United Methodist Communities The Shores

Pros

• The staff at The Shores is consistently described as friendly, caring, and attentive, making residents feel welcomed and special.
• Many families express gratitude for the outstanding care their loved ones received during their time in assisted living and hospice at The Shores.
• Residents appreciate the clean and well-maintained facilities, enhancing their overall comfort and safety.
• Families report that communication with the staff is effective, providing peace of mind regarding their loved ones' well-being.
• Several reviews highlight the variety of meals offered and commend the staff's efforts in accommodating dietary needs.
• The community is praised for its compassionate approach to navigating challenges, including those posed by COVID-19.
• Transitioning to The Shores has been a positive experience for many residents, who have adjusted well to their new environment and found happiness in their new routines.

Cons

• The staffing levels were insufficient, leading to negative outcomes for residents in Memory Care.
• A loved one suffered a broken hip despite being under constant watch due to understaffing.
• There was a lack of appropriate training for staff in handling residents with dementia, resulting in misunderstandings and conflicts.
• Some families felt that their loved ones did not receive the necessary level of care and attention they needed, particularly during challenging times like COVID-19.
• Hiring part-time contractor nurses contributed to a COVID outbreak on the nursing wards, causing distress and loss among residents.
• There was disappointment regarding meal options, with requests for healthier menus not being met consistently.
• Despite high expectations of care in hospice, families felt that their loved ones did not receive adequate attention and had to hire outside help for additional care.
• Some reviews mentioned that front desk staff displayed impatience with residents at times, which could negatively impact the overall experience.

Review

The experience of families seeking assisted living and memory care for their loved ones at The Shores, part of United Methodist Communities, presents a complex tapestry of emotions, experiences, and observations. While many reviewers express gratitude and satisfaction with the care provided, others highlight significant concerns that paint a nuanced picture of life within this community.

One recurring theme across various reviews is the staff's approachability and willingness to help. Many families commend the employees for their genuine concern and attentiveness towards residents. One family noted how everyone from administration to the nursing staff seemed dedicated to treating their loved ones with kindness and respect. Residents appreciated the cleanliness of the facility and continual maintenance efforts that enhance comfort for both residents and their families. This nurturing environment helped some individuals transition into assisted living more smoothly than expected; one reviewer shared how their mother, initially resistant to leaving home, eventually thrived in her new surroundings at The Shores.

In contrast, several families voiced disappointment regarding staffing levels, particularly in memory care units. A certain review starkly highlighted concerns about inadequate supervision leading to severe incidents like broken bones or strokes going unnoticed due to understaffing issues. Families often felt compelled to step in when they perceived their loved ones weren’t receiving sufficient help from caregivers during critical moments such as rehabilitation or hospice care. For instance, one family expressed frustration over not being adequately informed about changes in health status or care needs—a gap they felt could have been bridged by better communication from staff members.

Another area of concern mentioned frequently was the food quality offered within The Shores. While some described enjoying a variety of meal options, others wished for healthier choices catering specifically to dietary restrictions prevalent among seniors—such as low salt and low sugar alternatives. Feedback indicated that while meals had previously been satisfactory or good enough for independent residents, there was room for significant improvement tailored toward meeting older adults' specific nutritional needs.

COVID-19 added an additional layer of complexity in experiences shared by families at The Shores. Numerous reviewers pointed out that throughout lockdowns and quarantines imposed during the pandemic, access to proper care appeared limited—a situation exacerbated by staffing issues noted before COVID began affecting operations significantly. Families worried that isolation negatively impacted their loved ones’ health due to reduced interaction with caregivers and limited oversight on critical medical needs.

Nevertheless, many families still expressed heartfelt appreciation for The Shores' overall management during these challenging times; regular updates on resident well-being provided peace of mind even amid uncertainty surrounding COVID protocols. Particularly highlighted was how staff managed visitation rights effectively—even securing exceptions for hospice residents so they could see their loved ones amidst strict regulations governing visitor entry during heightened periods of infection.

It’s important also to acknowledge that while some reviews reflected criticisms—like complaints about meal service or perceived impatience among front desk staff—many continued recommending The Shores as a suitable choice depending on individual circumstances regarding health status and levels of independence required by prospective residents. Ultimately, it seems evident that each family's journey through assisted living varied widely based on personal needs alongside unique conditions surrounding health transitions inherent in aging populations encountering dementia or other ailments requiring advanced support systems specific populations necessitate more extensive caregiving resources.

Overall impressions suggest mixed results where strong relationships built between caring personnel are slightly overshadowed by systemic challenges persistently faced in elderly care environments—but still painted within a framework where Love & compassion remain central tenets guiding service delivery amidst difficult circumstances encountered daily across all aspects involved within this vital sector facilitating aging gracefully forward without compromising dignity nor respect along every step taken towards finding appropriate solutions tailored uniquely suitable designed programs fulfilling respective familial expectations reached collaboratively lasting endeavors maximizing quality time shared once together again down pathways traversed over countless lifetimes worthy living!

The area of Ocean City, New Jersey, offers a variety of amenities and services that may be appealing to seniors looking to relocate. With several pharmacies nearby, including CVS Pharmacy and Walgreens, accessing necessary medication and healthcare products is convenient. In addition, there are multiple restaurants and cafes such as Uncle Bill's Pancake House and Ocean City Coffee Company for dining options and social gatherings. For recreational activities, parks like 34th Street Park provide opportunities for outdoor relaxation. Furthermore, there are physicians' offices like Beesleys Point Family Practice and hospitals like AtlantiCare Lifeline within a reasonable distance for healthcare needs. Places of worship such as Shore Fellowship Church offer spiritual support for those seeking community connections. Overall, this part of Ocean City provides a well-rounded environment with essential services for seniors considering senior living options.

Restaurants

• Uncle Bill's Pancake House (0.2 miles)
• Kessel's Korner (0.6 miles)
• Mallon's Homemade Sticky Buns (0.9 miles)
• Dot's Pastry Shop (1 miles)
• Varsity Inn (1.6 miles)
• Ocean City Music Pier (1.6 miles)
• Kohr Bros (1.8 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (0.7 miles)
• Walgreens (0.9 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.3 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.6 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (4.5 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (5.9 miles)
• Walgreens (6.8 miles)

Parks

• 34Th Street Park (1.3 miles)
• Egg Harbor Township Nature Reserve (8.9 miles)

Cafes

• Ocean City Coffee Company (1.3 miles)
• Drip N Scoop (1.4 miles)
• Ocean City Coffee Company (1.5 miles)
• Jon & Patty's Coffee Bar Bistro (1.7 miles)
• Starbucks (4.5 miles)
• Starbucks (6.9 miles)
• No 7311 (7.3 miles)

Physicians

• Beesleys Point Family Practice (2.1 miles)
• Cape Atlantic Oral Surgeons (2.6 miles)
• Family Practice Associates (3 miles)
• Shore Orthopaedic University Associates (3.3 miles)
• Shore Physicians Group (3.4 miles)
• Rondinella Louis J MD PA (3.4 miles)
• Shore Vascular & Vein Center (3.8 miles)

Places of Worship

• Shore Fellowship Church (10 miles)

Hospitals

• Atlanticare Lifeline (10.3 miles)