1200 West New York Avenue, De Land, FL 32720
For more information about senior living options: (866) 208-4318
Overall Review of The Good Shepards Of Deland West
Pros
Ramon and the staff are described by families as meaning the world to them.- The staff are professional and full of agape love, treating residents like family.
- The care is described as absolutely the best, with friendly, kind, and honest service.
- The atmosphere is homey and the rooms are comfortable, with family-style dining and healthy meals.
- The facility is more reasonably priced than many others while offering comparable services.
- The staff are knowledgeable, communicate progress and concerns regularly, and keep residents safe.
- The property features a butterfly garden and walking path, with holidays and birthdays celebrated for residents and families.
- Activities are tailored to each resident’s interests and abilities, including walks, shows, book clubs, and games.
- Families are encouraged to visit and participate in celebrations, and many feel it was a blessing to have their loved ones cared for there.
Cons
The reviewer felt Good Shepherd was only a little better than another place they saw, but that other place had lower-functioning residents and they would not fit in with that community.- The reviewer described the other facility as expensive.
- The reviewer described the other facility as having a less physical environment.
Review
Good Shepherds Of Deland West is best suited for families seeking a small, homelike assisted living where residents are treated as part of a caring extended family. This community excels for seniors who value intimate, personalized attention, flexible visiting, and a comfortable, real-bedroom environment. It suits those who want a calm, neighborly pace, regular family-style meals, and consistent, honest communication from staff. Residents who appreciate seasonal decorating, everyday celebrations, and easy access to outdoor spaces will likely feel at home here.
Those weighing alternatives should consider options if higher medical acuity or a more clinical setting is needed. A resident with complex or advancing medical needs that require around-the-clock nursing oversight, heavy physical therapy, or a highly structured, activity-forward program may be better served by larger campuses or facilities with more extensive on-site medical resources. Families on a strict budget or seeking the lowest possible monthly cost should compare with other area options, as some critics view the price as a significant factor. For residents who crave a more physically active, brisk, or highly programmatic environment, a less physical, smaller home may feel limiting.
The strongest positives tilt decisively toward a strong, values-based care ethic. The staff is repeatedly described as professional, kind, and genuinely caring, with “agape”-like warmth that makes families feel their loved one is at home. Regular, clear updates about progress and concerns build trust, while the director’s ongoing communication reinforces accountability. The homey atmosphere, real bedrooms, family-style dining, and thoughtfully landscaped grounds, creates a sense of stability and belonging that can reduce agitation and confusion for many seniors. These elements help offset the desire some families have for a more impersonal, clinical setting.
Beyond care tone, the community shines in daily life logistics and social engagement. Meals are wholesome and predictably scheduled, with options that honor residents’ preferences; activities are tailored to individual interests, including walks, light shows, book clubs, games, and holiday celebrations that actively involve families. The environment supports independence with a walking path and accessible grounds, while decorating and celebratory rituals provide meaningful continuity. In short, the combination of attentive staff, transparent communication, and a genuine sense of community makes this a compelling choice for families prioritizing warmth, reliability, and ongoing involvement.
Still, the lone negative review points to two important realities. Cost can be a hurdle for some families, with perceptions of expense relative to local alternatives, even as several accounts frame the price as reasonable given the care level. The setting’s strengths, intimacy, gentleness, and slower-pace programming, may feel limiting to residents who require more physical activity or a more robust, high-energy schedule. For those seeking a highly active lifestyle, intensive clinical services, or very low-cost care, alternatives will likely offer a better fit. The key decision hinge is clear: this community delivers heartfelt, honest, resident-centered care in a small, home-like package, but that package may not match every family’s budget or every resident’s desired activity level.
In practical terms, families choosing Good Shepherds should schedule a comprehensive tour, meet the direct caregivers and managers, sample a meal, and observe a typical day’s activities. Request a detailed care plan, including how the team handles changing needs, medication oversight, and family updates. Compare the cost structure against nearby options, clarifying what is included in the base rate and what may be added services. For those prioritizing a warm, personal setting with transparent communication and a supportive, family-like vibe, Good Shepherds Of Deland West stands out as a strong, credible choice; for those who demand more medical heft, a more active calendar, or lower cost, alternatives deserve close consideration.
11 resident community capacity
Assisted Living
Board and Care Home
Respite Care
Skilled Nursing Facility
Cable or satellite TV
Dining room
Fully furnished
Garden
Housekeeping services
Move-in coordination
Outdoor space
Telephone
Wi-Fi/high-speed internet available
Daytona Beach International (19 miles away)
24-hour supervision
Activities of daily living assistance
Assistance with bathing
Assistance with dressing
Assistance with transfers
Diabetes diet
Hospice care
Meal preparation and service
Medication management
Special dietary restrictions
Transportation arrangement (medical)
Transportation to doctors appointments
English
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