The Mezzanine Assisted Living At Golden West

Pros

• Residents at Golden West appreciate the friendly atmosphere and supportive staff, which creates a welcoming environment.
• The facility is well-maintained, with clean apartments and beautiful views that make living enjoyable.
• Many individuals find the variety of activities offered to be stimulating and engaging, contributing to a sense of community among residents.
• The direct care staff are described as kind, thoughtful, and competent, providing excellent care while respecting residents' independence.
• Visitors note that the food quality is good, with fresh ingredients sourced from their own garden, which enhances the dining experience.
• The newer independent living building has spacious units with large windows that allow for plenty of natural light and great views.
• Overall, Golden West is highly regarded in the community for its reputation as a comfortable and positive place for seniors to live.

Cons

• Golden West lacked three meals a day and had limited activities, leading to a less enjoyable experience for residents.
• The studio rooms were smaller and darker compared to other facilities, which left some feeling unimpressed.
• The kitchen facilities were inadequate with only one sink and no dishwasher, causing frustration for residents.
• High turnover among staff has impacted the sense of community and quality of care at the facility.
• The assisted living section felt dismal and dreary, with unpleasant odors that detracted from the overall experience.
• The dining area resembled a high school cafeteria, lacking a personal or calming atmosphere for residents.
• Parking was inadequate for handicap residents, creating challenges for those who brought cars.
• Some apartments in the older assisted living building felt dated and small compared to newer options available elsewhere.
• Although the food was not bad, it was described as institutional rather than restaurant-quality, disappointing some residents.
• The facility's isolation due to quarantine measures diminished the previously vibrant community atmosphere among residents.

Review

Golden West Senior Residence, located in Boulder, Colorado, has garnered a mixed bag of reviews from current and former residents as well as their families. While many individuals appreciate the facility’s offerings and community spirit, others express concerns about specific aspects of life there. The residence caters to both independent living and assisted living needs but varies significantly in terms of experience depending on which section one is focusing on.

Many reviewers noted that Golden West provides a clean and welcoming environment with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. The newer independent living building particularly impressed visitors; its spacious studios featured ample natural light due to large windows, an appealing layout incorporating practical entryways, and pleasant communal areas such as a rooftop terrace and garden. The facility's emphasis on social activities is also evident, with numerous programs available for residents prior to pandemic-related restrictions. This aspect allowed individuals to foster relationships within the community, creating a vibrant atmosphere filled with engagement.

However, there are notable shortcomings that many reviewers highlighted. Concerns were raised about the quality of food served at Golden West. Many described it as "institutional," indicating that while it was acceptable, it lacked variety and taste compared to restaurant-quality dining experiences. Meal service arrangements have also faced criticism; meals were not served collectively which detracted from fostering friendships among residents during dining times. Additionally, some units appeared smaller or outdated compared to newer sections of the residence — a downside particularly felt in the older assisted living spaces.

The ongoing pandemic has also significantly impacted life at Golden West. Many activities were halted during quarantines, leading to feelings of isolation among residents who had previously enjoyed active participation in community events. Visitors expressed frustration over new operational limits implemented due to health protocols; these included restrictions on visits, mandatory mask-wearing by all parties involved, and social distancing measures that hindered interaction among residents. This situation exacerbated feelings of disconnection that had built up since all activities ceased.

Parking access emerged as another point of contention amongst families visiting their loved ones at Golden West. Although those without vehicles found daily life manageable within the residence’s offerings, family members frequently encountered challenges securing convenient parking spots when bringing their relatives out or coming for visits—a factor that can prove frustrating over time when managing multiple visits or outings.

Despite these negative impressions—particularly regarding food quality and parking availability—the overall sentiment toward Golden West remains predominantly positive. The dedicated staff garnered admiration for being attentive caregivers who respected patients' independence while delivering compassionate care—a crucial aspect for many families seeking suitable accommodations for elderly relatives. Various recreational opportunities are present including fitness areas and informal groups allowing residents to continue engaging socially amid any limitations imposed by recent events.

In summary, while Golden West Senior Residence offers an array of amenities coupled with stunning views and engaging community activities that appeal to many potential residents, it also faces challenges regarding food quality, parking issues for visitors, limited outdoor space options for seniors seeking fresh air enjoyment along with concerns linked back towards the effects stemming from pandemic adjustments impacting resident involvement in community experiences overall.

Physicians

• Wiz-quiz of Boulder County (0.3 miles)
• Foley and Le Oral, Maxillofacial and Dental Implant Surgery (0.5 miles)
• CU: Wardenburg Student Health Center (0.7 miles)
• Dr Timothy Mazzola, MD, CAQSM, RMSK (0.7 miles)
• Tawa Charles Md Boulder (0.8 miles)
• Boulder Eyes / Beyer LASIK (0.9 miles)
• Beyer Laser Center (0.9 miles)

Restaurants

• World Famous Dark Horse Bar & Grill (0.4 miles)
• Flower Child (0.7 miles)
• Chipotle Mexican Grill (0.8 miles)
• Shake Shack (0.8 miles)
• The Buff Restaurant (0.8 miles)
• BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse (0.9 miles)
• McDonald's (1 miles)

Parks

• Scott Carpenter Park (0.5 miles)
• Colorado Chautauqua National Historic Landmark (1 miles)
• Arapahoe Ridge Park (1.3 miles)
• Tantra Park (1.8 miles)
• Eben G. Fine Park (2.1 miles)
• East Palo Park (2.8 miles)
• Eldorado Canyon State Park (5.5 miles)

Pharmacies

• The Apothecary At Wardenburg Health Center (0.6 miles)
• Walgreens (0.9 miles)
• Walgreens (1 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.1 miles)
• Cardno Chem Risk (1.5 miles)
• King Soopers Pharmacy (1.5 miles)
• Rebecca's Herbal Apothecary (1.6 miles)

Theaters

• Century Theatre (0.8 miles)

Cafes

• Panera Bread (1 miles)
• Starbucks (1 miles)
• Walnut Cafe (1.1 miles)
• Altitude Cafe (1.1 miles)
• Starbucks (1.2 miles)
• Boxcar Coffee Roasters (1.3 miles)
• Alpine Modern Cafe (1.3 miles)

Hospitals

• Boulder Community Hospital (1.3 miles)
• Western NPHRLGY Mtblic Bone (1.7 miles)

Transportation

• Downtown Boulder Station (1.3 miles)
• Boulder Municipal Airport (2.6 miles)