Sojourner Place

Pros

• The staff at Sojourner Place are extremely friendly and make residents feel comfortable in challenging situations.
• Residents appreciate the variety of activities available, including exercise classes and social events like bingo and car shows.
• The facility is described as clean, bright, and airy, contributing to a pleasant living environment.
• Many reviewers commend specific staff members for their helpfulness and care towards residents.
• One resident expressed satisfaction with the food offered, noting that their loved one enjoys it.
• Families feel informed about their loved ones’ care, with timely updates on health or safety concerns from the staff.
• The community is praised for its smaller size, which fosters a more homey atmosphere and personalized attention for residents.
• Reviewers highlight the ongoing efforts of the staff to maintain care standards despite challenges such as staffing shortages or external circumstances.

Cons

• The facility is short-staffed, leading to inadequate care for residents.
• Residents often sit in soiled diapers and do not receive regular bathing or hair washing.
• Laundry services are inconsistent, resulting in residents wearing soiled clothing.
• The community frequently smells of urine due to poor hygiene standards.
• There have been complaints about bed bugs, and management has been unresponsive to concerns.
• Staff members have exhibited unprofessional behavior, including dismissing urgent calls for assistance.
• The food served is subpar, with reports of it being burnt or served cold.
• Some staff members neglect their responsibilities, spending time on their phones instead of attending to residents' needs.
• The facility has a hospital-like atmosphere rather than a homey environment, which can be off-putting for potential residents and families.
• There is a high turnover rate among staff, contributing to inconsistent care and support for the residents.

Review

Sojourner Place has garnered a mixed bag of reviews from residents and their families, presenting a complex picture of this assisted living facility. Many visitors have noted the positive aspects of the community, particularly highlighting the warm and friendly demeanor of the staff. One reviewer specifically praised a staff member named Nicole as a "lifeline," indicating that personal connections can make a significant difference in such settings. The general consensus among some reviewers is that the community exhibits a welcoming atmosphere, where staff members strive to provide comfort during an often challenging time for families transitioning their loved ones into assisted living.

However, while many appreciate the helpfulness of individual employees, several reviews echo concerns about overall staffing levels and care standards. Some reports indicate that Sojourner Place is short-staffed, leading to inadequate attention for residents' needs. One alarming account described residents remaining in soiled diapers for extended periods, with infrequent bathing and grooming services provided by student interns rather than trained professionals. Such issues raise serious concerns regarding the quality of care being delivered and highlight potential operational shortcomings within the facility.

In addition to staffing challenges, other critics pointed out hygiene issues and insufficient food quality at Sojourner Place. Several individuals commented on unpleasant odors permeating the environment and inconsistent laundry services that resulted in residents being seen in soiled clothing. Reviewers also lamented the absence of fresh fruits and vegetables in meal offerings, which raises questions about nutritional standards within the facility. For families entrusting their loved ones to assisted living communities based on health considerations, these critiques underscore significant areas requiring scrutiny.

Despite complaints regarding care conditions, some families reported positive experiences with activities and general satisfaction with hospital-like cleanliness. Residents seem to enjoy activities such as bingo, exercise classes, and special events like car shows—suggesting that when adequately staffed or supported by interns or volunteers, there can be enriching opportunities available for engagement. Families have expressed appreciation for these social programs but also recognize that their effectiveness may be limited by staffing constraints resulting from pandemic-related challenges.

A recurring theme throughout many reviews involves feedback surrounding communication between staff members and family members. While some noted proactive updates regarding health incidents involving their loved ones—such as falls or changes in condition—others conveyed frustrations stemming from unresponsive management when serious concerns were raised. Reports of inadequate handling of emergencies or lackluster outreach during critical moments led several families to feel ignored rather than supported during troubling times when they needed assistance most.

Lastly, it’s important to acknowledge that opinions on Sojourner Place vary greatly depending on individual experiences related to specific staff members or particular circumstances surrounding each resident's situation. Some reviewers shared poignant narratives detailing how well-loved seniors thrived under compassionate supervision while others shed light on disheartening instances where basic needs remained unmet amid an apparent lack of urgency from certain staff members towards fostering meaningful relationships with residents requiring more attentive care. Ultimately, those considering Sojourner Place should carefully weigh both positive experiences against documented grievances to comprehensively assess whether this community aligns with familial values surrounding elder care expectations before making crucial decisions about assisted living options.

Located in Kalamazoo, Michigan, this neighborhood offers a variety of healthcare services with nearby physicians specializing in ear nose & throat, dentistry, and oral surgery. Additionally, there are pharmacies conveniently located for medication needs. For dining options, there are a few restaurants serving different cuisines such as burritos, shawarma, sushi, and pizza. If you enjoy coffee or pastries, there are cafes like Panera Bread and Starbucks within close proximity. For entertainment, there is a movie theater nearby as well as places of worship for spiritual fulfillment. Furthermore, the neighborhood is in close proximity to hospitals and parks for any medical emergencies or leisurely outdoor activities. Overall, this area provides convenient access to essential services and amenities that would cater to the needs of seniors looking for a comfortable living environment.

Physicians

• Adult & Pediatric Ear Nose & Throat Plc (0.4 miles)
• John Spurr DDS (0.7 miles)
• SVS Vision Optical Centers (0.8 miles)
• Geneva Alincastre Sagun, MD (0.9 miles)
• Walden Dr Katherine Md (1 miles)
• Thomas A Slack, DDS (1 miles)
• Kalamazoo Oral Surgery (1 miles)

Restaurants

• The Big Burrito (0.4 miles)
• Shawarma King (0.6 miles)
• Checkers (0.6 miles)
• Toba Sushi (0.7 miles)
• Blaze Pizza (0.8 miles)
• Chipotle Mexican Grill (0.8 miles)
• Wendy's (0.8 miles)

Pharmacies

• Harding's Friendly Markets (0.7 miles)
• Kmed Pharmacy (0.8 miles)
• Walgreens (0.9 miles)
• Torrent Pharma (1.2 miles)
• Westside Medical Pharmacy (1.5 miles)
• Walgreens (1.6 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.6 miles)

Cafes

• Panera Bread (0.8 miles)
• Starbucks (0.9 miles)
• Starbucks (1 miles)
• Sweetwater's Donut Mill (1.4 miles)
• Water Street Coffee Joint (2.6 miles)
• Starbucks (3.3 miles)

Theaters

• GQT Kalamazoo 10 (1 miles)

Places of Worship

• Westwood Christian Reformed Church (1.2 miles)
• Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (1.3 miles)
• Second Christian Reformed Church (2.9 miles)
• Valley Family Church (3.5 miles)

Hospitals

• Bronson Internal Medicine Oshtemo (1.3 miles)
• Kalamazoo Psychiatric Hospital (2.7 miles)

Parks

• Lillian Anderson Arboretum (2.6 miles)
• Kal-Haven State Trail / Trail Head (3 miles)
• Bronson Park (3.5 miles)