Touchmark on Saddle Drive

Pros

• The rooms at Touchmark on Saddle Drive are very nice, clean, and in perfect condition.
• The staff at Touchmark are friendly, helpful, and provide thorough information regarding additional benefits.
• Residents appreciate the variety of activities and amenities available, including a lovely coffee shop and spaces for socializing.
• Touchmark offers a beautiful community with well-maintained lawns and landscaping.
• Many residents enjoy participating in weekly shopping trips, walking clubs, and community theater outings.
• The facility provides adequate parking and generous storage options for residents' personal belongings.
• Long-term residents express happiness with their living conditions and the attentiveness of the staff.

Cons

• The food at Touchmark was not satisfactory, often served cool and incorrect orders were common.
• Residents frequently had to ask for additional services that they were being charged for, indicating a lack of responsiveness from the staff.
• Touchmark oversold its facilities but did not deliver on the promised quality of service, with rent increases and cuts to services and staff.
• The facility is old, using wall board heating and having inconvenient air conditioning units that complicate furniture arrangement.
• Waterford on Saddle Drive is clean but understaffed, which may affect resident care and attention.
• One visitor felt that the apartments within their budget did not have adequate storage space for personal hobbies, like quilting.

Review

Touchmark on Saddle Drive has emerged as a prominent option for retirees and those seeking assisted living facilities, garnering both praise and criticism from residents and visitors alike. The facility boasts a variety of rooms that are described as immaculate, well-maintained, and equipped with essential amenities. Many agree that the staff at Touchmark is commendable; they are characterized by their friendliness and willingness to assist, especially when it comes to aiding residents in accessing additional benefits such as VA aid. This aspect of service has not gone unnoticed by those who have interacted with the team, who often find the information provided to be thorough and helpful.

However, despite the glowing reviews regarding cleanliness and staff demeanor, there is a notable concern surrounding the quality of food served at the facility. Residents have expressed dissatisfaction with their dining experiences, indicating that while they appreciate having options available—such as a delightful mid-meal snack area resembling a small bakery—actual meal services often fall short of expectations. Reports indicate meals are frequently served lukewarm rather than hot, and discrepancies between what is ordered versus what is received seem common. This has led some prospective residents to consider preparing their own meals using the kitchens available in each apartment.

The facility’s marketing tends to emphasize its positive attributes heavily; however, some residents believe there is a gap between promise and delivery. Complaints have surfaced regarding rent increases coupled with cuts in services or staffing levels. Additionally, many feel compelled to repeatedly advocate for services they are being charged for yet do not receive adequately—a situation exacerbated during recent times due to lingering effects from the COVID-19 pandemic.

While Touchmark offers an extensive array of activities designed to engage its residents—from walking clubs to shopping excursions—some visitors reported personal needs impacting their decision-making process. For example, one potential resident ultimately chose not to move into Touchmark due to inadequate storage for crafting supplies essential for her quilting hobby. Even though she recognized the community's overall charm and potential benefits for independent living or assisted care, fulfilling her specific interests took precedence.

Further contrast was noted when comparing Touchmark with nearby facilities like Waterford on Saddle Drive. While Waterford also presented beautifully clean rooms with modern furnishings targeted towards independent living residents needing minimal assistance, reviewers mentioned that understaffing could affect overall service quality there too. Each establishment comes with its unique strengths; however, potential residents need to weigh factors such as personal assistance levels needed against amenities offered.

Despite any drawbacks mentioned regarding food service or service consistency at Touchmark, enduring praise comes from families whose loved ones currently reside there. One user recounted their mother's happiness after nearly a decade in residence—evidence of strong community ties formed through accessible activities such as library games or social outings facilitated by attentive staff members familiarizing themselves personally with residents' backgrounds and preferences.

In summary, Touchmark on Saddle Drive presents itself as a viable option within retirement communities featuring appealing accommodations along with numerous recreational activities supported by amicable staff members who strive for excellence in resident engagement while facing challenges around culinary offerings and operational efficiency amidst fluctuating demands over time.

This area of Helena, Montana offers a convenient and diverse range of amenities for seniors considering the area for living. With multiple hospitals and pharmacies within close proximity, healthcare services are easily accessible. There are also various physicians' offices and clinics nearby for regular check-ups and specialized care. Places of worship are located within a short distance, providing spiritual support and community connections. Restaurants in the area offer a variety of dining options, while parks and cafes provide opportunities for relaxation and socializing. Transportation services are readily available, making it easy to get around the city. Overall, this neighborhood provides a comfortable and convenient environment for seniors looking to settle in Helena.

Hospitals

• Shodair Hospital (0.4 miles)
• Big Sky Care Center (0.5 miles)
• Helena Surgicenter (0.5 miles)
• St. Peter's Hospital (0.5 miles)
• Sleep Disorders Center St Peter's Hospital (0.7 miles)
• Joint Repair Clinic of Montana (1.2 miles)

Pharmacies

• Hi-School Pharmacy (0.4 miles)
• Bergum Drug (0.4 miles)
• Capital Rx (0.4 miles)
• Safeway Pharmacy (1.6 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.7 miles)
• Walgreens (1.8 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3 miles)

Physicians

• Claeys Family Dentistry (0.4 miles)
• Helena Cardiology Clinic (0.4 miles)
• Comprehensive Hearing Services (0.4 miles)
• Mountain View Eyecare II (0.4 miles)
• Helena Imaging (0.4 miles)
• Helena Dermatology & Laser Clinic (0.4 miles)
• Helena Orthopedic Clinic (0.5 miles)

Places of Worship

• Covenant United Methodist Church (0.7 miles)
• Southern Baptist Convention (0.9 miles)
• Christ's Church (1.8 miles)
• Holy Cross Traditional Catholic Church (1.9 miles)
• Cathedral of St Helena (2.3 miles)
• St Paul's United Methodist Church (2.4 miles)
• Mount Helena Community Church (2.4 miles)

Restaurants

• Pizza Hut (1 miles)
• Shellie's Country Cafe (1.1 miles)
• Overland Express Restaurant and Lounge (1.1 miles)
• Subway (1.1 miles)
• McDonald's (1.3 miles)
• Wendy's (1.3 miles)
• Bullseye Casino/Bar (1.4 miles)

Transportation

• Enterprise Rent-A-Car (1 miles)
• Horizon Air Industries (2.3 miles)
• Rent-A-Wreck (2.3 miles)
• Boeing Co. (2.4 miles)

Parks

• Lockey Park (1.1 miles)
• Robinson Park (1.6 miles)
• Ramey Park (1.7 miles)
• Constitution Park (2.5 miles)
• Performance Square (2.5 miles)
• Reeder's Alley (2.6 miles)
• Paws Park (2.6 miles)

Cafes

• 1889 Coffee House (1.4 miles)
• Dive Bakery Cafe (1.4 miles)
• The Dirty Dozen (1.5 miles)
• General Mercantile (2.5 miles)
• No Sweat Cafe (2.5 miles)
• Hub Coffee (2.5 miles)

Theaters

• Cinemark Helena And Xd (2.6 miles)