The Haven Assisted Living @ Eleanor

Pros

• The resident-to-caregiver ratio at The Haven Assisted Living is impressively low, ensuring personalized care for each individual.
• The cleanliness and pleasant atmosphere of the facility contribute to a welcoming environment for residents.
• Residents are well cared for, as evidenced by their clean clothing and overall appearance.
• The home-like setting of the converted ranch-style house fosters a comfortable and cozy living experience for the residents.
• The presence of live-in caregivers 24 hours a day provides peace of mind for families knowing their loved ones are always attended to.
• The variety of activities, such as toenail care sessions, promotes social interaction and engagement among residents.
• Jackie, the staff member, is knowledgeable, friendly, and creates a positive impression with her upbeat demeanor.

Cons

• The family was never informed about the fall, leading to feelings of betrayal and neglect.
• The staff at The Haven acted dismissively when questioned about the incident, indicating poor communication and care.
• There was a clear lack of accountability from the owner, who did not return calls regarding concerns.
• The conditions were alarming, with bruises on the mother's body that went unnoticed and unreported by the caregivers.
• The overall experience at The Haven in Mechanicsville left a sense of distrust in their ability to provide adequate care.
• Despite some positive aspects noted in other reviews, there are concerns that significant maintenance issues exist outside the facility.

Review

The experience of placing a loved one in assisted living is often fraught with anxiety and concern, especially when previous encounters with care facilities leave much to be desired. A family recently faced this reality when their mother, who had been battling terminal cancer, was placed in a care facility called The Haven Assisted Living at Eleanor in Mechanicsville, Virginia. Tragically, while the family thought they were providing her with a safe and nurturing environment, they were met with shocking revelations about her care that would haunt them until her passing.

Just days before the mother's death, she was vibrant and mobile—walking around and showing signs of resilience against her illness. However, on a Saturday, an incident occurred that changed everything: she suffered a fall that went unreported to the family until it was too late. When they discovered extensive bruising spanning from her legs to her arms during their final hours together, it raised immediate concerns about the protocols and transparency at The Haven. The staff's evasive behavior during inquiries about the incident only deepened their frustration and grief. It became painfully clear that not only had the family been left in the dark about this critical event, but also that there was little accountability or communication from management—the owner failed to respond to calls seeking clarity.

In contrast to this harrowing experience at The Haven Assisted Living in Mechanicsville, descriptions of another facility provide a starkly different picture. The new residence being considered for placement offers many appealing features designed to ensure resident well-being and comfort. With its commitment to maintaining a low resident-to-caregiver ratio—capping occupancy at just seven residents—the potential for personalized attention is significantly enhanced. This smaller setup likely contributes to better oversight of each individual's needs and fostering closer relationships between caregivers and residents.

Upon visiting this prospective home—a converted ranch-style house spanning 2000 square feet—it became evident why it might be an ideal match for their mother’s long-term care needs. The cleanliness of the facility stood out immediately; there were no unpleasant odors typically associated with elder care environments. Residents looked well-groomed and engaged in various activities that showcased their quality of life within the home. It provided not only cleanliness but also an atmosphere of dignity where residents felt cared for—a stark contrast to experiences elsewhere.

The layout further emphasized its home-like qualities; featuring spacious communal areas such as a large dining room adjacent to an inviting kitchen where meals could be shared among residents—creating opportunities for socialization and interaction over food—a cornerstone activity in any nurturing environment. Families can still manage medical appointments directly since transportation may be required for doctor visits; however, amenities like access to visiting hairdressers highlight how aspects of personal grooming are thoughtfully integrated into daily routines.

Moreover, inviting outdoor spaces such as decks and gardens contribute positively to resident wellness by allowing opportunities for fresh air and therapeutic gardening activities—engaging residents physically while providing mental stimulation through connection with nature. This balance between indoor comforts and outdoor access enhances overall quality of life within assisted living settings.

In summary, navigating assisted living options can present numerous challenges marked by poignant emotional complexities when memories of unfathomable loss intertwine with hopes for better experiences elsewhere. While one family's devastating journey through inadequate care has underscored potential pitfalls in eldercare facilities like The Haven Assisted Living in Mechanicsville, positive observations surrounding alternate choices provide valuable hope for creating safer environments filled with compassion where families can find solace knowing their loved ones are genuinely cared for amidst life's trials.

This part of Mechanicsville, Virginia offers a convenient and diverse range of amenities for seniors looking to settle in the area. With several physician offices, pharmacies, and medical centers nearby, residents can easily access healthcare services. There are also a variety of dining options available, including popular chains like Chick-Fil-A and Cracker Barrel. For recreation, there are parks such as Battery Park and Brown's Island within a short drive for outdoor activities. Additionally, there are places of worship, theaters, and transportation options like GRTC Pulse and Amtrak stations in close proximity. The presence of hospitals like Bon Secours Richmond Community Hospital and VCU Medical Center ensures easy access to quality healthcare facilities if needed. Overall, this part of Mechanicsville provides a well-rounded environment with essential services for seniors seeking a comfortable living experience.

Physicians

• P&A Associates ENT, PC (0.7 miles)
• Laburnum Medical Center (0.9 miles)
• Carl Barton Weiss, MD (0.9 miles)
• Ortho Virginia (1 miles)
• Atlee Family Physicians (1 miles)
• Mechanicsville Medical Center (1.2 miles)
• Patient First - Mechanicsville (1.7 miles)

Restaurants

• Chick-Fil-A (1.6 miles)
• Cracker Barrel (1.6 miles)
• Jersey Mike's (1.7 miles)
• Chipotle Mexican Grill (1.8 miles)
• Cook Out (2.2 miles)
• McDonald's (2.4 miles)
• Chick-fil-A (2.6 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (2.5 miles)
• Walgreens (2.5 miles)
• Walgreens (2.7 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.8 miles)
• Walgreens (4.5 miles)
• Walgreens (5.5 miles)
• Springer Pharmacy (5.7 miles)

Cafes

• The Smoky Mug (4 miles)
• Starbucks (4.2 miles)
• Stir Crazy (4.4 miles)
• Starbucks (5.7 miles)
• Union Market (5.8 miles)
• Starbucks (5.9 miles)
• Blanchard’s Café (6 miles)

Places of Worship

• The Carson Building At New Hanover Presbyterian Church (4.1 miles)
• 31st Street Baptist Church (5.8 miles)

Parks

• Battery Park (4.5 miles)
• Brown's Island (5.8 miles)
• Monroe Park (6 miles)
• Lombardy Park Playground (6 miles)
• Byrd Park (6.1 miles)
• Chimborazo Park (6.2 miles)

Hospitals

• Bon Secours Richmond Community Hospital (5.3 miles)
• VCU Medical Center Emergency Department (5.7 miles)
• Hospital Hospitality House (5.7 miles)
• VCU Critical Care Hospital (5.7 miles)
• Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU (5.7 miles)
• Vcu Health System Authority (6 miles)

Theaters

• Bow Tie Movieland at Boulevard Square (5.6 miles)
• Henrico Theatre (5.9 miles)

Transportation

• GRTC Pulse - Convention Center (5.7 miles)
• Main Street Station (6.1 miles)
• Amtrak (6.2 miles)