Village Care Center, Inc

Pros

• The facility is small and has a family feel.
• The nurses are wonderful.
• Katie, the administrator, really cares about the residents.
• The care provided by Katie Constant and her staff is highly appreciated.
• Katie is a hardworking, engaged leader who interacts with staff and residents.
• The residents and workers are all valued by the reviewer.
• The facility offers very good food and activities.
• Katie has decorated the building with beautiful pictures.

Cons

• It is troubling that no autopsy was performed and no one knows what happened.
• They stated natural causes despite signs that suggested a possible heart attack.
• The lack of autopsy and unclear explanation give the impression of insufficient transparency.
• The family feels unsettled and left without clear answers about the death.

Review

The place is described as small and intimate, with a strong sense of family that longtime visitors and residents seem to feel the moment they walk through the door. It's the kind of setting where the staff light up when they see you and where the atmosphere is more like a close-knit home than a sterile institution. The nurses are spoken of as wonderful, attentive, and genuinely caring, and the administrator - Katie - appears to be at the center of that warmth, someone who "really cares about these people." The overall impression is one of a caring community that values personal connection as much as daily care.

Within that caring environment, a member's family faced a deeply painful moment that underscored the seriousness and fragility of life in a care setting. My mother, Geraldine Walker, is described as having died on July 1st, 2023, at 11:35 a.m., while she was in the care of this nursing home. She was 73 years old. According to those who knew her, she had not been feeling well for a couple of weeks. On the night of her passing, she experienced an upset stomach and heartburn, and caregivers reportedly offered Tums. When the staff returned, she was unresponsive. It's clear that this was an unexpected and devastating event for the family. They say autopsy was not performed, and they report that those involved told them she most likely died of natural causes, although there were signs that she might have died from a heart-related issue. The account emphasizes the emotional impact of the loss and the ongoing questions that remain for the family, even as they acknowledge the care team's efforts.

The memory of Geraldine Walker is kept alive with a sense of grief, but also a recognition of the place she inhabited in the lives of those who cared for her. She is described as being greatly missed, a sentiment that speaks to the personal connections forged within the walls of a small facility where staff and residents often become like an extended family. The tone of the account suggests a desire to acknowledge not only the tragedy but also the human relationships that surrounded it - the daily care, the conversations, the small rituals that give comfort in difficult times.

Beyond the personal tragedy, another voice in the same space offers a glowing portrait of life as a resident there. A resident speaks from within the community about the care provided by Katie Constant and the wider staff. The praise is strong and specific: Katie "never just sits in her office" and is described as a hard worker who is actively involved with both staff and residents. This is more than a managerial praise; it's a testament to a presence that feels accessible and engaged, someone who invests energy and attention into the day-to-day life of everyone living and working in the building.

The appreciation doesn't end with leadership; it extends to the overall experience of living at the facility. The resident notes a sense of camaraderie among fellow residents and other workers, a reflection of the social fabric that often matters as much as caregiving itself. Food and activities are highlighted as positive aspects of daily life, suggesting that the environment supports not only physical well-being but also social and recreational engagement. The community is described as lively and enjoyable, with opportunities to participate in activities that bring meaning and joy to daily routines.

Another tangible reminder of the care environment is the way the building itself is presented. The administrator - Katie - has made an effort to create a welcoming and aesthetically pleasing space, with the building decorated with beautiful pictures. This detail, while simple, underscores a broader philosophy: that care happens in a setting that feels cared for as well. The combination of thoughtful leadership, engaged staff, satisfying meals, engaging activities, and a warm physical environment paints a picture of a place where residents and their families can feel valued and supported.

Taken together, these reflections present a picture of a small nursing home that prioritizes community, connection, and compassionate care. The experiences shared - ranging from a deeply personal family loss to a resident's affirmations of staff dedication and the everyday pleasures of good food and engaging activities - form a narrative of trust and appreciation. In this space, the memory of Geraldine Walker sits alongside daily moments of kindness, reminding readers of the human dimensions that define care and the enduring importance of a community that feels like home.

This part of Maryville, Missouri offers a diverse range of amenities for seniors looking to settle in the area. With several places of worship nearby, including St Gregory Catholic Church and Laura Street Baptist Church, residents can easily practice their faith. Additionally, there are multiple healthcare options available such as the Children & Family Center of NW Missouri and St Francis Family Health Care for any medical needs. The proximity to restaurants like Simply Siam and Senor Burrito provides convenient dining options, while parks like Judah Park offer outdoor recreational opportunities. With easy access to pharmacies, cafes, theaters like Hangar Restaurant & Cinema, and the reputable St Francis Hospital & Health Services, seniors will find this area to be not only convenient but also vibrant and welcoming.

Places of Worship

• St Gregory Catholic Church (0.1 miles)
• Laura Street Baptist Church (0.4 miles)
• Community Of Faith Church921 (0.4 miles)
• First Baptist Church (0.5 miles)
• Nodaway County Ministry Center (0.6 miles)
• Nodaway County Commission (0.6 miles)
• Gathering (0.7 miles)

Physicians

• Children & Family Center of NW Missouri (0.4 miles)
• Richert Daniel R Hearing Care Partners Maryville (0.8 miles)
• University Wellness Center (1.1 miles)
• Maryville Eye Clinic (1.2 miles)
• Mosaic Diabetes Education (1.2 miles)
• Mosaic Wound Care (1.2 miles)
• St Francis Family Health Care (1.2 miles)

Transportation

• U-Haul (0.4 miles)
• Northwest Taxi & Shuttle Service (0.5 miles)
• U-Haul Neighborhood Dealer (0.8 miles)

Restaurants

• Sonic Drive-In (0.5 miles)
• Simply Siam (0.5 miles)
• Kool Kats (0.5 miles)
• Senor Burrito (0.5 miles)
• Title Town Bar And GRI (0.6 miles)
• Burny's Sport Bar (0.6 miles)
• A & G Restaurant (0.6 miles)

Parks

• Maryville Park Maintenance (0.6 miles)
• Judah Park (0.8 miles)
• Kasey Rum Village (1 miles)
• Water Tower Park (1 miles)
• Stansberry City Park (19.1 miles)

Pharmacies

• Anchor Properties (0.7 miles)
• Walmart Pharmacy (0.9 miles)

Cafes

• Scotters Coffee (0.8 miles)

Theaters

• Hanger (0.9 miles)
• Hangar Restaurant & Cinema (1 miles)

Hospitals

• St Francis Hospital & Health Services (1.2 miles)