Karolwood Gardens Norfolk

Pros

• The nurses at Karolwood Gardens Norfolk were described as extremely kind and caring towards residents.
• One family found the overall experience at Karolwood Gardens to be great, highlighting the staff, care services, and friendliness of the environment.
• A resident's loved one noted that they felt their apartment was superior to many other facilities and appreciated the affordability of the flat monthly fee.
• Another reviewer mentioned that the tour guide was very nice and provided good information about different care programs available at the facility.
• A sister in memory care expressed her love for the facility, indicating that the staff effectively managed her dementia-related challenges.
• During a tour, potential residents observed a welcoming atmosphere with staff attempting to connect with future residents and engaging them in activities like watering plants in the courtyard.

Cons

• The management at Karolwood Gardens Norfolk was extremely unsympathetic to the resident's needs, threatening to kick him out if he didn't move in time.
• Communication with the family regarding issues and concerns was sporadic and poor among the staff, particularly with the director and nursing staff.
• Many staff members were perceived as lazy, with one individual being rude and disrespectful in handling patient care tasks.
• The facility appeared under-resourced and lacked amenities compared to other options, leading to a depressing atmosphere.
• The food served at the facility received negative feedback, indicating that it needed serious improvement.
• The executive director was described as hard to deal with and very strict, making the adjustment process challenging for residents and families alike.
• There were ongoing issues with getting a refund after clearing a room, despite contractual agreements that were not honored promptly.
• Previous experiences indicated that the facility took in residents without being adequately prepared to meet their needs, leading to frustration for families.

Review

The reviews for Karolwood Gardens in Norfolk present a mixed bag of experiences, revealing both positive and negative aspects regarding the management and care at this facility. On one hand, some families have expressed gratitude toward the nursing staff, highlighting their kindness and support during challenging times. One reviewer noted that the nurses became like family to their loved one, even calling it a miracle when their husband transitioned from memory care to assisted living. However, despite these positive interactions with the staff on the ground level, there is significant criticism directed at the management and overall administration. A recurring theme throughout several reviews is a lack of effective communication from management regarding important matters related to residents’ care.

Many families reported feelings of frustration over poor communication between the administrative team and families. One individual pointed out that while they had selected Karolwood based on a promising rate price lock for life, they soon discovered that communication from both the director and nursing staff was severely lacking. This absence of clear communication not only generated confusion but also left many families feeling neglected during critical moments concerning their loved ones’ health. Compounding this issue was a report of threats made by management concerning evictions if residents were not moved in time—a distressing factor especially for those who lived far away from their loved ones.

While some reviewers found comfort in knowing their loved ones were being cared for, others criticized the facility’s ability to meet specific medical needs. One reviewer voiced disappointment when it was revealed that after admitting their father based on promises he would receive adequate care, they were told he could no longer stay due to his escalating condition—a situation that seemed contradictory to prior assurances given by management. This was particularly alarming considering another review highlighted how management appeared more focused on financial gain than providing genuine assistance or care.

With regard to cleanliness and maintenance, opinions varied significantly among reviewers. Some found Karolwood Gardens well-kept with good access for handicapped residents while others perceived it as outdated or in need of refurbishment. Reports indicated some areas were clean but lacked what might be considered "wow factors," which are customers might expect when selecting a senior living community; instead, several noted an atmosphere that felt stale or under-resourced relative to other facilities they visited.

Potential residents also raised concerns about meal quality and consistency in medication schedules as critical areas needing improvement within the facility's service offerings. The feedback regarding meals specifically indicated dissatisfaction with choices available—a point underscored by multiple reviewers who emphasized this aspect as needing significant overhaul if resident satisfaction is a priority.

On a more positive note, one review showcased an individual’s overall contentment with her apartment at Karolwood Gardens compared to other options available nearby; she mentioned its affordability along with amenities such as lifetime pricing locked in at move-in rather than subjecting families to fluctuating fees thereafter. Despite acknowledging minor ongoing adjustments concerning diet accommodations due to medical needs, she conveyed appreciation toward efforts made by staff members involved in addressing those issues during her loved one's transition into the facility.

In conclusion, while there are certainly aspects of Karolwood Gardens Norfolk deserving praise—like its caring staff—the overarching consensus suggests greater attention must be paid by management towards enhancing communication protocols and improving fundamental services such as meal quality alongside developing better resources for resident activities if they wish to elevate their reputation among potential residents seeking reliable eldercare solutions moving forward.

This neighborhood in Norfolk, Virginia, offers a convenient location with easy access to healthcare facilities such as De Paul Medical Atrium and Southern Eyecare Associates. There are also several pharmacies nearby including Walgreens and Rite Aid for quick prescription refills. For leisure activities, residents can enjoy a variety of cafes such as Starbucks and Panera Bread, as well as restaurants like Hank's Filling Station and Handsome Biscuit. Additionally, the area is close to several places of worship for spiritual fulfillment. The proximity to hospitals like CHKD and Portsmouth General Hospital ensures that medical care is easily accessible. Overall, this neighborhood provides a balance of amenities and services that would be beneficial for senior living.

Physicians

• De Paul Medical Atrium (0.2 miles)
• Southern Eyecare Associates (1.6 miles)
• Ghent Family Practice (2.2 miles)
• Galan-Dejesus Mariam Np (2.4 miles)
• Willis, Erica Pediatric Associates (2.4 miles)
• Dr Robert F. Castle, MD (2.9 miles)
• Duncan Yoder M.D. (3 miles)

Places of Worship

• Tabernacle Church Of Norfolk (0.3 miles)
• Third Presbyterian Church (2.6 miles)
• Twine Memorial Holy Temple (5.1 miles)
• Westhaven Baptist Church (6.3 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (1 miles)
• Rite Aid (1.1 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.9 miles)
• Walgreens (2.2 miles)
• Rite Aid (2.3 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.3 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.3 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (1 miles)
• Panera Bread (1.7 miles)
• Starbucks (1.9 miles)
• Coalescence Coffee (2.1 miles)
• Panera Bread (2.3 miles)
• Starbucks (2.3 miles)
• Cafe Stella (2.4 miles)

Restaurants

• Hank's Filling Station (1.4 miles)
• Perfectly Frank (1.6 miles)
• Taco Bell (1.8 miles)
• Handsome Biscuit (2 miles)
• Tap House Grill At Ghent (2.3 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (2.6 miles)
• Dodge's (2.8 miles)

Hospitals

• Chkd (2.4 miles)
• Naval Medical Center Portsmouth (4.1 miles)
• Portsmouth General Hospital (4.3 miles)
• Maryview Medical Ambulatory Surgery Recovery (5.8 miles)
• Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center (5.8 miles)

Parks

• The Pagoda & Oriental Garden (3.6 miles)
• Bay Oaks Park (4.4 miles)

Transportation

• The Tide MacArthur Square Station (3.7 miles)
• Norfolk Airport USO (4.1 miles)
• Norfolk International Airport (ORF) (4.2 miles)
• American Airlines Ticket Counter (4.2 miles)
• The Tide-Newtown Road Station (5.5 miles)