Walden Point

Pros

• The residents at Walden Point are content and well cared for.
• The staff at Walden Point is good and caring.
• The rooms at Walden Point are very big and attractive.
• The main dining room at Walden Point is comfortable and offers delicious, home-style cooked meals.
• The private rooms at Walden Point have tasteful decor and nice views of the surrounding area.
• The exercise center at Walden Point offers daily yoga and aerobics classes, as well as access to equipment throughout the day.
• The activities offered at Walden Point are stimulating and provide opportunities to enjoy nature walks and local attractions.
• The seniors living at Walden Point are well taken care of by a kind and caring staff, resulting in a content living environment.

Cons

• The community notified the residents rather than their family that they are no longer going to be an Assisted Living facility.
• There were a lot of inconsistencies and constant staff turnover.
• Money went missing on two occasions.
• The food at Walden Point changed and was not liked by some residents.
• The nursing staff at Bright Star were described as untrained and unprofessional.
• The owner of Bright Star does not address issues with the staff.
• The food at Walden Point, prepared by Meals on Wheels providers, is described as disgusting.
• Some residents did not participate in activities due to personal preferences or physical limitations.
• Negative experiences with the assisted living facility's management or administration were mentioned in relation to communication and responsiveness.

Review

Walden Point assisted living facility has received mixed reviews from its residents and their families. While some have had positive experiences, others have expressed concerns about the quality of care and the management of the community.

One family member mentioned that there were a lot of inconsistencies in the level of service provided at Walden Point. The quality of care seemed to decline after the first year, with constant staff turnover and items going missing without explanation. In two instances, money was even reported missing. However, this person's father-in-law chose to stay at the facility despite these issues because he enjoyed the company of fellow residents and trusted the staff running the place.

Another reviewer voiced dissatisfaction with the nursing staff at Walden Point, describing them as untrained and unprofessional. They also expressed frustration with the owner's lack of responsiveness to concerns raised about the staff. Additionally, there was a complaint about a change in food providers, resulting in poor-quality meals being served.

On a more positive note, another individual found Walden Point to be an attractive option for their loved one. They appreciated the spacious rooms and communal areas where residents could socialize and engage in activities like playing cards or crafting. The price was also seen as reasonable.

The overall appearance and ambiance of Walden Point were well-regarded by many reviewers. The facility had a home-like atmosphere with nicely manicured lawns and plenty of outdoor spaces for seniors to enjoy safely. Inside, there was an abundance of fresh air and light, along with tasteful decor.

Dining at Walden Point seemed to be a pleasant experience for residents. The main dining room offered comfortable seating and healthy, home-style cooked meals in a casual restaurant setting. Snacks were also regularly available throughout the day.

Residents had access to several amenities aimed at promoting their physical well-being. An exercise center provided daily yoga and aerobics classes, as well as equipment for independent use. The beautiful garden pathways and courtyards offered opportunities for residents to exercise outdoors and enjoy the surroundings.

Lastly, the activities provided at Walden Point seemed to be varied and engaging. Nature walks and other stimulating events were regularly scheduled, allowing residents to socialize and make the most of their living environment.

In conclusion, Walden Point assisted living facility has its strengths, including attractive rooms, a welcoming atmosphere, and a range of amenities and activities. However, concerns have been raised about inconsistencies in care, turnover of staff, issues with food quality, and unresponsive management. Prospective residents or their families should carefully consider these factors when making a decision about this facility.

This part of Des Moines, Iowa offers convenient access to several hospitals and physicians, including Mercy Medical Center, Select Specialty Hospital, and various specialty clinics. The area also boasts a variety of dining options ranging from traditional American cuisine at Court Avenue Restaurant & Brewing Company to unique offerings like Zombie Burger + Drink Lab. Additionally, there are several cafes and pharmacies within a short driving distance for your convenience. If you enjoy spending time outdoors, Stone Park and Gray's Lake Park are nearby for leisurely walks or picnics. Overall, this area provides a blend of healthcare services, dining choices, and recreational opportunities that may appeal to seniors looking for a vibrant community in which to live.

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 (0.7 miles)
• North 3 - IMMC (0.9 miles)
• UnityPoint Health - Iowa Methodist Medical Center - Emergency Department (0.9 miles)

Physicians

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

Restaurants

• Heather’s Kitchen (0.8 miles)
• Zombie Burger + Drink Lab (0.9 miles)
• Fongs Pizza (1.1 miles)
• Fresko (1.1 miles)
• Royal Mile (1.1 miles)
• Iowa Taproom (1.1 miles)
• Court Avenue Restaurant & Brewing Company (1.1 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (1.2 miles)
• Starbucks (1.4 miles)
• Caribou Coffee (2.2 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (1.4 miles)
• Walgreens (1.8 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.9 miles)
• Dahl's Pharmacy (2.2 miles)
• Walgreens (2.3 miles)
• Medicap Pharmacy (2.9 miles)
• Kayser Hearing Aid & Audiology (3.3 miles)

Parks

• Stone Park (2.4 miles)
• Gray's Lake Park (2.6 miles)
• Sayers Park (3.8 miles)