Somerset Gardens by Chelsea Senior Living

Pros

• The staff at the community are described as helpful, friendly, and compassionate, providing good communication with families.
• Residents receive attentive care for their daily needs such as bathing, dressing, and hygiene.
• Many reviewers express satisfaction with the quality of care their loved ones receive, highlighting positive experiences after transitioning from less satisfactory facilities.
• The director and staff are recognized for their supportive approach during difficult transitions.
• Despite some mentions of older decor, several residents appreciate the clean environment and nice apartments with modern amenities.
• Visitors feel a warm and welcoming atmosphere upon entering the community.
• The community offers various activities tailored to residents' needs, fostering engagement among those in cognitive decline.
• Overall, many families report happiness with their loved ones' placement in Somerset Gardens and commend the supportive nature of the staff.

Cons

• The food and activities have recently dropped in quality and variety, leaving residents dissatisfied.
• The community lost its bus driver, leading to a lack of field trips and activities for the residents.
• Some residents feel like prisoners due to the limited transportation options for doctor appointments.
• The facility's décor is old and dated, creating a depressing atmosphere.
• Staffing shortages have affected the level of care, with fewer aides available to listen to residents' needs.
• There have been instances where communication from nursing staff has been slow or inadequate.
• The exterior appearance of the building is uninviting, with broken sidewalks and peeling paint.
• The community feels too large for some residents, potentially overwhelming them.
• There are concerns about the distance between rooms and common areas for those with mobility issues.
• While overall care has been satisfactory, there are moments when it seems lacking or inconsistent due to staffing challenges.

Review

A Mixed Bag of Experiences at Somerset Gardens Assisted Living

Somerset Gardens has garnered a mixed response from families and residents regarding its assisted living services. Many reviewers express satisfaction with the level of care provided to their loved ones, highlighting the dedication and friendliness of the staff. It is common for families to report good communication between staff and family members, which fosters a sense of trust during what can often be a challenging transition into assisted living. The staff's helpfulness and kind demeanor are frequently praised, reinforcing an image of a supportive community that cares deeply for its residents.

However, not all feedback is positive. Some reviews reveal concerns about specific areas such as food quality and variety, which have reportedly declined recently. Residents note that meals lack diversity and fail to meet expectations for quality dining experiences. Furthermore, the absence of adequate recreational activities has become apparent since the community lost its bus driver. This loss has limited residents' opportunities for outings and field trips—an important aspect of maintaining an active lifestyle within assisted living environments—and left many feeling isolated from engaging experiences outside the facility.

While several reviewers emphasize the caring nature of the staff, they also point out occasional shortcomings in staffing levels. According to some accounts, there have been periods where assistance was less consistent than desired, notably due to challenges brought on by COVID-19 regulations affecting hiring practices. Families have voiced concerns about understaffing particularly at night when more aides are needed to ensure that all residents receive proper attention and care.

The physical environment at Somerset Gardens has also drawn criticism. Some visitors describe it as old-fashioned or even depressing due to outdated décor originally derived from its past as a Howard Johnson establishment. Observations about broken sidewalks, peeling paint, and general wear suggest that while efforts may be underway for renovations on external features, much work remains to create an inviting atmosphere inside and outside the building.

Conversely, there are numerous positive testimonials praising the facility’s newly renovated apartments described as modern and pleasant—many featuring terraces that enhance comfort for residents. Families appreciate how welcoming Somerset Gardens feels upon entering; many describe initial visits filled with kindness from both staff members and other residents alike. Reviewers attribute this warm environment as a significant reason for choosing this community over others.

Despite some negative aspects highlighted by reviewers—including concerns over activities focused primarily on bingo or simplistic games—the general sentiment depicts Somerset Gardens as embodying a compassionate community dedicated to providing senior care tailored toward each resident's needs. The director’s leadership receives commendations for creating a supportive atmosphere amid adversities tied to staffing challenges in light of recent global health crises.

In conclusion, while some families voice serious concerns regarding various facets of life at Somerset Gardens—from activity offerings to overall upkeep—the prevailing narrative underscores an unwavering commitment by staff members to provide quality care amidst these challenges. Each family must weigh these factors carefully when considering whether Somerset Gardens is indeed suitable for their loved ones—a decision fraught with emotions but ultimately centered around finding a safe and nurturing home environment.

This part of Plainview, New York, offers a variety of amenities to cater to the needs of seniors looking for a convenient and vibrant community. With several cafes, pharmacies, parks, transportation options, physicians' offices, restaurants, theaters, hospitals, and places of worship within close proximity, residents have easy access to essential services and entertainment options. The presence of multiple healthcare facilities ensures that seniors can easily access medical care when needed. Additionally, the abundance of parks provides opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation. Overall, this part of Plainview offers a well-rounded and convenient living environment for seniors seeking a comfortable and fulfilling lifestyle.

Cafes

• Panera Bread (1.3 miles)
• Starbucks (1.8 miles)
• Mongo's Coffee (2.5 miles)
• Starbucks (3.4 miles)
• Starbucks (4 miles)
• Starbucks (4.8 miles)
• Starbucks (5.3 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (1.3 miles)
• Walgreens (2 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.7 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.7 miles)
• Walgreens (3.4 miles)
• Walgreens (3.4 miles)
• King Kullen (3.5 miles)

Parks

• Tad Lane Park (1.8 miles)
• Bethpage State Park (3.8 miles)
• Mill Dam Park (6.8 miles)
• Eisenhower Park (7 miles)
• Bailey Arboretum (8.7 miles)

Transportation

• LIRR - Syosset Station (2.6 miles)
• LIRR - Hicksville Station (3.6 miles)
• LIRR - Bethpage Station (3.7 miles)
• Lirr - Farmingdale Station (4.4 miles)
• Lirr (5 miles)
• Atlantic Aviation (5.9 miles)
• LIRR - Westbury Station (6.7 miles)

Physicians

• Plainview Medical Group PC (2.7 miles)
• ENT and Allergy Associates -Melville (2.9 miles)
• Central Nassau Guidance (3.1 miles)
• Caring Pediatric Associates (4.8 miles)
• Di Giovanna Family Care Center (5.9 miles)
• Dr Pillitieri (7.5 miles)
• Maxine S. Postal Clinic (7.9 miles)

Restaurants

• McDonald's (3.1 miles)
• Gossip Bar & Restaurant (3.3 miles)
• The Bryant (3.8 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (4.2 miles)
• Zorn's of Bethpage (4.8 miles)
• McDonald's (4.8 miles)
• PDQ 351 (5.2 miles)

Theaters

• Regal Westbury Imax & RPX (4.7 miles)
• AMC DINE-IN Levittown 1 (5 miles)
• Regal Ua Farmingdale (5.2 miles)
• AMC Roosevelt Field 8 (8.5 miles)
• AMC DINE-IN Huntington Square 12 (8.6 miles)

Hospitals

• Nassau University Medical Center (6.5 miles)
• Northwell Health-GoHealth Urgent Care (7.2 miles)

Places of Worship

• New Hope Institutional Baptist Church (7.5 miles)