WASHINGTON MELBA'S PERSONAL CARE HOME

Pros

• The place is great.
• The owner is very professional.

Cons

• Residents are kept in poor conditions and barely fed, with food allegedly stolen or cross-contaminated from the owner's sources.
• The owner's son allegedly abuses patients and sells drugs outside the facility.
• The facility is described as unsafe, with residents scared and threatened by others.
• Family members report harassment and threats toward residents, causing fear for their safety.
• The care provided is inadequate and the manager is not professional.
• There is a lack of transparency, with no interior photos visible and questions raised about the operator's past (including prison time).

Review

A troubling account has emerged from families and residents connected to a local group home, painting a dark picture of neglect and fear that clashes with the responsibilities one would expect from such a facility. Across several comments, the overarching message is that the environment is not safe or well cared for, and that the well-being of residents is in serious question. The voices describe a place where basic needs are not reliably met, and where the daily atmosphere is tense and frightening for those living and visiting there.

Several reviewers allege that residents are not given proper meals and basic nourishment. One claim describes meals as scarce, with the suggestion that food is sometimes cross-contaminated and even procured in questionable ways, such as items tossed into meals bought from someone's trunk or car. This detail is not presented as an isolated incident but as part of a broader pattern of neglect and improper care that extends to how residents are fed and looked after on a daily basis. The seriousness of these claims is underscored by the perception that residents may be left nutritionally underserved and exposed to unsafe food handling, which raises concerns about overall health and safety.

Beyond nutrition, there are explicit allegations of abuse and illegal activity connected to the facility's leadership. One reviewer notes contact with Aging and Development Services in relation to the treatment of residents, specifically pointing to abuse by the owner's son who lives in the home and, according to the review, engages in drug dealing outside the facility. The seriousness of these accusations is heightened by the implication that a family member who shares the home with residents could be involved in activities that threaten both safety and legality. This combination of alleged abuse and criminal behavior is presented as a fundamental flaw in the management and operation of the home.

The reviews convey a direct, urgent plea to act before further harm occurs. A stark line is directed at the owners: "Please remove your family members before the State does." This sentiment captures a palpable fear that residents are not only vulnerable to neglect or mistreatment but that the very people who are supposed to protect and care for them may themselves be part of the danger. The call to parental or familial accountability reflects a care-driven urge to intervene to prevent possible disasters, including potential harm to the people who rely on the facility for daily support.

fear and intimidation within the residence are also highlighted. One commenter characterizes the place as not suitable for anyone, citing widespread bad reviews, frightened residents, and threats carried out by other occupants. The atmosphere is described as coercive and unsafe, with incidents ranging from harassed residents to personal property being taken, such as a phone belonging to a visiting relative. The portrayal emphasizes a culture of intimidation and distress that undermines the sense of security one would expect in a care setting.

The emotional toll on families is captured in a powerful moment when a parent recounts a phone call in which their loved one says, "Always remember I love you with all my heart. I won't make it out of here alive." This line, repeated in the commentary, underscores the fear and despair felt by families who worry about their relatives' safety and future. The suggestion that such words were spoken in the context of ongoing threats or danger reinforces the sense that the environment is emotionally damaging and potentially hazardous for residents.

A lack of transparency about the interior conditions of the home is another recurring theme. Several reviewers note that there are no pictures of the inside of the facility, nor extensive photos of the group home, which fuels suspicion and concern about what actually happens behind closed doors. The mention that "the lady that runs it has been in prison" adds another layer of distrust and invites questions about the facility's governance and history. In this mix of secrecy and past legal trouble, observers struggle to reconcile these details with assurances of safety and care.

Despite the weight of the negative claims, there is also a contrasting note of endorsement within the feedback. One comment offers a clearly positive voice: "Great place. The owner is very professional?" This single statement stands in stark relief to the broader chorus of concerns, highlighting how opinions can diverge greatly depending on personal experiences and perspectives. It serves as a reminder that the situation, as described by residents and their families, is not uniformly experienced or interpreted, and that there may be moments or individuals within the facility who are perceived as competent and professional by at least some observers.

In the end, the collection of remarks centers on a pressing call for safety, accountability, and better care options. Families express a strong desire to bring their loved ones home or to find alternatives that can guarantee more reliable meals, respectful treatment, and a secure environment. The sentiment is not merely about dissatisfaction with service, but about real concerns for health, safety, and dignity. The message to the community and to local authorities is clear: the current conditions demand attention and change to prevent harm and to restore trust in a facility that is entrusted with the care of vulnerable individuals.

This part of Bainbridge, Georgia offers a variety of amenities and services that cater to seniors. There are several places of worship nearby for those who value spiritual guidance, as well as parks for leisurely walks and outdoor activities. The area also boasts a good selection of restaurants offering different cuisines, ensuring that residents have plenty of dining options to choose from. In terms of healthcare, there are hospitals, pharmacies, and physicians' offices in close proximity, ensuring easy access to medical care. Additionally, transportation options such as car rentals and an airport nearby offer convenience for traveling. Overall, this area provides a comfortable and convenient environment for seniors looking to settle down in Bainbridge.

Places of Worship

• Mount Olive Church (2.1 miles)
• Kingdom Hall Jehovah's Witnesses (4.6 miles)
• Mount Olive Church (4.7 miles)
• Southwest Baptist Church (5.3 miles)
• Immanuel Baptist Church (5.4 miles)
• Mt Zion Missionary Baptist Church (5.8 miles)
• First African Baptist Church of W Bainbridge (6.2 miles)

Parks

• Bill Reynolds Tennis Complex (5.2 miles)
• Earle May Park (5.7 miles)
• Lake Drive Park (6.4 miles)
• College Street Park (7.6 miles)
• Brinson Family Historic District (7.8 miles)
• Decatur County Memorial Coliseum (7.9 miles)

Restaurants

• Blue Anchor Seafood & Grill (5.4 miles)
• Yesterday's Diner (6.5 miles)
• Diablo's Southwest Grill (6.8 miles)
• The American (6.8 miles)
• Clay Street Sports Bar And Billiards (6.9 miles)
• San Marcos Mexican Grill (7 miles)
• Sonic Drive-In (7.1 miles)

Hospitals

• Memorial Hospital & Manor (6.7 miles)
• Renex Dialysis Centers of South Georgia (7.1 miles)
• Memorial Medical Center (8 miles)
• Florida State Hospital (14.9 miles)

Cafes

• Ellianos Coffee Bainbridge (7.1 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (7.3 miles)
• Winn-Dixie (7.4 miles)
• Bainbridge Pharmacy (8 miles)
• Walgreens (8 miles)
• Harvey's Supermarket (8.3 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (15.1 miles)

Physicians

• Burke & Robinson MD PC (8 miles)
• Primary Care Of Southwest Georgia (8 miles)
• Leverett Dental (8 miles)
• South Georgia Urology Group (8.1 miles)
• Dr Burke, Robinson & Moye (8.1 miles)
• Prysca Ngalame MD (8.1 miles)
• Amelia Medical Plaza - Katherine Wiegman MD (8.1 miles)

Transportation

• Enterprise Rent-A-Car (8.4 miles)
• Donalsonville Municipal Airport - 17J (14.6 miles)
• U-Haul Neighborhood Dealer (15.2 miles)