Calvin Community

Pros

• The staff at Calvin Community is dedicated, caring, and have been providing excellent service for many years.
• Residents enjoy a variety of activities and events that keep them engaged and entertained.
• The facility is clean, organized, and offers spacious rooms that residents can personalize to feel more at home.
• The community has a welcoming atmosphere, with friendly staff who greet visitors with smiles and remember their names.
• Calvin Community features nice amenities such as a coffee shop, courtyard, and exercise room that enhance the living experience for residents.
• Security measures are in place to ensure peace of mind for families and residents alike.

Cons

• The facility does not seem to care about residents with dementia, leading to frustration for family members who are given no support.
• There were multiple reports of odors of urine and feces upon entering the facility, indicating possible cleanliness issues.
• During a visit, a call light remained unanswered for an extended period, suggesting inadequate staffing or attention from C.N.A.s.
• A resident's cell phone was lost during their quarantine, resulting in a loss of direct communication with their support person.
• The administration convinced an elderly resident's family member to invest in a non-changeable annuity, which raised concerns about financial practices.
• Some visitors described the atmosphere as resembling that of a mental hospital, with residents appearing scattered and in distress.

Review

Calvin Community, a Christian faith-based facility located in Des Moines, Iowa, has garnered a mixed bag of reviews from families of residents over the years. For some, it represents an ideal living environment filled with supportive staff and engaging activities. Others, however, have found their experiences marred by concerns about care quality and transparency in administration practices. The facility is known for blending a warm community atmosphere with various amenities, but individual experiences vary significantly.

One family member shared their positive experience with their father, who had lived in Calvin Community for two years. Initially on the skilled nursing floor, he transitioned to assisted living as his health improved. This reviewer emphasized the cordiality of staff towards their Jewish father, noting an inclusive and welcoming environment despite being the only Jewish resident. With free snacks available at the coffee shop and a magical Christmas ambiance each year, the reviewer painted a picture of a loving community where residents can engage naturally in various activities while enjoying well-kept courtyards filled with flowers.

Conversely, another reviewer expressed frustration regarding communication issues surrounding their husband’s stay in rehab at Calvin Community. They highlighted significant problems related to inadequate support for those suffering from dementia and voiced anger over incidents such as falls during quarantine periods and loss of personal belongings like cell phones that hindered direct communication with loved ones. Their plea for room phone numbers went unanswered by facility management—creating feelings of distress during an already trying time—leading them to conclude that Calvin Community may not adequately cater to residents with cognitive impairments.

Over three decades of frequent visits to Calvin gave one long-time visitor insight into its strengths and weaknesses. While acknowledging earlier inconsistencies in services provided by the administration, they attributed much positive recognition to dedicated staff members who consistently delivered quality care over time—a trait they considered rare within long-term care settings. They cautioned against judging Calvin solely on its physical appearance, citing instead the importance of attentive care over aesthetics when selecting a residence for loved ones.

Interestingly enough, another family noted that while Calvin appeared inviting at first glance—with features akin to hotel accommodations—there were elements that raised concerns about responsiveness among certain staff members. During one visit meant as an exploratory session for potential residency options for an elderly relative, they encountered employees engaged in activities while visitors visited but did not have ample opportunity for interaction due to ongoing events occupying most attendees’ attention.

In sharp contrast to these more favorable opinions was one particularly negative review which described disturbing conditions observed during visits. The reviewer reported encountering unpleasant odors throughout common areas and alarming scenes reminiscent of neglect among other residents needing assistance—a stark departure from claims made by facility representatives about flourishing communal life therein. Frustration peaked when personnel could be seen absent during critical moments where residents were left unattended due to perceived lackadaisical attitudes toward duties assigned; even requests directed toward nurses were met dismissively by someone citing break times amidst pressing needs visible around them.

These divergent reviews encapsulate distinct narratives surrounding life at Calvin Community—from heartfelt appreciation rooted deeply within familial bonds complemented by caring staff relationships contrasted against heartbreaking observations indicating systemic deficiencies impacting vulnerable individuals placed under their oversight. Analyzing reactions reveals varying perspectives based upon personal experiences involving both opportunities afforded within this multifaceted environment along with accompanying challenges faced therein—including aspects relating directly back toward operational values guiding overall philosophies governing standards upheld within any eldercare context targeting compassion alongside comfort above all else.reader's final impressions will undoubtedly depend upon individual priorities intertwined amongst considerations presented through prior testimonies alone ensuring clarity becomes vital amid collective reflections captured herein painting intricate portraits illustrating complex realities composing daily lives rooted largely within long-term assisted living facilities like those found across American landscapes today showcasing broad spectrums underlying sentiments expressed via careful evaluations formed through comprehensive engagement processes undertaken throughout one's journey forward seeking optimal outcomes tailored uniquely unto every circumstance encountered therein likewise reflects broader societal challenges paramount affecting aging populations today seeking dignified alternatives sustaining quality lifestyles worthy honoring rich legacies forged previously past generations now passing down wisdom evermore essential moving forth onward together collectively standing united seeking meaningful connections fostering understanding bridging gaps divided gradually fading seemingly out here midst forces afar isolating hearts yearning truly find solace shared amongst our brothers sisters alike reaching out aspiring light hearts illuminating paths ahead beckoning untold chapters awaiting discovery just beginning unfold anew reveal brighter tomorrows shape destinies align purpose-led journeys captivating imagination sparking hope igniting passions inspire futures brimming purpose-filled possibilities waiting patiently arise blossoming expanse transcending limitations existing harmoniously ultimately guided love!

This part of Des Moines, Iowa offers a convenient and diverse range of amenities for senior living. With several physicians and healthcare facilities nearby, including Mercy Franklin Center and Methodist Outpatient Surgery, residents have easy access to quality medical care. There are also a variety of pharmacies in the vicinity, ensuring that medication needs are easily met. In terms of dining options, there is a selection of restaurants catering to different tastes, such as The Dam Pub and Maria's Mexican Food. Additionally, coffee shops like Starbucks and Caribou Coffee provide the perfect spot for socializing or relaxing. For entertainment, Flix Brewhouse Des Moines offers seniors the opportunity to enjoy movies in a comfortable environment. Parks like Lions Park and Gray's Lake Park provide opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation. Overall, this area combines healthcare facilities, dining options, and recreational activities to create a well-rounded community for senior living.

Physicians

• Des Moines Pediatrics (0.1 miles)
• United Community Services Franklin Family Practice (0.6 miles)
• Iowa Skin Clinic M M Baig MD (0.9 miles)
• Woodard Hearing Centers (1 miles)
• Central Iowa Neurology PC (1 miles)
• Prenatal Vision Ultrasound (1.4 miles)
• Eyemart Optical Outlet - North Des Moines (1.6 miles)

Restaurants

• The Dam Pub (0.4 miles)
• Christophers (0.4 miles)
• Louie's Wine Dive (1 miles)
• McDonald's (1.1 miles)
• Maria's Mexican Food (1.4 miles)
• McAlister's Deli (1.6 miles)
• Jersey Mike's (1.8 miles)

Pharmacies

• Medicap Pharmacy (0.4 miles)
• Walgreens (1.1 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.1 miles)
• Walgreens (1.3 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.7 miles)
• Dahl's Pharmacy (2 miles)
• Walgreens (2 miles)

Hospitals

• Mercy Franklin Center (0.5 miles)
• Spay Clinics (1.3 miles)
• Methodist Outpatient Surgery (2.7 miles)
• North 3 - IMMC (2.8 miles)
• Blank Children's Hospital NICU (2.8 miles)
• UnityPoint Health - Iowa Methodist Medical Center - Emergency Department (2.8 miles)
• Methodist Hospital North 6 (2.8 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (1.7 miles)
• Caribou Coffee (2.1 miles)
• Starbucks (2.6 miles)
• Panera Bread (3.1 miles)
• St Kilda Collective (3.3 miles)
• Starbucks (3.4 miles)
• Starbucks (3.4 miles)

Theaters

• Flix Brewhouse Des Moines (1.8 miles)

Parks

• Lions Park (2.6 miles)
• Terra Park (3.5 miles)
• Gray's Lake Park (3.6 miles)