The Cottages Of Boise

Pros

• The community has a homey and comfortable atmosphere, nicely decorated and clean, giving it a high-end feel.
• Staff members are described as caring, knowledgeable, and pleasant, providing good care for residents.
• Residents enjoy engaging activities, especially music-related ones, which enhance their well-being.
• Communication with families is noted to be effective and timely.
• The small size of The Cottages allows for more personalized attention and care tailored to individual resident needs.
• Many residents appreciate the morning trips and various indoor and outdoor activities offered by the facility.
• Overall experiences reported by some families indicate that they feel their loved ones are being well cared for in a nurturing environment.

Cons

• The Cottages staff does not maintain adequate communication with residents and their families, often leaving families uninformed until they ask for updates.
• There is a lack of variety and alternative options during mealtimes, leading to dissatisfaction among residents.
• Many residents feel that the efforts to create activities are half-hearted and do not meet their interests or needs.
• The facility has been experiencing issues with staffing shortages, leading to overwhelmed employees and inadequate support for residents.
• There have been violations of state codes at the facility, raising concerns about compliance and resident safety.
• Several reviews indicate poor organization in medication distribution and cleaning of rooms, compromising the quality of care.
• Some families report that the management failed to follow through on promises made during initial meetings or tours.
• The perceived quickness to medicate residents rather than providing behavioral assistance has been noted as problematic by families.
• Residents expressed feelings of being frightened and stressed due to abrupt changes in living situations without adequate notice or support from staff.

Review

The Cottages: A Complex Review of Assisted Living in Boise, Idaho

Nestled in Boise, Idaho, The Cottages projects an inviting image with its tagline, “prides itself on treating people right.” However, the experience of residents and their families tells a very different story. Many current and former residents have voiced deep concerns about the facility’s management practices, staffing levels, and overall care quality. This contradiction has led to an overwhelming sentiment recommending against placing loved ones in these facilities.

One prominent issue surfaced when the facility announced a sudden closure for renovations—leaving residents with only 30 days to find alternative accommodations. For elderly individuals with health challenges like dementia, this kind of abrupt notice can induce panic and fear. Families are often left scrambling to secure suitable alternatives amidst such upheaval, showcasing a lack of forethought from management concerning the emotional welfare of their residents. One user lamented her mother’s distress at needing to move at such an advanced age, highlighting how significant disruptions affect not just logistics but also mental stability.

While some reviews were more positive initially—citing satisfactory experiences during the early years—the tide turned as staffing problems became increasingly evident. Low employee morale due to underpayment and lack of administrative support led to high turnover rates among staff members who had formed valuable connections with residents. The absence of adequate group activities further exacerbated feelings of isolation among residents seeking companionship and engagement. Reports of violations of state codes compounded worries about safety standards within the community.

Visitors touring The Cottages often felt that they received inadequate guidance during their visits; many expressed disappointment over being shown limited areas or having incomplete information regarding living conditions. While some guests reported clean facilities with appealing décor, they still found maintenance inconsistent when it came to room cleaning or meal preparation—a critical aspect for any assisted living environment where individuals depend on staff for basic needs.

Communication—or the lack thereof—seemed another sticking point across numerous reviews. Families highlighted frustrations regarding inconsistent updates from staff about their loved ones’ well-being or changes in daily schedules. While some reported improvement in communications after raising concerns directly with management, there remained an overarching sense that ongoing communication was sporadic at best and could be improved significantly.

Despite its charm as a small community environment that promises personalized care—beneficial features that arose repeatedly in testimonials—the management's organizational deficiencies ultimately overshadowed these positives for many families. Some noted that while they appreciated close-knit interactions facilitated by limited resident capacity, the reality was that understaffing compromised care quality dramatically: staff members had responsibilities beyond direct resident care—including cooking and cleaning—that detracted from time spent truly engaging with those needing assistance.

In summary, while The Cottages offers certain amenities typical of assisted living environments—with qualities like warmth and cleanliness associated positively by several reviewers—it faces serious challenges related to staffing shortages, inconsistent communication practices, and potential negligence regarding state regulations affecting resident safety and well-being. Families seeking long-term options for loved ones might do well to conduct thorough research based on current resident experiences before making decisions about placement within this complex landscape.

This part of Garden City, Idaho offers a variety of amenities that may be appealing for senior living. With several pharmacies in close proximity, accessing medication and healthcare services is convenient. There are also multiple dining options nearby, ranging from fast food to cafes, providing various choices for meals. The presence of physicians' offices and hospitals within a few miles ensures access to medical care when needed. Additionally, there are places of worship for spiritual needs and parks for outdoor recreation and relaxation. Overall, this area provides a range of essential services and recreational opportunities that may cater to the needs of seniors looking for a comfortable living environment in Garden City.

Pharmacies

• Albertsons Pharmacy (0.8 miles)
• Walgreens (0.9 miles)
• Fred Meyer Pharmacy (2.3 miles)
• Mirgen Pharmaceutical (2.8 miles)
• Walgreens (3.3 miles)
• Customedica Pharmacy (3.6 miles)
• Albertsons Pharmacy (3.8 miles)

Restaurants

• Sonic Drive-In (0.9 miles)
• McDonald's (2.1 miles)
• Jack In The Box (3.1 miles)
• Sonic Drive-In (3.3 miles)
• Wendy's (3.8 miles)
• Jack In The Box (4 miles)
• Burger King (4.1 miles)

Physicians

• Primary Health Medical Group (1.2 miles)
• Cole Diagnostics (1.3 miles)
• St Luke S Clinicid Cardiology St Luke S Clinics Specialty Centers Eagle (1.4 miles)
• St Luke's Clinic Internal Medicine (1.4 miles)
• St Luke's Clinic Internal Medicine (1.4 miles)
• St Luke's Mountain States Urology Eagle (1.4 miles)
• House of Hearing Audiology Clinic (1.6 miles)

Hospitals

• St Luke's Imaging Center (1.4 miles)
• St Lukes Family Health (1.4 miles)
• Primary Health Urgent Care (4.4 miles)
• Surgical Care Affiliates (4.5 miles)
• The Caughlin Clinic (4.7 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (2.4 miles)
• Starbucks (2.6 miles)
• Starbucks (4.1 miles)
• Dutch Bros Coffee (4.3 miles)
• Push and Pour (4.5 miles)
• The Human Bean (4.6 miles)
• Western Collective (4.6 miles)

Places of Worship

• River Christian Church (2.8 miles)
• Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (4.1 miles)
• Eagle Church of the Nazarene (4.1 miles)

Parks

• Reid Merrill Park (3 miles)
• Willow Lane Athletic Complex (3.2 miles)
• Esther Simplot Park (4.5 miles)
• Elm Grove Park (4.6 miles)