The Briarwood

Pros

• Many residents at The Briarwood enjoy the food and appreciate the variety of options available, including alternatives like hamburgers and hot dogs.
• The facility is consistently noted for its cleanliness, with no foul odors reported by families visiting their loved ones.
• Staff members are described as compassionate, friendly, and helpful, contributing to a positive atmosphere for residents.
• Residents have access to various activities such as bingo, exercise classes, and special events like holiday parties that enhance their social engagement.
• Families express satisfaction with the care provided by nurses and STNAs (State Tested Nursing Assistants), highlighting the dedication of specific staff members who are mentioned by name for their excellent support.

Cons

• The facility is understaffed, leading to delayed assistance and inadequate care for residents.
• Several residents experienced falls and injuries while in the care of the staff, raising concerns about safety.
• The quality of food served was frequently criticized, with hot dogs being served as a main dish on multiple occasions.
• There were issues with cleanliness, including unsanitary conditions such as feces on the wall and unpleasant odors in some areas.
• Staff members appeared annoyed or hostile during visits, creating an uncomfortable atmosphere for families.
• Promises made by the facility regarding care were not fulfilled, causing frustration among family members.
• Residents sometimes waited extended periods for help with basic needs, such as restroom assistance.
• Some reviews indicated that rooms were small and not properly maintained or cleaned.

Review

The Briarwood has garnered a mix of reviews from families and residents alike, showcasing both positive experiences and serious concerns regarding the quality of care provided in this nursing home and assisted living facility. For some, The Briarwood has been a comforting place where loved ones receive attentive care. One review highlights how a resident enjoys a variety of food options, including main dishes complemented by alternatives like hamburgers and hot dogs if preferred. Furthermore, the facility features amenities such as a courtyard, walking track, exercise room, and recreational activities like bingo that contribute to an engaging environment for residents.

However, alongside these compliments lies a troubling pattern of complaints about staffing issues that have significantly impacted the level of care provided. Multiple reviewers expressed frustrations with delayed responses from nursing staff when assistance or medication was requested. One family member recounted several instances where their call light went unanswered for extended periods during rehab, indicating potential systemic issues with staff workload or availability. This sentiment is echoed by others who noted understaffing as a serious concern, often causing residents to wait too long for necessary help.

Some families reported distressing episodes involving their loved ones’ safety and wellbeing while at The Briarwood. A particularly alarming account described discovering an elderly resident being seated at dinner with an empty oxygen tank due to lack of assistance—a scenario which raises critical questions about oversight and resident care protocols. Another reviewer expressed disbelief upon finding their mother waited an hour and a half for help using the restroom; this can lead not only to physical discomfort but also feelings of neglect among residents who depend heavily on staff support.

Despite these adverse experiences shared by some families, other reviewers found positivity in the cleanliness of the facility, the compassionate nature of certain staff members, and engaging activities offered to residents. For instance, one individual praised Susie Nicely—the head nurse—for her compassion in managing personnel and fostering good relationships between staff and residents. Activities organized by the staff were highlighted as enjoyable occasions that fostered community engagement among residents which included festive events like Halloween parties featuring music and dance.

While many took note of friendly interactions among staff members—with thoughtful caretakers helping ensure residents are happy—there remained sporadic mentions of questionable treatment during visits that led families to feel uneasy about leaving loved ones in long-term care at The Briarwood. One individual voiced discontent over hearing rude remarks from personnel towards struggling patients who were visibly upset or distressed while receiving care within the facility’s walls.

Ultimately, efforts toward improvement must address both staffing levels and training on compassionate communication among caregivers to foster better relationships between staff and residents going forward. Many families found peace knowing their loved ones were cared for amongst peers but urged management to prioritize enhancements in both administrative oversight and caregiving practices so that all residents could experience nurturing attention without negligence or fear for their safety within The Briarwood’s setting. While it remains one of the nicer homes in its vicinity according to several reviews commending its facilities' cleanliness and amenities; significant improvements are needed before every family member would confidently recommend it without reservations based on care quality alone.

Restaurants

• Thai Gourmet (0.5 miles)
• Beef 'o' Brady's (0.6 miles)
• Missing Mountain Brewing (1.6 miles)
• Panini's Bar and Grill (1.8 miles)
• McDonald's (1.9 miles)
• Taco Bell (2.2 miles)
• Handel's Homemade Ice Cream & Yogurt (2.4 miles)

Physicians

• Person Centered Therapies (0.6 miles)
• Meyer Laura Dr Unity Health Network Stow (1.5 miles)
• Nikita Hegde, MD (1.7 miles)
• Davis Eye Center (1.8 miles)
• Ohio ENT & Allergy (1.9 miles)
• Akron General Arthritis And Rheumatolgy (1.9 miles)
• Internal Medicine Specialists (3 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.6 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (0.8 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2 miles)
• Discount Drug Mart (2.4 miles)
• Rite Aid (2.5 miles)
• Discount Drug Mart (2.8 miles)
• Market District Pharmacy (3.2 miles)

Places of Worship

• Holy Family Catholic Parish Stow Ohio (0.7 miles)
• United Methodist Church of Kent (5.9 miles)

Cafes

• Nervous Dog Coffee Bar (1.9 miles)
• Starbucks (2.3 miles)
• Starbucks (3.6 miles)
• Molly Brown Cafe (3.9 miles)
• Starbucks (4.8 miles)
• Fisher's Cafe & Pub (7.2 miles)

Parks

• Galt Park (2.6 miles)
• Mountain Bike Area (5.2 miles)
• Hudson Springs Park (6.2 miles)
• Middleton Park (6.6 miles)

Theaters

• Cinemark Cuyahoga Falls And Xd (3.1 miles)

Hospitals

• Summa Western Reserve Hospital (3.9 miles)
• Assurance Health Hudson (5.1 miles)
• Robinson Memorial Hospital (5.7 miles)
• Summa Akron City Hospital (6.5 miles)
• Akron Children's Hospital Urgent Care (7 miles)