The Polaris Community

Pros

• The staff at Polaris Community is extremely friendly and genuinely cares about the residents.
• There are a wide variety of activities available, allowing residents to engage and socialize.
• Residents express satisfaction with the cleanliness and modernity of the facility.
• The food is generally well-received, with many praising its quality and taste.
• Families feel relieved knowing their loved ones are safe and well-cared for in a welcoming environment.
• The community atmosphere fosters friendships among residents, making it easier for them to connect with one another.
• Many residents appreciate the spacious apartments and various living options available.
• The facility provides excellent value compared to other similar communities, making it a preferred choice for families.
• Residents enjoy having access to amenities like a movie theater, billiard room, and bar within the community.
• Overall, past experiences have been positive, with families recommending Polaris Community to others seeking independent living options.

Cons

• Residents have experienced frequent staff turnover and ongoing issues with hot water access, requiring extended waiting times to obtain warm water for showers.
• The quality of food has deteriorated under new management, leading to dissatisfaction with meal taste.
• Transportation for doctor appointments has become less accessible, now requiring a week's notice instead of 24-hour reservations.
• Some residents feel lonely and bored due to a lack of engaging activities that align with their interests.
• The housekeeping service only provides surface cleaning twice a month, requiring residents to hire outside services for deeper cleaning needs.
• There is no on-site assisted living support or maintenance staff available during the weekend, raising concerns about immediate assistance in emergencies.
• Some residents have noted that portion sizes for meals are small and that options for specific dietary needs, such as diabetic meals, are limited.

Review

The Polaris Community has garnered a reputation as a welcoming and supportive independent living facility, characterized by its friendly staff and vibrant resident community. Many families express their satisfaction with the level of care and attention provided, highlighting how the staff appears genuinely committed to the well-being of residents. The atmosphere is described as relaxed and inviting, making it easy for new residents to feel at home. With an array of activities available, including games like cards and dominoes, movie nights, and organized group lunches outside the community, there are ample opportunities for social engagement. Such offerings have created a bonding environment among residents, who look out for one another.

However, while many reviews celebrate the positive aspects of living at Polaris Community, some residents have voiced concerns about specific elements that could be improved. One common thread throughout the reviews is the feeling of loneliness experienced by some residents despite the community's efforts to encourage social interaction. One family member noted that their father felt bored and lonely due to his inability to communicate his interests effectively or engage with others in shared activities. While there is a range of options provided within the activity schedule, not all residents may find something that resonates with their personal hobbies or preferences.

Food quality seems to be another point of contention among some reviewers; while many appreciate the meals provided—describing them as decent or even excellent under previous culinary supervision—there have been reports of declining taste under new management. Although meals cater primarily to general preferences rather than specific dietary needs—such as diabetic-friendly options—the recent hiring of a dietitian indicates that management is taking steps toward addressing these nutritional concerns. Residents have noted that food service staff are exceptionally friendly, which contributes positively to overall dining experiences.

Regarding operational logistics, several reviewers highlighted issues related to maintenance response times and service availability during weekends. Some pointed out ongoing hot water problems requiring lengthy waits before achieving suitable temperatures for showers—a longstanding issue yet unresolved since they moved in. Additionally, transportation services had shifted from 24-hour notice requirements for appointments to reservations needing a week’s advance notice—a challenge for elderly residents needing urgent medical attention without personal vehicles.

Despite these challenges, many testimonials underscore commendable aspects of life at Polaris Community. Cleanliness standards are generally upheld well; however, occasional lapses in trash pick-up were mentioned as minor inconveniences. The facility itself is praised for its modern amenities and spacious apartments—which come in various layouts—and many appreciate additional perks such as dog-friendly policies (though concerns were raised about lacking an outdoor dog park). Overall cleanliness reflects positively on operational standards.

In summation, Polaris Community stands out in offering an affordable yet upscale independent living experience where residents can enjoy companionship amid a backdrop of organized activities and attentive staff support. Numerous testimonials reflect deep appreciation from families who’ve witnessed positive changes in loved ones’ well-being since moving in—highlighting smiles over delicious food offerings and exciting events scheduled regularly on-site—as well as expressing gratitude towards organizations like "A Place for Mom" who assisted them in finding this nurturing environment. Despite room for improvement regarding specific services and dietary accommodations—challenges typical to many communal living situations—the overwhelming sentiment echoes one of satisfaction with their choice of residence within this tight-knit community.

This area of Columbus, Ohio offers a variety of amenities and services that may be appealing to seniors looking for a comfortable and convenient place to live. With a range of restaurants nearby such as Waffle House, Olive Garden, and Chick-Fil-A, there are plenty of dining options to choose from. The proximity to pharmacies like Walgreens and CVS Pharmacy ensures easy access to medication and healthcare needs. In terms of healthcare, there are several physicians' offices in the vicinity including Premier Women's Health and Central Ohio Primary Care. For leisure activities, parks like Flint Park and Highbanks Metro Park provide opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation. Additionally, there are places of worship like Westerville Christian Church and Genoa Baptist Church for spiritual fulfillment. Overall, this area offers a well-rounded environment with essential services for seniors seeking a supportive community in Columbus.

Restaurants

• Waffle House (0.1 miles)
• Olive Garden (0.1 miles)
• Firebirds Wood Fired Grill (0.2 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (0.2 miles)
• Shake Shack (0.3 miles)
• Chuy's (0.4 miles)
• BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse (0.4 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.5 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (0.9 miles)
• Discount Drug Mart (0.9 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.1 miles)
• SBH Medical Compounding Pharmacy (1.9 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.8 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.2 miles)

Physicians

• Conci (0.8 miles)
• Premier Women's Health (1.9 miles)
• Midwest Allergy Asthma and Immunology (2 miles)
• Central Ohio Primary Care (2 miles)
• Rgi Dr James (2.1 miles)
• Center for Surgical Dermatology & Dermatology Associates (2.3 miles)
• Ohio Plastic Surgery Specialists (2.6 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (1.3 miles)
• Starbucks (2.1 miles)
• Panera Bread (3.4 miles)
• Panera Bread (3.7 miles)
• Starbucks (5.7 miles)
• Tim Hortons (5.7 miles)
• Starbucks (5.9 miles)

Parks

• Flint Park (1.5 miles)
• Metzger Park (1.5 miles)
• Highbanks Metro Park (2.2 miles)
• Sharon Woods Metro Park (2.6 miles)
• North Road Park (4.6 miles)
• McNamara Park (5 miles)
• Antrim Park (5.1 miles)

Hospitals

• Mount Carmel St Ann's OBGYN Clinic (2.7 miles)

Places of Worship

• Westerville Christian Church (4 miles)
• All Shepherds Lutheran Church (4.6 miles)
• Genoa Baptist Church (5.6 miles)