Calais Manor

Pros

• Dolan Memory Care is described as a warm, compassionate community with staff who provide warmth, expertise, and genuine care.
• The home-like environment with smaller, thoughtfully designed houses helps residents feel safe, valued, and at ease.
• Amanda (Director of Fun) and Bobby are celebrated for amazing care and engaging outings that lift residents' spirits.
• Caregivers such as Paris, Andrea, Shaquille, Danielle, and Michele are described as extended family who consistently go above and beyond.
• Families appreciate regular updates, photos, and communication about residents' whereabouts and happiness.
• Outings and activities significantly improve mood, energy, and quality of life for residents, including those with early-onset dementia.
• Dolan is described as providing dignity, love, and peace of mind, not just care.
• The staff are professional, trustworthy, and create a welcoming, home-like atmosphere that feels like family.
• The Dolan bus and transportation team are seen as reliable and integral to engaging, enjoyable outings for residents.

Cons

• Attendant sitting in a chair on her cell phone as residents were looking for help; when they called, there was nobody answering the phone, not a great place to be.
• A reviewer expressed concern that, due to unexpected circumstances, some outings are a little too hectic and that residents' wishes aren't being considered in their activities.

Review

Across Dolan Memory Care communities, families describe a remarkable blend of warmth, engagement, and dignified care that makes a meaningful difference in daily life. At the center of many of these stories is Amanda, affectionately known as the Director of Fun, whose patient, attentive approach to both residents and their families has become a defining feature of the care provided. One family member shared that Amanda has treated their mom as her own, noting how much joy and safety come from a program that emphasizes leisure activities alongside essential daily support. Even when a staff moment didn't go as hoped - an attendant appearing occupied and a phone left unanswered - families emphasized that the overall experience remains centered on compassion, reliability, and personal attention.

Many reviews celebrate Dolan Memory Care's home-like atmosphere. The smaller, thoughtfully designed homes create environments that feel safe, calm, and familiar, which makes a real difference for residents dealing with dementia. In these spaces, routines are calm and structured, and residents respond positively to the personalized attention they receive. Families repeatedly point to Amanda and her colleague Bobby as standout leaders who organize engaging outings and activities that help residents stay connected with the world beyond the home. For a sister with early-onset dementia, the setting and routines were especially soothing, and the willingness of Amanda and Bobby to involve residents in meaningful experiences became a powerful part of her care.

The heart of Dolan's success, however, lies in its people. Caregivers - as well as activity staff - are consistently described as extending beyond professional duties to form genuine, family-like bonds with residents. Names that come up again and again include Paris, Andrea, Shaquille, Danielle, and Michele, all noted for their warmth, smiles, and willingness to go the extra mile. In every review, the message is clear: these caregivers don't just provide care; they invite residents to feel valued, respected, and loved. Families observe that staff members are engaged, patient, and attentive, and they consistently feel that their loved ones are treated with dignity.

The organization's leadership - especially Amanda and Bobby - receives high praise for creating opportunities to be active and involved. Reports highlight ongoing outings, field trips, and social excursions that keep residents energized and connected to their communities. One family member even describes the outings as a core reason they chose Dolan: daily communication, photos, and the sense that their loved one is joyfully engaged. The staff's dedication to safety and participation is underscored by comments about reliable transportation on the Dolan Bus and drivers who are clearly loved by residents. Even when some outings feel a bit hectic, families trust that Amanda and the team have residents' best interests at heart and are continually seeking ways to improve.

Individual stories illustrate the profound impact of Dolan's approach. A sister with early-onset Alzheimer's has found the outings and daily activities to be transformative, with Amanda and Bobby personally coordinating daily adventures that lift her energy and spirit. Parents and siblings savor the regular updates - photos and messages that let families see their loved ones enjoying themselves - and they express gratitude for the ongoing support from the team, including other caregivers like Paris, Danielle, and Michelle. The appreciation reaches beyond residents to their spouses, children, and extended family, who feel reassured by the care plan and the cheerful, professional demeanor of the staff.

The testimonials also celebrate the tangible improvements in quality of life for some residents. Anecdotes describe a father-in-law who moved from assisted living to Dolan and, over time, became less isolated and more engaged, thanks to in-house nursing, the Director of Fun, and a staff that fosters meaningful activity. Families speak of the "thousands of smiles" and the sense that Dolan makes life feel more celebratory and dignified, not merely cared-for. The affection for Amanda and Bobby is strong - described in sparkling terms as "great," "amazing," and capable of making every outing feel intentional and special. The broader team - staff and drivers alike - receives credit for sustaining this culture of care and connection.

Finally, several reviewers note Dolan Memory Care's ongoing commitment to improvement and openness to feedback. While most experiences are glowing, there are honest reflections about moments that could be smoother, such as ensuring callers are promptly answered and that outings remain aligned with residents' pace and wishes. Even so, the prevailing sentiment is one of gratitude and trust: families feel their loved ones are safe, engaged, and cherished, with a staff that treats them like family. Independent visitors who join outings or music sessions consistently walk away inspired by the care and engagement on display, recognizing that the team's genuine investment in people's happiness is the real heartbeat of Dolan Memory Care.

This area of St. Louis, Missouri, offers a variety of amenities and services that may appeal to seniors looking for a convenient and vibrant community to call home. With several cafes, pharmacies, restaurants, hospitals, parks, transportation options, physicians' offices, theaters, and places of worship in close proximity, residents have easy access to essential resources and recreational opportunities. The presence of reputable healthcare facilities such as Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital and DePaul Health Center also ensures quality medical care is readily available. Additionally, the diverse dining options and entertainment venues nearby provide ample opportunities for socializing and engagement within the community. Overall, this part of St. Louis presents a well-rounded living environment that caters to the needs and interests of older adults seeking a comfortable and enriching lifestyle.

Cafes

• Panera Bread (0.6 miles)
• Starbucks (1.2 miles)
• Panera Bread (4.5 miles)
• Starbucks (5.8 miles)
• Starbucks (6.3 miles)
• Blueprint Coff (6.6 miles)
• Starbucks (7.5 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.7 miles)
• Schnucks (0.8 miles)
• Dierbergs (1.2 miles)
• Walgreens (2.4 miles)
• Dierbergs (2.5 miles)
• Walgreens (2.9 miles)
• Schnucks (3.1 miles)

Restaurants

• McDonald's (1.8 miles)
• Westport Social (2 miles)
• Westport Plaza (2 miles)
• St Louis Bread Company (2.1 miles)
• McDonald's (2.3 miles)
• Syberg's Dorsett (2.7 miles)
• McDonald's (3 miles)

Hospitals

• Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital (2.7 miles)
• St John's Mercy Surgery Center (2.9 miles)
• DePaul Hospital (4.8 miles)
• DePaul Health Center - Emergency Room (4.8 miles)

Parks

• Creve Coeur Park (4.6 miles)
• Shaw Park (4.6 miles)
• Tilles Park Neighborhood (5.3 miles)
• Des Peres Park (5.5 miles)
• Queeny County Park (6.2 miles)
• Faust Park (6.8 miles)
• Vogt Brothers Park (7 miles)

Transportation

• Budget Rent A Car (4.8 miles)
• Hertz Rent A Car (4.8 miles)
• National Car Rental (4.9 miles)
• Terminal 1 (4.9 miles)
• Terminal 1 Passenger Pickup (4.9 miles)
• TSA PreCheck A Gates (5 miles)
• TSA Security Checkpoint Gates C & D (5 miles)

Physicians

• University Club Medical (5.5 miles)
• Orthopedic Associates (6 miles)
• Walsh, Martin Ssm Health Outpatient Center Veterans Memorial Parkway (7.3 miles)

Theaters

• AMC Esquire 7 (6.4 miles)
• AMC Streets Of St Charles 8 (7 miles)

Places of Worship

• St Ann Catholic School (6.6 miles)
• Old Orchard Church (7.4 miles)