Hawthorn House in Shalimar, FL

1200 Hawthorn House Dr, Shalimar, FL 32579

For more information about senior living options: (844) 490-3973

4 from 29 reviews
5 stars
19
4 stars
3
3 stars
0
2 stars
2
1 stars
5

Assisted Living Memory Care

Hawthorn House Costs & Pricing

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 plansHawthorn HouseOkaloosa CountyFlorida
Semi-Private$3,770$3,700$3,009
1 Bedroom$3,850$4,088$3,864

Overall Review of Hawthorn House

Pros

  • pro She is happy there.
  • pro She loves the food, the visitors, the on-campus activities, and trips to town.
  • pro She has made new friends and enjoys walking around the grounds daily.
  • pro The facilities are clean, bright, and cheerful.
  • pro The staff are knowledgeable and kind.
  • pro Her attitude, mood, and health have improved since moving in.
  • pro Hawthorn House is an outstanding facility with excellent care.
  • pro The staff from all areas are amazing and caring.
  • pro The daily activities are abundant and there is always something fun going on.

Cons

  • pro A reviewer alleges a resident was starved to death and that staff failed to provide utensils or therapy to assist with eating.
  • pro The facility allegedly denied entry because mobility was deemed compromised, a claim the reviewer disputes.
  • pro The director is quoted as saying the facility is not responsible for ensuring residents eat and that families were not notified in time.
  • pro Several reports describe disrespectful staff and aides who seemed to rush residents with memory problems.
  • pro The food is described as awful by family members.
  • pro There is a long waiting list for admission, with eight months passed instead of six.
  • pro Weekends and nights are frequently understaffed, leading to limited assistance.
  • pro The facility was cited by state inspectors for violating patient rights by improperly discharging patients and failing to notify families.
  • pro Some reviewers say the care did not follow the facility's own care plans.
  • pro Despite attractive surroundings, some reviews state the actual care did not match the appearance.

Review

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.

Features

Types of Care

  • Assisted Living Assisted LivingAssisted living facilities provide crucial support and care for seniors who may need help with daily tasks such as medication management, bathing, and meal preparation. These communities offer a safe and comfortable environment where seniors can maintain their independence while receiving the assistance they need to thrive in their golden years.
  • Memory Care Memory CareMemory care is crucial for seniors as it provides specialized support and services for individuals with dementia or Alzheimer's disease. These programs offer a safe and secure environment where residents receive personalized care, cognitive stimulation, and help with daily activities. Memory care helps seniors maintain their independence, quality of life, and dignity while also providing peace of mind for their families.

Amenities

  • Activities on-site Activities on-siteActivities on-site are important for seniors because they provide opportunities for socialization, mental stimulation, physical activity, and overall well-being. Engaging in activities can help seniors stay active, maintain their independence, and improve their quality of life.
  • Devotional services off-site Devotional services off-siteDevotional services off-site are important for seniors as they provide spiritual nourishment, social engagement, and a sense of community outside of the senior living facility. This can enhance overall well-being and help combat feelings of isolation and loneliness often experienced by older adults.
  • Indoor common areas Indoor common areasIndoor common areas are crucial for seniors as they provide a space for socialization, recreation, and community engagement, promoting overall well-being and reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness.

Transportation

  • Eglin Air Force Base (3 miles away) Eglin Air Force Base (3 miles away)

Care Services

  • Ambulatory care Ambulatory care"Ambulatory care services provide essential medical support and treatment to seniors without requiring hospitalization, allowing them to maintain their independence and quality of life while managing chronic conditions or receiving routine medical care."
  • Diabetic care Diabetic careDiabetic care is crucial for seniors as they are more susceptible to developing diabetes due to aging and other health conditions. Proper management of diabetes can help prevent complications such as heart disease, vision loss, and nerve damage, improving the overall quality of life for seniors in senior living communities.

Dining

  • Meals provided Meals provided"Meals provided" are crucial for seniors in assisted living communities as it ensures they have access to nutritious, balanced meals without the stress of meal planning and preparation. This can help promote overall health and well-being for seniors who may have limited mobility or cognitive abilities.

Activities

  • Activities on-site Activities on-siteActivities on-site are important for seniors because they provide opportunities for socialization, mental stimulation, physical activity, and overall well-being. Engaging in activities can help seniors stay active, maintain their independence, and improve their quality of life.
  • Devotional activities offsite Devotional activities offsiteDevotional activities offsite are important for seniors because they provide social engagement, spiritual growth, and a sense of community outside of their living environment. This can improve overall well-being, mental health, and combat feelings of isolation or loneliness.

Description

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.

Nearby Places of Interest

Restaurants

  • Subway (1.3 miles)
  • peppers Mexican grill (1.6 miles)
  • Corner Cafe (2.7 miles)
  • Burger King (3 miles)
  • Wendy's (3 miles)
  • AJ's on the Bayou (3 miles)
  • Stewby's Seafood Shanty (3.5 miles)

Pharmacies

  • CVS Pharmacy (2 miles)
  • Winn-Dixie (3.6 miles)
  • Walgreens (3.7 miles)
  • Genoa-Qol Healthcare Co. (3.8 miles)
  • Winn-Dixie (3.8 miles)
  • Walgreens (4.7 miles)

Physicians

  • Dress Cosmectic Surgery P.A. (2.4 miles)
  • Family Eyecare Center (2.5 miles)
  • Donald Whitaker (3 miles)
  • Jason R Boole, MD (3.1 miles)
  • Interventional Pain Center (3.2 miles)
  • White Wilson General Surgery (3.2 miles)
  • Robert P Feldman, MD - Florida Institute of Neuroscience (3.2 miles)

Transportation

  • Destin–Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS) (2.7 miles)
  • Hertz Rent A Car (2.8 miles)

Hospitals

  • Kidney center (3.3 miles)
  • Fort Walton Beach Medical Center OB OR (3.4 miles)

Parks

  • Sunset Park (3.4 miles)
  • Vesta Heights Park (4.2 miles)
  • Ferry Park (4.3 miles)
  • Fort Walton Beach Landing (4.6 miles)
  • John Beasley Park (4.9 miles)
  • Liza Jackson Park (5.4 miles)
  • Mattie Kelly Park (6.3 miles)

Cafes

  • Starbucks (3.7 miles)
  • Starbucks (4.3 miles)

Frequently Asked Questions

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Related Resources

  • when to move from assisted living to memory careWhen to Transition from Assisted Living to Memory Care: Key Indicators, Steps, and Finding the Right Community

    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.

  • assisted living vs memory careUnderstanding 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 talk to someone with dementiaHow 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.