Kastles Keep AL II

Pros

• The staff was good and attentive during the stay.
• The owner had a passionate interest in the facility's operation.
• The loved one received care for two weeks at the facility.

Cons

• The owner was terrible and did not provide adequate communication regarding necessary medical supplies.
• The facility ran out of essential medical supplies and failed to notify the family.
• The phones were not functioning, raising concerns about emergency response capabilities.
• The TVs were not operational, leading to a lack of entertainment options for residents.
• There were no activities available for residents, resulting in dissatisfaction with the overall experience.
• The facility repeatedly requested additional money without being reasonable in their demands.
• Overall, the quality of care was unsatisfactory, prompting the family to remove their loved one after two weeks.

Review

When considering care facilities for a loved one, the balance between quality of service and cost is often a significant concern. Unfortunately, my experience with one particular facility illustrated how poor management can overshadow even commendable staff performance. The caregivers present displayed dedication and compassion, providing support when needed; however, the owner’s lack of oversight and communication left much to be desired. Throughout our two-week stay, various issues emerged that ultimately compelled me to relocate my loved one elsewhere.

One of the most alarming factors was the facility's failure to inform us about critical medical needs. My loved one ran out of necessary medical supplies without any prior notification from the staff. This lack of communication is especially concerning in healthcare settings, where timely access to supplies can have serious implications for patient well-being. Compounding this issue was an apparent failure in their emergency protocols: I discovered that the facility's phones were not operational, raising fears about how they would handle emergencies should one arise. In a worst-case scenario, the inability to call for immediate medical assistance could have dire consequences.

Further adding to our dissatisfaction was the general state of infrastructure within the facility. The televisions were non-functional during our entire visit—a triviality for some perhaps, but significant for residents who rely on entertainment as part of their daily routine and mental stimulation. Beyond just entertainment options, there appeared to be a glaring absence of planned activities designed to engage residents socially or cognitively. Given that senior citizens typically thrive on social interaction and mental engagement, this proved disappointing and further contributed to an overall atmosphere that felt neglectful rather than nurturing.

Sadly, these systemic failures were compounded by frequent requests for additional funds from us. Although it’s common for care facilities to charge varying rates based on services rendered or levels of care provided—ranging from $2,500 to $3,500 per month in this case—the expectation seemed unreasonable given the apparent lackluster service we received in return. It raised concerns about whether more money equated simply to increased profit margins rather than enhanced care quality or resident amenities.

Additionally, logistical concerns surrounding my loved one's mobility requirements added another layer of worry regarding her safety and comfort during her stay at this facility. R's need for assistance both moving into and out of a wheelchair highlighted gaps in staffing or procedures established by management—gaps that contributed not only to discomfort but also raised valid concerns about whether she could receive adequate attention during critical moments throughout her day.

Ultimately, after two weeks filled with disappointment and distressing revelations regarding both management practices and inadequate resources available at the facility, I made the difficult decision to pull my loved one out entirely. While I believe there may have been a few dedicated individuals working within those walls striving to make life better for residents under their care—an almost redeeming feature—the overarching issues surrounding ownership mismanagement rendered it impossible for me to recommend this place without significant qualifications or reservations.

In light of these experiences reflected above—from unsatisfactory communication regarding basic health needs and emergency readiness measures through financial demands unaligned with service quality—it became clear that potential residents' families deserve better transparency before committing their loved ones' care into anyone else's hands. Given these observations across multiple facets fundamental not only ensuring safety but fostering emotional well-being among seniors residing at such facilities—I urge other families seeking assistance nearby not merely weigh price tags but prioritize comprehensive assessments based upon individual circumstances before making reservations elsewhere until trusted resources can be reliably found.

Located in Ellicott City, Maryland, this area offers a variety of amenities for seniors looking for a peaceful and convenient place to live. With multiple parks nearby such as Patapsco Valley State Park and Centennial Park, residents can enjoy nature walks and outdoor activities. There are several pharmacies within a short distance for easy access to medication and healthcare needs. The area also boasts a diverse selection of restaurants including Phoenix Upper Main and Manor Hill Tavern, providing options for dining out. For medical care, there are reputable physicians and hospitals nearby such as Saint Agnes Medical Group and Howard County General Hospital. Additionally, cafes like Starbucks offer a relaxing atmosphere for socializing with friends or enjoying a cup of coffee. Overall, this part of Ellicott City offers a well-rounded community with convenient amenities for senior living.

Parks

• Patapsco Valley State Park (0.7 miles)
• David Force Park (3.6 miles)
• Centennial Park (3.9 miles)
• Centennial Park (4.7 miles)
• Blandair Regional Park (5.6 miles)
• Lake Elkhorn Park (7.5 miles)
• Northwest Regional Park (7.7 miles)

Pharmacies

• Rite Aid (0.8 miles)
• Walmart Pharmacy (1.4 miles)
• Walgreens (3.1 miles)
• Walgreens (3.5 miles)
• Walgreens (3.5 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.6 miles)
• Rite Aid (3.6 miles)

Restaurants

• Phoenix Upper Main (1.3 miles)
• The Trolley Stop (1.3 miles)
• Manor Hill Tavern (1.3 miles)
• Chosun Hwaro (2.3 miles)
• Honey Pig Gooldaegee Korean Grill (3.4 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (3.5 miles)
• McDonald's (3.6 miles)

Physicians

• NeuroCare Center (1.3 miles)
• Saint Agnes Medical Group: Maryland Cardiovascular Specialists - Catonsville (1.8 miles)
• Advanced Radiology (3.7 miles)
• American Radiology Services (3.9 miles)
• Parnes May & Associate - Wendy Hurwitz MD (4 miles)
• Dr. Klebanow & Associates (4 miles)
• Omni Eye Specialists (4.2 miles)

Hospitals

• Sheppard Pratt Health System (1.9 miles)
• Spring Grove Hospital Center (4.2 miles)
• Bon Secours Health System (6.3 miles)
• Howard County General Hospital (6.9 miles)
• Howard County General Hospital, Johns Hopkins Medicine (6.9 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (2 miles)
• Tous Les Jours (2.1 miles)
• Starbucks (5 miles)
• Café Nordstrom (5.9 miles)
• Starbucks (6.2 miles)
• Starbucks (6.2 miles)

Places of Worship

• Bridgeway Community Church (4.1 miles)
• St Augustine's Church (6.7 miles)

Theaters

• AMC Columbia 14 (6 miles)