Arbor Heights At University

Pros

• The staff at University Park demonstrated a strong commitment to providing care and support for residents, showing kindness and understanding during initial interactions.
• The facility fosters a friendly atmosphere where residents build positive relationships with one another and the staff.
• University Park offers a range of engaging activities for residents, including movies, crafts, games, and beauty services.
• The food provided at University Park is praised for being well-balanced, nutritious, and enjoyable.
• Residents appreciate the dedication of the experienced staff who take the time to address individual needs and concerns effectively.

Cons

• The food is not good and poorly prepared, making it unsuitable for those with dietary restrictions.
• The staff has been unhelpful and rude, failing to communicate effectively with family members.
• There have been multiple instances of miscommunication regarding medical care and treatment plans.
• Management has not responded to health concerns raised by family members, leading to serious health issues for residents.
• The nursing staff demonstrated a lack of knowledge about the resident's medical history and needs.
• Residents' personal health information was shared inappropriately among other residents and families.
• Timely communication regarding hospitalizations and care plans has been lacking from the facility.
• There have been critical lapses in medication management that have resulted in adverse reactions for residents.

Review

Concerns and Contrasts: A Review of University Park

University Park has a reputation for being a supportive environment for its residents, especially those with special needs or health concerns. However, personal experiences shared by families have illuminated significant flaws within the facility that raise questions about care quality, staff competency, and communication practices. The conflicting reviews highlight both commendable aspects of the facility as well as alarming incidents that have left families feeling frustrated and worried about their loved ones.

The initial praise for University Park centers around the kindness exhibited by staff and their commitment to personalized care. Families noted how welcoming the staff were at the outset of their loved ones' residency. In a family meeting shortly after admission, the management demonstrated a willingness to understand each resident's individual needs—ranging from financial discussions to medical requirements—which set an optimistic tone. Regular visits revealed pleasant interactions between staff members and residents, underscoring a community feel among those living there.

However, this promising start began to sour as administrative hiccups became apparent. One family experienced severe miscommunication regarding important financial matters related to their grandfather’s care. Instead of support during what should have been a straightforward transaction concerning his home sale—essential for maintaining his residency—the facility’s staff appeared dismissive and unhelpful. Despite repeated attempts to resolve these matters with multiple individuals in charge, crucial calls went unreturned, ultimately leading to threats of discharge due to non-payment. This lack of responsiveness contributed significantly to familial distress at an already challenging time.

Compounding concerns were medical mishaps tied directly to inadequate oversight by nursing staff. A troubling incident highlighted how prescribed medications could drastically affect residents’ health outcomes; specifically, Lorazepam was administered despite clear medical advice against it following adverse reactions observed during a hospital stay. It became evident that precautions recommended by external healthcare providers were not adequately communicated or respected within University Park's system—a glaring oversight considering these decisions can profoundly impact resident well-being.

The handling—or mishandling—of potential health issues further exacerbated difficulties faced by families dealing with University Park's management. Instances where residents showed signs of concerning symptoms often led to insufficient responses from nursing personnel who either dismissed family inquiries or failed to provide appropriate follow-ups on critical health updates. The lack of continuity in care contributed not only to confusion but also created an environment where timely intervention seemed compromised.

Despite these challenges presented by some families’ experiences, positive testimonials still emerged regarding the community atmosphere at University Park itself. Many appreciated daily activities that encouraged socialization among residents—from films and crafts to exercise programs like Wii gaming sessions—that contributed positively toward keeping spirits high amidst trying circumstances. The general sentiment amongst some residents pointed towards satisfaction with food offerings described as nutritious and filling compared with other facilities.

In conclusion, University Park embodies the complexities often found in assisted living environments: it provides warmth through its friendly engagement yet struggles under layers of administrative turbulence coupled with serious medical oversights that cannot be overlooked. As families continue navigating caregiving decisions for their loved ones within these types of facilities, clarity in communication alongside strict adherence to health protocols will remain paramount moving forward into an era demanding much more accountability in eldercare settings.

Physicians

• Ruan Neurology Clinic (0.1 miles)
• Mercy Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (0.2 miles)
• Mercy Family Medicine Center/Family Medicine Residency Program (0.2 miles)
• Diabetes Center (0.3 miles)
• Surgical Affiliates (0.3 miles)
• Samuel M Maurice, MD (0.3 miles)
• Women's Health Specialists (0.3 miles)

Hospitals

• Mercy Medical Center 7 South (0.2 miles)
• Mercy Hospital Pediatric Unit (0.2 miles)
• Select Specialty Hospital-Des Moines (0.2 miles)
• Mercy River Hills Surgery Center (0.3 miles)
• Unity Point Health (0.6 miles)
• North 3 - IMMC (1 miles)
• UnityPoint Health - Iowa Methodist Medical Center - Emergency Department (1 miles)

Restaurants

• Heather’s Kitchen (0.7 miles)
• Zombie Burger + Drink Lab (0.8 miles)
• Iowa Taproom (1 miles)
• Fongs Pizza (1 miles)
• Royal Mile (1.1 miles)
• Court Avenue Restaurant & Brewing Company (1.1 miles)
• Fresko (1.1 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (1.1 miles)
• Starbucks (1.4 miles)
• Caribou Coffee (2.3 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (1.5 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.9 miles)
• Walgreens (1.9 miles)
• Dahl's Pharmacy (2.4 miles)
• Walgreens (2.4 miles)
• Medicap Pharmacy (3 miles)
• Kayser Hearing Aid & Audiology (3.2 miles)

Parks

• Stone Park (2.3 miles)
• Gray's Lake Park (2.6 miles)
• Sayers Park (3.8 miles)