Castle Senior Living at Forest Hills

Pros

• The staff at Castle Senior Living is phenomenal, going above and beyond to make residents feel at home.
• Residents appreciate the great food and welcoming atmosphere, making it a recommended choice for senior living.
• The facility is clean, with attentive staff who provide excellent care and constant communication with families.
• Many visitors and residents note the positive interactions and respect shown by the staff towards seniors.
• Families feel reassured knowing their loved ones are in a safe environment that prioritizes their well-being and comfort.
• The flexible programs offered accommodate individual health needs, allowing for personalized care as conditions change.
• Guests commend the available activities and therapeutic programs that keep residents engaged and active.

Cons

• Some residents reported that Castle Senior Living has declined in cleanliness, food quality, and activities since the new management took over.
• There are serious complaints about deplorable conditions, including reports of bed bugs and mold in the stairwell.
• Residents expressed dissatisfaction with a lack of activities, leaving seniors bored and without stimulation.
• One reviewer highlighted poor standards of living and indicated issues with social security benefits being withheld from their loved one for an extended period.
• Another review described the facility as dingy, dark, overcrowded, and in need of significant renovation.
• A visitor noted that the dining area was unappealing and required updates to improve the overall experience.

Review

Castle Senior Living at Forest Hills has received a mixed bag of reviews, reflecting a spectrum of experiences from residents and their families. On the positive side, many individuals have lauded the staff for their exceptional care and attention, emphasizing that they go above and beyond to create a welcoming atmosphere. Numerous reviewers express satisfaction with the cleanliness of the facility and appreciate the appealing meals offered. Families often feel reassured knowing that their loved ones are in a safe environment where cleanliness is prioritized, and many residents enjoy the active engagement provided within the community. The overall sentiment among those who have had direct contact with staff members is one of gratitude, citing kindness and professionalism as defining characteristics.

However, despite these commendable qualities, an alarming number of reviews indicate a decline in standards over recent years following changes in management. Several reviewers noted issues such as decreased cleanliness and reduced engagement activities for residents. This decline has been particularly concerning for families who previously enjoyed positive experiences before these management changes took place. One reviewer pointed out that while Castle Senior Living originally accepted Medicaid—a critical factor for many families looking to provide care—once inside, some felt that their loved ones were not receiving the quality of service they expected.

One common theme across several reviews is the presence—or lack thereof—of structured activities within the facility. While some residents seem satisfied with available options like bingo or periodic visits from therapy animals, others expressed dissatisfaction over minimal engagement opportunities leading to boredom among seniors. Furthermore, one family remarked on the overall decline in resident activities since joining Castle Senior Living, highlighting a need for more stimulating programs designed to keep seniors active and engaged.

Among troubling claims are reports regarding serious health concerns within the facility itself. Some reviewers spoke candidly about deplorable conditions such as bed bug infestations and mold present in stairwells, raising significant alarm about maintenance standards becoming lax under newer management regimes. These accounts paint a stark contrast to earlier sentiments celebrating cleanliness and comfort when it came to daily living environments—a clear indication of inconsistency that potential residents must weigh carefully.

The reviews also reflect concerns related to administrative practices at Castle Senior Living; for instance, delays in handling social security benefits for certain residents were highlighted as problematic by at least one reviewer who felt their loved one’s financial matters were mishandled without resolution over months of inquiry. Such instances contribute to frustrations regarding how well equipped staff members are trained to handle various situations—especially concerning mental health or unique individual needs among elderly residents.

Despite these reported complications within its operational structure and physical environment, there remains a glimmer of hope espoused by several commentators who feel positively about future renovations planned for Castle Senior Living at Forest Hills. Families appreciate efforts being made towards upgrading both residential units and communal dining areas—which have garnered criticism due to aging decor—and maintaining updated health protocols amidst ongoing pandemic challenges gives promise that improvements may soon be realized.

While potential residents should remain cautious based on this array of testimonials reflecting varying degrees of satisfaction with Castle Senior Living at Forest Hills, others continue cheering on its supportive personnel committed towards creating an inviting residence where seniors can find camaraderie alongside personalized assistance fitting diverse needs—even amid operational hurdles encountered recently.

Situated in the vibrant neighborhood of Corona, New York, this area offers a variety of amenities for senior living. With several parks nearby such as Flushing Meadows Corona Park and Forest Park, residents can enjoy nature walks and outdoor activities. There are also pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens within a short distance for convenience. Transportation options include the LIRR and MTA subway stations, providing easy access to explore the city. Places of worship like St Luke's Episcopal Church offer spiritual support, while restaurants such as Taco Bell and McDonald's provide dining options. Additionally, there are theaters like AMC Fresh Meadows 7 and hospitals like Manhattan Psychiatric Center in close proximity for entertainment and healthcare needs. Overall, this part of Corona offers a mix of recreational, dining, healthcare, and transportation options for seniors looking to settle in a bustling yet accessible neighborhood.

Parks

• Flushing Meadows Corona Park (0.6 miles)
• Forest Park (2.4 miles)
• Cunningham Park (4.3 miles)
• Astoria Park (4.4 miles)
• Rainey Park (4.9 miles)
• McCarren Park (5.3 miles)
• Alley Pond Park (5.3 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (0.8 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.2 miles)
• Walgreens (1.4 miles)
• Queens Crossing (1.9 miles)
• Walgreens (2.3 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.1 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.2 miles)

Transportation

• LIRR - Mets-Willets Point Station (1 miles)
• MTA - Mets-Willets Point Subway Station (1.2 miles)
• Forest Hills – 71st Avenue (1.2 miles)
• MTA Subway - 74th St/Roosevelt Ave/Jackson Hts (2.1 miles)
• Terminal D (2.2 miles)
• Terminal C (2.4 miles)
• National Car Rental (2.5 miles)

Places of Worship

• St Luke's Episcopal Church (1.7 miles)

Restaurants

• Taco Bell (3.3 miles)
• McDonald's (4 miles)
• Ikraveit Foods (4.3 miles)
• Burger King (5.1 miles)
• Kimbap Lab (5.9 miles)
• White Castle (6.3 miles)

Theaters

• AMC Fresh Meadows 7 (3.5 miles)

Hospitals

• Manhattan Psychiatric Center (5.4 miles)
• Metropolitan Hospital Center (5.8 miles)

Cafes

• The West (5.5 miles)
• Ralph’s Café (6.4 miles)

Physicians

• David H. Koch Center for Cancer Care at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (5.6 miles)
• Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (5.8 miles)