Always Caring

Pros

• The staff at Always Caring are attentive and awesome.
• The community provides a safe and clean environment.
• The small and intimate nature of the community creates a family-like atmosphere.
• The scenery in the quiet neighborhood is beautiful.
• Always Caring is recommended to others who are looking for a care facility.
• The manager of Always Caring was clear about what to expect and the facility had available space.
• The common rooms at Always Caring are spacious and sufficient for the residents' needs.
• Always Caring offers the best value with a caring and respectful staff, clean environment, and fair price.
• The Beltons, owners of Always Caring, make residents and their families feel right at home.
• The facility is situated in one of Columbia's nicest residential neighborhoods with beautiful views of Lake Elkhorn.

Cons

• Some staff appear overwhelmed.
• The hallways in one facility did not look large enough to accommodate a walker.
• The residents in one facility looked like zombies.
• The lady showing the places was about 45 minutes late for the appointment.
• One facility had no vacancies available.

Review

Always Caring is an assisted living community that offers a safe and clean environment for its residents. The staff members are described as attentive, although some may appear overwhelmed at times, which is understandable given the nature of their work. What sets this community apart is its family-like atmosphere, providing a more intimate and personal experience compared to larger institutional settings.

Located in a quiet neighborhood with beautiful scenery, Always Caring offers a peaceful and serene environment for its residents. It is housed in a converted house, which adds to the cozy and homely feel of the community. With only around eight residents, it maintains a small and close-knit community where everyone can easily socialize and form connections.

For those looking for an assisted living facility in close proximity to their location, Always Caring proves to be a convenient choice. The manager provides clear expectations about the services offered, spaces were readily available when needed, and it was deemed one of the best places visited during the decision-making process. The common rooms are spacious and well-maintained while individual rooms meet the needs of the residents effectively.

However, not all experiences with Always Caring have been positive. One reviewer mentioned concerns about limited space in hallways and shared bathrooms that might inconvenience residents using mobility aids such as walkers. Additionally, some individuals observed that current residents appeared lethargic or detached from their surroundings.

Nevertheless, many reviewers highlighted the exceptional value they found at Always Caring. Considering factors such as caring and respectful staff, cleanliness of the environment, fair pricing policies, and long-standing employees who contribute to fostering a welcoming atmosphere, this facility emerged as an excellent option within various budgetary constraints.

Furthermore, Always Caring embraces its origins as a residential home turned assisted living facility. The previous owners still reside on-site after 17 years of running this establishment. This continuity provides comfort to both residents and their families who appreciate the genuine warmth extended by Tim and Elva Belton. The community is situated in one of Columbia's most desirable residential neighborhoods and offers residents the opportunity to enjoy beautiful views of Lake Elkhorn from their private rooms.

While the majority of reviews convey positive experiences at Always Caring, there have been instances where potential residents were unable to secure a vacancy due to high demand. Despite this occasional limitation, the community maintains its reputation for cleanliness, friendly staff, and overall satisfaction among those who have had the chance to experience their services firsthand.

Located in the heart of Columbia, Maryland, this area offers a serene and convenient lifestyle for seniors. With several parks nearby such as Lake Elkhorn Park and Centennial Park, residents can enjoy nature walks and picnics in beautiful surroundings. A variety of dining options are easily accessible, including Chinese cuisine at Hunan Manor Restaurant and classic American fare at Frisco Tap House & Brewery. Medical care is also readily available with reputable establishments like Howard County General Hospital and Columbia Dermatology Center within a short distance. Transportation services like BWI Rental Car Facility ensure easy access to travel options for visiting loved ones or exploring the area. Overall, this neighborhood provides a well-rounded community with amenities that cater to senior living needs.

Parks

• Lake Elkhorn Park (0.5 miles)
• Blandair Regional Park (1.8 miles)
• Martin Road Park (1.9 miles)
• Centennial Park (4 miles)
• Centennial Park (4.6 miles)
• High Ridge Park (5.2 miles)

Restaurants

• Hunan Manor Restaurant (0.6 miles)
• HomeSlyce (0.6 miles)
• Frisco Tap House & Brewery (0.6 miles)
• Taco Bell (0.7 miles)
• McDonald's (1.2 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (1.3 miles)
• Chipotle Mexican Grill (1.6 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (0.7 miles)
• Starbucks (1.5 miles)
• Café Nordstrom (2.5 miles)
• Starbucks (2.7 miles)
• Starbucks (3.2 miles)
• Starbucks (5.6 miles)
• Starbucks (6.2 miles)

Pharmacies

• Wegmans (0.9 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.3 miles)
• Walgreens (2.4 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.2 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (4.6 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (5.4 miles)
• Walgreens (5.8 miles)

Theaters

• AMC Columbia 14 (2.6 miles)
• Cinemark Holdings (6.3 miles)

Physicians

• American Vein Institute (2.8 miles)
• Hopkins gastroenterology clinic (3.1 miles)
• Mid Atlantic Nephrology Association (3.1 miles)
• Seton Medical Group (3.2 miles)
• Columbia Dermatology Center (3.2 miles)
• American Spine (3.2 miles)
• Dr. Klebanow & Associates (3.3 miles)

Places of Worship

• Bridgeway Community Church (3.2 miles)
• St Augustine's Church (6.7 miles)

Hospitals

• Howard County General Hospital (3.3 miles)
• Howard County General Hospital, Johns Hopkins Medicine (3.3 miles)
• Sheppard Pratt Health System (5.5 miles)

Transportation

• BWI Rental Car Facility (7.2 miles)
• Avis Rent A Car (7.2 miles)
• Hertz Rent A Car (7.2 miles)