unanswered. Families seeking quick entry into the facility find themselves frustrated by barriers created by poor operational protocols brought about by new management practices.

In conclusion, Shalom Gardens Memory Care's service shortcomings pose serious questions regarding its ability to provide quality care for vulnerable populations suffering from cognitive impairments. From inattentive staff behavior impacting daily activities and safety protocols being overlooked due to understaffing issues—to limited communication pathways between families seeking medical support—the reviews compel potential clients and their families to carefully consider whether this establishment can adequately meet their loved ones' needs amid ongoing challenges attributed directly or indirectly resulting from recent management changes.

This part of Van Nuys, California offers a convenient and vibrant neighborhood for senior living. With multiple pharmacies, parks, restaurants, theaters, medical facilities, places of worship, transportation options, and cafes within close proximity, residents have easy access to essential services and amenities. The parks in the area provide opportunities for outdoor recreation and leisure activities. Additionally, the diverse dining options cater to various tastes and preferences. The nearby healthcare facilities ensure that medical care is readily available when needed. The transportation options make it easy for seniors to get around the area and beyond. Overall, this neighborhood provides a well-rounded and accessible living environment for seniors looking to enjoy their golden years in Van Nuys.

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (0.3 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.4 miles)
• Rite Aid (1.5 miles)
• Walgreens (1.7 miles)
• Walgreens (1.8 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2 miles)
• Walgreens (2.1 miles)

Parks

• Van Nuys Sherman Oaks Park (0.7 miles)
• Lake Balboa Park (3.5 miles)
• Playground (3.5 miles)
• Coldwater Canyon Park (3.6 miles)
• Franklin Canyon Park (3.9 miles)
• Fryman Canyon Park (3.9 miles)
• Encino Bike Path (4.2 miles)

Restaurants

• In-N-Out Burger (1.3 miles)
• McDonald's (1.6 miles)
• McDonald's (2.1 miles)
• The Stand American Classics Redefined (3.5 miles)
• Wendy's (3.5 miles)
• La Corona Mexican Grill (3.6 miles)
• McDonald's (3.6 miles)

Theaters

• Regal Sherman Oaks Galleria (1.7 miles)
• Universal Cinema AMC at CityWalk Hollywood (5.7 miles)

Physicians

• Southern California Orthopedic Institute (1.9 miles)
• Mid-Valley Comprehensive Health Center (2.5 miles)

Places of Worship

• St Michael & All Angels (3 miles)
• Immanuel Bible Church (5.1 miles)

Hospitals

• Kaiser Permanente Emergency (3.4 miles)
• Veterans Administration (5.5 miles)
• Providence St Joseph Medical Center (6.6 miles)

Transportation

• Van Nuys FlyAway Bus Terminal to LAX (3.4 miles)
• Van Nuys Airport (VNY) (3.5 miles)
• North Hollywood Metro Station (3.9 miles)
• Universal City Metro Station (5.1 miles)
• Burbank Airport Ride Share Pick Up (5.4 miles)
• Baggage Claim (5.5 miles)
• Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) (5.5 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (4.2 miles)
• Starbucks (4.5 miles)
• Starbucks (5.6 miles)
• Starbucks (6.4 miles)
• The Butcher, The Baker, The Cappuccino Maker (6.5 miles)
• Starbucks (7 miles)
• Starbucks (7 miles)