Macarena Assisted Living Facility Inc

Pros

• The facility is described as a super nice and cozy place to care for the elderly.
• It is a place full of love for its elderly residents.

Cons

• The facility is not very well maintained.
• It is clear that the place is not regularly cleaned.
• The washing machine is located outside where it dumps wastewater from soil sheets with human feces into the backyard, which violates Miami-Dade county code.
• The walls need to be cleaned and repainted.
• The roof has a tarp on it.
• The shed is rotten with signs of rodents.
• The trees in the backyard are not maintained or trimmed regularly, causing frequent power outages.
• In June 2022, the entire neighborhood experienced a power outage because the trees were not trimmed and subsequently caught fire in the backyard.
• When the power goes out, the facility does not have a generator large enough to power the entire house.
• The elderly patients are left without air conditioning, sometimes for days.
• During hurricane season 2022 they were without power for 5 days with no air conditioning for the patients.
• At times, the pool is green with tree frogs in it.
• The Miami-Dade County Fire Rescue is constantly being called to this location for emergencies.
• There are reports of patients screaming and crying at night.
• The workers spend more time on the patio smoking and talking than caring for the patients inside.
• Photos show a fire caused by them.

Review

The place is described with a paradox that hardly sits well with the narrator's first impression. On the surface, it begins with a warm, inviting note - a setting that bills itself as a super nice and cozy home for elderly residents. Yet behind that greeting lies a tightly packed list of serious, unaddressed concerns about maintenance, sanitation, and safety. The reviewer paints a picture of a facility that looks neglected and poorly kept, with concrete examples that raise alarms about daily life there. One of the most troubling details is the washing arrangement: an outdoor washing machine that allegedly dumps wastewater containing human waste directly into the backyard, a practice said to violate the local Miami-Dade county code. This stark image sets the tone for a broader critique of cleanliness and compliance with basic standards.

Beyond the wastewater issue, the review details a cascade of deteriorating conditions that point to chronic neglect. The walls are described as dirty and in need of cleaning and repainting, while the roof is slung with a tarp as if improvisation has become the norm rather than a temporary fix. The shed on the property is described as rotten, with signs of rodents, suggesting possible ongoing pest problems and a broader sense of general disrepair. Trees in the backyard are singled out for inadequate maintenance, with the implication that such neglect contributes to unsafe conditions - specifically, the reviewer links failed tree maintenance to recurring power outages in the area, hinting at a chain of problems caused by untrimmed branches and unstable infrastructure rather than isolated incidents.

The narrative escalates to safety and reliability concerns that directly affect the residents' comfort and well-being. In June 2022, the reviewer notes a neighborhood-wide power outage caused by the same issue of untrimmed trees, which allegedly caught fire in the backyard and disrupted the entire area. The facility is described as lacking a generator capable of powering the whole house, a shortfall that translates into periods where elderly residents are left without air conditioning during outages. The reviewer emphasizes the impact during hurricane season, noting that in 2022 there were five days without power and, consequently, without air conditioning for the patients. The implication is clear: in extreme weather, the residents would be disproportionately exposed to uncomfortable and potentially dangerous conditions.

Other environmental and health concerns are raised as well. The pool is described as green and inhabited by tree frogs, signaling potential lapses in pool maintenance and sanitary upkeep in what should be a safe, communal outdoor space for residents and visitors alike. The constant calls to Miami-Dade County Fire Rescue paint a picture of emergencies that recur frequently, suggesting a pattern of incidents that demand urgent attention. The reviewer also conveys a sense of distress by the sounds from inside the home: patients are described as screaming and crying at night, an image that starkly contrasts with the expected calm and care of a senior living environment.

Concerning staff behavior, the review asserts that those employed at the facility spend more time on the patio smoking and engaging in conversations than on the essential task of caring for the residents inside. This portrayal shifts the focus from facility-wide structural and environmental issues to the day-to-day practices and priorities of the care team. The mention of attached photographs showing a fire allegedly caused by staff underscores a troubling narrative of risk, carelessness, and potential danger that extends beyond nuisance and neglect to actual harm and property damage. Taken together, these elements contribute to a powerful impression of systemic problems that affect the safety, dignity, and daily quality of life for the elderly who reside there.

Despite the catalog of concerns, the reviewer ends on a paradoxical note, stating that the place is "full of love for its elderly residents." This closing sentiment acknowledges a juxtaposition between affection and neglect, suggesting that even within a setting fraught with maintenance failures, safety lapses, and repeated emergencies, there remains an underlying care or emotional investment in the residents. The contrast between loving intentions and the described conditions creates a complicated portrait: a home that residents and their loved ones might deeply value for its warmth, yet one that appears to fall short in meeting essential standards of cleanliness, safety, and reliable operations.

This area of Miami, Florida offers a variety of amenities and services that may appeal to seniors looking for a comfortable and convenient living environment. With multiple cafes, restaurants, parks, and pharmacies in close proximity, residents have easy access to dining options, green spaces for recreation and relaxation, as well as medical services. In addition, there are several places of worship nearby for those who value spiritual practices. The presence of reputable hospitals and physicians within a reasonable distance ensures that healthcare needs can be met effectively. For entertainment purposes, the area boasts a modern theater complex with a range of movie offerings. Overall, this part of Miami provides a well-rounded community environment suitable for senior living.

Cafes

• Nespresso Boutique at Macy's (0.7 miles)
• Panera Bread (0.8 miles)
• Joanna's Marketplace (1.6 miles)
• Moulin Rose Cake & Bakery Shop (2 miles)
• Panera Bread (3.2 miles)
• Starbucks (5.2 miles)
• Panera Bread (5.6 miles)

Parks

• Continental Park (0.7 miles)
• Coral Pine Park (1.4 miles)
• Dante Fascell Park (2.5 miles)
• Tropical Park (2.6 miles)
• Kendall Indian Hammocks County Park (2.9 miles)
• McMillan Park (3.5 miles)
• Coral Reef Park (3.9 miles)

Restaurants

• The Cheesecake Factory (0.8 miles)
• Earls Kitchen + Bar (0.8 miles)
• Dadeland Mall (0.9 miles)
• McDonald's (1.8 miles)
• McDonald's (2.4 miles)
• P.F. Chang's China Bistro (3 miles)
• Shake Shack (3.1 miles)

Physicians

• Valdes Rafael DDS (0.8 miles)
• Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute (0.9 miles)
• UM Sylvester/Physicians at Kendall (1.6 miles)
• Nicklaus Children's Hospital (4.2 miles)

Pharmacies

• Winn-Dixie (1.1 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.2 miles)
• Walgreens (1.5 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.8 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.8 miles)
• Walgreens (2.3 miles)
• SMP Pharmacy Solutions: Retail & Specialty (2.3 miles)

Places of Worship

• St Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church (1.8 miles)
• St Louis Catholic Church (2.2 miles)
• Bible Truth Chapel (2.3 miles)
• Christ Fellowship Church (5.2 miles)

Hospitals

• South Miami Hospital (2.2 miles)
• Doctors Hospital (4.1 miles)
• Jackson South Medical Center (4.2 miles)
• Jackson South Community Hospital (4.2 miles)

Theaters

• AMC Sunset Place 24 (2.7 miles)