Hawthorn House

Pros

• The facilities at Hawthorn House are clean, bright, and cheerful, providing a positive environment for residents.
• The staff at Hawthorn House is knowledgeable and kind, ensuring that residents receive the care they need.
• The activities and outings offered at Hawthorn House provide a variety of enjoyable experiences for the residents.
• The floor plan of the apartments at Hawthorn House is well-designed to accommodate mobility aids like walkers and wheelchairs.
• The food at Hawthorn House is delicious, with an awesome chef who prepares meals to the residents' liking.
• The staff at Hawthorn House goes above and beyond to assist new residents with unpacking and setting up their rooms.
• Despite limitations due to COVID-19, the staff at Hawthorn House gets creative in organizing activities for the residents.
• The memory care wing apartments at Hawthorn House offer the same structure as assisted living units, making it easier for transitioning residents.
• The tranquility and beauty of the campus at Hawthorn House create a peaceful atmosphere for all who live there.
• The individual care provided by the staff at Hawthorn House ensures that each resident's needs are met with dignity and respect.

Cons

• The representatives from the Hawthorn House did not consider the fact that everyone at the physical therapy center is required to sit in a wheelchair and denied entry to a potential resident.
• One reviewer's mother was starved to death and the director stated that they were not responsible for ensuring residents eat.
• The waiting list for Hawthorn House was mentioned as a negative aspect by one reviewer.
• There was a mention of a lack of care at another facility before moving to Hawthorn House, implying that the previous facility did not provide adequate care.
• One reviewer expressed surprise at the overall rating on this site for Hawthorn House, possibly suggesting disappointment with the rating given their positive experience.
• In one review, it is mentioned that there was a waiting time to get into Hawthorn House, which could be seen negatively by some individuals.

Review

Hawthorn House is a senior living community that has received rave reviews from residents and their families. One reviewer shared that their 91-year-old mother has been living at Hawthorn House for over 2 years and couldn't be happier. She enjoys the delicious food, regular visits from the handbell choir and therapy animals, as well as engaging in on-campus activities such as sing-alongs and bingo. Trips to town, whether it's to Walmart or for a nice lunch, also add to her enjoyment. The resident has made new friends and appreciates being able to walk around the beautiful grounds daily. The apartment floor plan suits her needs perfectly, especially with her walker, and she finds the facilities clean, bright, and cheerful. The staff members are knowledgeable and kind, contributing to her improved attitude, mood, and overall health during her time as a resident.

Another individual had applied for their grandmother to live at Hawthorn House but was disappointed when she was denied entry because representatives saw her in a wheelchair during an evaluation at a physical therapy center. They felt that the staff did not take into consideration that everyone is required to sit in a wheelchair at the facility. This review highlights the need for better understanding and consideration of individual circumstances.

Unfortunately, one family had a negative experience when their mother was a resident at Hawthorn House. They claimed that she was literally starved to death despite promises of special utensils and therapist assistance due to her difficulty eating caused by rheumatoid arthritis. It was even stated by the director of the facility that they were not responsible for ensuring residents eat. The family feels strongly that an investigation should be conducted into these allegations.

On a more positive note, another reviewer expressed their satisfaction with Hawthorn House being a non-profit community specifically designed for military widows like their mother — who happens to be a disabled veteran herself. Their mother has no complaints about the food or staff at Hawthorn House. The reviewer appreciates the assistance provided during her move-in process and feels that her room is just right for her needs. Despite the limitations imposed by COVID-19, the community has been creative in finding alternative activities to keep residents engaged.

Another family had their mother on the waiting list for Hawthorn House and found it to be the best facility they visited in the area. They were impressed by the 1-bedroom units and the presence of military facilities on the grounds, as it would create a sense of familiarity for their mother who served in the navy. The memory care wing having a similar structure to assisted living was also seen as an advantage. The staff member they interacted with was highly knowledgeable and helpful, and they observed residents enjoying activities such as bingo and balloon bopping.

A final review highlights a positive visit to Hawthorn House where the reviewer's wife's grandmother resides. They appreciated the quietness, tranquility, and beauty of the campus upon arrival, which immediately set a positive impression. The creativity, care, and quality evident in Azalea — one of Hawthorn House's wings — deeply impressed them. The opportunities for residents to maintain independence through amenities like a little store were noted, alongside dining facilities that resembled nice restaurants setting a dignified atmosphere. The variety of activities offered to residents was also commended. Ultimately, this reviewer recommends Hawthorn House above any other senior living facility they have experienced.

Overall, these reviews paint a picture of Hawthorn House as a well-maintained and beautiful senior living community with dedicated and caring staff members who go above and beyond to ensure residents' wellbeing. While there have been a few negative experiences mentioned regarding specific situations or claims about care quality, it is important to note that many individuals have had overwhelmingly positive experiences at Hawthorn House.

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)