Addington Place Ottumwa

Pros

• The staff at Prairie Hills are friendly, caring, and genuinely invest in the well-being of each resident.
• Residents appreciate the beautiful atmosphere and cleanliness of the community.
• There are a variety of engaging activities available that encourage residents to stay active and involved.
• Many residents enjoy their independence while still receiving support from trained staff.
• Prairie Hills offers a welcoming environment where neighbors quickly become friends through shared activities.
• The memory care neighborhood is praised for its impressive Montessori-style approach to care.
• Residents value the opportunity to give back to the community through fundraisers and events.
• Families feel confident knowing their loved ones receive good care and attention tailored to their needs.
• The Executive Director and other leadership staff are noted for being easy to work with and supportive during transitions.
• Many residents find joy in new experiences provided by various programs, including outings and creative activities like caricatures.

Cons

• The facility lacked adequate staff, including housekeepers and maintenance personnel, which negatively impacted the overall care provided.
• The food quality was consistently described as terrible, low-quality, and not fresh.
• There was a feeling that activities were not inclusive enough; some residents were not encouraged to participate.
• Although the community atmosphere was beautiful, it seemed that the staffing shortages affected various areas of service.
• Residents expressed concerns about the community's ability to handle increased care needs for those who fall ill or require special diets.
• Some individuals felt that their loved ones' needs exceeded what could be adequately provided in the assisted living environment.

Review

Experiences at Prairie Hills: A Mixed Bag of Care and Community

Prairie Hills at Ottumwa has become a focal point for senior living in Wapello County, Iowa, drawing both praise and criticism from residents and their families. Many reviews highlight the beauty of the facility, its cleanliness, and the impressive efforts made by staff to engage residents through various activities. Despite its aesthetic appeal and well-maintained environment, some reviews reveal underlying challenges related to staffing levels, food quality, and individual care needs.

The atmosphere at Prairie Hills is frequently described as beautiful and welcoming. Residents appreciate that the community is clean, with many noting that this level of cleanliness remains consistent day after day. The staff’s commitment to maintaining a high standard is evident; they are recognized for their genuine care towards the residents. Many seniors express satisfaction with their interactions with staff members who take time to know them personally. This camaraderie fosters a sense of belonging within the community which many residents find invaluable.

Activities play an essential role in resident engagement at Prairie Hills. Various offerings including exercise classes, crafts, outings, and even Bible studies aim to keep seniors active and socially connected. However, some feedback suggests that participation in these activities could be better facilitated to ensure all residents are included. There have been mentions of short staffing affecting how well these programs can operate; while some individuals thrive in this setting, others may not receive the attention they need or desire due to limited resources.

A common theme among reviewers is a disparity in care based on individual needs. One family highlighted their loved one’s experience as less than satisfactory due to insufficient staffing levels impacting personalized care—especially when health issues arose. While most staff demonstrated exceptional dedication and responsiveness during regular conditions, challenges emerged when more intensive support was required for certain residents facing health declines or special dietary needs.

Food quality has drawn mixed responses; while some residents found it decent overall or simply acceptable given other factors in play, others lamented low-quality meals lacking freshness. Dietary restrictions appeared to be overlooked at times, leading families to feel concerned about their loved ones' nutritional needs being adequately met within the community's gourmet services.

Despite complaints regarding specific aspects like attentiveness amid staffing shortages or food quality issues during particular periods—especially post-COVID—many long-term residents shared heartwarming stories illustrating how Prairie Hills became an integral part of their lives. Longstanding relationships built within the community reveal feelings of gratitude toward staff who supported them during difficult transitions such as bereavement or adjusting to life without a partner after decades spent together.

Ultimately, while there are certainly areas where Prairie Hills can improve—primarily concerning adequate staffing levels and addressing varying dietary preferences—the overwhelming sentiment reflects a place where those seeking companionship among peers can flourish emotionally despite life's challenges. Many seniors find comfort not only in retaining independence but also possessing access to supportive neighbors willing to share laughter and new experiences along this journey through life together.

This part of Ottumwa, Iowa, offers a convenient and diverse range of amenities for senior living. With several pharmacies nearby like Hy-Vee Pharmacy and Walgreens, accessing medications and healthcare services is easy. The area also has multiple physicians' offices such as Family Practice Center and River Hills Pediatric Clinic for comprehensive medical care. For transportation needs, there are options like U-Haul Neighborhood Dealer and Amtrak, ensuring seniors can easily get around the city. Additionally, there are places of worship like Jehovah's Witnesses and Westminster Presbyterian Church for spiritual fulfillment. The presence of Ottumwa Regional Health Center and McCreery Cancer Center provides accessible healthcare facilities for any medical needs. Parks like Central Park offer opportunities for outdoor recreation, while theaters like Ottumwa 8 Theatres provide entertainment options. Overall, this part of Ottumwa combines convenience, healthcare access, and recreational opportunities to create a comfortable setting for senior living.

Transportation

• U-Haul Neighborhood Dealer (0.5 miles)
• Hogan Truck Leasing & Rental (0.6 miles)
• Ottumwa Hospital Heliport (2.3 miles)
• U-Haul Neighborhood Dealer (2.6 miles)
• Alamo (2.8 miles)
• Amtrak (2.9 miles)
• Tennyson Enterprises Hangar (3 miles)

Places of Worship

• Jehovah's Witnesses (0.5 miles)
• Point of Grace (0.6 miles)
• Roger Hemmings Pastor (1.2 miles)
• Westminster Presbyterian Church (2.1 miles)
• Calvary Open Bible Church (2.3 miles)
• First Christian Church-Disciples of Christ (2.7 miles)
• The Bridge (2.8 miles)

Restaurants

• Subway (0.7 miles)
• McDonald's (0.7 miles)
• Victor's Chaat House (1.2 miles)
• Tennyson Enterprises (2 miles)
• Domino's Pizza (2.5 miles)
• Graham Milk & Ice Cream Co. (2.6 miles)
• Sonic Drive-In (2.6 miles)

Pharmacies

• Hy-Vee Pharmacy (0.7 miles)
• Hy-Vee Pharmacy (2.3 miles)
• Walgreens (2.6 miles)
• Nucara Pharmacy (2.9 miles)
• Compounding Solutions (2.9 miles)
• South Side Drug (3.5 miles)

Physicians

• Family Practice Center (1.9 miles)
• Wolfe Eye Clinic (2.4 miles)
• River Hills Pediatric Clinic (2.4 miles)
• Radiology Associates of Ottumwa PC (2.4 miles)
• Jashim U Ahmed (2.4 miles)
• Ben Johnson MD (2.4 miles)
• Iowa Clinic Heart & Vascular (2.4 miles)

Hospitals

• Orhc Scheduling (2.3 miles)
• Ottumwa Regional Health Center (2.4 miles)
• McCreery Cancer Center (2.4 miles)
• Child Health Specialty Clinic (2.8 miles)

Parks

• Central Park (2.9 miles)
• Ottumwa Park & Recreation Department (3 miles)
• Ottumwa park (3.2 miles)
• Sycamore Park (3.3 miles)

Theaters

• Ottumwa 8 Theatres (3.1 miles)

Cafes

• Nesters Cafe (3.2 miles)