Calusa Adult Care I

Pros

• The staff at Calusa Adult Care I is very kind and takes excellent care of the residents, creating a sense of community akin to a little family.
• Residents enjoy delicious food from a local restaurant, particularly noting the quality of Cuban cuisine.
• The facility maintains a clean environment that impresses visitors.
• Activities offered, such as music sessions and bingo, provide some entertainment for the residents.
• Many families have had positive experiences over extended periods, with one reviewer highlighting six years without issues compared to other assisted living facilities.

Cons

• The caregiver turnover rate is extremely high, ranging from 12 to 15 caregivers in a short period.
• The caregiver-to-resident ratio is inadequate, with only 2 caregivers for 10-13 residents, leading to insufficient attention for the residents.
• Lunch options are limited and rarely change, with meals catered from a nearby restaurant rather than prepared on-site.
• There are minimal activities available for residents, often restricted to passive options like listening to the radio or watching TV.
• Some caregivers do not have time to assist residents who wish to sit outside, compromising their quality of life.
• One resident ended up in the emergency room due to a fall that may have been preventable with better supervision and care.
• Despite the clean environment and initial positive impressions, there seems to be a lack of dedicated time for resident interaction compared to cleaning duties.
• High employee turnover results in inadequate staffing levels, which negatively affects the overall quality of care provided.

Review

When searching for an assisted living facility (ALF), potential residents and their families often find themselves faced with a daunting task. Evaluating the quality of care, staff attentiveness, and overall environment can significantly influence decision-making. Such assessments become even more critical when loved ones require consistent support. The reviews of two distinct ALFs—an unnamed facility with concerning aspects and Calusa Adult Care I—paint a vivid picture of the varying experiences that residents and their families face.

The first set of reviews highlights the disheartening experience at an unnamed ALF where a family placed their mother nearly two years ago. At first glance, this home presented itself as impeccable; however, deeper inspection revealed systemic issues that affected the care provided. The disturbingly high turnover rate among caregivers, ranging between 12 to 15 in just two years, suggested a troubling lack of consistency in care. Furthermore, the ratio of caregivers to residents was skewed—only two caregivers available for every 10 to 13 residents. This imbalance frequently resulted in staff members being preoccupied with tasks such as cleaning or preparing meals instead of attending to resident needs.

While lunch was catered from a local restaurant, offering good food options that differed from on-site cooking facilities, concerns arose regarding menu variety and meal quality over time. A stagnant weekly menu limited residents’ dining experiences, which is particularly disheartening for those who enjoy diverse meals. Additionally, there was little emphasis on activities designed to engage residents socially or mentally; entertainment options were limited mainly to the radio or television viewing. One major complaint revolved around outdoor access; although some residents enjoyed sitting outside, caregivers often lacked the time or availability to supervise them adequately.

In contrast to these troubling facets found at many ALFs stands Calusa Adult Care I—a small community that has garnered positive feedback over time. Family members have expressed satisfaction with this facility’s cleanliness and commitment to care standards. With only 11 or 12 residents in total, staff are described as kind and attentive, creating an atmosphere akin to family rather than mere inhabitants within a facility setting. Families appreciate that meals are sourced from local restaurants specializing in Cuban cuisine; this unique offering provides fresh food while allowing staff members more time to dedicate toward direct resident care.

Despite these positives at Calusa Adult Care I, some areas still warrant attention—especially concerning activities tailored for resident engagement. Residents experienced limitations in organized programs after prolonged pandemic restrictions hampered social interactions and recreational opportunities within assisted living environments. Though there were moments of joy through live music from an invited guitarist and bingo games facilitated by staff members, many voices echoed a desire for broader activities that could stimulate both physical and mental wellness among residents.

Beyond cleanliness ratings and meal evaluations lies another essential factor highlighted by both facilities: staffing levels significantly impact the quality of resident care provided within assisted living homes. Reviews reflect a growing concern regarding inconsistent caregiver dedication due largely to high turnover rates noted elsewhere—a reality that leaves families feeling apprehensive about how well their loved ones are genuinely cared for when they can’t be present consistently.

Ultimately, navigating the landscape of assisted living facilities reveals complexities not easily visible upon initial visits or promotional materials presented during tours. As demonstrated through stark contrasts between experiences at different homes illustrated here—the importance cannot be overstated—in conducting thorough research before placing anything into action is paramount when choosing an ALF for your family member's well-being and safety needs going forward! Prospective clients should remain vigilant by exploring resources like state health department websites (e.g., AHCA) while ensuring they carefully examine contracts prior to signing anything formalized—all steps geared toward safeguarding dignity following shared stories echoed across these reviews emphasizing trustworthiness matters immensely on behalf of both current volunteers along countless deserving individuals requiring greater assistance daily!

Located in Miami, Florida, this neighborhood offers easy access to a variety of amenities for seniors looking for convenient living. With a selection of restaurants ranging from casual dining spots like Sergio's London Square and El Rinconcito Latino to popular chains like IHOP and Chick-Fil-A, residents have plenty of dining options nearby. For medical needs, there are several pharmacies within a short distance, as well as physicians' offices such as UM Sylvester/Physicians at Kendall and Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute. The area also boasts several parks for outdoor recreation and places of worship for spiritual fulfillment, such as King Jesus Ministry and St Louis Catholic Church. Additionally, the neighborhood is close to Jackson South Medical Center where seniors can access quality healthcare services. Overall, this part of Miami offers a mix of conveniences that cater to the needs of older adults looking for a comfortable living environment.

Restaurants

• Sergio's London Square (0.6 miles)
• El Rinconcito Latino (0.8 miles)
• Keg South of Kendall (1.1 miles)
• Flanigan's Seafood Bar & Grill (1.9 miles)
• IHOP (2 miles)
• Little Caesars Pizza (2.2 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (2.3 miles)

Pharmacies

• Navarro Discount Pharmacy (0.9 miles)
• Walgreens (1.5 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.2 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.5 miles)
• Walgreens (2.7 miles)
• Walgreens (2.9 miles)

Cafes

• Panera Bread (1.4 miles)
• Moulin Rose Cake & Bakery Shop (4.9 miles)
• Panera Bread (5.6 miles)
• Starbucks (6.4 miles)
• Nespresso Boutique at Macy's (6.8 miles)

Parks

• Kendall Hammocks Park (1.5 miles)
• Hammocks Park (1.8 miles)
• Westwind Lakes Park (3 miles)
• Chuck Pezoldt Park (3.3 miles)
• Kendall Indian Hammocks County Park (3.7 miles)
• Millers Pond Park (4 miles)
• Colonial Drive Park (4.3 miles)

Places of Worship

• King Jesus Ministry (2 miles)
• Bible Truth Chapel (5.1 miles)
• Christ Fellowship Church (6.2 miles)
• St Louis Catholic Church (6.8 miles)

Physicians

• UM Sylvester/Physicians at Kendall (4.6 miles)
• Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute (5.2 miles)
• Valdes Rafael DDS (5.9 miles)
• Conviva Care Center Quail Roost (6.2 miles)

Hospitals

• Jackson South Medical Center (5.2 miles)
• Jackson South Community Hospital (5.2 miles)