J C Laraes Southwinds Assisted Living Community

Pros

• Southwinds provides a small, family-owned atmosphere that feels home-like and caring.
• Residents have their own rooms, contributing to a sense of privacy and comfort.
• The staff is compassionate and dedicated to providing excellent care for the residents.
• The food is described as very good, featuring country-style cooking that appeals to the residents' appetites.
• The overall level of care at Southwinds is regarded as excellent by families.
• Residents enjoy the community aspect and the friendly environment fostered by staff members who are often family themselves.
• Activities like bingo and exercises are offered, promoting engagement among residents.
• Past residents have expressed happiness and satisfaction with their time spent at Southwinds.

Cons

• The facility's exterior may leave a little bit to be desired.
• One reviewer was not thrilled with the clutter in their loved one's room, describing it as unsafe for an elderly person.
• Limited activities available for residents.

Review

Southwinds is a family-owned and operated assisted living facility that has garnered positive reviews from several residents' families, highlighting its intimate, home-like environment and compassionate care. Many people appreciate the personal touch that a smaller facility offers; it creates a sense of community that is often lacking in larger homes. This familial atmosphere is particularly reassuring for families looking to place their loved ones in a nurturing setting where they can receive individual attention and care.

One standout feature of Southwinds is the private accommodations offered to each resident. Each person has their own room, which allows for a degree of independence while still providing access to necessary support services. Families have noted that this personalized approach helps maintain dignity and comfort for their loved ones during what can be an emotional transition into assisted living. The staff at Southwinds, primarily composed of family members themselves, also contributes significantly to this homely feel, ensuring that the care provided is not only professional but also imbued with genuine compassion.

The quality of food served at Southwinds has received commendable feedback as well. Many reviewers describe the cuisine as "very good" and akin to "country-style cooking." For residents who may have lost interest in eating or have dietary challenges, this kind of nourishing food seems to rejuvenate appetites – one reviewer even mentioned their loved one was “eating like a horse.” Good nutrition is vital for elderly residents, and it appears that Southwinds recognizes this necessity by prioritizing hearty meals that resonate with home-cooked comfort.

While the activities available at Southwinds are somewhat limited compared to more expansive facilities, residents do engage in some organized events such as bingo games and light exercises. Although families express some concern about the range of activities offered, they generally appreciate the peaceful atmosphere over busyness or overstimulation prevalent in larger establishments. The small-scale nature of Southwinds fosters a relaxed environment where residents can engage at their own pace without feeling overwhelmed.

Though many reviews reflect satisfaction with both the level of care provided and the interaction between staff and residents, one reviewer did voice some concerns about safety hazards within certain rooms. A family member described how the space occupied by their father—housed within a converted building—felt cluttered and potentially unsafe for an elderly individual. While this critique does reflect legitimate concerns about maintaining environments suitable for older adults, it seems more an exception than the rule when considering overall impressions of care quality at Southwinds.

Overall, there’s a strong tendency among families to recommend Southwinds based on their experiences. The kindness exhibited by staff members often leads families to believe their loved ones are receiving not only adequate medical attention but also emotional support during challenging times. As one son reported after his father's stay: "He was happier there than anywhere else." Ultimately, while there may be areas for improvement regarding physical safety and activity options within certain parts of the facility, these seem minor relative to core aspects such as individualized care standards, appreciation for home-style meals, and nurturing relationships fostered within this small community-focused environment.

This part of Ridgeway, South Carolina offers a variety of amenities and services that would be beneficial for seniors looking to relocate to the area. With several places of worship nearby, including Harvest Baptist Church and Cathedral of Praise, residents can find spiritual support and community engagement. In terms of healthcare, there are multiple physicians' offices such as Kershawhealth Primary Care and Sentinel Health Partners, as well as Kershaw County Medical Center for more specialized care. Pharmacies like Simplicity Pharmacy Services & Wellness Center and Walmart Pharmacy provide convenient access to medications. Additionally, there is a range of dining options available within a short distance, from fast food chains like McDonald's to local restaurants like San Jose Mexican Restaurant. Parks like Doko Meadows Park offer opportunities for outdoor activities and relaxation, while transportation services such as SC Palmetto Taxi make it easy to get around the area. Cafes like Starbucks and Isom's Delights provide cozy spots for socializing or enjoying a cup of coffee. Overall, this part of Ridgeway presents a well-rounded community with essential resources for seniors seeking a comfortable living environment.

Places of Worship

• Harvest Baptist Church (6.8 miles)
• Friendship Baptist Church (7.7 miles)
• Village Church (9.6 miles)
• Cathedral of Praise (9.8 miles)
• Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (9.9 miles)
• Southern Baptist Convention (10.1 miles)
• General Conference Of Seventh-Day Adventists (10.5 miles)

Physicians

• Kershawhealth Primary Care (7.5 miles)
• West Wateree Medical Complex (7.5 miles)
• Sentinel Health Partners (8.1 miles)
• Sentinel Health Partners, PA Primary Care Elgin (8.5 miles)
• Camden Heart Care (10.4 miles)
• Miracle-Ear Hearing Aid Center (10.9 miles)
• Carolina Spine and Pain Centers (11 miles)

Hospitals

• Kershaw County Medical Center (7.5 miles)
• Healthcare Place At Elgin (8.1 miles)
• Kershaw County Medical Center, Health Resource Center (9.6 miles)

Pharmacies

• Simplicity Pharmacy Services & Wellness Center (7.8 miles)
• Liggett Compounding Pharmacy (7.8 miles)
• Elgin Pharmacy (8.2 miles)
• Walmart Pharmacy (8.8 miles)
• Epic Pharmacies (10.6 miles)
• Medi-Save Pharmacies (10.6 miles)
• Walgreens (10.8 miles)

Restaurants

• McDonald's (8 miles)
• Domino's Pizza (8 miles)
• Sonic Drive-In (8.2 miles)
• Subway (8.2 miles)
• Bojangles' Famous Chicken 'n Biscuits (8.3 miles)
• San Jose Mexican Restaurant (8.3 miles)
• The Crab Shak IV (8.4 miles)

Parks

• Dogwood Dog Run (8.4 miles)
• Lake Carolina Properties Harborside Village Green (9.3 miles)
• Lake Wateree State Park (10.7 miles)
• Doko Meadows Park (11.1 miles)
• Blythewood Park (11.5 miles)

Transportation

• Enterprise Rent-A-Car (8.5 miles)
• U-Haul Neighborhood Dealer (8.5 miles)
• SC Palmetto Taxi (9.6 miles)
• U-Haul Neighborhood Dealer (10.8 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (9.1 miles)
• Lighthouse Cafe & Stuff (9.5 miles)
• The Human Bean Columbia, Summit Parkway (10.9 miles)
• Isom's Delights (11.2 miles)