Gardenview Assisted Living

Pros

• The small size of Gardenview Assisted Living provides a comfortable and less overwhelming environment for residents.
• The staff is friendly and maintains good communication with families during visits.
• Meals are thoughtfully prepared, offering variety, and accommodate individual preferences.
• Residents have the option to enjoy their meals in their rooms if they prefer, promoting comfort and choice.
• There is a sense of camaraderie among residents who socialize and look out for each other.
• The facility offers convenient access to outpatient physical therapy, making it easier for residents to continue their care.
• Activities like bingo and outdoor walks provide opportunities for engagement and enjoyment for residents despite current limitations due to COVID-19.
• Residents are treated with dignity and respect, contributing to a positive living experience at Gardenview Assisted Living.

Cons

• The facility is frequently short-staffed, especially on weekends, leading to instances where residents are forgotten regarding their medications.
• There have been weeks when residents' rooms were not cleaned due to insufficient staff.
• Communication with the family is lacking unless they initiate it, and reaching the Director can be difficult since she manages two facilities.
• Some reviews indicate that the environment can be dirty and unkempt due to poor staffing.
• One review suggests that the manager does not engage with residents' issues effectively.

Review

Gardenview Assisted Living, though a smaller facility, has drawn the attention of families seeking a more intimate environment for their loved ones. Many prospective residents and their families find larger facilities overwhelming, and Gardenview’s size alleviates some of that stress. The transition process for new residents is fairly straightforward, and while the accommodations may not be lavish, they are deemed adequate. Families appreciate the approachable demeanor of the staff, who readily communicate updates when family members visit—a nearly daily occurrence in many cases.

Despite the warm atmosphere cultivated by staff interactions, there are areas where Gardenview falls short. A recurrent concern among reviewers is the staffing shortage that often plagues the facility, particularly on weekends. This lack of adequate personnel has led to unfortunate incidents where medications have been overlooked, creating anxiety for families regarding their loved one's care. Additionally, there have been weeks when rooms received insufficient cleaning due to these staffing issues. While communication can be effective when initiated by family members, residents’ needs can sometimes go unnoticed in this busy environment. The current director’s responsibilities across two facilities exacerbate this challenge; her limited availability raises concerns about consistent oversight.

On a positive note, many reviewers express satisfaction with the quality of meals served at Gardenview. The kitchen staff appears dedicated to providing diverse meal options and demonstrates flexibility by accommodating specific requests from residents who may prefer alternatives or wish to eat in their rooms instead of the communal dining area. Family members have commented on how inclusive dining can be at times—highlighting that even if their loved ones do not initially like what is being served, staff are willing to make substitutions without complaint. Meals also come with homemade desserts every day; however, some believe it would be better if such treats were reserved for special occasions rather than offered with every meal.

The opportunity for physical therapy has emerged as a significant advantage of residing at Gardenview Assisted Living. Many families appreciate that services continue seamlessly from nearby rehabilitation facilities; therapists even come over to pick up residents for scheduled sessions when necessary. This continuity has proven essential for individuals requiring ongoing care post-rehabilitation and played a crucial role in influencing families' decisions to choose Gardenview over other options.

While activity offerings are somewhat limited due to lingering concerns surrounding COVID-19 restrictions, regular events like bingo still facilitate social interaction among residents—something that many have found beneficial during these trying times. There are opportunities for leisurely activities as well; one resident enjoys sitting by a fireplace reading her book and taking walks outside during pleasant weather when organized outings occur.

Personal experiences shared by long-term residents provide insight into how individual needs are addressed within this community setting. One reviewer expressed gratitude for dignified treatment regarding their mother's memory issues over several years at Gardenview. Another mentioned that a sister-in-law with advanced dementia received exemplary care despite her limited ability to communicate—testament to the dedication staff demonstrate toward enhancing resident happiness regardless of cognitive challenges.

However, contrasting opinions highlight some concerning aspects related to cleanliness and management support within the facility itself—even pointing out that some describe conditions as "dirty" at times due to insufficient staff presence or engagement from management concerning resident affairs. These disparities underline an urgent need for improvement in operational practices while maintaining those features attracting families—the compassionate nature exhibited through friendly interactions and commitment demonstrated by culinary efforts creates an overall mixed experience reflective of both commendable attributes and areas needing enhancement at Gardenview Assisted Living.

This part of Menasha, Wisconsin offers a variety of conveniences for seniors looking to settle in a peaceful and accessible area. With several physicians, pharmacies, and hospitals within a short distance, residents have easy access to healthcare services. Additionally, there are plenty of dining options ranging from casual eateries like Arby's to fine dining establishments like Wilder's Bistro. The presence of cafes such as Starbucks provides opportunities for socializing and enjoying a cup of coffee. Nearby parks like Alicia Park and Pierce Park offer green spaces for relaxation and recreation. Places of worship like First United Methodist Church and St Bernadette cater to spiritual needs within the community. Overall, this neighborhood provides a well-rounded environment suitable for senior living with its blend of amenities and services.

Physicians

• HearingLife (0.2 miles)
• Theda Care (0.3 miles)
• Audiology and Hearing Services (0.8 miles)
• H Abdul Majid MD (1.1 miles)
• Affinity Occupational Health (1.2 miles)
• UW Health Children's Health Center (1.2 miles)
• St Elizabeth Hospital Heart, Lung & Vascular Center (1.3 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (0.2 miles)
• Pick 'n Save Pharmacy (0.8 miles)
• Walgreens (1 miles)
• Grifols (1.2 miles)
• Ascension Rx - Appleton Prescription Center (1.3 miles)
• Morton LTC (1.5 miles)
• Motus Rx (1.7 miles)

Restaurants

• Wilder's Bistro (0.6 miles)
• Red Ox (0.8 miles)
• Maple Tree Restaurant and Pancake House (0.9 miles)
• Arby's (0.9 miles)
• George's Steak House (0.9 miles)
• Michiels Bar & Grill (1.3 miles)
• Houdini's Escape Gastropub (1.5 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (0.8 miles)
• Copper Rock Coffee (2.2 miles)
• Panera Bread (3.1 miles)
• Starbucks (3.3 miles)

Hospitals

• St Elizabeth Hospital (1.3 miles)
• St Elizabeth Hospital Auxiliary (1.3 miles)
• Icu (3.4 miles)
• Martha Siekman Cancer Center (3.4 miles)
• Appleton Medical Center (3.4 miles)

Parks

• Alicia Park (1.5 miles)
• Pierce Park (1.7 miles)
• Jones Park (2.1 miles)
• Jefferson Park (2.1 miles)
• Erb Park (3.3 miles)

Places of Worship

• First United Methodist Church (2.4 miles)
• St Bernadette (2.4 miles)