Best Care Plus Living Center

Pros

• The owner and staff made the transition for the resident's mother smooth and comfortable after her big move from Arizona to Michigan.
• The group home prioritizes timely medical care, promptly addressing health issues like the resident's toe infection.
• Communication from the Best Care staff is excellent, ensuring family members are kept informed about any concerns or needs of the resident.
• The resident feels a strong sense of home and is well cared for, expressing that she is treated "like a queen."
• Residents enjoy thoughtful activities, such as live music performances and special holiday gifts, fostering a warm community atmosphere.

Cons

• The food quality is not up to par, as some residents feel it lacks flavor and seasoning.
• The activities provided are limited and may not be engaging for all residents due to their varying physical and cognitive abilities.
• There may be a lack of more stimulating or active options for residents who desire greater involvement in activities.
• Some residents might express dissatisfaction with the overall variety of food options available to them.
• The transition from living independently to a group home setting can be seen as significant and potentially overwhelming for some individuals and families.

Review

The transition to a new living environment can be a daunting experience for anyone, especially for elderly individuals who have spent decades in a familiar setting. This was the case for the owner of a small group home in Michigan, who made the significant move from her longstanding residence in Arizona back to her home state. For nearly 35 years, she had enjoyed the comfort and stability of her home in Arizona, but circumstances led her to embark on this new chapter. The group home, designed exclusively for ladies and accommodating up to six residents at a time (with an additional space for the owner), has proven to be a nurturing and supportive place not only for its residents but also for their families.

One of the standout features of this group home is the attentiveness and professionalism of both the owner and staff. They worked diligently to ensure that the transition process was as smooth as possible, addressing any fears or concerns that family members may have had regarding their loved ones’ well-being. Upon moving into the facility, my mother arrived with an untreated medical issue—a toe infection that had been improperly managed at her previous facility in Arizona. The staff members rose to the occasion; they promptly arranged medical care and provided essential home care support to tackle the infection effectively. Their proactive approach set a positive tone from day one and showcased their commitment to providing comprehensive care.

Communication is vital when it comes to ensuring peace of mind in situations like these. The Best Care team excels in this area by keeping relatives informed about any developments concerning their residents’ health or mood changes. Whenever they observe issues or notice that something is amiss with my mother’s condition, they promptly relay this information back to us. This level of transparency fosters trust between our family and the caregivers while allowing us to take timely action whenever necessary—an important aspect of maintaining our loved ones' health.

As far as daily life within the group home goes, it’s heartening to see how my mother has embraced her new surroundings. She often expresses feelings of happiness and contentment about being there, stating unequivocally that "They treat me like a queen." Such affirmations resonate deeply with family members who worry about their loved one’s emotional state during such transitional periods. It indicates that not only does she feel physically safe but emotionally supported as well.

In terms of nutrition, however, there are some challenges noted by my mother regarding meal preferences; primarily, she wishes meals were seasoned with more salt—a request underscored by dietary restrictions that should ideally guide food preparation choices. While she might rate this aspect lower than others due to these personal tastes, it highlights an ongoing challenge within eldercare facilities: balancing individual preferences against nutritional needs.

Lastly, while physical activities may not be extensive given the varying levels of mobility among residents—all currently in their late 80s and early 90s—the efforts made towards engaging them socially are commendable. Activities may not always entail vigorous exercise; instead, they encompass creative outlets such as live music sessions brought in by local musicians or thoughtful seasonal celebrations where all residents receive small holiday gifts or decorations tailored for occasions like Valentine’s Day and Easter. These gestures contribute significantly toward creating a warm community atmosphere where every resident feels appreciated despite physical limitations.

Overall, my mother's stay at this small group home encapsulates what eldercare can aspire toward—a nurturing environment where compassionate staff foster both physical health and emotional well-being amidst life's transitions. It's heartening knowing that she feels at home while receiving excellent care tailored specifically for her needs alongside those of other women residing there.

This area of Marshall, Michigan offers a variety of amenities that would be beneficial for seniors looking to live in a convenient and comfortable location. With multiple dining options such as Free Range, Denny's, and Grand River Brewery, there are plenty of choices for meals. The proximity to pharmacies like Hemmingsen Drug Store and Good Neighbor Pharmacy ensures easy access to medication and health supplies. For medical needs, Oaklawn Medical Group offers a range of services including endocrinology, oncology, and general surgery. Additionally, parks like Ketchum Park provide opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation. Overall, this area provides a mix of essential services, dining options, places of worship, entertainment venues like theaters and cafes, as well as access to quality healthcare facilities making it an appealing option for senior living in Marshall.

Restaurants

• Free Range (0.9 miles)
• Denny's (1.1 miles)
• Hardee's (2.2 miles)
• Hi Lite Cruz-In Diner (2.3 miles)
• Warman's Party Store (2.3 miles)
• Rollo's Mancino's Pizza (2.3 miles)
• Grand River Brewery (2.4 miles)

Physicians

• Oaklawn Medical Group - Endocrinology (1.2 miles)
• Shen, Vincent S MD PLC (2.2 miles)
• Oaklawn Medical Group - Marshall Primary Care (2.2 miles)
• Oakawn Medical Group - Audiology (2.2 miles)
• Oaklawn Hematology / Oncology Clinic (2.2 miles)
• General Surgical Associates PC (2.2 miles)
• Oaklawn Medical Group - General Surgical Associates (2.2 miles)

Theaters

• Bogar Theatre (2.3 miles)

Cafes

• Serendipity The Brew (2.3 miles)
• Biggby Coffee (2.6 miles)
• Dark Horse Commons (2.7 miles)
• Cafe 24 7 (6.2 miles)

Pharmacies

• Hemmingsen Drug Store (2.3 miles)
• Good Neighbor Pharmacy (2.3 miles)
• Marshall City Pharmacy (2.6 miles)
• Rite Aid (2.8 miles)
• Remedi Senior Care (4.2 miles)
• Larmour's Drug Co. (8.1 miles)
• Hometown Pharmacy (10.1 miles)

Places of Worship

• Zion Lutheran Church (2.4 miles)
• St Marys Religious Education (2.5 miles)
• Drug Rehab Olivet (9.6 miles)
• First Baptist Church (10 miles)
• Apostolic Church (10.1 miles)
• Parish Center (10.4 miles)
• Caring Community Church (10.5 miles)

Parks

• Ketchum Park (2.6 miles)
• Ketchum Park (2.6 miles)
• Historic Bridge Park (8.2 miles)
• Washington Park (10.2 miles)

Hospitals

• Kurt Rudiger Piatkowski, DO (3 miles)
• Oaklawn Hospital (3.4 miles)
• Marshall Internal & Family Medicine (9.9 miles)
• Oaklawn Hospital Physical Rehabilitation Center (10.7 miles)