Green Haven Assisted Living

Pros

• The facility is consistently clean and fresh, creating a pleasant environment for residents.
• The staff demonstrates care and concern for the residents' well-being.
• Meals are prepared on-site, ensuring quality and attention to dietary needs.
• The management is diligent in handling appointments and paperwork for the residents.
• Residents receive comfort and support, contributing to their overall satisfaction.

Cons

• The house did not have any clients at the time of the visit and the family regretted placing their loved one in GH house II.
• The costs at Presswick Lane included a $4,000 non-refundable administrative fee, with monthly fees increasing significantly after 30 days.
• The manager assessed the resident's care needs incorrectly, leading to an unexpected fee increase of $700 within a month.
• The manager displayed a lack of kindness and respect toward residents and families.
• Visitation rules were inconsistent, often resulting in long waits to see loved ones.
• There were no activities for the residents other than watching TV.
• The manager was described as having a temper and creating a discouraging environment for visits.
• The family's experience was negative enough that they moved their loved one to another facility where she is now thriving.

Review

In the realm of assisted living, the experiences shared by families often vary widely. Recent reviews of two different facilities highlight both positive and negative aspects that prospective residents and their families might consider when making a choice.

One review details a family's unfortunate experience with GH House II on Presswick Lane, where they encountered numerous challenges after placing their loved one in the facility. The reviewer noted that upon visiting the BT House prior to their decision, they were told it had no clients, leading them to explore alternatives. Although GH House II was clean—a point for which the reviewer gave them one star—the overall satisfaction was severely lacking. A non-refundable administrative fee of $4,000 coupled with a monthly payment that could easily rise from $4,000 to $4,700 after just 30 days raised significant concerns about transparency and fairness. Such increases often create financial strain for families already grappling with the emotional burden of finding appropriate care for their loved ones.

The reviewer’s discontent escalated further when they felt misled during the assessment process. An initial evaluation placed their sister at the highest level of care possible; yet merely 30 days into her stay, this diagnosis shifted dramatically, resulting in an unexpected charge increase due to perceived increased demands on staff time and resources. This sudden change left caregivers feeling cornered; opting out meant forfeiting the hefty upfront fee without recourse—a situation that many families can relate to when dealing with long-term care contracts.

A particularly distressing moment in this account arose over a simple gesture: bringing candy to enjoy during visits. Instead of appreciation or acknowledgment of personal preferences regarding diet and treats, management took control over snack distribution—prompting questions about autonomy and compassion within such settings. The review also pointedly critiqued visitation protocols, which seemed capricious; despite calls made beforehand to confirm visits, guests often faced delays—ranging from 15-20 minutes—before being granted access to see their family members.

The picture painted was stark: limited engagement activities within the facility appeared primarily focused on passive entertainment like television watching rather than fostering opportunities for socialization or cognitive stimulation among residents. The manager's temperament added another layer of frustration—described as lacking kindness or respect toward not only family members but also therapists and residents alike.

In contrast, another review provided insight into a more favorable experience at an unnamed facility where a resident's mother received commendable care. According to this second review, cleanliness stood out as an unwavering priority—every visit was met with fresh surroundings infused with pleasant scents rather than clinical odors commonly associated with healthcare environments. Meals prepared on-site emphasized attention to dietary needs while ensuring residents felt comfortable—a crucial factor for anyone dependent on caregiving standards for day-to-day living.

This second family's interactions reflected positively on administrative processes; timely submission of paperwork concerning medical appointments suggested proactive communication between caregivers and families—a quality reassuring in scenarios laden with uncertainty surrounding health management. Overall satisfaction shone through as they lauded staff members who maintained patience even when navigating challenging behaviors typical among individuals experiencing memory loss or other age-related issues.

These testimonials underline how critical it is for families seeking assisted living solutions to consider firsthand accounts thoroughly before making decisions rooted in hope yet fraught with apprehension about future wellbeing. From unsettling treatment related to finances at GH House II contrasting starkly against nurturing environments elsewhere—it becomes evident that not all facilities can deliver equally compassionate care regardless of surface-level cleanliness or reputation cultivated by general observation alone. Ultimately, choosing a place described as a “home away from home” versus one riddled with troubling management practices requires earnest exploration into operational ethos and commitment towards genuine caregiving standards that prioritize dignity alongside comfort above all else.

This part of Bowie, Maryland offers a variety of amenities and services that may be appealing to seniors looking for a convenient and vibrant community. With multiple pharmacies, physicians' offices, hospitals, and cafes nearby, residents can easily access healthcare services and enjoy leisurely outings. The proximity to parks such as Watkins Regional Park and Allen Pond Park provides opportunities for outdoor activities and relaxation. Additionally, the presence of public transportation options like the New Carrollton Amtrak Station and metro stations offers convenient travel options for seniors who may not drive. The Christian Community Presbyterian Church also provides a place of worship for those seeking spiritual support. Overall, this area of Bowie offers a mix of convenience, recreation, healthcare services, and community engagement that may be attractive to seniors looking to settle in a well-rounded neighborhood.

Restaurants

• McDonald's (0.6 miles)
• McDonald's (1.6 miles)
• Six Flags America (1.9 miles)
• Jasper's (2.1 miles)
• Golden Corral (2.2 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (3 miles)
• Sonic Drive-In (3.1 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (0.9 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (0.9 miles)
• Walgreens (1.6 miles)
• Kaiser Pharmacy (1.7 miles)
• Wegmans (2.9 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.8 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (4.9 miles)

Parks

• Watkins Regional Park (1 miles)
• Allen Pond Park (4.5 miles)
• Mellwood Park (5.9 miles)
• Marlton Community Park (8.6 miles)
• L'Enfant Square (9 miles)
• Duvall Playground (9.6 miles)

Physicians

• Dr Jenkin's Office (1.9 miles)
• Dr Vanessa Allen (4.6 miles)
• TLC Pediatrics (5.1 miles)
• Maryland Primary Care Physicians (5.7 miles)
• MyEyeDr (5.8 miles)
• Childrens Pediatricians (5.9 miles)
• Ford Medical Associates (6.5 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (2.6 miles)
• Starbucks (3 miles)
• Starbucks (5.3 miles)
• Starbucks (6.1 miles)
• Vigilante Coffee (8.1 miles)

Hospitals

• Bowie Health Center-Emergency Medical Care (4.8 miles)
• Riverside Medical District Heights (5.8 miles)

Transportation

• New Carrollton Amtrak Station (4.9 miles)
• Benning Road Metro Station (7.1 miles)
• College Park - University of Maryland Metro Station (8.5 miles)
• Stadium-Armory Metro Station (9.2 miles)
• Prince George's Plaza Metro Station (9.3 miles)
• Greenbelt Metro Station (9.6 miles)
• Greenbelt Station (9.6 miles)

Places of Worship

• Christian Community Presbyterian Church (6.3 miles)