Westlake Woods

Pros

• The staff at Westlake Woods are friendly and go above and beyond in their care for residents.
• The facility is clean and well-decorated, creating a pleasant living environment.
• Residents enjoy nice lunch outings and coordinated activities, which enhance their quality of life.
• Families feel comfortable with the level of care provided, especially when staff assist with routine healthcare services.
• Staff members have been known to show exceptional kindness, such as decorating residents’ doors during the holidays.
• Many residents appreciate the private rooms that provide them with personal space and comfort.

Cons

• The facility accepts residents whose care needs exceed the level they can adequately provide, employing uncertified staff.
• Staff generally only receive three days of on-the-job training before being assigned to care for residents.
• There is a routine shortage of staff, leading to decreased quality of resident care.
• Third shift often operates with only one aide and one nurse, which is concerning for resident safety.
• The high turnover rate among staff is greater than in most other facilities, impacting the consistency of care.
• Some residents experienced inadequate care that did not meet their specific needs despite assurances from management.
• There are limited activities available for residents to engage in and enjoy.

Review

Westlake Woods has been a residence for various individuals and families seeking assisted living care, and opinions about the facility are mixed. Over the past few months, several residents and their family members have shared their experiences, highlighting both the strengths and weaknesses of this community. The staff's friendliness and dedication stand out, along with the cleanliness of the facility itself. While many appreciate the effort put into maintaining a pleasant living environment that includes well-decorated spaces and private rooms, there are significant concerns regarding the level of care provided to residents with varying needs.

A recurring theme among reviewers is the importance placed on staffing issues within Westlake Woods. Many have noted severe turnover rates that exceed those found in comparable facilities, leading to frequent changes in caregivers who attend to residents. This revolving door of staff can disrupt continuity of care, leaving residents with unfamiliar faces rather than established relationships with caregivers they know and trust. One resident pointedly observed that pay is surprisingly low for employees given the demanding nature of their work. The lack of adequate training for new staff members was also highlighted as a critical issue; typically receiving just three days of on-the-job training before being assigned to independently manage resident care.

The effects of short-staffing are evident as well. Reviewers expressed concern over routinely having insufficient staff during shifts—especially during third shift when only one aide and one nurse might be present. Such conditions can severely impact resident care quality, especially considering some residents require higher levels of assistance than others can provide effectively. It is alarming that Westlake Woods accepts residents whose needs may surpass what assisted living offers while employing uncertified care staff to fulfill these requirements.

Despite these challenges, some family members have had positive experiences at Westlake Woods. For instance, one review praised how caring staff went above and beyond by decorating doors for residents during the holiday season—a small but meaningful gesture that made an impact on families separated from their loved ones during important events. Reviewers consistently commend certain individual staff members who demonstrate exceptional dedication to improving resident welfare through thoughtful acts like purchasing additional supplies or arranging medical services between family visits.

Moreover, although critics have mentioned limited activities available for residents—which could enrich their experience—the overall cleanliness and organization of Westlake Woods cannot be overlooked. Some families reflected positively on their loved ones' emotional wellbeing within a clean environment despite expressing disappointment about specific shortcomings in meeting comprehensive care needs.

As families navigate difficult decisions around assisted living arrangements for elderly loved ones, input from current or former residents highlights vital areas needing attention at facilities like Westlake Woods. A greater investment in employee training programs alongside increased wages may foster better job satisfaction among workers while ensuring more consistent quality care for residents themselves. Families ultimately want peace of mind knowing their loved ones receive proper support not only from friendly faces but also from well-trained professionals dedicated to improving daily life outcomes within such pivotal stages of life.

In summary, while Westlake Woods presents itself as a clean facility with friendly staff willing to engage actively with residents’ lives, underlying challenges around staffing practices must be addressed to sustain high-quality care standards expected by families entrusting this community with their elder relatives' welfare.

This part of Erie, Pennsylvania offers a convenient and accessible location for senior living. With several physicians' offices and healthcare facilities within a short distance, residents can easily access medical care when needed. There are also pharmacies nearby for medication needs. The area features a variety of restaurants to choose from, including fast food options like McDonald's and Taco Bell, as well as sit-down establishments like Applebee's and The Colony Pub and Grille. For recreation, Victory Park and Presque Isle State Park provide opportunities for outdoor activities. Transportation options include Budget Rent A Car and Erie International Airport for travel needs. In terms of religious services, the Cathedral of St Paul Episcopal is within reach for those seeking spiritual fulfillment. Overall, this area offers a mix of amenities and services that cater to the needs of seniors looking for a comfortable and convenient living environment.

Physicians

• Priority Care (0.4 miles)
• R W Petruso Hearing & Adlgy (0.7 miles)
• Primary Care West (0.8 miles)
• Kenneth R Mink (0.8 miles)
• Dominic M Sciamanda DO (0.9 miles)
• Mch Professional Arts Building (0.9 miles)
• Saint Vincent Hospital Yorktown Endoscopy Center (1.3 miles)

Parks

• Presque Isle State Park (0.6 miles)
• Victory Park (2.1 miles)
• Liberty Park (3.4 miles)

Restaurants

• Sara's (0.7 miles)
• McDonald's (0.7 miles)
• Applebee's (0.8 miles)
• Taco Bell (0.8 miles)
• Sportsmen's Athletic Club of Millcreek (0.8 miles)
• Subway (0.9 miles)
• The Colony Pub and Grille (0.9 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (0.8 miles)
• Southern Tier Home Infusion (1 miles)
• Pharmacy Innovations (1 miles)
• Lakeshore Isotopes (1.4 miles)
• Rite Aid (1.5 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.2 miles)
• Wegmans (2.7 miles)

Transportation

• Budget Rent A Car (1.3 miles)
• Erie International Airport (ERI) (1.8 miles)

Hospitals

• Upmc Hamot (1.5 miles)
• Millcreek Community Hospital (4 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (1.5 miles)
• Fat Lenny s (3.7 miles)
• Panera Bread (4 miles)
• Starbucks (4.1 miles)

Places of Worship

• Cathedral of St Paul Episcopal (4.1 miles)