Benton House of Decatur

Pros

• The facilities at Benton House of Decatur are modern, beautiful, and well-maintained, providing a pleasant environment for residents.
• The staff members are proactive, personable, and attentive to the needs of residents, contributing to a high level of care.
• Residents have access to a variety of daily activities, including exercise classes, games, and special events that promote engagement and socialization.
• Many residents seem happy and content in the assisted living side of the facility.
• The layout of the rooms is spacious and thoughtfully designed to meet individual needs.
• Family members appreciate the convenience of visiting often due to the community's location.
• The food served at the facility is highly rated by family members as very good.
• The interaction between staff and residents is described as excellent, with many staff members exhibiting a caring attitude.

Cons

• The mother's stay in the memory care unit lasted less than three weeks before she ended up in the ICU on a ventilator, indicating inadequate support for her needs.
• There was almost 100% staffing service at the facility, but nothing was being managed properly.
• The facility appeared to lack proper personal care and had high staff turnover, which negatively impacted residents.
• Staff members did not offer condolences when a resident passed away, reflecting a lack of compassion and care.
• Despite receiving updates from Benton House after a loved one’s death, requests to stop these communications were ignored.
• The management and overall communication after move-in were inadequate, leading to dissatisfaction with the experience.
• Limited personal care and mixed-up laundry raised concerns about the facility's attentiveness to individual residents' needs.
• One reviewer indicated that this community was not suitable for their loved one because it did not provide the necessary level of care needed.

Review

When considering memory care units for loved ones, it's crucial to weigh options thoroughly, as experiences can vary significantly among different facilities. This article highlights a range of perspectives on Benton House of Decatur, providing insights into the quality of care, facilities, and overall management based on various reviews from families with residents.

Some families reported heart-wrenching experiences while at Benton House, urging others to think carefully before placing their loved ones in this particular memory care unit. One reviewer described how their mother only lasted three weeks before being hospitalized in the ICU due to inadequate care. The reviewer highlighted concerns about the staff's lack of attentiveness—despite almost complete staffing through an agency—and noted that the facility did not cater well to highly mobile residents like their mother who had dementia. The impression was that management failed to fulfill promises for improvement after they left, prompting serious caution for potential new residents. Additionally, another family recounted how their loved one passed away while at the facility without so much as a condolence offered by staff or management—a deeply troubling sentiment that resonated throughout other negative reviews.

Conversely, several reviewers expressed positive sentiments about Benton House. Families appreciated its attractive location and modern facilities, which made frequent visits convenient. They noted that living spaces were spacious and designed thoughtfully to meet residents' needs. A standout feature mentioned was the variety of daily activities available for residents—from games and music days to special holiday celebrations—which contribute positively to resident engagement and socialization. One family noted that these activities not only improved their loved one's quality of life but also provided ample opportunities for physical exercise within a secure environment.

Moreover, many reviewers commented positively on the food served at Benton House and noted that both staff members and residents generally appeared happy during their visits. It was observed that the common areas are inviting and well-maintained, enhancing the overall atmosphere of community within the facility. Families looking for a nurturing environment found comfort in knowing their loved ones would have access to amenities such as exercise classes and organized events specifically tailored for them.

However, it became evident from several accounts that communication could significantly improve once residents moved in. Some families felt overwhelmed by initial interactions during tours but expressed feeling somewhat lost after moving relatives into memory care without adequate follow-up or orientation regarding ongoing needs or concerns specific to each resident’s care plan.

In spite of some glowing reviews about aspects such as residence design and activity offerings, there remained significant concern surrounding operational issues like high staff turnover rates and inconsistency in personal care standards—all factors critical when evaluating a memory care facility. These elements directly impacted families’ perceptions regarding safety and emotional wellbeing for those under their care.

Ultimately, prospective families should approach Benton House with awareness rooted in real experiences shared by others who have faced similar challenges or successes within its walls. Thorough inquiries should be made regarding every aspect of resident handling—from staffing reliability to post-move support services—to ensure your loved one's needs will be met appropriately over time in this or any other memory care environment.

This part of Decatur, Georgia offers a variety of amenities and services that cater to the needs of seniors. With several pharmacies, physicians' offices, and hospitals nearby, access to healthcare is convenient and easily accessible. Places of worship are also in close proximity for those who seek spiritual fulfillment. The area boasts a range of dining options including cafes and restaurants offering diverse cuisine choices. Additionally, there are parks for outdoor activities and theaters for entertainment. Public transportation options such as MARTA stations provide ease of travel for seniors who may not drive. Overall, this part of Decatur presents a well-rounded community with essential resources for senior living.

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (0.4 miles)
• Walgreens (2 miles)
• Walgreens (2.4 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.6 miles)
• Walgreens (2.8 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.2 miles)
• Walgreens (3.5 miles)

Places of Worship

• Rehoboth Baptist Church (0.7 miles)
• North Decatur Presbyterian Church (2.8 miles)
• Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation (3 miles)
• First Baptist Church of Decatur (3.9 miles)
• Embry Hills Church of Christ (4 miles)
• Avondale Church Of Christ (4.1 miles)
• Karin Kabalah Center of Atlanta (4.2 miles)

Restaurants

• Krystal (1.2 miles)
• Kacey's Home Cooking (1.3 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (1.4 miles)
• Golden Corral (1.4 miles)
• McDonald's (1.4 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (1.5 miles)
• Del Taco (1.6 miles)

Theaters

• Movie Tavern Northlake Festival (1.3 miles)
• Regal Hollywood (3.3 miles)
• AMC Theatres Phipps Plz 14 (6.3 miles)
• Phipps Plaza (6.3 miles)

Parks

• Briarlake Forest Park (1.5 miles)
• Leafmore Country Club (1.7 miles)
• Henderson Park (3.4 miles)
• Toy Park (4.3 miles)
• McKoy Park (5.2 miles)
• Morningside-Lenox Park Tennis Courts (5.5 miles)
• Stone Mountain Walk Up Trail (5.6 miles)

Physicians

• Northlake Emory (1.7 miles)
• Decatur Health Imaging (2.5 miles)
• Atlanta OB/GYN (3.1 miles)
• Dekalb Medical Ctrdecatur Decatur (3.9 miles)
• Oakhurst Pediatrics (5.2 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (3.4 miles)
• Dancing Goats Coffee Bar (4.3 miles)
• White Windmill Bakery and Cafe (5.9 miles)

Hospitals

• Atlanta VA Medical Center (3.5 miles)
• North Dekalb Health Center (4.3 miles)
• Marcus Autism Center (4.5 miles)

Transportation

• Marta - Westbound (3.7 miles)
• Epps Aviation (4.5 miles)
• Brookhaven/Oglethorpe University MARTA Rail Station (5.3 miles)
• MARTA - Doraville Station (5.5 miles)
• MARTA - Lindbergh Center Station (6.4 miles)