112 Goodrich Street, Columbia, SC 29223
For more information about senior living options: (866) 208-4318
Overall Review of Casual Community Care Home
Pros
The facility is under new ownership and has been renovated.- LaVene Smith is the new owner of Re-LAX at Home Residential Assisted Living.
- Re-LAX at Home Residential Assisted Living invites tours to meet the new owner.
- The facility is described as one of the best places around.
- The staff treats residents with dignity and respect.
Cons
The staff were mean and hateful.- The house was horrendous.
- There were possums in the house.
- The conditions of the house were terrible.
Review
This community is best suited for families seeking a small, home-like assisted living option in Columbia, SC, where residents are prioritized with personal dignity and individualized attention. The current iteration operates under the name Re-LAX at Home Residential Assisted Living, reflecting new ownership by LaVene Smith and recent renovations designed to refresh the living space. It is a setting that promises a less institutional atmosphere and the possibility of closer, more hands-on interaction with staff and the resident’s routine. For families who place a premium on warmth, personal touch, and a homelike environment, this option stands out as worth considering.
However, potential buyers should explicitly consider alternatives if reliability in daily care and a consistently respectful staff culture are non-negotiable. One review highlights harsh, unkind staff and severely substandard conditions, which raises red flags about basic care, housekeeping, and oversight. If danger signals such as poor cleanliness, pests, or a history of negative interactions with caregivers are a priority concern, it may be prudent to broaden the search. Likewise, families needing higher levels of medical oversight, specialized memory care, or robust programming should compare with larger or more established facilities that demonstrate steady staffing and predictable routines.
The strongest positive signals here lie in the renovated space and the renewed leadership, which indicate a clear intent to raise standards and deliver more attentive service. The praise for dignified, respectful treatment in at least one review points to a capacity for compassionate, resident-centered care when staff buy-in and morale align with expectations. In a small, intimate setting, that capable baseline can translate into meaningful daily consistency if management remains engaged, turnover stays reasonable, and caregivers receive ongoing training. These potential strengths can offset some risks if the current improvements are sustained and visibly integrated into daily operations.
Yet the most serious concerns from the negative review must be weighed carefully. Reports of mean or hateful staff and living conditions described as horrendous, including vermin-related issues, suggest holes in oversight, maintenance, and accountability. Such experiences can quickly erode trust and jeopardize resident safety, even in a home-like environment. Families should explicitly verify current staffing stability, housekeeping standards, pest control protocols, and the owner’s commitment to transparent, responsive problem-solving. Tour observations, conversations with several caregivers, and a candid review of maintenance logs can reveal whether the renovation effort has translated into tangible daily improvements.
Practical decision factors come into play when assessing fit. For families drawn to a tight-knit, person-centered culture and who are comfortable with a potentially variable climate of staff morale during transitional periods, this community may offer genuine upside under new leadership. It is essential to request a current tour, meet the owner, and inquire about daily schedules, meals, activities, med management, and how emergencies are handled. Probe specifically about housekeeping cadence, pest control, complaint resolution, and the owner’s long-term plans for staffing and quality assurance. A successful match hinges on witnessing consistent professionalism and a clean, well-maintained environment in real time.
Bottom line: this is a viable option for families who prize dignity, personalized attention, and the prospect of ongoing improvement under new ownership and a refreshed facility. It is not the right choice for those who require rock-solid consistency in staff demeanor, spotless conditions, and a proven track record of stable operations. To determine fit, prioritize an in-person tour with direct conversations about staffing, maintenance, and safety, and compare with other Columbia-area communities that align more clearly with the resident’s acuity, routines, and expectations. The decision should hinge on observed culture, current condition, and a tangible plan for sustaining quality care over time.
8 resident community capacity
Assisted Living
Board and Care Home
Cable or satellite TV
Dining room
Fully furnished
Garden
Housekeeping services
Move-in coordination
Outdoor space
Telephone
Wi-Fi/high-speed internet available
Columbia Metropolitan (16 miles away)
24-hour supervision
Activities of daily living assistance
Assistance with bathing
Assistance with dressing
Assistance with transfers
Diabetes diet
Meal preparation and service
Medication management
Special dietary restrictions
Transportation arrangement (medical)
Transportation to doctors appointments
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