Gracious Age

Pros

• The owners and staff are described as great, friendly, and committed to providing excellent care for residents.
• The facility created a welcoming atmosphere during unannounced visits, making families feel confident in their choice to move loved ones in.
• Residents are seen smiling and happy, indicating a positive environment.
• Families expressed gratitude for the attentive and caring approach of the staff, especially during difficult times.
• Many reviewers noted that their loved ones adapted well to the facility and enjoyed a homey feeling compared to previous places.
• Overall experiences with the facility were largely positive, with many families feeling reassured about the care their loved ones received.

Cons

• The facility seems dirty, and residents appear unhappy and unkempt.
• Staff members are perceived as only being there for a paycheck, indicating a lack of genuine care.
• There is minimal personal care due to possible understaffing.
• The mattresses and bed sheets are old and worn, suggesting a lack of proper maintenance.
• There are no handicapped bathrooms, making it difficult for wheelchair-bound residents.
• The communal areas are overcrowded and not conducive to recreation or activities.
• Residents have limited privacy due to the shared phone being frequently occupied.
• Overall, the quality of care does not justify the high cost of living at the facility.

Review

The concerns regarding the care provided at this facility vary significantly among residents' families, reflecting a spectrum of experiences that paint a complex picture of the place. While some reviews speak highly of the supportive staff and welcoming environment, others express deep dissatisfaction with the overall conditions and level of care.

Several reviews commend the compassionate nature of the staff and management. Families share anecdotes highlighting how attentive caregivers were during difficult times, particularly when managing complex health issues such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. One family recounted their experience transitioning their parents from another facility to this one, where they felt an immediate sense of comfort and genuine care from both staff and ownership. The owners, Carlos and Joy, are often mentioned for their understanding approach and commitment to creating a nurturing environment for residents. This sentiment was echoed by multiple families who reported that their loved ones thrived in this community setting, where staff interactions fostered joy rather than despair.

Conversely, there are stark criticisms concerning cleanliness and maintenance within the facility. Some reviewers voiced strong displeasure about hygiene standards, mentioning instances where relatives appeared unkempt or frustrated over what they perceived as inadequate resources for personal care. Concerns arose about basic amenities: lacking towels or soap in bathrooms and outdated mattresses contributed to feelings of unease among family members regarding their loved ones' comfort. These comments indicate a significant divide between expectations set by positive reviews and reality as described by dissatisfied families.

Amenities also emerged as a point of contention in several critiques. While some stated that activities were scarce or not engaging enough for individuals with mobility challenges, others noted that recreational spaces were either overcrowded or poorly maintained. Reviewers pointed out that common areas lacked sufficient room for residents to socialize comfortably; with many confined to small spaces during meals or activities, feelings of boredom ensued.

In terms of food quality, opinions diverged amongst reviewers. Some praised specific dishes like broccoli soup but criticized the absence of staples like bread and butter alongside meals—an oversight that indicated a lack of attention to detail in meal preparation could diminish overall satisfaction with dining services. For families concerned about nutrition, especially those dealing with elderly relatives requiring dietary considerations due to medical conditions, these shortcomings presented serious worries.

Overall sentiments regarding pricing also fluctuated dramatically across reviews. Some found value in their experiences relative to costs incurred; however, others felt that charges did not correlate with quality received—suggesting it may be possible to find equal or better care elsewhere at similar price points. This discrepancy highlights an economic aspect intertwined with emotional ties when considering eldercare options: families want reassurance that they’re providing the best possible support while being aware of financial implications.

In summary, this facility appears divided between those who celebrate its warm atmosphere filled with caring staff members versus those who lament degraded physical conditions causing distress among residents’ families. The juxtaposition between heartfelt stories affirming quality service alongside alarming reports on maintenance challenges underscores an urgent need for improvement measures that ensure all residents receive equitable attention under considerate circumstances—performing due diligence can be life-altering decisions for families navigating these challenging waters.

This part of Sanford, Florida offers a variety of amenities and services that may be appealing to seniors looking for a convenient and vibrant community. With a selection of restaurants, pharmacies, parks, physicians, transportation options, places of worship, cafes, and hospitals within close proximity, residents have easy access to essential resources. The nearby George's Tavern, Celery City Craft, and Hollerbach's Willow Tree Cafe provide diverse dining options for socializing with friends and family. Additionally, the area boasts well-regarded healthcare facilities such as Central Florida Regional Hospital and Center for Dermatology & Skin Surgery. The presence of several parks like Fort Mellon Park offers opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation. Transportation options like the Sanford Sunrail Station and Orlando Sanford International Airport ensure ease of travel. Overall, this neighborhood in Sanford presents a well-rounded environment for senior living with a range of amenities to support a comfortable lifestyle.

Restaurants

• George's Tavern (0.5 miles)
• Celery City Craft (0.8 miles)
• Hollerbach's Willow Tree Cafe (0.8 miles)
• Deviant Wolfe Brewing (0.8 miles)
• Mr. Z's (0.8 miles)
• McDonald's (0.9 miles)
• St Johns River Steak & Seafood (1.2 miles)

Pharmacies

• Winn-Dixie (0.5 miles)
• Walgreens (1 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.2 miles)
• Walgreens (3.3 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (4 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (5.1 miles)
• Florida Health Care Pharmacy (5.2 miles)

Parks

• Fort Mellon Park (1 miles)
• Sunland Park (3.7 miles)
• Mariner's Cove Park (4.3 miles)
• Bill Keller Park (5.7 miles)
• Campbell Park (7.4 miles)
• Sylvan Lake Park (7.5 miles)

Physicians

• Central Florida Regional Hospital (1.5 miles)
• Center for Dermatology & Skin Surgery (2 miles)
• Central Florida Family Health Center (3.2 miles)
• Team Health (4.2 miles)
• Nemours Children's Urgent Care (4.2 miles)
• Colleen L. McLeod, MD (4.7 miles)
• Annabell Torres (4.8 miles)

Transportation

• Deltona Executive Airport (2.1 miles)
• Sanford Sunrail Station Sanford (2.1 miles)
• Orlando Sanford International Airport (2.2 miles)
• Debary Sunrail Station (5.1 miles)

Places of Worship

• Central Baptist Church (2.4 miles)
• Identity Church (5.8 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (4.2 miles)
• Starbucks (5.7 miles)
• Starbucks (6 miles)
• Starbucks (7.8 miles)

Hospitals

• Florida Hospital Lake Mary ER (5.1 miles)