Traverse Victorian Assisted Living

Pros

• The office manager was described as a nice lady, indicating friendly staff interactions.
• The outdoor area was appreciated for its beauty, with nice plants and a well-maintained circular driveway.
• The food seemed acceptable and the residents appeared to be eating it, suggesting that meal provision was satisfactory.
• The staff members were characterized as very friendly, contributing positively to the overall experience.

Cons

• The rooms were small and dirty, making the overall environment unappealing.
• The entrance featured a very dirty office, contributing to a negative first impression.
• There seemed to be a lack of activities and community spaces; only one large dining room was available.
• The outdoor area offered minimal seating with just one picnic table.
• The overall smell of the facility was old, stuffy, musty, and unpleasant.
• The building's conversion from an old hotel gave it an outdated feel that detracted from its attractiveness.

Review

Northern Star Assisted Living has garnered mixed reviews based on recent visits by potential residents and their families, painting a picture that is both concerning and occasionally positive. The establishment, housed in what used to be an old hotel before its conversion into assisted living quarters, features a charming exterior with a Victorian-style facade painted in yellow and white. The circular driveway and well-maintained gardens adorned with nice plants present an inviting first impression. However, as visitors step inside, the appeal quickly diminishes.

Upon entering Northern Star, one of the most notable issues remarked upon by visitors was the cleanliness of the facility. Reviewers noted that the rooms appeared small and were not up to standards of hygiene. This initial observation set a troubling tone for what was expected from an assisted living environment. The office itself was described as dirty, which raised concerns about the overall upkeep of the facility. For many families considering such accommodations for loved ones, cleanliness is a critical factor, and this aspect seemed severely lacking at Northern Star.

The size of the individual rooms was also a significant concern for visitors. They were described as cramped and uncomfortable—hardly suitable for someone who may already be dealing with mobility or comfort issues due to age or health conditions. Additionally, guests reported unpleasant odors throughout the space; frequent mentions included smells that were old, stuffy, musty, and hot—all factors contributing to an overall unwelcoming ambiance. Such environmental conditions are crucial when evaluating places meant to provide care and comfort for seniors.

Despite these negative observations regarding cleanliness and room conditions, some aspects of Northern Star did receive praise. Visitors highlighted that the staff members were friendly and accommodating during their visit. Interactions with these individuals left a positive impression; however, it begs the question: how much can friendliness compensate for issues like cleanliness and physical space? While excellent staff interactions can enhance the experience at any facility, they cannot replace fundamental needs such as hygiene.

Another area that received mixed feedback was meal provision. Observers noted that while meals appeared acceptable—some even expressed that they looked appealing—the overall dining experience seemed limited due to insufficient communal areas beyond just one large dining room available for all residents. Without diverse activities or alternative spaces for socialization beyond mealtimes—as intricate care plans often emphasize—residents may struggle with isolation or boredom over time.

Lastly, while there is access to outdoor space featuring one picnic table where residents might enjoy fresh air—a potentially positive point—it pales in comparison to what might be expected in more thoughtfully designed assisted living facilities where outdoor engagement is prioritized through ample seating options and activities tailored to resident needs.

In summary, Northern Star Assisted Living appears caught between its picturesque exterior charm and internal challenges concerning hygiene, room size restrictions, limited activity options, and insufficient outdoor space utilization—all of which could deter prospective residents from choosing this location for themselves or their loved ones. Although friendly staff can deliver warmth in service delivery within a healthcare context like this one—the fundamental expectations regarding cleanliness do remain paramount when considering such life-altering decisions about assisted living arrangements.

Physicians

• Northwestern Michigan Dermatology PC (0.1 miles)
• Bayside Allergy (0.1 miles)
• Munson Sleep Disorders Center (0.2 miles)
• Munson Pain Management Program (0.2 miles)
• Munson Occupational Health & Medicine (0.2 miles)
• Woodfin Stephanie M DO - Serenity Wellness Acupuncture (0.8 miles)
• Lakeside Oral Surgery & Dental Implant Center (0.8 miles)

Cafes

• Cottage Cafe (0.2 miles)
• Biggby Coffee (0.4 miles)
• Starbucks (0.8 miles)
• Morsels (1.9 miles)
• Espresso Bay (2.1 miles)
• Brew (2.2 miles)

Pharmacies

• Mchc Pharmacy (0.2 miles)
• Rite Aid (0.9 miles)
• Thompson Pharmacy (1.5 miles)
• Walgreens (2 miles)
• Petertyl Drug (2.2 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.7 miles)
• Good Neighbor Pharmacy (3 miles)

Hospitals

• Munson Community Health Center (0.2 miles)
• Shepherd of Hope Clinic (0.9 miles)
• Four S'S (1.8 miles)
• Munson Medical Center (3.1 miles)
• Cowell Family Cancer Center (3.1 miles)
• Munson Medical Center - Outpatient Services (3.1 miles)

Restaurants

• Jersey Mike's (0.6 miles)
• The Omelette Shoppe (0.8 miles)
• Dickey's Barbecue Pit (0.8 miles)
• Agave Mexican Grill (0.9 miles)
• Potter's Bakery (1 miles)
• Culver's (1.1 miles)
• Denny's (1.1 miles)

Parks

• Traverse City State Park (0.8 miles)
• Bryant Park (1 miles)
• Hull Park (1.5 miles)
• Clinch Park (2.1 miles)
• The Open Space (2.3 miles)
• Medalie Park (2.5 miles)
• Grand Traverse Veterans Memorial Park (2.9 miles)

Places of Worship

• First Congregational Church (1.3 miles)
• St Francis Catholic Church (2.2 miles)

Transportation

• Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) (1.5 miles)