Heritage Court

Pros

• The staff at Fountain West provided wonderful care, treating residents with great respect and compassion.
• Many families expressed gratitude for the love and attention their loved ones received during their stay.
• Residents enjoyed activities such as bowling parties and appreciated special treats like popcorn and favorite candies.
• The kitchen staff was noted for providing great food and meal programs that residents liked.
• Several reviewers highlighted the helpfulness of specific administrative staff members, making it easier to address concerns and needs.
• Despite some challenges, many found that the full-time staff exhibited caring attitudes towards the residents.

Cons

• The facility is constantly short-staffed, particularly on weekends and at night, leading to inadequate care for residents.
• The food served at Fountain West is of poor quality and not suitable for consumption.
• Residents are left unattended for extended periods, sometimes up to two hours, resulting in neglect.
• There are reports of unhygienic conditions, including strong odors of urine within the facility.
• The mattresses provided are old and uncomfortable, causing pain and health issues for residents.
• Staff members exhibit a lack of compassion and respect towards certain patients, especially those who assert their independence.
• Patients have contracted infections and other health problems shortly after admission due to poor care standards.
• The activities offered are repetitive and limited, failing to engage residents meaningfully.

Review

Fountain West Health Center has a reputation that varies significantly based on the experiences of its residents and their families, with reviews expressing both affection and deep concern regarding the quality of care provided at the facility. For some, like one resident’s family member who had an enjoyable experience, they highlighted aspects such as dedicated staff, engaging activities, and a warm environment. This review noted how the employees were often busy yet attentive, maintaining a positive atmosphere marked by compassion amidst challenges like staffing shortages. The genuine care shown towards their loved ones left a lasting impression on families who felt grateful for the support provided during difficult times.

However, this optimism stands in stark contrast to multiple negative experiences that paint a troubling picture of life within Fountain West. Numerous caregivers expressed frustration over chronic understaffing issues that consistently hampered patient care. Complaints surfaced about how residents could wait uncomfortably long hours for assistance with basic needs such as going to the restroom or receiving showers—a situation described as unacceptable by many families. This lack of adequate support not only compromised the dignity of residents but raised serious concerns about their overall well-being.

Further compounding these issues was criticism surrounding hygiene practices and facility conditions. Reports indicated unpleasant odors within certain areas of Fountain West, suggesting inadequate attention to cleanliness that should be fundamental in any nursing home environment. Some reviewers went so far as to describe instances where neglected residents suffered from bedsores or other preventable health issues due to insufficient mobility aids and poor-quality mattresses offered at the facility. Such claims beg questions about whether the management prioritizes patient comfort and health over budgetary constraints.

Food service appeared to be another significant concern voiced by multiple reviewers who chastised both meal quality and nutritional adequacy offered at Fountain West. Phrases likening meals to "cold slop" underscored widespread dissatisfaction among residents who found themselves facing bland options lacking in variety or appeal—an issue particularly egregious given that nutritious meals are crucial for maintaining health in vulnerable populations like seniors. The importance of nutrition in long-term care settings cannot be understated; therefore, this area requires urgent improvement.

The emotional impact on families was also palpable throughout these narratives, with some describing firsthand accounts of how their loved ones faced neglect and disrespectful treatment from certain staff members during their stay. Fears were raised about untrained personnel handling fragile patients roughly while attending to them with little patience or compassion—leading to feelings of helplessness among family members who were unable to provide support when it was needed most. Claims included instances where patients were left unattended for extended periods or subjected to abusive treatment by staff members ill-equipped for caregiving roles.

Lastly, personal anecdotes illustrating specific cases such as infections contracted from unsanitary conditions further emphasized critical failures within Fountain West's operational practices—prompting calls for deeper scrutiny into safety protocols established at the facility. With several reports highlighting severe negligence leading ultimately to hospitalizations due primarily to dehydration or infectious diseases acquired while under care at Fountain West, it becomes essential for prospective clients seeking respite options for aging relatives evaluate thoroughly before deciding upon this particular establishment.

In summary, experiences shared by families illustrate an uneven standard of care within Fountain West Health Center—where moments of joy are tempered by alarming shortcomings detrimental not just physically but emotionally too countless residents grappling with existing vulnerabilities amid healthcare challenges posed by modern-day nursing facilities nationwide.

This part of West Des Moines, Iowa, offers a convenient and diverse range of amenities for senior living. With multiple cafes such as Starbucks and Panera Bread nearby, there are plenty of options for enjoying a cup of coffee or a meal out. The proximity to various physicians, pharmacies, and hospitals ensures easy access to healthcare services. Additionally, there are several restaurants in the area like Jethro's BBQ n' Bacon Bacon and Olive Garden for dining out with friends or family. For recreational activities, Kawanis Park and Lions Park are within reach, providing opportunities for outdoor enjoyment. Overall, this neighborhood provides a well-rounded and accessible environment for seniors looking to live comfortably in West Des Moines.

Cafes

• Starbucks (0.4 miles)
• St Kilda Collective (1.5 miles)
• Starbucks (1.8 miles)
• Panera Bread (1.9 miles)
• Starbucks (3 miles)
• Caribou Coffee (3.3 miles)

Physicians

• Passport Health West Des Moines Travel Clinic (0.5 miles)
• Allergy Institute, PC (0.7 miles)
• Dermatology & Dermatologic Surgery Center (0.8 miles)
• Iowa Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons, PC (1 miles)
• Eyton Young MD (1 miles)
• Iowa Health Physicians - Dr Stahl (1.6 miles)
• Woodard Hearing Centers (1.7 miles)

Pharmacies

• MedPharm Iowa (0.6 miles)
• Walgreens (0.7 miles)
• Walgreens (1.5 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.1 miles)
• Onnen Co. (2.4 miles)
• Walgreens (2.6 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.9 miles)

Restaurants

• Jethro’s BBQ n’ Bacon Bacon (0.7 miles)
• Sully's Irish Pub (1.2 miles)
• Barn Town Brewing (1.3 miles)
• Valley West Mall (1.3 miles)
• The Keg Stand (1.5 miles)
• Olive Garden (1.6 miles)
• G. Mig's 5th Street Pub (1.7 miles)

Places of Worship

• Covenant Presbyterian Church (1 miles)
• Shepherd Of The Valley (1.8 miles)

Parks

• Kawanis Park (1.5 miles)
• Lions Park (3 miles)

Hospitals

• Iowa Methodist Medical Center (1.7 miles)
• Spay Clinics (2.2 miles)
• Mercy Franklin Center (2.5 miles)
• Mercy Medical Center West Lake (3.4 miles)

Theaters

• Flix Brewhouse Des Moines (2.9 miles)