Residential Living Center

Pros

• The staff at the Residential Living Center are gentle and caring, providing a positive environment for residents.
• The one-room apartment is nice and well-suited for the needs of the residents.
• The bathroom is handicapped accessible, ensuring comfort and safety for those who need it.
• The outdoor patio offers a pleasant space for residents to enjoy during the summertime.
• The presence of an activities director in the regular residential care unit indicates efforts to engage residents, even if limited by current circumstances.

Cons

• The meals are unsatisfactory, as the staff often need reminders to provide fruit and drinks.
• There are no longer activities for residents, leaving them room-bound and inactive.
• The lack of engagement in the memory care unit is concerning, with little to no organized activities available.
• The activities director in the regular residential care seems to be ineffective due to limited programming related to Covid.
• Residents have limited access to outdoor spaces, which may hinder their overall well-being.

Review

When selecting a suitable living environment for a loved one, the quality of care and amenities available can significantly impact their overall well-being. In the case of one individual whose mother resides in a Residential Living Center, there are many positive aspects to highlight alongside some concerns that warrant attention. The feedback reflects both satisfaction with the staff’s demeanor and care approach as well as areas where improvement could enhance the residents’ experiences.

Firstly, the level of care provided by the staff at this Residential Living Center is commendable. Family members appreciate how gentle and caring the staff are, which is crucial in an environment catering primarily to those with memory care needs. This nurturing attitude not only reassures families but also creates a comforting atmosphere for residents who may be experiencing emotional distress or confusion due to their conditions. The importance of having compassionate caregivers cannot be overstated; they play an essential role in fostering trust and security among residents.

In terms of accommodations, the center offers a one-room apartment setup for its residents. This arrangement appears to meet basic needs effectively and provide a sense of independence within a safe environment. Moreover, having a handicapped-accessible bathroom is an important feature that enhances accessibility and comfort for residents with mobility challenges. A well-designed living space can contribute significantly to one's quality of life, particularly in residential settings that cater predominantly to older adults or those with specific health needs.

Despite the favorable impressions regarding staff and living conditions, there are notable shortcomings when it comes to meal provisions. Although meals are provided for residents, this particular family member has expressed dissatisfaction with the frequency at which they must remind the staff about essential dietary components—specifically fruit and beverages—needed for their loved one’s nutrition and hydration. Such oversight can have implications for health; therefore, ensuring consistent communication between families and staff regarding dietary needs is vital for maintaining residents’ health.

Another area where concern arises is related to activities available for residents. The review indicates that there are no longer any activities being conducted within the facility, resulting in every resident being effectively room-bound. Engagement through structured activities plays an essential role in keeping seniors mentally stimulated and socially connected—a critical factor in improving their emotional well-being. Reducing opportunities for interaction may inadvertently lead to feelings of isolation among residents who thrive on socialization during daily routines.

However, it was mentioned that there exists an outdoor patio available to residents during summertime months, which could serve as a much-needed respite from indoor confinement. For individuals residing in memory care units where safety is prioritized through fenced-in areas, access to outdoor spaces offers them fresh air while still being secure from wandering off—a common concern for facilities catering specifically to memory care patients.

Additionally, while an activities director is present within regular residential care areas of the center, it appears they are not currently providing ample programming or engagement opportunities due to ongoing concerns related to COVID-19 restrictions. The pandemic has undeniably affected operations within such facilities nationwide; however, finding creative ways to engage residents—even if limited—can positively affect mental health outcomes during times of isolation.

In conclusion, while this Residential Living Center appears strong on several fronts—including dedicated staff support and appropriate living accommodations—there remain significant gaps concerning nutrition management and activity programming that deserve attention from administrators. Improvements made here could result in enhanced overall satisfaction among not just current resident families but also future ones considering placement options amidst navigating long-term care landscape challenges.

This part of Mount Vernon, Illinois offers a diverse range of amenities for seniors looking to settle down in a peaceful and convenient neighborhood. With several places of worship nearby such as the United Covenant of Faith and St Mary's Catholic Church, residents can nurture their spiritual well-being. The area also boasts a variety of dining options including Trackside Bar & Grill and Subway for those who enjoy eating out. Access to quality healthcare is readily available with physicians like Jeffrey B Mcintosh and pharmacies like Borowiak's IGA within close proximity. In case of emergencies, hospitals such as Good Samaritan Regional Health Center are just a short distance away. Additionally, parks like Veterans Memorial Park provide opportunities for leisurely strolls and outdoor activities. Overall, this neighborhood offers a comfortable and convenient lifestyle for seniors seeking a welcoming community in Mount Vernon.

Places of Worship

• United Covenant of Faith (0.5 miles)
• Power Of Change Christian Center (1.2 miles)
• Seventh-Day Adventist Church (1.3 miles)
• Central Christian Church (1.3 miles)
• Corinthian Baptist Church (1.3 miles)
• Salem South Baptist Association (1.5 miles)
• St Mary's Catholic Church (1.6 miles)

Restaurants

• Trackside Bar & Grill (0.6 miles)
• Spot Tavern (1.3 miles)
• Subway (1.3 miles)
• Bojangles' Famous Chicken 'n Biscuits (1.5 miles)
• Hardee's (1.6 miles)
• Taco Bell (1.6 miles)
• The Frosty Mug Bar & Grill (1.8 miles)

Physicians

• Jeffrey B Mcintosh (0.7 miles)
• Southern Illinois Vein Center (1.3 miles)
• Women's Healthcare Heartland (1.5 miles)
• St Mary's Good Samaritan (1.7 miles)
• Neeta B Kaushal (3.2 miles)
• Skin Care Center of Southern Illinois (3.3 miles)
• Nahass George T MD (3.3 miles)

Pharmacies

• Borowiak's IGA (1.2 miles)
• Bandy's Pharmacy (1.2 miles)
• Byrd-Watson Drug Of Mt Vernon (1.4 miles)
• The Medicine Shoppe (2.1 miles)
• Medicine Shoppe - Mt V (2.1 miles)
• Kroger Pharmacy (3.4 miles)
• Lincolnshire Pharmacy (3.4 miles)

Transportation

• U-Haul Neighborhood Dealer (1.3 miles)
• Teen City Taxi (1.4 miles)
• American Cab (1.4 miles)
• United Taxi (1.6 miles)
• U-Haul Neighborhood Dealer (2.2 miles)
• Alamo (2.9 miles)

Hospitals

• GOOD SAMARITAN REGIONAL Health CENTER (1.7 miles)
• Good Samaritan Hospital (1.7 miles)
• St Mary's Good Samaritan (3.4 miles)
• Good Samaritan Regional Health Center (3.4 miles)
• St Mary's Good Samaritan (3.5 miles)
• Regional Home Care Crossroads (3.5 miles)
• St Mary's Good Samaritan Surgery Center (3.5 miles)

Parks

• Veterans Memorial Park Mt. Vernon (2.4 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (3.6 miles)
• Panera Bread (3.7 miles)