Azalea Gardens Transitional Assisted Living and Memory Care

Pros

• Residents at Azalea Gardens receive outstanding care and attention from a compassionate and supportive staff.
• The community fosters a strong sense of belonging, making residents and their families feel like part of an extended family.
• The facility is consistently praised for its cleanliness, comfort, and beautiful surroundings.
• Engaging activities are offered daily, allowing residents to stay active and entertained while building social connections.
• The staff demonstrates genuine concern for the well-being of all residents, ensuring that their needs are met with patience and understanding.
• Family interactions are encouraged, enhancing the overall experience for both residents and their loved ones.
• The admissions staff provide thorough tours that help prospective families feel confident in their decision to choose Azalea Gardens.
• Educational sessions offered to families have proven to be extremely beneficial as they navigate their caregiving journeys.

Cons

• There is a high turnover rate among caregivers, leading to concerns about consistency in care.
• The staff-to-resident ratio is too high, which results in overworked caregivers and inadequate attention for residents.
• Despite the facility's positive aspects, it is considered too expensive for the level of care provided.
• Concerns were raised about the lack of timely assistance when a resident fell and laid on the floor for an extended period before being checked on.
• Some reviews highlighted dissatisfaction with staffing changes, which can be disruptive for residents with Alzheimer's.
• The reviewer expressed disappointment regarding insufficient staff coverage for residents with specific needs, such as Lewy Body Dementia.

Review

Azalea Gardens, a memory care facility located in Tallahassee, has garnered a diverse array of feedback from families who have entrusted their loved ones to its care. While many reviews highlight the compassion and dedication of the staff, the facility's strengths and weaknesses are presented through personal narratives that paint a comprehensive picture of life at Azalea Gardens. It is clear that this facility provides a warm and welcoming environment, but concerns regarding staffing ratios and turnover raise important questions about the overall quality of care.

Upon entering Azalea Gardens, visitors are typically struck by the beauty and cleanliness of the facility. Residents and their families frequently note how well-kept and inviting the environment is, contributing to an atmosphere that feels both comfortable and home-like. Personal testimonials express appreciation for the interior layout, which includes thoughtful decor and engaging spaces such as an interior courtyard with fountains. These physical attributes contribute positively to residents' experiences and play a significant role in making them feel at ease in their new surroundings.

The staff at Azalea Gardens receives consistent praise across various reviews. Family members commend caregivers for their attentiveness, compassion, and commitment to providing personalized care tailored to each resident’s needs. Many families recount their experiences of walking into the facility unannounced only to witness high levels of engagement among staff and residents—something they appreciate as it speaks to consistency in care standards. Heather, one of the admissions staff members, has been highlighted multiple times for her helpfulness during tours and transitions into residence, creating an immediate sense of trust between families and staff.

However, as much as there is praise for individual interactions with caregivers, there remains considerable concern about staff-to-resident ratios—especially given the unique challenges faced by those with memory impairments such as Alzheimer's or Lewy Body Dementia. Various reviewers indicate that while Florida law mandates a ratio of 1:10 for assisted living facilities, this may not adequately cater to residents with complex needs where a more favorable ratio closer to 1:5 would be ideal. This discrepancy becomes even more troubling when stories surface about residents experiencing long waits before receiving assistance during critical moments.

Despite these concerns regarding staffing levels, many families share how their loved ones have benefited from Azalea Gardens’ programming—often filled with enriching activities designed to promote cognitive engagement. Residents can partake in crafts, gardening projects, seasonal outings like viewing Christmas lights at Oven Park or simply enjoy time interacting with others within the community setting. Families appreciate how these activities not only keep residents entertained but also help build connections among them—even involving family members whenever possible.

Yet amidst all this positive feedback lies cautionary tales from families who have experienced gaps in attention due to staffing shortages. A poignant review describes a situation where an elderly husband fell unassisted on the floor for an extended period because caregivers were too busy attending other responsibilities—a scenario that raises alarms about resident safety under current staffing protocols. There was also mention of requests for surveillance cameras to monitor vulnerable residents effectively; though they recognize staff's inherent kindness towards all patients' needs, concerns linger over whether every resident's health can be consistently safeguarded amid high workload demands on caregivers.

In conclusion, Azalea Gardens serves as both a beacon of hope filled with warmth for many families navigating difficult decisions surrounding senior care while simultaneously grappling with legitimate operational challenges related to caregiver availability amidst increased demand. As prospective clients consider this option for their loved ones afflicted by various stages of memory loss or dementia-related disorders, acknowledging both strengths—including engaging activities and dedicated staff—and addressing critical areas requiring improvement will be crucial in supporting ongoing efforts toward enhanced quality care in such settings.

This area of Tallahassee, Florida, offers a variety of amenities and services that may be beneficial for seniors looking to relocate. With multiple physicians, hospitals, pharmacies, and cafes within a few miles, access to healthcare and daily necessities is convenient. Additionally, nearby parks like Killarney Park provide opportunities for leisurely strolls or outdoor activities. There are also places of worship in the vicinity, such as Wildwood Church Pca and Celebration Baptist Church, for those who seek spiritual fulfillment. For entertainment options, the AMC Tallahassee Mall 20 theater is just a short drive away. Overall, this area provides a well-rounded environment with essential services and recreational opportunities for seniors to enjoy in their retirement years.

Physicians

• North Florida Pediatrics (1.3 miles)
• MyEyeDr (1.7 miles)
• Physician Partners - Cardiac & Internal Medicine Specialists - Northeast (2 miles)
• ASK Pediatric Services (2.2 miles)
• Oral & Facial Surgery Center of Tallahassee (2.2 miles)
• The Prenatal Experience (2.2 miles)
• Hematology Oncology Solutions (2.3 miles)

Hospitals

• Ann Mullins Washburn (1.5 miles)
• Apalachee Center (3.1 miles)
• DaVita (3.5 miles)
• Tallahassee Medical Center (4.1 miles)
• Tallahassee Community Hospital (4.1 miles)
• Capital Medical Oncology Unit (4.1 miles)

Restaurants

• Tijuana Flats (1.5 miles)
• McDonald's (1.6 miles)
• Island Wing Company Tallahassee (1.6 miles)
• Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen (1.7 miles)
• Jimmy John's (1.7 miles)
• Wendy's (1.7 miles)
• Chipotle Mexican Grill (1.8 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (1.6 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.8 miles)
• Pharmacy Providers Service Corporation (2.2 miles)
• Walmart Pharmacy (2.3 miles)
• Drug Test Resources (2.8 miles)
• Walgreens (3.4 miles)
• Walgreens (4.3 miles)

Cafes

• Panera Bread (1.6 miles)
• Starbucks (1.8 miles)
• Starbucks (2.1 miles)

Places of Worship

• Wildwood Church Pca (1.6 miles)
• Celebration Baptist Church (3.7 miles)

Parks

• Killarney Park (1.8 miles)

Theaters

• AMC Tallahassee Mall 20 (4 miles)