Lakewood Retirement Center

Pros

• Maria, the owner of the facility, is a very caring woman who communicates effectively with Spanish-speaking residents.
• Residents feel comfortable and well-cared-for in the facility, providing peace of mind to their families.
• Lakewood Retirement Center boasts a clean, charming environment with spacious rooms and beautiful nature trails.
• The staff at Lakewood is described as charming and attentive, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere.
• Residents enjoy meals that are made from scratch with love, enhancing their overall dining experience.
• The facility's security features, such as being privately fenced, add an extra layer of safety for residents.

Cons

• Lakewood Retirement Center was not suitable for the parents because it felt like a memory care center, which they didn’t need.
• The accommodations at Lakewood were way too small for both parents.
• Residents at Lakewood appeared to be just sitting around and staring, lacking engagement.
• The dining area at Lakewood was described as unimpressive and utilitarian.

Review

The care and comfort of loved ones in assisted living facilities are of utmost importance to families seeking suitable accommodations. In the journey of finding the right place for their aging relatives, many families have varied experiences that ultimately shape their perspectives on potential facilities. One particular facility that has garnered commendation is one run by Maria Ware, whose compassionate approach and commitment to her residents make it a noteworthy choice for families in need.

Several reviews highlight Maria's heartfelt involvement with her residents, showcasing her dedication to providing not just a roof over their heads, but an environment enriched with love and attention. A reviewer shared a poignant account of their mother's time at the facility, noting that she felt comfortable and well-cared-for during her three-year residence before passing away. The ability to communicate effectively was also emphasized; since the resident primarily spoke Spanish, Maria’s proficiency in the language bridged any gaps between them, fostering a deeper connection. Families visiting this facility found peace of mind knowing their loved ones were supported by someone as caring and attentive as Maria.

The physical attributes of the facility itself were similarly praised; it is described as charming and clean, located on an expansive 10-acre lot that provides tranquility away from urban noise. Spacious rooms allow residents more freedom compared to what is typically found in similar settings. Additionally, the fact that meals are prepared from scratch rather than served cafeteria-style reflects the owner’s genuine commitment to resident satisfaction—a sentiment echoed across multiple reviews. Community members appreciated how this individual touch made mealtime an enjoyable experience rather than another aspect of institutional life.

However, not every family found Maria's facility suitable for their needs; one review pointed out some challenges they faced while selecting accommodations for both parents simultaneously. While acknowledging the director's friendliness and openness during conversations, they deemed Lakewood Retirement Center unsuitable due to its designation as a memory care facility—an option unnecessary for their parents at that stage in life. They articulated disappointment regarding room sizes and mentioned a lack of vibrant engagement among residents who seemed disengaged within the communal spaces.

Indeed, another review expressed discontent with specific aspects of Lakewood Retirement Center. The dining area was described as "utilitarian," lacking charm or appeal conducive to inviting social interaction among residents enjoying meals together—a stark contrast to other facilities where food is considered integral to community life. This illustrates how essential it is for assisted living environments not only to meet basic needs but also foster connection through shared experiences.

Ultimately, while Lakewood offers amenities such as nature trails for outdoor enjoyment—features undeniably appealing—the reviews underscore varying priorities when choosing a living situation for aging parents or relatives. For some families like those fondly remembering interactions with Maria at her more intimate setting, personal touches lead them towards lasting relationships built on trust and compassion—essential elements missing elsewhere according to those dissatisfied with larger institutions focused more on protocol than personal care.

In conclusion, these narratives paint vivid pictures illustrating crucial considerations when evaluating assisted living options: compassionate ownership matters greatly; communication plays a vital role in resident satisfaction; cleanliness enhances overall quality of life; engaging meal experiences build community spirit; adequate space caters positively toward independence among elderly individuals needing assistance; and ultimately recognizing each resident's unique situation remains paramount throughout this significant transition in their lives.

This area of Daytona Beach, Florida offers a convenient and accessible location for senior living. With several pharmacies nearby such as CVS and Walgreens, accessing medication and healthcare services is easy. There are also various physicians and hospitals in close proximity, providing ample healthcare options. In terms of dining options, residents can enjoy a variety of restaurants including Cool Runnings Jamaican Restaurant and Blaze Pizza. Additionally, there are cafes like Starbucks for socializing or grabbing a quick bite to eat. For entertainment, there are theaters like Cobb Daytona Luxury Theatres for movie buffs. Overall, this area provides a mix of amenities and services that cater to the needs of seniors looking for a comfortable living environment with access to essential services.

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (0.9 miles)
• Walgreens (1.2 miles)
• Winn-Dixie (1.2 miles)
• Omnicare (1.7 miles)
• Holly Hill Pharmacy (2.6 miles)
• Daytona Peoples Pharmacy (2.7 miles)
• Walgreens (3.1 miles)

Physicians

• Atlantic PODIATRY (0.9 miles)
• Ambulatory Anesthesia Providers (0.9 miles)
• Martin, Jeffrey Dr - Orthopaedic Clinic of Daytona Beach (0.9 miles)
• Halifax Ob Gyn (0.9 miles)
• John A Ortolani MD (1 miles)
• Vagovic R John, MD (1 miles)
• Hanger Prosthetics (1 miles)

Hospitals

• Twin Lakes Medical Center (0.9 miles)
• Halifax Health - Fountain Building (1.9 miles)
• Florida Hospital-East Central (1.9 miles)
• Halifax Hospital (2 miles)
• Halifax Health Medical Center (2 miles)
• Feasel Jeff Halifax Medical Center Port Orange (2 miles)
• Halifax Hospital Fountain Building (2.1 miles)

Restaurants

• Cool Runnings Jamaican Restaurant (1.2 miles)
• Blaze Pizza (1.2 miles)
• Checkers (1.4 miles)
• Wendy's (1.5 miles)
• Dave & Buster's (1.5 miles)
• Culver's (1.6 miles)
• Wild Ginger (1.6 miles)

Theaters

• Cobb Daytona Luxury Theatres (2.1 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (2.2 miles)
• Copperline Coffee (2.2 miles)
• Panera Bread (3.1 miles)

Parks

• Ross Point Park (2.5 miles)
• Sunrise Park (2.6 miles)

Places of Worship

• Basilica Of St Paul Catholic Church (2.7 miles)

Transportation

• Sheltair (2.9 miles)
• Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB) (2.9 miles)