Shannondale Health Care Center

Pros

• The new building for independent living at Shannondale Retirement Center looks very promising and is expected to be nice.
• The transportation services offered for events and doctor visits provide valuable support to residents.
• There is a strong sense of community among residents, as seen in the close-knit group who shared meals together.
• The staff at Shannondale demonstrated genuine care for residents, as evidenced by their attendance at memorial services.
• Overall, the experience with Shannondale was positive, with satisfactory facilities and supportive community interactions.

Cons

• The employees at Shannondale Retirement Center are not very friendly and often do not acknowledge residents or visitors when passing by.
• Staff members refill water glasses without any interaction or greeting, creating a cold atmosphere.
• There is a lack of warmth and friendliness among the staff, which is disappointing compared to past experiences.
• The visitor felt that the current work environment lacks the personal touch that was appreciated during their father's time there.

Review

Shannondale Retirement Center has made a significant impression on potential residents and families alike, particularly for those considering the long-term care options it offers. A recent deposit placed on the waiting list highlights a commitment to transitioning into a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC), which is known for providing a range of living arrangements from independent living to assisted care. During the tour, visitors noted that the facility was satisfactory, and they are enthusiastic about the ongoing construction of a new building dedicated to independent living. This new structure promises modern amenities and attractive layouts, as prospective residents have had the opportunity to review floor plans and visualize their future homes.

The center's offerings extend beyond just physical accommodations; transportation services are also available for residents. This includes trips to various events within the community and appointments with healthcare providers, in addition to outings such as visits to cultural performances like those offered by the Knoxville Symphony. Such amenities are crucial for promoting an active lifestyle among seniors, facilitating engagement with both social activities and necessary healthcare appointments.

For many families, choosing a retirement home can be driven by personal experiences that shape perspectives on caregiving environments. One reviewer reflected on their father's last four years at Shannondale, reiterating how crucial this transition was due to his Parkinson’s disease. The ability to rely on caregivers proved essential during this challenging time, especially given that home care had become unsustainable. A heartwarming aspect of this experience was witnessing the formation of genuine friendships among residents; specifically, a tight-knit group of six who regularly shared meals together in the common area on their floor. Such camaraderie speaks volumes about community life within Shannondale and contributes positively to residents’ emotional wellbeing.

Moreover, it’s worth noting that staff interactions played a vital role in shaping overall satisfaction with Shannondale. The reviewer recounted touching moments during their father’s memorial service held at the chapel within the center—indicating strong bonds between staff members and residents that extended beyond professional duties. Such relationships can greatly enhance trust and comfort levels within retirement communities, showcasing staff investment in resident lives which can be highly valuable in long-term care settings.

However, not all experiences conveyed were positive or equally warm when it came to employee interactions observed by family members visiting other residents currently residing at Shannondale. Reports surfaced regarding instances where employees approached resident rooms without offering friendly greetings or even basic acknowledgments—such as saying hello while performing routine tasks like refilling water glasses. This lack of interpersonal engagement raises concerns about attention to emotional needs alongside physical assistance provided by staff members.

The contrast between loving past experiences described by one family member regarding their father’s care and current observations presents an intriguing dichotomy about staff attitudes at Shannondale Retirement Center today. While many details regarding facilities indicate progress—particularly with forthcoming upgrades—it is critical for management to address concerns surrounding employee conduct proactively. One family member even humorously mentioned they would haunt loved ones if placed there under similar circumstances—they recognize how essential friendliness is in creating comfortable environments for elderly individuals with complex needs.

In conclusion, while Shannondale Retirement Center showcases promising aspects through its facilities and community-oriented offerings like transportation services and group interactions among residents, there remains room for improvement when it comes to employee engagement style during day-to-day operations. As prospective tenants await openings in new independent living spaces guided by affirming reflections from previous resident families—a holistic approach emphasizing empathy along with quality care will be key toward enhancing prospective resident experiences further down these paths toward supportive aging environments.

Places of Worship

• Fellowship Church Knoxville (0.5 miles)
• First Cumberland Presbyterian Church (2.5 miles)
• Cedar Springs Presbyterian Church (3.2 miles)
• Grace Baptist Church (3.8 miles)

Restaurants

• Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux - Knoxville Restaurant (0.9 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (0.9 miles)
• The Edge (1 miles)
• The Cheesecake Factory (1.1 miles)
• Big Kahuna Wings - West Town (1.1 miles)
• Chicken Salad Chick (1.1 miles)
• Drake's (1.2 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.9 miles)
• Food City Pharmacy (1.3 miles)
• Walmart Pharmacy (1.6 miles)
• First Pharmacy Management (2 miles)
• The Compounding Pharmacy of America (2.1 miles)
• The Casual Pint (2.2 miles)
• Avanced Specialty Pharmacy (2.2 miles)

Physicians

• Stanton Optical (1 miles)
• Dermatology Associates of Knoxville (1.2 miles)
• Endocrinology Consultants Of East Tennessee (1.2 miles)
• Paul L. Becker, MD (1.4 miles)
• Matthew A. Rappe, MD (1.4 miles)
• FamilyCare Specialists (1.4 miles)
• Knoxville Breast Center (1.5 miles)

Cafes

• Sticky Rice Cafe (1 miles)
• Starbucks (1 miles)
• Hey Bear Cafe (2.3 miles)
• Starbucks (3.2 miles)
• Kbrew (3.6 miles)

Theaters

• Regal Cinebarre West Town Mall (1.2 miles)

Parks

• Lakeshore Park (2.9 miles)
• Victor Ashe Park (4.1 miles)

Hospitals

• Peninsula Hospital (5 miles)