Windhaven Assisted Living and Memory Care in Cedar Falls, IA

Information last verified:

5500 S Main Street Rd, Cedar Falls, IA 50613

For more information about senior living options: (844) 490-3973

4.5 from 102 reviews
5 stars
75
4 stars
12
3 stars
7
2 stars
2
1 stars
6

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Overall Review of Windhaven Assisted Living and Memory Care

Pros

  • pro The staff is very pleasant.
  • pro The apartment has a nice appearance.
  • pro They offer a variety of meals.
  • pro It has been a good home for an elderly resident.
  • pro It is a good place to visit.
  • pro Grandmothers-in-law love it here and the food is fantastic.
  • pro The building is well kept.
  • pro Residents are friendly, especially with the director.
  • pro The place is clean, inviting, and offers fun activities for residents.
  • pro The campus is beautiful.
  • pro The staff is very professional, the place is clean and inviting.
  • pro Gilmore's Pub has a great menu.
  • pro Living quarters are updated and the restaurant food is great.
  • pro Thanksgiving dinner was delicious.
  • pro Table 1912 offers exquisite lamb and attentive service.

Cons

  • pro The facility has been horrible due to staffing shortages, poor meals, and a lack of help when needed.
  • pro There is a bed bug infestation throughout the building that management doesn’t address.
  • pro The center charges high monthly maintenance fees and fails to replace water filters, which is unsafe.
  • pro Residents are neglected because of insufficient staff, with too few nurses for too many residents.
  • pro Some reviewers allege the facility profits from elderly residents and waits for them to die.
  • pro Dining service can be unacceptable, with long wait times and instances of residents not being served.

Review

Windhaven Assisted Living and Memory Care in Cedar Falls is best suited for active seniors who want a polished, campus-like setting with robust social life, strong dining options, and access to flexible care as needs evolve. It suits families seeking a community that prioritizes aesthetics, on-site conveniences, and programming that keeps residents engaged. The campus feel, clean, modern, and walkable, appeals to those who value easy access to restaurants, a salon, transportation to stores and churches, and a calendar of activities that makes daily life feel social rather than solitary. It is a solid match for couples who wish to stay close, for residents who want the option to “step up” in care without moving, and for families prepared to invest time in due diligence and ongoing conversations about care levels. This community shines where independence, amenities, and a lively milieu intersect, and where the cost is justified by a high-touch environment.

On the positive side, Windhaven delivers a consistently pleasant physical environment. The building is kept clean and attractive, with a modern, home-like feel that residents and visitors repeatedly remark upon. Staff are frequently described as friendly and professional, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere that many families value. The array of dining options stands out, including restaurant-style venues on campus and a diversity of menu choices that can feel celebratory rather than routine. Transportation to stores and places of worship adds practical value for families managing schedules and errands. Residents often praise the activity center, opportunities for social events, and the sense that life at Windhaven can be enriching and socially satisfying. The presence of a memory-care component alongside assisted living, plus the capacity for residents to transition to higher care if needed, provides a forward-looking structure that can reduce future moves.

Yet significant cautions accompany these strengths. Staffing appears to be a central challenge, with recurrent impressions of being short-handed and reports of calls for help going unanswered. The clinical ratio, one nurse for a large number of residents, raises red flags for families prioritizing immediate assistance, timely supervision, and clear accountability on care delivery. A notable handful of residents and families describe conditions that feel neglected during staffing gaps, painting a picture of a community where physical comfort and social programming can outpace consistent, around-the-clock care. Another major concern voiced by multiple families is pest management and perceived inaction on bed bugs, a problem that erodes trust in maintenance responsiveness and overall safety. These safety and quality-of-life issues demand serious scrutiny during tours and candid conversations with leadership.

Financial and operational friction also emerges in several reviews. High monthly maintenance fees are cited alongside complaints about service expectations not aligning with cost, such as delays or inadequacies in routine tasks like water-filter replacement. Counterpoint reviews acknowledge attractive units and a strong dining culture, but the financial burden paired with perceived management pacing on crucial upkeep can tilt the balance for families weighing total expense against peace of mind. Dining experiences are described as inconsistent by some, with a few residents and family members noting slower service or variability in meal quality. While others rave about specific dining venues and chefs, the mixed experience suggests that prospective residents should probe menus, service times, and kitchen staffing during visits and meal-offs.

For those weighing Windhaven against alternatives, the decision hinges on risk tolerance and priorities. If reliable staffing ratios, proactive pest control, consistent meal service, and clear, timely assistance are non-negotiables, exploring other communities with documented staffing models and stronger maintenance oversight is prudent. If the preference centers on a beautiful campus, vibrant social life, diverse dining experiences, and a clear pathway to higher care within the same campus, Windhaven offers meaningful value, provided current residents’ care plans align with the level of attention available day-to-day. Families should request transparent staffing schedules, incident response logs, maintenance remediation histories, and a detailed explanation of what maintenance fees cover versus what is charged as add-ons. A visit focused not just on amenities but on real-time care delivery will reveal whether Windhaven’s strengths can truly offset its vulnerabilities.

The practical recommendation is to pursue a disciplined, firsthand assessment. Schedule a full tour focused on care teams during different shifts, request to observe mealtime service, and ask for recent memory-care outcomes and incident response data. Inspect the premises for pest control history and current remediation steps, and verify the frequency and scope of preventive maintenance, especially for critical systems like water filtration. Engage with residents and families about how often staff respond to calls for help and whether care coordination feels seamless during transitions between care levels. If these elements align with the community’s promises, Windhaven can be an excellent home that blends comfort, social vitality, and scalable care. If not, alternatives with stronger staffing reliability and more consistent operational practices will deliver greater long-term confidence.

Features

Types of Care

  • Assisted Living Assisted LivingAssisted living facilities provide crucial support and care for seniors who may need help with daily tasks such as medication management, bathing, and meal preparation. These communities offer a safe and comfortable environment where seniors can maintain their independence while receiving the assistance they need to thrive in their golden years.
  • Independent Living Independent LivingIndependent living communities are important for seniors because they offer a safe and supportive environment where older adults can live independently while still having access to amenities and services that enhance their quality of life. These communities provide social opportunities, recreational activities, and assistance with daily tasks, promoting overall well-being and allowing seniors to maintain their independence for as long as possible.
  • Skilled Nursing Facility Skilled Nursing FacilitySkilled Nursing Facilities are crucial for seniors as they provide round-the-clock medical care, rehabilitation services, and assistance with daily activities. These facilities ensure that seniors receive the specialized care they need to maintain their health and well-being as they age.

Amenities

  • Activities on-site Activities on-siteActivities on-site are important for seniors because they provide opportunities for socialization, mental stimulation, physical activity, and overall well-being. Engaging in activities can help seniors stay active, maintain their independence, and improve their quality of life.
  • Devotional services off-site Devotional services off-siteDevotional services off-site are important for seniors as they provide spiritual nourishment, social engagement, and a sense of community outside of the senior living facility. This can enhance overall well-being and help combat feelings of isolation and loneliness often experienced by older adults.
  • Indoor common areas Indoor common areasIndoor common areas are crucial for seniors as they provide a space for socialization, recreation, and community engagement, promoting overall well-being and reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness.

Transportation

  • Waterloo Municipal (5 miles away) Waterloo Municipal (5 miles away)

Care Services

  • Ambulatory care Ambulatory care"Ambulatory care services provide essential medical support and treatment to seniors without requiring hospitalization, allowing them to maintain their independence and quality of life while managing chronic conditions or receiving routine medical care."
  • Diabetic care Diabetic careDiabetic care is crucial for seniors as they are more susceptible to developing diabetes due to aging and other health conditions. Proper management of diabetes can help prevent complications such as heart disease, vision loss, and nerve damage, improving the overall quality of life for seniors in senior living communities.

Dining

  • Meals provided Meals provided"Meals provided" are crucial for seniors in assisted living communities as it ensures they have access to nutritious, balanced meals without the stress of meal planning and preparation. This can help promote overall health and well-being for seniors who may have limited mobility or cognitive abilities.

Activities

  • Activities on-site Activities on-siteActivities on-site are important for seniors because they provide opportunities for socialization, mental stimulation, physical activity, and overall well-being. Engaging in activities can help seniors stay active, maintain their independence, and improve their quality of life.
  • Devotional activities offsite Devotional activities offsiteDevotional activities offsite are important for seniors because they provide social engagement, spiritual growth, and a sense of community outside of their living environment. This can improve overall well-being, mental health, and combat feelings of isolation or loneliness.

Description

Windhaven Assisted Living and Memory Care in Cedar Falls, IA is a vibrant and welcoming community that offers a range of care services to meet the unique needs of each resident. Our dedicated staff is committed to providing exceptional care and ensuring the comfort and well-being of our residents.

As an assisted living facility, we offer independent living options for seniors who are looking for a supportive community where they can maintain their independence while receiving assistance with daily activities as needed. We also provide specialized memory care services for residents living with Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia.

At Windhaven, we understand the importance of holistic care, which is why we offer various amenities and activities to enhance the physical, mental, and spiritual well-being of our residents. Our devotional services off-site provide an opportunity for residents to nurture their spiritual needs, while our indoor common areas offer spaces for socializing, engaging in leisure activities, or simply relaxing.

We take pride in offering diabetic care services to ensure that residents with diabetes receive proper monitoring and support in managing their condition. Our trained staff is experienced in providing personalized care plans tailored to each individual's specific needs.

Our community is conveniently located near several amenities and attractions. Residents can enjoy devotional activities at nearby places of worship or catch a movie at one of the two theaters within close proximity. There are also four cafes for those who wish to grab a cup of coffee or enjoy a meal outside our dining facilities. For outdoor enthusiasts, seven parks offer opportunities for nature walks or picnics. Additionally, there are pharmacies and physicians nearby to cater to any healthcare needs.

Transportation services are available to help residents get around town easily, whether it's for medical appointments or leisurely outings. In case of emergencies or specialized medical attention, there are seven hospitals in the vicinity.

At Windhaven Assisted Living and Memory Care, we strive to create a warm and supportive environment where residents can thrive physically, mentally, and socially. We invite you to experience the comfort and care our community provides.

Nearby Places of Interest

Restaurants

  • McDonald's (0.3 miles)
  • Zsavooz Sports Lounge & Grill (0.3 miles)
  • Subway (0.3 miles)
  • Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers (0.4 miles)
  • Culver's (0.4 miles)
  • Jimmy John's (0.4 miles)
  • Dq Grill & Chill (1.6 miles)

Cafes

  • Scooter’s Coffee (0.4 miles)
  • Starbucks (0.5 miles)
  • Starbucks (1.7 miles)
  • Cup of Joe (3.4 miles)

Pharmacies

  • CVS Pharmacy (0.5 miles)
  • Prairie Parkway Pharmacy (0.7 miles)
  • Medicap Pharmacy (2.3 miles)
  • Walgreens (2.4 miles)
  • Amicare Pharmacy (2.7 miles)
  • Pharmacy Marketing Group (3.4 miles)
  • CVS Pharmacy (3.8 miles)

Physicians

  • Arrowhead Medical Clinic (0.5 miles)
  • Covenant Clinic (0.5 miles)
  • Kelsey Lee-Wagner, MD (0.6 miles)
  • AJ Schmalfuhs, MD (0.6 miles)
  • Myriam Donovitch, MD (0.6 miles)
  • Nicole Bentley, MD (0.6 miles)
  • Angela Gingrich, ARNP (0.6 miles)

Parks

  • Eldorado Heights Park (0.7 miles)
  • El Dorado Park (0.7 miles)
  • Greenhill Park (0.9 miles)
  • Paw Park (1.4 miles)
  • Cedar Valley Soccer Complex (1.9 miles)
  • Seerley Park (2 miles)
  • Overman Park (3.3 miles)

Hospitals

  • Allen Hospital Diagnostics (0.7 miles)
  • Cedar Valley OrthoAgility Center (0.7 miles)
  • Cedar Valley Medical Clinic (2.4 miles)
  • Integra Health Cedar FLLS Intrnl (3.1 miles)
  • Covenant Health System (3.2 miles)
  • Sartori Memorial Hospital (3.2 miles)
  • MercyOne Cedar Falls Medical Center (3.2 miles)

Transportation

  • Ryder Truck Rental (0.8 miles)

Theaters

  • Connortime Cinema (0.8 miles)
  • College Square Cinema Cedar Falls, Ia (1.7 miles)

Places of Worship

  • Orchard Hill Church (1.2 miles)
  • Grace Community (1.3 miles)
  • Nazareth Evangelical Lutheran Church (1.6 miles)
  • Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (2.5 miles)

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Windhaven Assisted Living and Memory Care?

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