Notre Dame du Lac

Pros

• The staff at Notre Dame du Lac is kind, knowledgeable, and provides excellent care for the residents.
• Residents are kept busy and active with a variety of engaging activities, including arts and crafts and frequent entertainment.
• The facility is beautifully maintained, with tranquil grounds, well-kept gardens, and comfortable furnishings that enhance the living environment.
• Families feel at ease knowing their loved ones are in a safe, secure, and loving atmosphere.
• The Harmony ward features a thoughtfully designed layout that offers both privacy and accessibility for residents.
• Residents benefit from a wide range of external healthcare services conveniently connected to the facility.
• The community fosters a meaningful religious life with daily church services available to residents who wish to participate.
• Staff turnover is low, providing continuity of care that is essential for residents dealing with memory issues.
• Many families express high levels of satisfaction and recommend Notre Dame du Lac to others seeking quality care for their loved ones.
• Residents enjoy spacious private rooms that allow them comfort and personalization within their living spaces.

Cons

• Concerns about low staff levels leading to inadequate care, especially at night, which has resulted in healthcare issues for residents.
• The food quality at Notre Dame is criticized for being too fatty and high in carbs, contributing to weight gain among residents.
• Some residents may not receive enough attention due to the limited activities available in the dementia care ward.
• One reviewer noted that Notre Dame was more expensive compared to other facilities and described it as a little stuffy.
• There are indications that some families feel their loved ones might not be cared for adequately during nighttime hours, particularly regarding changes in medication management.

Review

Notre Dame du Lac has garnered a reputation for providing quality care in its assisted living facility, particularly within the Harmony dementia ward. The serene and beautifully maintained grounds create a tranquil environment that residents appreciate. With manicured lawns, sitting areas adorned with statues, and comfortable indoor furnishings, both residents and their families find solace in an atmosphere that is clean and well-kept. Reviewers consistently highlight the attention given to the physical spaces of Notre Dame, noting that this contributes to a sense of peace for those who live there.

Many reviews express satisfaction with the staff at Notre Dame du Lac. The caregivers are described as kind, knowledgeable, and dedicated to ensuring the well-being of residents. In particular, the low turnover rate among Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) is seen as a positive factor that fosters continuity of care—an important aspect for individuals dealing with memory issues such as dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. One reviewer remarked on a CNA's impressive tenure of over 20 years at the facility, illustrating not only stability but also likely strong relationships built between staff and residents over time.

Despite general praise for the staff's commitment and attentiveness, some reviewers voiced concerns regarding staffing levels during night hours. Several family members noticed that their loved ones were not receiving adequate attention overnight, which they believe may lead to health complications. These concerns prompted discussions with management about improving care for residents during those hours while ensuring they receive necessary medical attention without compromising comfort or dignity.

Activities available to residents vary across different wards within Notre Dame. While some feedback indicates limited options in long-term care settings due to staff ratios, others praise the robust programming offered in memory care units like Harmony. Art and craft sessions, entertainment events, and opportunities for religious observance feature prominently in activities aimed at enriching resident lives. The availability of primary healthcare services—including podiatry and hair services—is also viewed positively by families seeking comprehensive support for their loved ones.

Dining experiences at Notre Dame have received mixed reviews; while some family members appreciate the provision of meals tailored to dietary needs, others have raised concerns about food quality—specifically regarding fat content and carbohydrate levels—which they believe could be contributing to weight gain among residents. One individual noted shifts in personal health management practices related to fluid intake that may be impacting nighttime comfort levels for her mother.

Overall experiences shared by families indicate a largely positive narrative surrounding life at Notre Dame du Lac. Many emphasize how this community has become more than just a living arrangement; it offers safety, engagement in meaningful activities, spiritual enrichment through regular church services held six days a week, and respect towards every resident’s unique background—even accommodating non-Catholic beliefs during chapel services. A mother who thrived within this supportive environment until health complications arose speaks volumes about how well-suited Notre Dame is for those navigating challenges associated with cognitive decline.

In summary, Notre Dame du Lac stands out as an assisted living facility characterized by compassionate staff-usage small community-oriented principles combined with an attentive approach toward environment maintenance. This combination appears especially beneficial for individuals experiencing memory-related ailments while simultaneously offering peace-of-mind assurance to their families—the true essence captured by several satisfied reviewers expressing gratitude towards their loved ones' well-being during these challenging times.

This part of Worcester, Massachusetts offers a convenient location with easy access to various healthcare facilities such as Reliant Medical Group and UMass Memorial Health Care Cancer Center. There are also several pharmacies nearby including CVS and Walgreens for any medication needs. For dining options, there are choices ranging from fast food at Wendy's to more upscale cuisine at Tavern in the Square. Nearby parks like Green Hill Park provide opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation. Additionally, there are cafes like Starbucks and Panera Bread for socializing or enjoying a cup of coffee. Places of worship such as St Spyridon Cathedral are also easily accessible for spiritual fulfillment. Overall, this area provides a mix of essential services, dining options, recreational spaces, and places of worship making it a potentially suitable choice for senior living in Worcester.

Physicians

• Reliant Medical Group (0.3 miles)
• Great Brook Valley Health Center (0.8 miles)
• Browning Clifford A MD Cardiology Consultants (0.9 miles)
• Umass Ultrasound/X Ray (1 miles)
• UMass Memorial Health Care Cancer Center (1 miles)
• UMass Memorial Medical Center - Children's Medical Center (1 miles)
• Dr Zinman (1.3 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (0.5 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (0.7 miles)
• Walgreens (0.7 miles)
• Gaia Biotech (0.8 miles)
• UMass Memorial Medical Center - Prescription Center Pharmacy (0.9 miles)
• AbbVie Bioresearch Center (1.1 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.4 miles)

Restaurants

• Wendy's (0.7 miles)
• Regatta Deli & Sandwich Shoppe (1.2 miles)
• Tavern in the Square (1.4 miles)
• Hooters (1.7 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (2 miles)
• Chipotle Mexican Grill (2.3 miles)
• The Pint (2.4 miles)

Hospitals

• Worcester Recovery Center And Hospital (0.8 miles)
• U Mass Hospital (0.9 miles)
• UMass ACC (1 miles)
• UMass Interventional Radiology (1.8 miles)
• Nahtm (1.9 miles)
• Saint Vincent Hospital (2.4 miles)
• St Vincent Hospital (2.4 miles)

Parks

• Green Hill Park (1.2 miles)
• Lake Park (2.2 miles)
• Elm Park (3 miles)
• Beaver Brook Park (3.7 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (1.4 miles)
• Redemption Rock Brewing (1.6 miles)
• In House Coffee (1.9 miles)
• Panera Bread (1.9 miles)
• Fuel America (2.1 miles)
• Bean Counter (2.2 miles)
• Starbucks (2.2 miles)

Places of Worship

• Our Lady of The Rosary Rectory & Main Number (2.1 miles)
• St Spyridon Cathedral Special Events Committee (3 miles)