The MediLodge Group

Pros

• The staff are great.
• The food is good.
• The nursing home has a very inviting atmosphere.

Cons

• They were disappointed with the admissions staff member at the Monroe facility.
• They tried for weeks to place their mother, who had dementia, but the process stalled despite vacancies.
• The staff member promised to call back but never did.
• This led to weeks of them calling daily or every other day without a response.
• They believe someone should address this behavior with the staff member.
• The incident occurred in the last weeks of April 2021, and they were very upset.

Review

In Monroe, Michigan, a family faced a difficult search for a safe place for a loved one with dementia. The process centered on finding a facility that could not only accept their mother but also provide trustworthy, consistent communication throughout the admission journey. There were moments of hope when the facility indicated there were vacancies and a positive impression that the move could be arranged smoothly. Those early signs suggested that a solution was within reach, and the family began to picture a new rhythm of care that would suit their mother's needs.

What followed, though, was a very different experience. An admissions representative gave assurances that she would call back, but those promises never materialized into action. The family found themselves in a loop of hopeful conversations followed by radio silence. Weeks stretched on with repeated attempts to reach the admissions liaison - daily, then every other day - without any concrete progress or communication about next steps. The time frame referenced was the last weeks of April 2021, a period when urgency and anxiety were high because the mother required timely placement and clear guidance. The pattern of unreturned calls left the family feeling ignored and frustrated, casting a shadow over what should have been a straightforward, compassionate process.

The inconsistency in communication left a lasting impression of disappointment. It wasn't just about a missed phone call; it was about the sense that someone was available only in theory, not in practice, during a time when the family needed reliable information and reassurance. The admissions experience ran counter to the hopeful view created by the facility's apparent vacancies. It raised questions about whether the person handling admissions appreciated the urgency and emotional stakes of placing a loved one with dementia, and it opened a door for worry about whether other aspects of the transition might be handled with the same level of neglect or attentiveness.

Even amid the sting of the poor admission experience, there was a contrasting dimension to the facility that couldn't be ignored. There were observations of very positive, tangible strengths: the staff who were on the floor and providing day-to-day care were described as great, and the food was noted to be good. In other words, once the individual was in the building or interacting with the caregiving team, the quality of care and the overall experience of daily living appeared to be solid. This indicates that the facility had a commendable standard of direct care and nourishment, contributing to a welcoming and comfortable environment for residents.

The overall picture that emerges is one of mixed impressions. On one hand, the admissions process was fraught with inconsistency and a lack of timely follow-up, which can leave families feeling abandoned at a moment when they need clear, supportive guidance. On the other hand, the facility's current-day environment - characterized by attentive staff and satisfying meals within a warm, inviting atmosphere - was described as a strong positive. These elements suggest that the care team and the living environment have substantial strengths, even if the initial administrative experience did not meet expectations.

If there's a takeaway from this experience, it's a reminder that a good facility can offer both care quality and a pleasant environment, while also benefiting greatly from consistent, compassionate administrative communication. Prospective families might look for clear timelines, prompt follow-up, and written confirmations in addition to the visible strengths of staff and dining. For the facility, the contrast between an excellent day-to-day caregiving climate and a faltering admissions process highlights an opportunity to align administrative responsiveness with the high standard of on-the-ground care, ensuring that families feel supported from the moment they first reach out.

This part of Washington, Michigan offers a variety of amenities and services that cater to senior living needs. With several pharmacies located within close proximity, accessing medication and healthcare supplies is convenient. There are also reputable physicians and medical facilities nearby, ensuring easy access to healthcare services. The area boasts a selection of restaurants and cafes, providing options for dining out or grabbing a quick bite. Additionally, there are several parks where seniors can enjoy nature walks or picnics. Transportation options include the Romeo Airport for those who may need to travel. Places of worship are also available for spiritual support and community engagement. Overall, this area provides a well-rounded environment with essential services for seniors looking to settle down in Washington, Michigan.

Pharmacies

• Romeo Plank Pharmacy (0 miles)
• Rite Aid (0.7 miles)
• Meijer Pharmacy (3.7 miles)
• Walgreens (4 miles)
• Epic Pharmacies (5.3 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (5.8 miles)
• Kroger Pharmacy (6.3 miles)

Restaurants

• Washington Grill (0.1 miles)
• Art & Jakes Sports Grill Washington (0.7 miles)
• Wendy's (1.2 miles)
• Thee Office Pub & Cookery (2.3 miles)
• Bar Verona (2.8 miles)
• Brown Iron Brewhouse Washington Township (3.5 miles)
• Jake O'Malley's Irish Pub (3.7 miles)

Physicians

• Michigan Orthopedic & Spinal Surgery (0.3 miles)
• Romeo Family Health Care (2.1 miles)
• Romeo Family Medical (2.1 miles)
• Roland Stanley S DO (2.3 miles)
• Gregory E. Gould, DO PC (2.4 miles)
• Romeo Medical (2.5 miles)
• Henry Stephen, DDS (3 miles)

Parks

• Gilcher Park (1.7 miles)
• River Bends Park (4.2 miles)
• Stony Creek Nature Center (4.7 miles)
• Mae Stecker Park (5.9 miles)
• Addison Oaks County Park (7.9 miles)
• Bloomer Park (8 miles)
• Rochester Municipal Park (8.6 miles)

Cafes

• Tim Hortons (2.5 miles)
• The Hot Spot Coffee (8 miles)

Transportation

• Romeo Airport (D98) (3.2 miles)

Places of Worship

• St Peter Lutheran Church (6.6 miles)
• Shelby Bible Church (8.5 miles)
• Oakland Christian Church (9.7 miles)

Theaters

• Emagine Macomb (6.9 miles)

Hospitals

• St John Medical Center (7.7 miles)