Somerford House

Pros

• The community is very clean, with no foul odors, which impresses visitors.
• Many staff members are engaged, caring, and genuinely enjoy their work, contributing to a positive environment for residents.
• The activities program is well-received, with a top-notch young gentleman leading engaging activities for the residents.
• Residents appreciate the variety of activities available, keeping them engaged and active within the community.
• The food is good, with plans to enhance the menu further with a gourmet vendor coming in.
• The facility has made special accommodations for families to visit loved ones during difficult times, showcasing their commitment to care.
• Family members report that their loved ones are happy and well treated in the community, feeling safe and cared for.
• Staff members frequently interact with residents and families, fostering a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere throughout the community.
• Several families have recommended this community to others based on their positive experiences.

Cons

• The community seems to lack effective communication, leading to instances where the right hand doesn’t know what the left hand is doing.
• Some staff members appeared indifferent, and there was a noticeable turnover of key personnel.
• There were concerns about abrupt discharges when residents’ care needs changed unexpectedly.
• The community was deemed not equipped to handle higher levels of care despite claiming otherwise.
• A few residents received inadequate attention from staff, leading to worries about proper care being administered.
• The community raised rates quickly and exhibited a lack of attentiveness towards residents' needs.
• Despite some positive experiences, there were mixed feelings about whether care was adequately met without additional private caregivers.
• The cleanliness of individual rooms was inconsistent, with specific areas needing more attention from staff members.

Review

Exploring Somerford House: A Mixed Bag of Experiences

Somerford House has received a variety of reviews from families and loved ones of residents, creating a mosaic of opinions that highlight both strengths and weaknesses within the community. One recurring theme is the well-maintained environment; many reviewers praised the cleanliness of the facility, noting that there are no unpleasant odors and that the spaces are kept tidy. This aspect has been appreciated by families searching for a comfortable living situation for their loved ones. However, alongside these commendations, concerns have surfaced about the overall quality of care and communication within the staff.

The quality of care at Somerford House seems to vary significantly depending on specific staff members. While some caregivers were described as engaged, caring, and genuinely supportive, others appeared more indifferent or simply present to perform their duties without much enthusiasm. Families reported mixed experiences regarding attentiveness to residents’ needs—some felt assured knowing their loved one was in a clean environment with friendly interactions from staff, while others expressed frustration over what they perceived as inadequate attention to higher-level care requirements. Reports indicated that abrupt discharges could occur when residents’ care needs escalated unexpectedly, leading to anxiety among families trying to navigate these situations.

Communication emerged as a notable issue for several reviewers. There were mentions of organizational dysfunction where "the right hand doesn’t know what the left hand is doing", which contributed to confusion and stress among families trying to understand the level of care their loved ones would receive. However, not all feedback was negative; some family members appreciated proactive updates via email regarding activities and changes within the community. They valued staff members who made an effort to maintain communication with family members during difficult times.

Activity availability appears to be one strong point at Somerford House that appealed to many residents. Throughout various reviews, it became clear that social interaction is a vital part of life in this community. Many residents enjoyed engaging activities organized by enthusiastic staff members—one young gentleman working in the activities program was frequently singled out for his exceptional contributions. These activities helped reduce downtime among residents and fostered camaraderie within the community.

Despite some positive experiences related just above, financial considerations played a significant role in many families' decisions regarding Somerford House. Multiple reviewers commented on how expensive the facility can be relative to other options available locally. Additionally, they noted unexpected increases in rates that added financial strain on families already navigating complex caregiving decisions during challenging transitions for their loved ones.

Ultimately, while some reviewers found great satisfaction with Somerford House—citing attentive staff who knew residents' names and engaged them actively—others remained wary due to inconsistent levels of care across different departments or shifts. Families searching for assisted living options might find value here if their loved ones are capable of maintaining some independence or require lower levels of support; however, those needing more intensive care may want to exercise caution based on multiple reports suggesting limitations faced by current team members.

In conclusion, Somerford House presents itself as both a clean facility with an array of engaging activities and an atmosphere striving toward familial warmth but grappling with challenges surrounding adequate staffing levels and communication issues between caregivers and management teams. Deliberation is key when considering whether this community aligns well with individual needs—a sentiment echoed throughout various personal accounts shared by former visitors and relatives seeking ideal living arrangements for aging loved ones.

This area of Newark, Delaware offers a convenient and diverse range of amenities for seniors looking to settle in a bustling community. With a selection of popular restaurants such as Chick-Fil-A, Olive Garden, and Miller's Ale House nearby, there are plenty of dining options to choose from. In terms of healthcare, there are reputable physicians and hospitals within close proximity, including the ChristianaCare Helen F. Graham Cancer Center and The Christiana Center For Oral & Maxiofacial. Additionally, there are several pharmacies for easy access to medication needs. For entertainment, seniors can enjoy movies at Cinemark Christiana and XD or relax at Border Cafe or Starbucks cafes. Nature enthusiasts can explore nearby parks like Wilmington Manor Gardens Park or White Clay Creek State Park for leisurely strolls. Overall, this area provides a vibrant and well-rounded living environment for seniors seeking convenience and amenities in Newark, Delaware.

Restaurants

• Chick-Fil-A (0.3 miles)
• Miller's Ale House - Christiana (1 miles)
• Olive Garden (1.1 miles)
• Wendy's (1.2 miles)
• Brio Restaurant Group (1.5 miles)
• Sixth & Pine (1.5 miles)
• Nordstrom Grill (1.5 miles)

Physicians

• ChristianaCare Helen F. Graham Cancer Center and Research Institute (0.4 miles)
• The Christiana Center For Oral & Maxiofacial (0.5 miles)
• Delaware Neurosurgical Group (0.6 miles)
• Christiana Medical Arts PVLLN (0.6 miles)
• First State Orthopaedics (0.6 miles)
• Omega Professional Center (0.6 miles)
• Total Care Physicians (0.6 miles)

Hospitals

• Medical Arts Pavilion 1 (0.6 miles)
• ChristianaCare Christiana Hospital Emergency Department (0.8 miles)
• Christiana Medical Center (1.3 miles)
• Kanchana Thirumaleshwar Dr Mid Atlantic Endoscopy Center Newark (1.3 miles)
• Limestone Medical Center (2.9 miles)
• Wilmington VA Medical Center (5.6 miles)

Pharmacies

• Apotheco Pharmacy Delaware (1.2 miles)
• Walgreens (1.3 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.5 miles)
• Walgreens (2.5 miles)
• Walgreens (2.7 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.8 miles)
• Saveway Compounding Pharmacy (3 miles)

Theaters

• Cinemark Christiana and XD (1.6 miles)

Cafes

• Border Cafe (1.6 miles)
• Starbucks (1.9 miles)
• Starbucks (3.5 miles)
• Little Goat Coffee Roasting (3.5 miles)
• Starbucks (3.7 miles)
• Drip Cafe (3.9 miles)
• Starbucks (4.2 miles)

Parks

• Wilmington Manor Gardens Park (5.3 miles)
• White Clay Creek State Park (5.5 miles)