6216 Strathmore La, Madison, WI 53711
For more information about senior living options: (844) 490-3973
Charter Senior Living of Madison has earned high marks from residents, families, and partner therapy teams for the way staff respond to questions and concerns and for the overall culture of communication. The facility has embraced open two-way dialogue, with staff and leadership, residents and their families, and outside providers like therapy teams working together toward shared goals. The therapy partners from Powerbackrehab describe a collaborative relationship with Charter's on-site team, emphasizing that their combined effort is aimed at maximizing residents' independence and mobility. In the voices of several staff and family supporters, the sentiment is clear: the staff at Charter are caring, responsive, and continuously focused on progress toward each resident's therapy goals, and the experience of providing therapy services there is a source of professional pride. One staff member even summed it up with a simple, heartfelt statement of devotion: "I love it here!! Love my coworkers and my residents," underscoring the positive, team-driven atmosphere that characterizes the Charter campus.
Tucked into these experiences is a broader picture of culture and care that extends beyond routine housekeeping and maintenance. The messages repeatedly highlight that Charter's staff are engaged with residents on a personal level, frequently checking in and working closely with therapy teams to tailor care plans. The sense of partnership is underscored by phrases like "two way communication" and "the best care for our residents to assist them in maximizing their independence and mobility." For those seeking meaningful activity, therapeutic support, and a responsive daily cadence, Charter receives strong affirmation from those who see the day-to-day operations up close, including the individuals who help residents regain or sustain functional abilities.
In contrast to the Charter experience, the narrative about Meadowmere - later known as Meadowmere Assisted Living in Madison before and after Cedarhurst's involvement - paints a more complex and divided picture. Several years ago, reviewers recall Meadowmere as a different, more favorable environment: abundant staff, meals that aligned with daily menus, adequate medical coverage, responsive front desk and maintenance teams, and a fully occupied building with residents filling most perhaps in every available apartment. Those memories form a benchmark against which later changes are measured. The turning point is described with a dated sequence: Cedarhurst's purchase in January 2022 marked the beginning of a noticeable deterioration in several key areas. The promised menu variety, transportation opportunities, and social outings evaporated as planned rides to appointments and outings disappeared, and a non-operational bus sat in the front stall with no clear plan or budget to revive it.
Food and dining are a focal point for many families' concerns after the transition. Reviewers recount instances where what was served diverged from the menu, and there were reports of undercooked dinner options and other dining inconsistencies. In addition, some residents were charged to take food back to their rooms, a practice described as "ridiculous" given the high cost of meals. The pattern of concern grows broader: frequent turnover among nursing staff and dietitians left families questioning readiness to respond in emergencies, and visitors repeatedly observed front-desk staff who appeared distracted by their phones. Nighttime safety concerns emerged as well, with reports of several occasions when the parking lot was dark and unlit after sunset, prompting direct alerts to leadership in one instance.
Maintenance, a core expectation in any assisted living setting, also drew comments. One reviewer recalled repeatedly being told, "It's not my job," when maintenance requests were raised, which contributed to a sense that some resident needs might be deferred rather than addressed promptly. The combination of staffing challenges, communication gaps, and operational bottlenecks painted a troubling image for some families, particularly given Meadowmere's reputational standing and the level of investment expected from those paying for care.
A separate and consequential thread concerns the financial and regulatory changes tied to Cedarhurst's governance. Reviewers recount that a promise of later-state assistance and a plan for private-pay residents to transition to state support were conditions that shaped families' decisions to enroll or remain. When Cedarhurst terminated its state contract in November 2022, a significant disruption followed: roughly half the community moved with short notice, a disruption that some families contrasted with Christmas-time stress and anxiety. A reference point connected to public reporting - the Wisconsin State Journal - appears in the narrative, anchoring the perceived gravity of the move and its impact on residents who were elderly and often in delicate financial and health circumstances.
Despite the darker chapters, there are still affirmations about Meadowmere's strengths and enduring virtues. Some residents, family members, and staff hold up Meadowmere's positive days as proof of what the community could be when conditions align with residents' needs. The testimonials speak to incredible staff members, such as Madison and Cynthia, who are described as caring deeply for every resident, treating them like family. Several comments celebrate the "incredible" Meadowmere staff who provided safety, warmth, and consistent, attentive care, even in challenging times. The director, Polly, is named in tours and inquiries as someone who engaged directly with families, answered questions, and helped shape a sense of confidence about Meadowmere's direction. Cleanliness and maintenance are also highlighted by some visitors as strong points, with multiple remarks about the facility's appearance and care standards in tours and inquiries.
In a closing note that circles back to hope and improvement, several reviewers express a renewed sense of confidence about Meadowmere as they approach decision points for themselves or their loved ones. Positive testimonials emphasize that the building's aesthetics are beautiful and that the staff remains capable of deep care, especially when needed. People speak to moments of reassurance - moments when management and staff listened, offered information, and demonstrated a commitment to residents' well-being. The recurring sentiment is that Meadowmere, with its team of caregivers and its leadership, can be a solid choice when aligned with the right expectations and circumstances, and that management changes can lead to meaningful changes in how residents experience daily life.
Taken together, the collection of observations presents a nuanced portrait of two care communities with overlapping footprints and distinct trajectories. Charter Senior Living of Madison emerges in this mix as a model of responsive, collaborative care - bolstered by a strong therapy partnership and a culture of open communication that resonates with residents, families, and therapists alike. Meadowmere, after Cedarhurst's acquisition, is described by some as having drifted from its earlier strengths, especially in transportation, dining consistency, and staffing stability, alongside the unsettling consequences of policy shifts and sudden moves. Yet, even within that landscape, there are durable strands of praise: dedicated staff who foster real connections, moments of excellent care, and leadership figures who inspire trust in particular families. The message across the narratives is that quality care is a living, evolving process - one that depends on the alignment of staffing, management, services, and transparent communication among all involved.
The Strathmore Home in Madison, WI is a premier assisted living community that offers a wide range of amenities and care services to ensure the comfort and well-being of its residents.
The community boasts a beautiful dining room where residents can enjoy delicious meals prepared by experienced chefs. The apartments are fully furnished, providing all the necessary comforts of home. Additionally, there is a lovely garden and outdoor space where residents can relax and take in the fresh air.
Housekeeping services are provided to ensure that the community remains clean and tidy at all times. Move-in coordination is also available to assist new residents with the transition process.
In terms of care services, the staff is trained to provide assistance with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, and transfers. They also coordinate with health care providers to ensure that residents receive appropriate medical attention. For individuals with specific dietary needs, diabetes diet and special dietary restrictions are taken into account when preparing meals.
Transportation arrangements for medical appointments are available for added convenience. This includes transportation to doctors' appointments and coordination with health care providers.
To keep residents engaged and active, scheduled daily activities are organized for their enjoyment. There are also numerous nearby cafes, parks, pharmacies, restaurants, places of worship, theaters, and hospitals within close proximity to cater to various preferences and needs.
Whether it's peaceful living or access to nearby amenities and services you desire, the Strathmore Home offers a comfortable and nurturing environment for seniors seeking assisted living in Madison, WI.
Strathmore Home is located at 6216 Strathmore La, Madison, WI 53711 in Dane County, Wisconsin
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