The Willows Assisted Living in St. Joseph, MI

Save

The Willows Assisted Living in St. Joseph, MI

3440 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, MI 49085

For more information about senior living options: (844) 490-3973

3 from 25 reviews
5 stars
8
4 stars
5
3 stars
1
2 stars
2
1 stars
9

Assisted Living Independent Living Memory Care

The Willows Assisted Living Costs & Pricing

The Willows Assisted Living offers a studio room at a competitive rate of $3,400 per month. When comparing this to the average costs in Berrien County, which stand at approximately $3,025, The Willows is positioned slightly above the county average. However, when looking at the broader state of Michigan, where the average for similar accommodations reaches around $3,824, The Willows provides a valuable option that balances quality and affordability. This pricing reflects not only the amenities and care provided but also showcases the commitment to ensuring residents receive a nurturing environment tailored to their needs within a vibrant community setting.

Floor plansThe Willows Assisted LivingBerrien CountyMichigan
Studio$3,400$3,025$3,824

Overall Review of The Willows Assisted Living

Pros

  • pro The Willows provides top-notch care with amazing, attentive staff and a wide variety of activities.
  • pro The staff are caring, helpful, and patient, consistently treating residents with respect and dignity.
  • pro The Willows is a warm, comfortable home for those needing daily care.
  • pro The food at The Willows is excellent and meals are prepared on the premises.
  • pro It is a wonderful place to place a loved one, with residents well cared for and engaged.
  • pro The director and staff are friendly, knowledgeable, and supportive, guiding families on care options and assistance.

Cons

  • pro They allege that staff harmed her on three occasions and were told to be kinder to staff, which they call wildly inappropriate.
  • pro They describe the staff as rude, with employees arguing about who was being "sassy," and failing to apologize.
  • pro They accuse management of lacking training, being defensive, and threatening to evict family members.
  • pro They label the facility the worst place to work and live and would not recommend it for any senior.
  • pro They report care failures such as medication errors, shifts with no staff present, laziness, and lack of total care.
  • pro They recount a dangerous incident where a resident's window was left open and she was found freezing, implying neglect.
  • pro They claim the staff lie to families, are incompetent, and dismissive of concerns.
  • pro They state there was a failure to protect a resident from a predator, causing significant family distress.

Review

The Willows Assisted Living in St. Joseph, MI is best suited for families seeking a warm, home-like atmosphere with a steady rhythm of activities and a memory-care option that has shown empathetic, capable staff in many shifts. For residents who need moderate assistance with daily tasks and who prize personal attention, social engagement, and accessible programming, this community can deliver a comfort-first experience. The physical setting and the sense of community offer a tangible sense of belonging, with residents often described as well cared for in terms of daily living support and culinary quality. In short, it works best when the priority is a personable environment and structured, activity-rich days.

Those considering alternatives should note the strongest caveats. Several reviews raise serious red flags about safety, consistency, and management responsiveness that may be unacceptable for residents with higher medical or behavioral needs. Reports span mishandling that led to injuries, medication errors, staff turnover, and encounters with staff who can be dismissive or confrontational. Higher-risk concerns - such as unmonitored safety gaps, a predator in the residence, and threats of eviction from management - suggest that any family prioritizing rigorous safety and predictable accountability should look at other options. Prospective buyers of care at a high level of medical or behavioral need will want facilities with a consistently proactive safety culture.

The key positives are concrete and repeatedly echoed: staff people describe as attentive and caring in many shifts, a wide array of daily activities, clean and welcoming common areas, and a sense that the facility genuinely strives to create a homelike feel. The memory-care wing has seen improvements under new leadership, with residents in that unit reportedly receiving patient, respectful care and food prepared on-site, which many families value highly. Several families highlight the director's responsiveness and the overall warmth of the environment, including opportunities to engage in regular family nights and visible efforts to keep residents socially connected. These factors create real day-to-day quality that can significantly enhance life for many residents.

However, the list of cons is not incidental. Recurrent concerns include gaps in staffing coverage on certain shifts, inconsistency in care delivery, and episodes of hurried or less compassionate interactions with residents and families. Medication management, supervision during transitions, and preventative safety measures are two areas repeatedly questioned. Administration has, in multiple accounts, been described as defensive or slow to act when concerns are raised, with some families reporting confrontations or a perceived lack of accountability. Structural vulnerabilities - such as open windows or insufficient personal belongings handling - also appear in several reviews, underscoring ongoing safety and dignity risks that cannot be ignored.

How the positive attributes intersect with the downsides shapes the decision. For families prioritizing engagement, compassion, and a homey feel, the Willows can deliver meaningful daily life and responsive assistance, especially when the resident's needs are moderate and the family can stay actively involved. In contrast, for those whose bottom line centers on unwavering safety, consistently flawless care, and transparent, proactive management, the risks documented in several reviews are too salient to overlook. The improvements seen in the memory-care unit and the presence of a personable leadership figure offer a credible path to stronger performance, but the inconsistency across shifts and episodes of perceived mistreatment cannot be dismissed as isolated incidents.

Practical guidance follows from this synthesis. Prospective families should conduct a rigorous, structured tour focused on safety culture: ask to meet the nurse responsible for daily medication administration, review incident and response logs, and request a clear, written plan for safeguarding residents - especially in memory care. Inquire about staff-to-resident ratios per shift, turnover rates, and in-room care protocols; request a direct line of escalation for concerns and a documented response timeline. If memory care is the target, probe the unit's specific staffing levels, staff training in dementia care, and the routines designed to minimize wandering and elopement. Above all, approach with a ready-to-compare mindset: visit, talk to several families, and demand concrete assurances about safety, respect, and responsiveness.

Ultimately, The Willows can be a compelling choice for families seeking a nurturing, activity-rich environment at a reasonable cost, with a memory-care option that shows promise under improved leadership. It is not the safest pick for residents who require flawless, 24/7 safety oversight and uniformly exemplary staff conduct across all shifts. The prudent approach is to match expectations to reality: assume warmth and engagement as a given, but verify that the facility's safety culture and administrative accountability meet the standard required for long-term care. If these assurances cannot be obtained, exploration of stronger-performing alternatives is strongly warranted.

Features

Types of Care

  • Assisted Living Assisted LivingAssisted living facilities provide crucial support and care for seniors who may need help with daily tasks such as medication management, bathing, and meal preparation. These communities offer a safe and comfortable environment where seniors can maintain their independence while receiving the assistance they need to thrive in their golden years.
  • Independent Living Independent LivingIndependent living communities are important for seniors because they offer a safe and supportive environment where older adults can live independently while still having access to amenities and services that enhance their quality of life. These communities provide social opportunities, recreational activities, and assistance with daily tasks, promoting overall well-being and allowing seniors to maintain their independence for as long as possible.
  • Memory Care Memory CareMemory care is crucial for seniors as it provides specialized support and services for individuals with dementia or Alzheimer's disease. These programs offer a safe and secure environment where residents receive personalized care, cognitive stimulation, and help with daily activities. Memory care helps seniors maintain their independence, quality of life, and dignity while also providing peace of mind for their families.

Amenities

  • Activities on-site Activities on-siteActivities on-site are important for seniors because they provide opportunities for socialization, mental stimulation, physical activity, and overall well-being. Engaging in activities can help seniors stay active, maintain their independence, and improve their quality of life.
  • Devotional services off-site Devotional services off-siteDevotional services off-site are important for seniors as they provide spiritual nourishment, social engagement, and a sense of community outside of the senior living facility. This can enhance overall well-being and help combat feelings of isolation and loneliness often experienced by older adults.
  • Indoor common areas Indoor common areasIndoor common areas are crucial for seniors as they provide a space for socialization, recreation, and community engagement, promoting overall well-being and reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness.
  • Respite or short term stays offered Respite or short term stays offeredRespite or short term stays provide seniors with a temporary solution when their regular caregiver is unavailable, offering them the opportunity to receive additional care and support during times of need, while also giving caregivers a chance to rest and recharge.

Transportation

  • South Bend Regional (25 miles away) South Bend Regional (25 miles away)

Care Services

  • Ambulatory care Ambulatory care"Ambulatory care services provide essential medical support and treatment to seniors without requiring hospitalization, allowing them to maintain their independence and quality of life while managing chronic conditions or receiving routine medical care."
  • Diabetic care Diabetic careDiabetic care is crucial for seniors as they are more susceptible to developing diabetes due to aging and other health conditions. Proper management of diabetes can help prevent complications such as heart disease, vision loss, and nerve damage, improving the overall quality of life for seniors in senior living communities.

Dining

  • Meals provided Meals provided"Meals provided" are crucial for seniors in assisted living communities as it ensures they have access to nutritious, balanced meals without the stress of meal planning and preparation. This can help promote overall health and well-being for seniors who may have limited mobility or cognitive abilities.

Activities

  • Activities on-site Activities on-siteActivities on-site are important for seniors because they provide opportunities for socialization, mental stimulation, physical activity, and overall well-being. Engaging in activities can help seniors stay active, maintain their independence, and improve their quality of life.
  • Devotional activities offsite Devotional activities offsiteDevotional activities offsite are important for seniors because they provide social engagement, spiritual growth, and a sense of community outside of their living environment. This can improve overall well-being, mental health, and combat feelings of isolation or loneliness.

Description

The Willows Assisted Living in St. Joseph, MI is a vibrant and supportive community for seniors seeking independent living or memory care services. Our beautiful facility offers a range of amenities to enhance the comfort and well-being of our residents.

For those who appreciate spiritual guidance, we provide devotional services off-site. Our indoor common areas are designed for relaxation and socialization, providing opportunities for residents to connect with each other and engage in various activities. Additionally, we offer short term stays for individuals in need of respite care.

We understand the importance of specialized care for residents with diabetes, which is why our dedicated staff provides diabetic care services tailored to individual needs. Attention to medical needs is a top priority at The Willows.

Our community also encourages an active lifestyle through devotional activities off-site. Residents can explore nearby cafes, parks, pharmacies, physicians' offices, restaurants, places of worship, theaters, and hospitals - all conveniently located near our assisted living community.

At The Willows Assisted Living in St. Joseph, MI, we strive to create a warm and welcoming environment where seniors can enjoy their independence while receiving the support they need.

Nearby Places of Interest

This part of St. Joseph, Michigan, offers a variety of amenities and services that may be appealing to seniors looking for a convenient and comfortable place to live. The area is home to several restaurants such as Moe's Southwest Grill, Panera Bread, and Chili's Grill & Bar, providing plenty of dining options. Additionally, there are several pharmacies nearby like Walgreens and Meijer Pharmacy for easy access to medications. For medical care, there are multiple physician offices and hospitals in close proximity, including Lakeland Healthcare and Lakeland Medical Center. Places of worship such as Road To Life Church and SS John and Bernard Catholic Church offer spiritual support, while parks like Riverview Park provide opportunities for outdoor recreation. Transportation options are also available with Avis Rent A Car located just 3.2 miles away. Overall, this part of St. Joseph combines convenience, healthcare facilities, dining options, and recreational amenities making it a desirable location for senior living.

Restaurants

  • Moe's Southwest Grill (0.2 miles)
  • Mark III Grille & Bar and Inn (1.3 miles)
  • Sonic Drive-In (1.4 miles)
  • Burger King (2.1 miles)
  • KFC (2.2 miles)
  • Taco Bell (2.3 miles)
  • Chili's Grill & Bar (2.4 miles)

Cafes

  • Panera Bread (0.2 miles)

Physicians

  • Stonegate Plastic Surgery Center (0.3 miles)
  • Physicians Center of Physical Medicine PC (0.3 miles)
  • Robert L Piasecki (0.3 miles)
  • Asthma Allergy Center Of Southwest Michigan (0.3 miles)
  • Liberty Dialysis At Lakeland (0.3 miles)
  • Dr Mukund Shah & Dr Ami Shah (0.3 miles)
  • Lake Michigan Nephrology (0.3 miles)

Pharmacies

  • Pharmacy Shoppe (0.4 miles)
  • Lakeland outpatient pharmacy (0.4 miles)
  • Rogers Pharmacy (0.7 miles)
  • Walgreens (2.3 miles)
  • Walgreens (2.5 miles)
  • Gillespie's Pharmacy (2.5 miles)
  • Meijer Pharmacy (2.6 miles)

Places of Worship

  • Road To Life Church (0.5 miles)
  • SS John and Bernard Catholic Church (1.9 miles)
  • First Church of God-Anderson (2.8 miles)

Hospitals

  • Lakeland Center For Outpatient (0.5 miles)
  • Lakeland Healthcare (0.5 miles)
  • Lakeland Hospital (2.7 miles)
  • Lakeland Pathology (2.7 miles)
  • Lakeland Medical Center, St Joseph (2.7 miles)

Parks

  • Riverview Park (1.1 miles)
  • Lookout Park (3 miles)
  • Milton Park (3.6 miles)

Theaters

  • Celebration Cinema (2.2 miles)

Transportation

  • Avis Rent A Car (3.2 miles)

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to live at The Willows Assisted Living in St. Joseph, MI?
Where is The Willows Assisted Living?
Does The Willows Assisted Living provide care for residents with dementia or Alzheimer's disease?
What photos are available for The Willows Assisted Living in St. Joseph, Michigan?

Nearby Communities

  • The Willows Assisted Living 3

    The Willows Assisted Living 3

    Saint Joseph, MI

    3 from 22 reviews
     

    pro Small, personalized care with 24/7 supervision and dedicated memory care programming.

  • The Willows Assisted Living 2

    The Willows Assisted Living 2

    Saint Joseph, MI

     
     

    pro 24/7 supervision with specialized memory care and all-inclusive amenities.

  • Willows Assisted Living #1

    Willows Assisted Living #1

    St. Joseph, MI

     
     

    pro Comprehensive care options (including diabetic care) with on-site activities and meals, plus a strong sense of community and nearby amenities.

  • Provision Living at St. Joseph

    Provision Living at St. Joseph

    St. Joseph, MI

    4.2 from 27 reviews
    $4,250 to $6,750 / month

    pro Beautiful, well-maintained facilities with engaging activities, strong memory-care amenities, and proactive safety features.

  • Royalton Manor

    Royalton Manor

    St Joseph, MI

     
     

    pro Broad amenities and around-the-clock care.

  • Caretel Inns of Lakeland

    Caretel Inns of Lakeland

    St. Joseph, MI

     
    $2,500 to $4,788 / month

    pro Specialized memory care and skilled nursing with diabetic care, plus on-site activities and a focus on spiritual well-being.

  • Woodland Terrace of Longmeadow

    Woodland Terrace of Longmeadow

    Niles, MI

    4.1 from 28 reviews
    $2,845 to $3,295 / month

    pro Beautiful, clean facility with friendly staff and engaging activities.

  • The Timbers Of Cass County

    The Timbers Of Cass County

    Dowagiac, MI

    3 from 23 reviews
     

    pro Clean, supportive environment with flexible outside-food policy.

  • Golden Oak Village

    Golden Oak Village

    South Bend, IN

    4.1 from 26 reviews
    $575 to $610 / month

    pro Strong management and maintenance with a peaceful atmosphere and engaging activities.

Related Resources

  • list of drugs linked to dementiaMedications Associated with Dementia Risk: A Comprehensive Overview

    The article examines the link between certain medications and increased dementia risk, particularly in older adults, emphasizing that long-term or high-dose use of anticholinergics, benzodiazepines, and other drug classes can exacerbate cognitive impairment. It calls for careful medication evaluation and shared decision-making to mitigate these risks while managing treatment efficacy.

  • power of attorney for elderly parentGuiding Your Journey: Understanding Power of Attorney for Elderly Parents

    The article emphasizes the significance of establishing a power of attorney for elderly parents to enable an agent to make decisions on their behalf regarding health and finances, especially during cognitive or physical decline. It outlines various types of power of attorney, the importance of consulting legal professionals, and the responsibilities and challenges faced by agents, while also discussing alternatives and common misconceptions.

  • caregiver support group22 Remarkable Caregiver Support Groups Available Online and In-Person

    Caregiver support groups are crucial for providing emotional and practical assistance to those caring for loved ones, offering resources, coping strategies, and a sense of community through various organizations and platforms. These groups help alleviate isolation and burnout while addressing the unique challenges faced by caregivers of individuals with specific conditions.