Atria Forest Lake

Pros

• Residents at Atria Forest Lake enjoy a friendly and caring atmosphere, with staff who know them by name and are always willing to accommodate special requests.
• The facility is well-maintained, bright, and welcoming, creating an uplifting environment for both residents and visitors.
• Many residents appreciate the variety of activities offered, which encourage engagement and social interaction among them.
• The food provided at Atria is consistently praised as delicious and reminiscent of dining in a top-rated restaurant.
• Families feel that the staff demonstrates genuine kindness and professionalism, contributing to a positive overall experience for their loved ones.
• The community is described as homey and comfortable, resembling an apartment complex rather than an institutional environment.
• Visitors have noted the long tenure of many staff members, indicating stability and dedication within the facility.

Cons

• The facility did not allow the purchase of alarm mats for residents, leading to concerns about safety after repeated incidents of falls.
• A sudden and significant price increase from $4,100 to over $5,000 created frustration and dissatisfaction among families considering the facility.
• There were communication issues regarding care and responsibilities with the responsible party for residents.
• The memory care area appeared depressing and resembled a locked mental facility, impacting perceptions of suitability for residents needing that level of care.
• Some residents do not participate in many activities, despite staff efforts to engage them.
• Initial experiences indicated that promises made in writing were not consistently followed until they were explicitly brought up by family members.
• While cleanliness is generally good, there were initial concerns about fulfilling commitments related to care and services provided.

Review

Atria Forest Lake is an assisted living community that has garnered a mix of praise and concern from both residents and their families. Many reviewers have expressed appreciation for the staff's friendliness, professionalism, and the overall atmosphere of warmth that permeates the facility. One reviewer highlighted how supportive the staff was, noting their willingness to accommodate special requests tailored to individual needs. This nurturing environment is complemented by a variety of activities organized within the community, with several residents commending the creativity and enthusiasm of the activities director, who strives to keep engagements fresh and enjoyable.

The physical space at Atria Forest Lake also received commendations for its inviting aesthetic. With an abundance of natural light, cheerful colors, and well-maintained rooms, many found it more uplifting compared to other facilities they had visited. Residents have enjoyed communal spaces such as courtyards and dining areas where they gather for meals—often described as delicious—and various social events. Several reviewers remarked on the “homey” feel of the facility which they likened more to a welcoming apartment complex than an institutional building. The smaller sizing creates a sense of intimacy among residents and staff alike; many noted that long-term employees call residents by name, further enhancing this familial atmosphere.

However, there are notable concerns surrounding pricing dynamics at Atria Forest Lake that prompted some prospective residents to reconsider their options. A significant rate increase—over 8%—occurred shortly after initial assessments were made, leading one family member to express frustration about losing out on a lower rate in favor of a steep rise in costs that consumed much of the recent Social Security raise. While some reviewers indicated that prices were generally comparable across similar communities, others voiced disappointment over unexpected financial burdens.

Despite these financial concerns, feedback regarding communication could use improvement. Some families felt there was room for better clarity between the facility's management and those responsible for resident care decisions. Instances occurred where expectations communicated initially did not materialize without persistent follow-up from family members—a common theme seen across various facilities according to some caregivers' experiences.

In contrast to challenges faced during transitions or adjustments in care plans, most reviewers agree on one pivotal aspect: cleanliness and quality management at Atria Forest Lake has remained high throughout their stay. Regular cleaning routines—including steam cleaning services provided by outside vendors—ensured that both common areas and personal spaces remained hygienic and well-kept.

Ultimately, Atria Forest Lake emerges as an option worth considering for families seeking assisted living solutions due to its friendly atmosphere bolstered by long-tenured staff members who exemplify dedication through enduring service. While budgeting may be a critical consideration when weighing choices against rising costs or potential service adjustments, many departed reviews conveyed satisfaction with both everyday interactions within this vibrant community setting alongside appreciation for staff commitment toward ensuring resident well-being amid challenges faced by senior communities nationwide.

This area of Columbia, South Carolina offers a variety of amenities that may appeal to seniors looking for a convenient and vibrant community. With several physicians, pharmacies, and hospitals in close proximity, residents have easy access to medical care. Places of worship such as Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and St Joseph's Catholic Church provide spiritual support, while restaurants like The Original Pancake House and cafes like Starbucks offer dining options for every taste. The nearby Hollywood Park provides a green space for outdoor recreation, and transportation options like U-Haul Moving & Storage and Enterprise Rent-A-Car make getting around the city convenient. Overall, this area provides a mix of healthcare services, dining options, recreational activities, and transportation choices that could make it an attractive location for senior living.

Physicians

• Forest Acres Location (0.2 miles)
• Pridgen Kaoru Dr Colonial Family Practice Columbia (0.3 miles)
• Three Rivers Medical Associates (0.6 miles)
• Columbia Skin Clinic (0.7 miles)
• Pain & Neurology Specialists of Columbia (0.8 miles)
• Palmetto Optometry Associates (0.8 miles)
• Columbia Medical Group (1.1 miles)

Places of Worship

• Good Shepherd Lutheran Church (0.4 miles)
• Shandon Baptist Church (1.1 miles)
• St Joseph's Catholic Church (1.9 miles)
• Tree of Life Congregation (2.5 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.6 miles)
• Walgreens (0.8 miles)
• Kroger Pharmacy (0.9 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.7 miles)
• Judy, Andrea (1.9 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2 miles)
• Walgreens (2 miles)

Restaurants

• Chipotle Mexican Grill (0.7 miles)
• The Original Pancake House (0.7 miles)
• Zaxby's (0.7 miles)
• Tazza Kitchen Trenholm Plaza (0.7 miles)
• Sonic Drive-In (1.4 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (1.5 miles)
• McDonald's (1.9 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (0.7 miles)
• Starbucks (2 miles)
• Drip (2.8 miles)
• Starbucks (3.4 miles)
• The Corner Blend (3.7 miles)

Hospitals

• Sleep Med (2.2 miles)
• Moncrief Army Hospital (2.3 miles)

Theaters

• Spotlight Cinemas Capital 8 (3.1 miles)

Parks

• Hollywood Park (3.2 miles)

Transportation

• U-Haul Moving & Storage (3.4 miles)
• Enterprise Rent-A-Car (3.7 miles)