The Pines of Clarkston Assisted Living and Memory Care

Pros

• Residents at The Pines of Clarkston enjoy a friendly and engaged staff that prioritizes their well-being.
• The facility is clean, well-maintained, and features a pleasant atmosphere with unique amenities like a koi pond and a beauty/barber shop.
• Families appreciate the good communication from the staff, who keep them informed about their loved ones' care.
• The small size of the facilities allows for personalized attention, enhancing the overall care experience for residents.
• Residents benefit from a variety of activities that encourage social interaction and engagement within the community.
• Many families have noted improvements in their loved ones’ happiness and quality of life since moving to The Pines of Clarkston.
• The food is frequently praised as delicious, with the culinary team bringing expertise to meal preparation.
• Staff members are described as compassionate and accommodating, making emotional transitions smoother for families during difficult times.
• Families feel reassured by the cleanliness and spaciousness of the living accommodations provided for their loved ones.

Cons

• There are bed bugs, plumbing issues, and the facility is dirty with flies everywhere.
• The building has ceiling leaks, incompetent management, and sewage floods.
• The towels and linens provided to residents are mismatched, paper-thin, and appear used.
• There was an issue with bugs that was never properly addressed.
• Management seems to be cutting corners, leading to a bare-bones environment.

Review

The Pines of Clarkston Assisted Living facility has elicited a range of reviews from residents and their families, showcasing both positive aspects and concerns about the overall environment and care provided. Many reviewers express appreciation for the intimate atmosphere of The Pines, which accommodates up to 20 residents, allowing for a more personalized and friendly care experience. This smaller setting fosters a sense of community among residents and staff alike, with many describing the senior personnel as warm and approachable.

Many families have noted that their loved ones seem happy in this environment. One reviewer mentioned that their wife is receiving good care in memory care at The Pines, highlighting effective communication between the facility's staff and family members. They praised the spacious rooms equipped with Wi-Fi and cable, commending the thoughtfulness in encouraging socializing among residents instead of excessive television watching. Another review echoed this sentiment by emphasizing how accommodating staff were during an emotional transition period; they allowed family members to decorate their relative's room to make it feel more like home.

However, not all reviews are as favorable. Several concerns have surfaced regarding maintenance issues within the building itself. One critical review cited serious problems such as bedbugs, plumbing troubles leading to toilet backups, unkempt conditions with flies present everywhere, ceiling leaks, sewage floods, and even claims that the pond on-site poses health risks. Such alarming conditions lead some reviewers to advise against placing loved ones at The Pines without consideration of these significant issues.

Despite these criticisms, many families laud the overall quality of care provided by staff members. Caregivers have been frequently described as attentive and nurturing toward residents while being responsive to the needs of families seeking support during difficult transitions into assisted living or memory care. For instance, another reviewer reported how much happier their mother had become since moving there—crediting dedicated staff who engage positively with residents while providing meaningful activities when possible.

Food quality appears to be another area where reviews diverge significantly; while some praise the culinary offerings—citing a chef trained in culinary school—a few complaints indicate dissatisfaction revolving around limited budgets affecting meal preparation quality. Residents’ opinions on food can vary day-to-day based on personal preferences or changes in menu items; this inconsistency highlights broader challenges regarding management’s approach to maintaining high standards.

Housekeeping practices have also drawn mixed feedback: some report cleanliness deficiencies—including mismatched linens and towels—that undermine residents' comfort levels despite acknowledging that housekeeping staff work hard under considerable constraints imposed by management policies. Positive comments about caregivers collectively suggest that any shortcomings lie not with individual workers but rather arise from larger systemic issues within The Pines' operational oversight.

In summary, The Pines of Clarkston presents itself as a friendly establishment focused on fostering personalized resident experiences through its small capacity; however, issues related to building maintenance and food dissatisfaction persist alongside commendable reports regarding caregiving efforts. Potential clients must consider these varied experiences when exploring options for assisted living or memory care environments—balancing heartfelt testimonials against concerning criticisms—to determine whether this residence meets their loved one’s specific needs effectively.

This area of Clarkston, Michigan offers a variety of amenities that can cater to the needs of seniors looking for a peaceful and convenient living environment. With a selection of restaurants ranging from fine dining to fast food options, there is something to satisfy every palate. Nearby physicians and pharmacies provide easy access to medical care, while places of worship offer spiritual support. The proximity of cafes provides opportunities for socializing over coffee or a light meal. For outdoor recreation, several parks are within a short driving distance, allowing for leisurely walks or picnics in nature. Additionally, the presence of hospitals nearby ensures prompt medical attention if needed. Overall, this area combines convenience, healthcare accessibility, and recreational opportunities, making it an attractive option for seniors looking to settle in Clarkston.

Restaurants

• Kruse's Deer Lake Inn (0.2 miles)
• Honcho (1.1 miles)
• 5th Tavern (1.4 miles)
• Dixie Frosty Freeze (2.1 miles)
• McDonald's (2.7 miles)
• McDonald's (3.1 miles)
• Culver's (3.2 miles)

Physicians

• Dr Jeetender S. Matharu, MD (0.5 miles)
• Michigan Ear Nose & Throat Associates (1.2 miles)
• Clinton Womens Health Care (1.3 miles)
• The Radiology Center Of Michigan (3.2 miles)
• Clarkston Plastic Surgery (3.2 miles)
• The Downing Clinic (3.3 miles)
• Springfield Family Medical Clinic (4.8 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.6 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (0.9 miles)
• Rite Aid (1.2 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.1 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.4 miles)
• Walgreens (3.9 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (5.6 miles)

Places of Worship

• St Daniel Church (1 miles)
• Maranatha Baptist Church (2.9 miles)
• Kensington Orion (10 miles)
• St Joseph Catholic Church (10.6 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (1.4 miles)
• Starbucks (3.1 miles)
• Panera Bread (5.5 miles)
• Panera Bread (6.8 miles)
• Starbucks (6.9 miles)
• LEGOLAND Discovery Center Michigan (7.5 miles)
• Starbucks (10.6 miles)

Hospitals

• Poh Clarkston Primary Care (3 miles)
• Springfield Holistic Retreat (5.2 miles)
• McLaren Oakland (9.9 miles)
• Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital (10 miles)
• Beaumont Hospitals Departments (10.2 miles)

Parks

• Pontiac Lake Mountain Bike Trail (4.1 miles)
• Friendship Park (6.8 miles)
• Holly Recreation Area (7.8 miles)
• Dodge #4 State Park (8.6 miles)

Theaters

• MJR Waterford Digital Cinema 16 (4.8 miles)