Golden Horizons I

Pros

• The director of Golden Horizons of Worthington has been there for seven years and made a strong positive impression during the tour.
• The building was noted to be very clean and bright, creating a welcoming atmosphere.
• The staff members encountered during the tour were described as happy, smiley, and welcoming.
• The rooms available for residents were larger than those in the current living situation, offering good value for the cost.
• The smaller facility layout was appreciated for making it easier for residents to navigate their surroundings.

Cons

• The atmosphere at Golden Horizons of Worthington felt like a warehouse for people until they died, lacking cleanliness and warmth.
• The staff appeared disinterested and unfamiliar with visitors, making them feel unwelcome during their tour.
• The administration office was difficult to locate, contributing to a sense of confusion and neglect.
• The apartments were outdated and uninviting, with an overall dark and depressing ambiance.
• The dining area resembled a nursing home and created a gloomy atmosphere where residents seemed disengaged and unhappy.
• Visitors felt like they were interrupting the staff's day, receiving minimal attention or acknowledgment during their visit.
• There was a lack of engagement regarding amenities and activities, leading to an impression that the facility wasn't invested in prospective residents' needs.
• The negative experience during the tour raised concerns about the level of care provided once someone becomes a resident.

Review

The experience of touring assisted living facilities can significantly influence the decision-making process for families seeking suitable care for their loved ones. In the case of Golden Horizons in Worthington, two markedly different impressions emerged from visits that highlight a stark contrast in attitudes and environments within such establishments. While one review painted a picture of neglect and unwelcoming service, the other reflected a more positive encounter, underscoring the variability in care that potential residents might face.

The first reviewer found Golden Horizons to be akin to a warehouse for individuals awaiting the end of their lives rather than a nurturing environment conducive to healthy living. Upon entering, they noted not only an overwhelming sense of disorganization but also a strong and unpleasant smell reminiscent of traditional nursing homes. The ambiance was further described as dark and depressing, with outdated aesthetics that contributed to an overall feeling of hopelessness. The absence of staff engagement exacerbated this perception; when the family arrived, they struggled to locate the administration office and were met with indifference from personnel who seemed uninterested in their presence or needs.

The lackluster first impression extended into the dining area, which added to the somber mood prevalent throughout the facility. The reviewer highlighted how few residents appeared lively or engaged—many didn’t even look up from their meals—which only solidified their feelings about Golden Horizons as being an inhospitable place lacking warmth or vibrancy. Compounding these concerns was the absence of communication regarding amenities or activities available to residents; they felt rushed out after just receiving pamphlets, suggesting a broader institutional apathy towards both prospective clients and current residents alike.

In stark contrast, another reviewer expressed satisfaction with their visit to Golden Horizons while searching for accommodations for their mother. This individual praised both the cleanliness and brightness of the facility while remarking on how welcoming and friendly staff members appeared during their time there. The director’s long-standing tenure at Golden Horizons seemed to embody a strong commitment to creating a caring atmosphere, resonating well with this visitor's own background as a farm girl. They appreciated witnessing her adept handling of situations during their tour—demonstrating leadership qualities that instilled confidence in them regarding her ability to oversee resident care efficiently.

While this particular family did observe fewer staff members than expected during their visit, those they encountered were notably pleasant and supportive, contributing positively to the overall tone of their experience. The size of available apartments was also considered advantageous; larger rooms offered by Golden Horizons compared favorably against those currently occupied by their mother at similar costs. Furthermore, it was seen as beneficial that Golden Horizons had smaller facilities which would help ease navigation for someone requiring assistance—a critical factor when evaluating options for senior housing.

Ultimately, these contrasting reviews underscore an essential reality within assisted living sectors: experiences can vary widely based on staffing attitudes and environmental conditions at different facilities. For families like those considering places like Golden Horizons for aging loved ones, it becomes imperative to conduct thorough investigations not only based on reputation but through firsthand accounts like these reviews—gaining insight into potential challenges as well as unexpected positive attributes worth recognizing in such crucial decisions regarding comfort and quality of life for seniors needing support.

Restaurants

• Duffer's Bar & Grill Worthington (0.5 miles)
• Panda House Chinese Restaurant (1.6 miles)
• Panaderia Mi Tierra (1.7 miles)
• El Taco (1.7 miles)
• Ground Round Grill & Bar (1.8 miles)
• McDonald's (1.9 miles)
• Domino's Pizza (1.9 miles)

Places of Worship

• American Reformed Church (0.6 miles)
• Comunidad Cristiana (0.8 miles)
• Solid Rock Assembly (0.9 miles)
• American Lutheran Church (1.1 miles)
• American Lutheran Youth (1.1 miles)
• First Covenant Church (1.3 miles)
• First Baptist Church (1.5 miles)

Parks

• Centennial Park (0.8 miles)
• Chautauqua Park (1.2 miles)
• Chatauqua Park (1.2 miles)
• Olson Park (1.2 miles)
• Millard Walker Park (1.9 miles)
• Watland Park (4.3 miles)
• Central Park (16.4 miles)

Transportation

• Worthington Taxi (1 miles)
• Prairieland Transit System (1.8 miles)
• U-Haul Neighborhood Dealer (1.9 miles)
• Worthington Municipal Airport (OTG) (2.8 miles)

Cafes

• Alano Club (1.2 miles)
• Phileo's Coffee & Eatery (1.8 miles)
• Lantern Coffeehouse & Roastery (16.7 miles)

Physicians

• Worthington Hearing Aid Service (1.5 miles)
• Ophthalmology (1.5 miles)
• Sanford Health Cancer Center (1.6 miles)
• Iowa Lakes Orthopaedics (1.6 miles)
• Lakefield Branch Clinic (1.6 miles)
• Urology Specialists (1.6 miles)

Pharmacies

• Guidepoint Pharmacy (1.6 miles)
• Sterling Drug (1.6 miles)
• Sterling Pharmacy (1.6 miles)
• Walmart Pharmacy (1.6 miles)
• Walgreens (1.8 miles)
• Sterling Drug (2.2 miles)
• Good Neighbor Pharmacy (15.2 miles)

Hospitals

• Sanford Regional Hospital Worthington (1.6 miles)
• Family Medicine Clinic (15.9 miles)