Birchwood Living

Pros

• Residents at Birchwood Living receive excellent and individualized care from a friendly and accommodating staff.
• The facility is clean, creating a healthy environment for the residents.
• Family members appreciate regular communication and updates about their loved ones' well-being.
• The small home setting allows for personal attention and engagement with each resident.
• Many families experienced a sense of gratitude for the compassionate care their loved ones received during difficult times.
• Residents enjoy good food, with some even cleaning their plates daily, reflecting satisfaction with meals provided.
• Birchwood Living is praised for its caring atmosphere that makes residents feel at home and content.
• The staff takes an intentional approach to create a supportive community where residents can interact during meals and activities.
• Families feel reassured knowing their loved ones are safe and well cared for in a welcoming environment.

Cons

• The facility struggled to properly care for residents with memory issues, leading to a negative experience for one family.
• Staff often called family members for help with basic needs, indicating a lack of adequate support and training.
• There were reports of medication being withheld, which raised serious concerns about the care provided.
• A resident was found lying on the floor due to inadequate supervision and assistance from staff.
• Communication about activities was minimal, and there appeared to be staffing shortages during critical times.
• Some residents experienced issues related to high turnover in staff and inconsistent care, leaving families feeling uncertain about their loved ones' safety.
• One family member expressed disappointment with the dining options and overall food quality offered at the facility.
• An individual noted that their loved one had to be moved out due to insufficient handling of care requirements related to dementia.

Review

Birchwood Living, with its variety of assisted living options, has garnered a mixed array of reviews from families regarding the care and environment offered to residents. Many families have praised the facility for its cleanliness, friendly staff, and overall homely atmosphere. Residents often enjoy good food and personal attention, contributing to a sense of comfort and security. For instance, one family noted that their loved one was well cared for after recovering from an injury, emphasizing the attentive nature of the staff towards dietary needs and overall health.

The personal touches at Birchwood are frequently highlighted in positive reviews. Families appreciated the individualized support provided to each resident. A reviewer relayed how consistent communication from caregivers played a pivotal role in easing concerns about their family member’s health decline. The personalized updates included weekly photos that allowed families to feel connected even when living out of state. Such gestures foster trust in the caregiving team and create an atmosphere conducive to open communication.

Conversely, not all experiences at Birchwood have been favorable. A significant concern arose regarding care for residents with memory-related issues, particularly Alzheimer’s disease. One family recounted a troubling experience where their loved one was unable to receive adequate support within just a week of moving into the facility. They described instances where staff were unprepared to handle challenges associated with memory issues, leading to distressing moments for both residents and their families. This experience starkly contrasts with those who found the environment nurturing and supportive for more stable residents.

While some families left feeling relieved by personalized attention in smaller settings—where they felt their loved ones received tailored care—others encountered frustrations regarding staffing levels and responsiveness during critical situations. Some reviewers voiced disappointment over perceived understaffing during daytime hours or lack of planned activities that previously attracted them to the facility during tours. The expectation set during initial visits did not align with actual conditions once residents were settled in; this discrepancy raised questions about oversight and assurance regarding safety measures in place.

Despite these challenges highlighted by certain families, many reviewers remain grateful for Birchwood Gardens’ efforts in providing a caring environment characterized by kindness and respect towards residents' needs at different life stages. One family shared their gratitude regarding how loving and respectful caregivers were as they navigated end-of-life issues with their mother—a sentiment echoed by numerous other families who emphasized gratitude for compassionate management throughout difficult transitions.

Overall, Birchwood represents a blend of heartwarming testimonials alongside cautionary tales about its suitability depending on individual care needs. Families seeking placement must weigh these collective experiences carefully while considering aspects such as proximity to home comforts versus specialized care requirements that may be lacking due to facility limitations or staffing challenges.

In summary, Birchwood Living can evoke positive feelings among many families due to its dedication towards creating genuine connections between staff and residents; however, potential clients should proceed with ample inquiry into specific areas before committing if complications like dementia or memory impairments are present within their loved ones’ circumstances.

This area of Ann Arbor, Michigan offers a variety of amenities and services that may appeal to older individuals considering senior living. With a range of dining options including Carlyle Grill, Knight's Steak House, and Zingerman's Roadhouse, there are plenty of opportunities for delicious meals out. Nearby cafes such as Homes Campus and Panera Bread provide convenient spots to relax and enjoy a cup of coffee. Multiple pharmacies like Rite Aid, Walgreens, and CVS are also located within a short distance for easy access to medications. In terms of healthcare, several physicians' offices and hospitals including Saint Joseph Mercy Health System and the University of Michigan Hospitals are nearby for any medical needs. Additionally, the area is surrounded by parks like Burr Oak Park and South Maple Park for outdoor recreation opportunities. Overall, this part of Ann Arbor provides a blend of convenience, healthcare options, dining choices, and green spaces that could make it an attractive location for senior living.

Restaurants

• Carlyle Grill (0.6 miles)
• Knight's Steak House (1.3 miles)
• Zingerman's Roadhouse (1.4 miles)
• HOMES Brewery (1.5 miles)
• Fresh Forage (1.5 miles)
• McDonald's (1.7 miles)
• Taco Bell (1.7 miles)

Cafes

• Homes Campus (0.8 miles)
• Panera Bread (1.8 miles)
• Starbucks (2.1 miles)
• Jefferson Market (2.6 miles)
• Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea (2.8 miles)
• Hyperion Coffee Co. (2.8 miles)
• Zingerman's Delicatessen (2.9 miles)

Pharmacies

• Rite Aid (1.3 miles)
• Walgreens (1.4 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.9 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.2 miles)
• Walgreens (3.2 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.8 miles)

Physicians

• Liberty Pediatrics (1.4 miles)
• Paul William Turke (2.4 miles)
• Iha (2.4 miles)
• See (3.2 miles)
• Osler Building (3.2 miles)
• University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center (3.2 miles)
• Gastroenterology Clinic (3.4 miles)

Parks

• Burr Oak Park (1.4 miles)
• Saginaw Forest (1.6 miles)
• South Maple Park (1.8 miles)
• West Park (2.4 miles)
• Belize Park (2.4 miles)
• Fritz Park (2.5 miles)
• Delhi Metropark (2.7 miles)

Places of Worship

• St Paul Lutheran Church (2.6 miles)

Transportation

• Ann Arbor Station (2.9 miles)

Hospitals

• Saint Joseph Mercy Health System (3.1 miles)
• UofM Hospital 7C (3.6 miles)
• University of Michigan Hospitals (3.7 miles)
• University Of Michigan Main Hospital - Dock 5 (3.7 miles)
• 6th Floor Rehabilitation Center (3.7 miles)
• Amou (3.8 miles)
• University of Michigan Von Voigtlander Women's Hospital (3.8 miles)