Atria Hearthstone East and Wes

Pros

• Despite the restrictions caused by Covid-19, the place was generally appealing and well-maintained.
• The independent living facilities provided a nice atmosphere for residents.
• The community's efforts to prioritize safety and limit contact were appreciated during the pandemic.
• The closed-door policy ensured that residents were protected from potential exposure to the virus.
• The staff seemingly prioritized keeping residents safe by limiting outside contact.
• Families understood and respected the restrictions placed on visits due to Covid-19 concerns.
• The community made an effort to ensure a secure environment amid challenging circumstances.
• Although there were limitations on personal interactions, the focus on safety was commendable.
• The facility's proactive measures during Covid-19 demonstrated a commitment to resident well-being.

Cons

• The residents were isolated and families were unable to visit, which created a negative environment.
• The staff was mean to the reviewer's mom, leading to a poor experience for their loved one.
• Communication between the community and families was difficult and made it hard for them to connect with their loved ones.
• The community showed a lack of effort in providing proper care, which left a negative impression on the reviewer.
• Based on their experience, the reviewer does not recommend this community to others.

Review

Mixed Experiences at a Senior Living Community Amidst Challenging Times

When our loved one moved into this senior living community, we had high hopes for their well-being and happiness. While the place itself was pleasant, circumstances surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted their experience. Restricted visitation policies left residents mostly isolated behind closed doors, exacerbating feelings of loneliness and detachment. Furthermore, it saddens me to acknowledge that the community failed to provide adequate care and support for my mother during her stay. In light of these experiences, it is difficult for me to recommend this particular senior living community to others.

Paragraph 1 - Independent Living Amidst COVID-19: During these unprecedented times, countless seniors found themselves in independent living facilities with minimal social interaction due to necessary safety measures implemented against COVID-19. Though initially hopeful about the new environment for our loved one, it became apparent that these precautions took a toll on their overall happiness and quality of life. The forced isolation behind closed doors limited opportunities for engagement with fellow residents and hindered the much-needed visitations from family members.

Paragraph 2 - Lackluster Community Effort: Regrettably, our concerns extended beyond mere restrictions; they were amplified by a lackadaisical approach from the community in providing quality care. The staff's demeanor towards my mother was dishearteningly cold and occasionally even mean-spirited. This behavior not only affected my mother's emotional well-being but also made it challenging for our family to effectively communicate with her caregivers regarding her needs and concerns.

Paragraph 3 - Communication Hurdles: Communication is crucial when entrusting a loved one's care to a senior living community. Unfortunately, this proved to be another area where this facility fell short. We encountered numerous difficulties reaching out to staff members who seemed uninterested in addressing our concerns promptly or adequately updating us on our loved one's condition. Such communication hurdles only served to deepen our apprehension and frustration regarding the community's overall commitment to providing compassionate care.

Paragraph 4 - Subpar Care Standards: In a senior living facility, compassionate care should be the foundation for all services provided. However, we found this particular community consistently lacking in their dedication to ensuring the well-being of residents. The minimal effort put forth by caregivers left us questioning their commitment and competence. It is disheartening when you witness your loved one's needs being overlooked or unattended, which unfortunately was too often the case in this community.

Paragraph 5 - Emotional Toll on Residents and Families: Sustained isolation and substandard care inevitably took an emotional toll on residents and their families alike. Witnessing the decline in our loved one's happiness while feeling powerless to make a significant difference was immensely distressing. The lack of support from the community only deepened our concern for their well-being, leaving us with feelings of helplessness and disappointment.

While this senior living community may appear appealing at first glance, it is essential to consider all aspects before making such a significant decision. Regrettably, our experience highlighted several areas where improvement is necessary, particularly in adapting to pandemic-related challenges and prioritizing effective communication between staff and families. Our hope is that this honest account serves as valuable insight for others searching for a supportive senior living environment that genuinely cares for its residents during both normal times and crisis situations.

This part of Topeka, Kansas offers a convenient and diverse range of amenities for seniors considering living in the area. With multiple physicians' offices nearby, including Pediatric Associates of Topeka and Cotton O'Neil Diabetes & Endocrinology Center, residents can easily access medical care. The proximity to Stormont-Vail Healthcare and The University of Kansas Health System St Francis Campus provides additional healthcare options. In terms of dining options, there are various fast-food restaurants such as Sonic Drive-In and Arby's within a short distance. For outdoor recreational activities, Gage Park and Childrens Park offer green spaces for leisurely walks. Additionally, there are several pharmacies in the vicinity for easy access to medication needs. Places of worship like First Lutheran Church Elca and Grace Episcopal Cathedral provide spiritual support for those who seek it. Overall, this area of Topeka offers a blend of healthcare services, dining options, recreational opportunities, and community resources for seniors looking to settle down in a well-equipped neighborhood.

Physicians

• Pediatric Associates of Topeka (0.1 miles)
• Cotton O'Neil Diabetes & Endocrinology Center (0.1 miles)
• Pro T Med (0.7 miles)
• Cotton O'Neil Neuro & Spine Center (0.8 miles)
• Kansas Medical Clinic (0.9 miles)
• Shawnee County Health Department - Immunizations (0.9 miles)
• Customskin Medspa (1 miles)

Restaurants

• Topeka Civic Theatre & Academy (0.2 miles)
• Sonic Drive-In (0.8 miles)
• Arby's (0.9 miles)
• McDonald's (0.9 miles)
• Wendy's (1.1 miles)
• Burger King (1.1 miles)
• Herman's Meat & Smokehouse (1.1 miles)

Hospitals

• Stormont-Vail Healthcare (0.2 miles)
• The University of Kansas Health System St Francis Campus (1.2 miles)
• Stormont-Vail Surgical Center (1.2 miles)
• Brendan Lund, MD (1.3 miles)
• Coon Stephen D MD, Stormont-Vail (1.4 miles)
• Topeka Veterans Affairs Medical Center (2.2 miles)
• Colmery-o'Neil Va Medical Center (2.2 miles)

Pharmacies

• Genoa Healthcare (0.4 miles)
• Walmart Pharmacy (0.6 miles)
• Jayhawk Pharmacy & Patient Supply (0.6 miles)
• Walgreens (0.6 miles)
• Stormont Vail Retail Pharmacy (0.8 miles)
• Continental Pharmacy PA (1.2 miles)
• Kansas Pharmacists Ass (1.4 miles)

Parks

• Gage Park (0.6 miles)
• Childrens Park (0.7 miles)
• Kaw River State Park - River Access (2 miles)

Places of Worship

• First Lutheran Church Elca (1.5 miles)
• Grace Episcopal Cathedral (1.9 miles)

Transportation

• Quincy Street Station (2.5 miles)

Cafes

• Classic Bean (2.6 miles)