DeSoto Palms

Pros

• The staff at Desoto Palms genuinely cares for the residents like their own family, providing excellent care and support.
• Residents appreciate the friendly atmosphere and have made many friendships within the community.
• Daily activities, such as music, outings, and fitness classes, keep residents engaged and happy.
• The facility is clean, well-maintained, and offers a comfortable living environment.
• Families feel reassured by the constant communication from staff regarding updates on their loved ones' care.
• The variety of food options and dietary accommodations are praised by residents for their quality and availability.
• Many families recommend Desoto Palms to others due to their positive experiences with the caring staff and community ambiance.

Cons

• The rooms are reported to be nasty, filled with old trash, and have an unacceptable bad smell.
• The food is considered poor, with trays for room service arriving late and cold.
• Caregivers lack the knowledge, patience, and empathy needed to properly care for residents.
• Many believe that several caregivers have never attended nursing school or received appropriate training.
• The facility is consistently short-staffed, which affects the quality of care provided to residents.
• Residents are now receiving only two meals a day in their rooms, hindering socialization opportunities.
• A former employee feels they were unfairly blackballed from rehire after being a devoted worker amid workplace bullying and a lack of open communication from management.
• Despite some positive experiences mentioned by families, there are significant ongoing issues that contribute to feelings of mockery and deception regarding the care provided at the facility.

Review

Desoto Palms has garnered a myriad of reviews from families and employees, reflecting a complex picture of its operations, care quality, and overall environment. Many reviewers express deep concern regarding the management and operational challenges faced by this assisted living facility. Some families report having serious issues with cleanliness in the residents' rooms where garbage was often left unattended, leading to unpleasant odors that made the living conditions unacceptable for their loved ones. The timely delivery and quality of food served also received criticism; meals were frequently reported as late, cold, or insufficiently nourishing.

Moreover, the staffing situation at Desoto Palms appears to be concerning. A number of reviews pointed out that caregivers lacked essential skills such as patience, empathy, and proper nursing training, which raised alarms among families worried about their loved ones' wellbeing. The common refrain from multiple reviewers highlights that despite some staff being exceptionally friendly and dedicated, the facility often operates understaffed. This under-staffing problem has been exacerbated by challenges related to COVID-19, affecting both meal service and social opportunities for residents who have had to eat in their rooms instead of engaging in communal dining experiences.

Conversely, there are positive aspects shared by many respondents that must not be overlooked. Some family members expressed satisfaction with how their relatives were treated at Desoto Palms before and during the pandemic. They noted that staff communicated regularly about any health concerns or changes related to COVID-19 precautions. Families appreciated these updates as they contributed to a sense of reassurance regarding their loved ones’ safety during an uncertain time.

Furthermore, several reviews highlighted the strong community feel within Desoto Palms itself. Residents enjoy various daily activities ranging from arts and crafts sessions to exercise programs that foster social interaction among them. Individuals reported their family members making friends easily within this smaller community setting. Moreover, references were made to excellent accommodations available - such as spacious apartment-like settings equipped with essential amenities - contributing positively towards residents' overall comfort.

It is noteworthy as well that some reviewers documented personal experiences stemming from connections made through visits or volunteer work at Desoto Palms. Volunteers spoke highly about the wellness programs offered for residents along with recreational activities like music nights or holiday events which create a lively atmosphere conducive to socializing among residents while enhancing their overall quality of life.

However, amid these commendations lies underlying frustration targeted at leadership due to perceived failures in addressing ongoing complaints voiced by families over time—particularly issues related directly back to inadequate staffing levels resulting in diminished service quality across departments within Desoto Palms itself.

In conclusion, while Desoto Palms may provide a caring environment filled with engaging activities for its residents along with some dedicated employees who genuinely care about giving good service—the facility still faces glaring challenges requiring immediate attention from management appropriate measures must be enforced prioritizing cleanliness standards proactive staffing solutions ensuring every resident receives attentive compassionate care tailored toward individual needs thus securing optimal living conditions fostering both happiness peace throughout this vulnerable population seeking a loving treatment home away from home amidst life’s later years turmoil.

This part of Sarasota, Florida offers a convenient and diverse range of amenities for seniors looking for a comfortable living environment. With several reputable physicians, pharmacies, and restaurants within close proximity, residents can easily access essential healthcare services and dining options. The presence of cafes such as Starbucks provides opportunities for socializing and enjoying quality coffee. Additionally, the nearby parks offer peaceful outdoor spaces for leisurely walks or recreational activities. For those seeking spiritual fulfillment, there are various places of worship nearby. The accessibility to transportation options like Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport ensures convenient travel arrangements for visiting family members or vacations. Overall, this area provides a well-rounded and convenient lifestyle suitable for senior living.

Physicians

• Skin Smart Dermatology (0.3 miles)
• University Pediatrics (0.9 miles)
• Lakewood Ranch Health: Leo Kao, MD (1.5 miles)
• Vision Loss Center (1.5 miles)
• Lakewood Cardiovascular Consultants (1.7 miles)
• Jose A Tavarez MD (1.8 miles)
• Silverstein Institute Lakewood Ranch (1.8 miles)

Restaurants

• Ford's Garage Sarasota (0.4 miles)
• The Capital Grille (0.6 miles)
• The Cheesecake Factory (0.6 miles)
• First Watch (1.4 miles)
• Pinchers (2 miles)
• Ed's Tavern (2 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (3.1 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (0.5 miles)
• Walgreens (1.5 miles)
• Walgreens (2.8 miles)
• Winn-Dixie (3.2 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.2 miles)
• University Pharmacy (3.6 miles)
• Winn-Dixie (4.2 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (0.5 miles)
• Starbucks (1.9 miles)
• Starbucks (4.3 miles)
• Starbucks (5.2 miles)
• Starbucks (5.5 miles)

Parks

• Nathan Benderson Park (0.8 miles)
• James L. Patton Community Park (5 miles)
• Gillespie Park (5.1 miles)

Places of Worship

• Church Of Hope (2.5 miles)
• Living Lord Lutheran Church (4 miles)
• St Mary Magdalene Episcopal Church (4 miles)

Theaters

• Regal Hollywood - Sarasota (5.2 miles)

Transportation

• Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) (5.5 miles)
• TSA Pre-Check (5.6 miles)
• Concourse B (5.6 miles)