Columbine Manor in Salida, CO

Pros

• The staff were tremendously supportive and kind.
• The staff were loving, compassionate and knowledgeable, professional in every way.
• The staff were welcoming to friends and family, offering much appreciated emotional support.
• The nurses are sweet and attentive and genuinely care.
• A friend living there is receiving excellent care.
• The facility is a gem.
• The heart, compassion, empathy and skills of the staff are exceptional.
• The staff truly love their residents.

Cons

• The reviewer would not send their worst enemy here.
• There is a constant turnover of staff and a lack of organization.
• The administrator, Macy, yells at staff in the dining room and hallways, which is unprofessional and creates an uncomfortable environment.
• It felt like a slap in the face to residents, highlighting how little they matter to the administration.
• The top priority here is money, not the residents.
• The facility is understaffed, with only one nurse for about 50 patients.
• A resident was left sitting in urine for a long time without help.
• The place is disgusting and poorly cared for.
• The reviewer called the facility the absolute worst nursing home they have ever seen, describing it as dirty and a mess.

Review

Columbine Manor is best suited for families and residents who prize a warm, intimate nursing setting where staff are consistently described as caring, compassionate, and readily available. In Salida, Colorado, this single-floor facility offers a home-like atmosphere with a well-appointed, easy-to-navigate layout that can make daily life, recovery, or end-of-life care feel more personal and less clinical. Reviewers repeatedly highlight attentive nurses, a responsive front-line staff, and a culture of emotional support for residents and their families. For families prioritizing constant human connection and a tight-knit community feel, Columbine Manor can be a strong match.

At the same time, potential residents should consider alternatives if operational consistency and administrative steadiness are non-negotiable. A sizable share of feedback centers on governance and staffing stability, including complaints about turnover and uneven management. Some reviewers describe difficult interactions with administration, with impressions that spending priorities trump resident needs. Claims of understaffing - such as nights with one nurse for many patients - underscore a risk that care lapses can occur during peak demand. Weighing these concerns against the positive caregiving narrative is essential for families evaluating long-term placement.

The strongest positives - compassionate, hands-on care and a genuinely caring atmosphere - do offset certain limitations when daily warmth and personal attention are the priority. Several accounts emphasize nurses who are sweet, attentive, and deeply involved in residents' well-being, along with families feeling welcomed and emotionally supported during difficult transitions. A few residents and families point to a stable, family-like environment, where staff invest in progress, safety, and comfort. The facility's intimate size and one-floor design can enhance visibility, reduce confusion for residents, and foster meaningful relationships, which can compensate for less-than-perfect administrative predictability in the eyes of caregivers who value human connection.

However, the cons carry weight, especially for families seeking rigorous operational reliability. Reports of ongoing staff turnover, gaps in basic supplies, and concerns about hygiene or organization paint a picture of a facility where day-to-day execution can falter. The most troubling critiques center on upper-management dynamics, including allegations of yelling, situational inconsistency, and a perception that money matters more than resident experience. When leadership is perceived as unstable, even the most devoted front-line teams can struggle to maintain consistent care standards, particularly for residents with complex medical needs or those requiring strict schedules and rapid response when issues arise.

For families seriously weighing Columbine Manor, a practical, action-oriented plan will help separate workable realities from hopeful sentiment. Schedule visits at various times to observe actual staffing levels in action and to talk with both frontline caregivers and residents. Ask for recent staffing ratios, turnover data, and how the administration addresses supply shortages or hygiene concerns. Request a candid discussion with the Executive Director or administrator about care priorities, response times, and what concrete steps have been taken to stabilize operations. Speak with families of current residents to gauge consistency over several weeks, not just one favorable visit. Note whether the facility can translate compassionate intent into dependable daily routines and transparent communication.

In the end, Columbine Manor offers a compelling value proposition for those who prioritize heartfelt, person-centered care within a small, navigable environment. The care ethos - nurses and aides who are described as loving, dedicated, and genuinely engaged with residents' welfare - remains a powerful draw. Yet the decision hinges on whether staffing stability and strong, trustworthy leadership can be secured and sustained. If immediate, reliable, well-coordinated care with clear administrative accountability is essential, alternatives with documented, steadier operations may be a better fit. If the priority is a humane, resident-centered setting and families are prepared to engage proactively with administration to ensure consistency, Columbine Manor can be a rewarding choice.

This section of Salida, Colorado, offers a diverse range of amenities that cater to the needs and interests of seniors. With several places of worship nearby, individuals can easily access spiritual guidance and community support. Additionally, there are pharmacies in close proximity for convenient medication management. Transportation options such as Budget Truck Rental and U-Haul Neighborhood Dealer provide easy access to moving services or transportation for outings. A variety of dining options like Uptown Grill and The Firefly Restaurant offer delicious meals without the hassle of long commutes. For healthcare needs, there are multiple physicians' offices in the vicinity, ensuring medical care is readily available. Finally, cafes like Sacred Ground Coffee provide cozy spaces for relaxation and socialization with friends or family members. Overall, this part of Salida offers a well-rounded environment that promotes comfort and convenience for senior living.

Places of Worship

• Salida Universal Faith Church (0.2 miles)
• First Lutheran Church (0.4 miles)
• Grainery Ministries (0.4 miles)
• Cornerstone Church (0.5 miles)
• Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (0.5 miles)
• Poncha Springs Church of Christ (0.8 miles)
• Southern Baptist Convention (0.8 miles)

Pharmacies

• Nature's Medicine (0.2 miles)
• Walmart Pharmacy (0.8 miles)
• Safeway Pharmacy (1 miles)

Transportation

• Budget Truck Rental (0.2 miles)
• U-Haul Neighborhood Dealer (0.6 miles)
• G B Taxidermy (0.7 miles)
• Harriet Alexander Airport (0.9 miles)
• Harriet Alexander Airfield (2.3 miles)

Restaurants

• Uptown Grill (0.2 miles)
• Country Bounty (0.3 miles)
• The Firefly Restaurant (0.3 miles)
• Los Girasoles (0.5 miles)
• Super Bowl Lanes (0.5 miles)
• 50 Burger (0.6 miles)
• Sonic Drive-In (0.8 miles)

Physicians

• The Medical Clinics (0.2 miles)
• Central Colorado Dermatology (1 miles)
• First Street Family Health (1.1 miles)
• Salida Dermatology (1.2 miles)
• First Street Family Health (1.2 miles)

Cafes

• Sacred Ground Coffee (0.2 miles)