1200 Hawthorn House Dr, Shalimar, FL 32579
For more information about senior living options: (844) 490-3973
Hawthorn House offers competitive pricing for its residents, particularly when compared to the surrounding Okaloosa County and the broader state of Florida. For a semi-private room, Hawthorn House is priced at $3,770 per month, which is slightly above the county average of $3,700 but significantly higher than the state average of $3,009. In terms of one-bedroom accommodations, their rate stands at $3,850 - positioned just below Okaloosa County's average of $4,088 while remaining very close to Florida's overall average cost of $3,864. This pricing structure reflects Hawthorn House's commitment to providing quality care and amenities that cater to the needs of its residents while remaining mindful of local market trends.
| Floor plans | Hawthorn House | Okaloosa County | Florida |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semi-Private | $3,770 | $3,700 | $3,009 |
| 1 Bedroom | $3,850 | $4,088 | $3,864 |
Hawthorn House is best suited for military-connected seniors - particularly Air Force widows and veterans - or families who want a purpose-driven, community-minded assisted living environment with robust social programming. The campus sits in a park-like setting within Bob Hope Village, and its design emphasizes dignity, independence, and active living. For residents who need memory care, Hawthorn House offers dedicated wings that mirror the assisted living layout, making transitions smoother than at facilities that segregate memory care more abruptly. The strongest case is for those who value personalized attention, a warm, home-like atmosphere, and a schedule filled with meals, activities, and off-campus outings that keep life centered and meaningful.
Yet, prospective movers should explicitly consider alternatives if a quick move is essential or if a highly controlled, always-on-site medical oversight is non-negotiable. Several families report long waiting lists, with 6 to 8 months not uncommon, which can be a deal-breaker for someone leaning into deteriorating health or sudden care needs. Additionally, while the campus hosts a bright dining culture and multiple on-site dining options, some reviewers note that not all meals are included in base fees, and that the atmosphere can feel more like a resort than a highly clinical care setting. For those seeking locations with minimal distance from urban centers or with guaranteed immediate placement, exploring other nearby options is prudent.
The strongest pros - compassionate, engaged staff; a genuine sense of community; beautiful, well-kept grounds; and a range of intimate dining settings - often offset many drawbacks. Families repeatedly praise staff who treat residents with patience and kindness, and who appear to know residents by name and preference. The memory care wing is described as thoughtfully designed, with attention to safety and routine, and several accounts highlight how staff celebrate small achievements, reinforcing dignity and belonging. The on-campus chapel, gardens, and social opportunities - handbell choirs, therapy animals, and local trips - create a living environment that sustains mood, activity, and social ties, which is essential for ongoing wellbeing.
However, serious concerns deserve careful consideration and verification. There are multiple reports of care failures, including extreme allegations of neglect and improper discharge that prompted state-level scrutiny, with reviewers urging diligence in reviewing care plans, nutrition monitoring, and family communication. Staff turnover and weekend understaffing recur in some accounts, along with perceptions that some aides are overwhelmed or not consistently aligned with each resident's care plan. Certain residents with higher needs or memory challenges were described as not receiving the level of attentiveness those cases require, while others found the environment too quiet or distant from some day-to-day conveniences. In short, the care experience can be excellent in well-staffed wings and with strong leadership, but inconsistencies exist.
The key is alignment of expectations with reality. For families who can tolerate a wait and who place high value on a mission-driven, resident-centered culture - where staff are praised for going the extra mile and the physical environment reinforces independence - Hawthorn House often delivers transformative, relationship-centered care. The non-profit, military-affiliated backdrop adds a layer of trust and stability that resonates with many residents and their families, and the comprehensive campus amenities support sustained engagement and dignity. Yet the risk of inconsistent day-to-day care, especially when understaffing or turnover occurs, cannot be ignored; the facility's strengths only fully reveal themselves when current staffing levels meet the resident's needs and when care plans are fully actionable and transparently communicated.
In deciding to move forward, families should insist on a candid, specific care plan review for the loved one's level of need, request time with the wing director to discuss staffing ratios, and seek contemporary feedback from residents and families currently on the ground. Verify recent state inspection findings and the facility's corrective actions, and ask to visit during peak activity times as well as quieter hours to gauge continuity of care. If the elder's background aligns with the community's military-affiliated culture, if memory care considerations are a priority, and if the potential long wait can be managed with interim supports, Hawthorn House can be a remarkably rewarding home. For those prioritizing immediate placement, iron-clad daily oversight, or lower-cost options, alternatives deserve careful comparison. The decision should rest on whether the combination of mission-driven care, engaging programming, and a proven, loving staff outweighs the realities of wait times and the possibility of care variability.
Hawthorn House in Shalimar, FL is an assisted living community that specializes in providing Memory Care services. Our dedicated staff is trained to provide personalized care and support for individuals with memory impairments, ensuring their safety and well-being.
Residents at Hawthorn House can enjoy a peaceful and comfortable environment with access to various amenities. Our community offers indoor common areas where residents can socialize, relax, and engage in activities with fellow residents. Additionally, we provide devotional services off-site to cater to the spiritual needs of our residents.
As part of our commitment to comprehensive care, we also offer specialized Diabetic care services for residents who may require assistance in managing their condition.
At Hawthorn House, we understand the importance of maintaining an active lifestyle. We organize devotional activities offsite to stimulate the mind and foster a sense of community among our residents. Furthermore, our location provides easy access to two nearby cafes, five parks, six pharmacies, 31 physicians, 31 restaurants, as well as transportation options and hospitals for convenience and peace of mind.
Choosing Hawthorn House means choosing a dynamic assisted living community that prioritizes the individual needs of our memory care residents while providing a range of amenities and resources for their enjoyment and convenience.
Hawthorn House offers competitive pricing for its residents, particularly when compared to the surrounding Okaloosa County and the broader state of Florida. For a semi-private room, Hawthorn House is priced at $3,770 per month, which is slightly above the county average of $3,700 but significantly higher than the state average of $3,009. In terms of one-bedroom accommodations, their rate stands at $3,850 - positioned just below Okaloosa County's average of $4,088 while remaining very close to Florida's overall average cost of $3,864. This pricing structure reflects Hawthorn House's commitment to providing quality care and amenities that cater to the needs of its residents while remaining mindful of local market trends.
Hawthorn House is located at 1200 Hawthorn House Dr, Shalimar, FL 32579 in Okaloosa County, Florida
Yes, Hawthorn House provides memory care services for residents with mild or advanced stages of dementia or Alzheimer's disease.
Transitioning from assisted living to memory care is driven by an individual's cognitive decline and specific needs, requiring careful evaluation of indicators like increased confusion and wandering. The process involves consulting medical professionals, researching suitable communities, considering financial and legal aspects, and ensuring effective communication for personalized care plans.
Understanding the Distinctions: Assisted Living and Memory Care Explained
The article differentiates between assisted living and memory care, explaining that assisted living supports seniors with daily activities while promoting independence, whereas memory care provides specialized services for individuals with dementia, focusing on secure environments and cognitive support. It also addresses staff training, safety considerations, costs, family involvement, and transition strategies for families navigating these care options.
How to Communicate with a Loved One Living with Dementia: 10 Supportive Strategies
The article outlines effective communication strategies for interacting with loved ones with dementia, highlighting the need for empathy, patience, and understanding while emphasizing supportive approaches like using simple language, minimizing distractions, and focusing on feelings over facts to maintain dignity and foster connection. It also suggests seeking professional guidance when needed as communication challenges evolve.