Freedom Adult Foster Care in Waterford, MI

Pros

• The reviewer notes that someone in the facility really cared about the residents.
• The reviewer believes John should be rehired, showing that John is valued.
• The reviewer acknowledges that there was genuine care shown for the residents in the house.

Cons

• The reviewer states that customer services is notorious and that they were hung up on twice when seeking information.
• The reviewer says Freedom Adult Foster Care is the worst in the state and that they fired the best manager.
• The reviewer alleges past medication errors and that a resident was found lying on the ground outside with staff having no clue.
• The reviewer claims staff stole money from the resident.
• The reviewer notes that Freedom got rid of someone who genuinely cared about the residents.
• The reviewer threatens action if anything happens to their stepson and asks for John to be rehired.

Review

Freedom Adult Foster Care in Waterford is best for families seeking a very modest, small-house living arrangement where supervision can be supplemented by family involvement. It is not a fit for residents who require steady medical oversight, professional-level administration, or highly reliable communication. The setting can offer a more intimate caregiver-resident dynamic, but that benefit only materializes if leadership and daily operations remain stable and responsive. In practice, the facility has struggled with consistency that undermines any potential advantage of a home-like atmosphere.

Those weighing alternatives should be especially cautious if the priority is dependable medical administration, predictable staffing, and transparent, timely updates. The strongest reasons to look elsewhere are safety and reliability concerns reflected in medication handling, supervision gaps, and a history of management turnover. A pattern of misdirected or delayed information, plus incidents suggesting residents may be left unsupervised or exposed to risk, makes this option risky for seniors who depend on consistent oversight. Families prioritizing clear accountability should treat this as a red flag and compare with facilities that demonstrate steadier governance.

On the upside, there were moments when staff members demonstrated genuine care for residents, and the setting's small scale can enable more personalized attention when leadership supports stable teams. The problem is that these positives are contingent and fragile. When the best manager was in place, operations could appear more reliable, but leadership turnover repeatedly undermined continuity. In practice, the few caregivers who showed dedication were not enough to overcome the systemic issues that erode trust - the inconsistent service delivery, the vacillating quality of care, and the frequent communications breakdowns.

The principal drawbacks are safety and reliability failures that appear structural rather than incidental. Reports of medication errors, residents being found outside the building, and staff not knowing how to respond to critical situations point to insufficient training, lax supervision, and weak internal controls. The perception that staff may have stolen money from residents compounds the risk, creating a troubling environment for families trying to shield loved ones. The firing of a previously valued manager signals governance instability, undermining confidence that current leadership can implement lasting fixes. In a setting entrusted with daily care and monitoring, such lapses are not minor - it is a reason to pause and reassess.

For families considering Freedom, a disciplined due-diligence approach is essential. Insist on direct conversations with the administrator about medication protocols, incident reporting, and staff training schedules. Request recent incident logs, specific remediation plans, and a clear chain of accountability. If proceeding, demand measurable safeguards: standardized handoffs, supervised medication administration, defined staffing ratios, and predictable communication cadences. Consider incorporating third-party oversight or a trial period to assess whether improvements hold. Most important, compare with nearby alternatives that boast stronger reputations for safety, consistent leadership, and transparent operations before making a final commitment.

The verdict is pragmatic: the risk profile here does not align with families seeking reliable, high-standards care. The potential cost savings and the intimate, small-community feel do not offset the substantial concerns around medication safety, supervision gaps, and leadership instability. If a family cannot provide robust oversight or tolerate ongoing administrative volatility, alternatives should be pursued aggressively. For those willing to insist on concrete protections, Freedom could be a transitional option only if a formal, enforceable plan is put in place and actual, measurable improvements are sustained over time. Until then, prioritize facilities with proven stability, dependable medication practices, and transparent governance.

This part of Waterford, Michigan offers a variety of amenities and services that may be appealing to seniors looking to relocate to the area. With multiple physicians, hospitals, pharmacies, and cafes within a short driving distance, residents can easily access necessary healthcare and enjoy dining options. Additionally, the proximity to parks provides opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation. The presence of theaters and places of worship also offers cultural and spiritual enrichment. Overall, this neighborhood appears to provide a well-rounded environment for senior living with convenient access to essential services and recreational activities.

Physicians

• Oral & Facial Surgeons of Michigan PC (1.7 miles)
• Coleman, Stephanie Mclaren Oakland Waterford Medical Associates (2.2 miles)
• Clarkston Plastic Surgery (3.9 miles)
• The Radiology Center Of Michigan (3.9 miles)
• Clinton Womens Health Care (4.7 miles)
• Waldon Family Medicine (4.7 miles)
• Michigan Ear Nose & Throat Associates (4.8 miles)

Restaurants

• Taco Bell (1.8 miles)
• McDonald's (1.9 miles)
• Bob E's Super Chief (1.9 miles)
• On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina (2.9 miles)
• Nino's Italian House (2.9 miles)
• McDonald's (2.9 miles)
• Wendy's (3.3 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (2 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.1 miles)
• Rite Aid (2.5 miles)
• Walgreens (3.1 miles)
• Rite Aid (3.1 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.4 miles)
• Target Pharmacy (3.7 miles)

Cafes

• Panera Bread (2.2 miles)
• Starbucks (3.1 miles)
• Panera Bread (3.3 miles)
• LEGOLAND Discovery Center Michigan (3.3 miles)
• Starbucks (4.1 miles)
• Starbucks (4.5 miles)
• Avon Donuts (5.1 miles)

Hospitals

• McLaren Oakland (3.9 miles)
• Poh Clarkston Primary Care (4.1 miles)
• Beaumont Hospitals Departments (8 miles)

Parks

• Dodge #4 State Park (4.1 miles)
• Pontiac Lake Mountain Bike Trail (4.9 miles)
• Friendship Park (6.7 miles)
• Riverside Park (7 miles)
• River Woods Park (7.2 miles)
• Innovation Hills (8.6 miles)
• Avondale Park (8.8 miles)

Theaters

• MJR Waterford Digital Cinema 16 (4.4 miles)

Places of Worship

• Maranatha Baptist Church (5 miles)
• St Daniel Church (5.9 miles)
• Kensington Orion (6.1 miles)
• St Hugo of the Hills Church (7.7 miles)
• Oakland Christian Church (8.4 miles)