Friends Homes West

Pros

• The atmosphere at Friend's Homes is described as very pleasant and quiet, appealing to those who prefer a more relaxed environment.
• Residents appreciate that the facility is not glitzy or overdone, making it feel more comfortable for regular folks.
• Despite choosing a different location due to cost, the reviewers expressed that they genuinely liked Friend's Homes and its overall appeal.

Cons

• The quality of life at Friend's Homes has drastically declined due to management changes.
• The food served is of poor quality and the cheapest available.
• Handicapped residents are not accommodated appropriately, as they are expected to travel a mile for basic food options.
• There is a lack of empathy for the residents' needs and conditions.
• The facility no longer caters to elderly and handicapped individuals but rather focuses on younger, healthier retirees.
• Although the atmosphere is pleasant, residents express concern about the overall decline in care and amenities.

Review

Friend’s Homes has undergone a significant transformation since its inception as an ideal retirement community. Originally founded by individuals with the intention of creating a nurturing and supportive environment for their own future retirements, it was characterized by modest accommodations that prioritized quality food and a sense of community. However, over time, management has shifted from its Quaker roots to Presbyterian oversight, leading to declining standards in the quality of life for residents. The change has been particularly noticeable in the food offerings and overall care provided to the elderly population.

One of the most troubling developments at Friend’s Homes is the deterioration in food quality. What once was a hallmark of the establishment—nutritious meals prepared with care—has now become an area marked by cost-cutting measures. Residents have reported that meals are often made from the cheapest available ingredients, lacking both flavor and nutritional value. This stark shift away from prioritizing resident well-being reflects a broader neglect for the needs of those who call Friend’s Homes home. The elimination of popular meal options, such as sandwiches, has further complicated matters; now, those wishing for a simple sandwich must travel to another campus—a mile away—creating unnecessary hardship for handicapped residents who must navigate inclement weather on walkers or scooters just to satisfy their cravings.

The management's apparent lack of empathy towards residents' circumstances is growing increasingly evident. As accommodations transition away from being suitable for elderly or handicapped individuals, there seems to be an unspoken preference for appealing to younger and healthier retirees instead. Residents feel sidelined and unheard as their feedback goes unaddressed in favor of policies that prioritize profit over care and compassion. This disregard fundamentally changes what had once been regarded as a compassionate community into something more transactional.

Despite these issues with management and food quality, some reviews highlight positive aspects of Friend’s Homes that continue to appeal to potential residents. Many appreciate the pleasant atmosphere that pervades the facility—its quiet environment is seen as soothing rather than sterile or overwhelming. Unlike many retirement communities that can feel glitzy or overly commercialized, Friend's Homes maintains an understated charm that many find welcoming and comfortable, lending itself to fostering genuine human connections among residents.

However, it is important to acknowledge that while some may appreciate these qualities during their decision-making process regarding retirement living options, others opt for different facilities based on financial considerations. For example, although several individuals expressed fondness toward Friend's Homes due to its warm ambiance and community-oriented feel, they ultimately chose different locations because they offered more favorable pricing structures without compromising significantly on comfort or companionship.

Ultimately, Friend’s Homes stands at a crossroads where nostalgia meets reality; what began as an endeavor centered around thoughtful care for aging adults now struggles under leadership choices that do not align with its founding principles. While many features remain beloved among current residents—such as its respectful environment—the overarching trend appears concerning as services degrade amidst fiscal pressures. There remains hope among some reviews that attention can be redirected toward restoring empathetic practices within management so that it returns once again to being a place where all elderly individuals can find comfort and support in their golden years rather than merely existing within an institution focused solely on bottom-line efficiencies.

Pharmacies

• Walmart Pharmacy (0.7 miles)
• Walmart Pharmacy (2.3 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.3 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.5 miles)
• Walgreens (4.4 miles)
• Walgreens (5.2 miles)
• Walgreens (5.3 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (0.7 miles)
• Starbucks (2.3 miles)
• Caribou Coffee (3.8 miles)
• Starbucks (3.9 miles)
• Starbucks (4.3 miles)
• Panera Bread (4.5 miles)
• Panera Bread (5.3 miles)

Physicians

• Eagle Family Medicine (0.9 miles)
• Guilford Family Dentistry (2 miles)
• Northwest Pediatrics (2.7 miles)
• Greensboro Imaging (3.1 miles)
• Eagle Family Medicine At Triad (3.3 miles)
• Nh New Garden Med Asso (3.3 miles)
• Eagle Family Medicine at Brassfield (3.4 miles)

Restaurants

• Kickback Jack's (2 miles)
• Spare Time Greensboro (2.2 miles)
• Golden Corral (2.3 miles)
• Cracker Barrel (2.3 miles)
• Pho Hien Vuong (2.4 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (2.4 miles)
• Cook Out (2.4 miles)

Theaters

• AMC CLASSIC Greensboro 18 (2.9 miles)
• Regal Greensboro Grande & RPX (3.5 miles)
• Regal Palladium & IMAX (5.1 miles)

Places of Worship

• Christ United Methodist Church (3 miles)
• Lindley Park Baptist Church (3.2 miles)
• Pinecroft Baptist Church (5.7 miles)
• Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church (7.6 miles)
• South Plainfield Friends Meeting (20.5 miles)

Hospitals

• Bethany Cardiology (5.8 miles)
• Wake Forest Univ Bapt Med Center (20 miles)

Parks

• Union Cross Park (13.7 miles)
• Salem Lake Trail (16.5 miles)
• Springwood Park (19.7 miles)