The Carlstone Independent 55 Living

Pros

• The staff at Carlstone is described as friendly, accommodating, and wonderful, making residents feel valued and part of the community.
• The facility is consistently noted for being clean, modern, and well-kept, contributing to a pleasant living environment.
• Residents appreciate the variety of activities offered, such as games, live music, and exercise classes, which foster social interaction.
• Many residents enjoy the spacious apartments with nice amenities that provide comfort and privacy.
• Overall experiences at Carlstone have brought happiness to residents, with several expressing gratitude for their choice to move there.

Cons

• The overall service at Carlstone declined after the first year, leading to dissatisfaction among residents.
• Staff members are often rude and frequently change policies originally promised to residents.
• Communication from management is terrible, and staff turnover contributes to negative attitudes.
• The food quality is inconsistent, with some meals being overcooked or lacking flavor, and there is a limited variety offered in the meals.
• The administration seems more focused on profit than on the well-being of the residents.
• Some staff members are not as accommodating as others, leading to mixed experiences for residents.
• There are issues with keeping public restrooms clean and in working order, reflecting poor maintenance standards.
• Residents feel that their specific dietary needs are not adequately accommodated by the kitchen staff.
• Despite being a nice facility, management lacks respect and understanding towards elderly tenants' needs.

Review

The Carlstone Independent Living community has garnered a range of reviews, reflecting both the positive experiences of residents and their families, as well as some areas in need of improvement. One constant factor in these testimonials is the initial impression that The Carlstone makes on newcomers. Many reviewers express satisfaction with the cleanliness and modernity of the facility, describing it as well-kept and pleasant-smelling upon arrival. Staff friendliness is also frequently praised, especially during early interactions, making it an appealing choice for individuals seeking independent living options. For instance, one user notably mentioned their father’s happiness with the clean environment and reasonable pricing when they first moved in.

As time progressed, however, several reviewers noted a downturn in overall service quality. While many residents were initially content with their living conditions after three months or more, issues began to arise concerning staff turnover rates and inconsistencies in service delivery. Some expressed concerns that long-term care was not equivalent to the high standards promised at the outset. A notable point was raised about staff behavior; complaints included rudeness among certain team members that detracted from the sense of community initially experienced by residents. This shift towards less favorable impressions wasn’t universal but certainly affected numerous former residents who felt let down by a facility that had once seemed perfect.

The quality of food served at The Carlstone received mixed reviews from different residents. While some enjoyed their meals generally but critiqued them for being bland or lacking variety—particularly pointing out issues with salad bar offerings—others described meals as overcooked or unappetizing altogether. Residents have noticed staffing changes within kitchen operations contributing to inconsistent meal experiences. Although management has acknowledged some food-related concerns and established committees to address them, improvements have not yet consistently enhanced diners' experiences.

Amid these challenges regarding dining services and staff changes, many residents still appreciate the plethora of activities available at The Carlstone. Social events like movie nights, Bible studies, card games, and live music provide engaging opportunities for connection among residents. Furthermore, amenities such as an onsite salon enhance the sense of community within this independent living environment. One resident noted a profound appreciation for being able to connect with others through regular exercise classes like Pilates while another highlighted how supportive staff became during times when she needed assistance due to sickness.

Living accommodations themselves are another point where praises ring true across many reviews—the spaciousness of apartments drew particular admiration along with various floor plans including one- and two-bedroom options that cater reasonably well to individual preferences or family visits during holidays. Reviewers often mention enjoying privacy while also having access to helpful staff should any needs arise—a feature that contributes positively toward maintaining dignity amongst elderly tenants.

Despite earlier dissatisfaction related mostly to dining services and perceptions about respect from management towards their elderly clientele, those who chose The Carlstone largely found value in its offerings alongside personal recommendations from friends or organizations like A Place for Mom which played a role in guiding them there initially. Overall happiness seems to shine through many testimonials even if accompanied by constructive feedback: whether it's about loving what feels like home right away or expressing gratitude for an accommodating staff willing to help every step along someone's journey into independent living; numerous voices rally together stating they'd recommend this community despite needing certain adjustments made over time.

This area of Norman, Oklahoma is conveniently located near several healthcare facilities, including the Norman Regional Hospital and various specialized clinics. There are also pharmacies nearby for easy access to medications. In terms of dining options, there are a variety of restaurants and cafes within a short distance, offering a range of cuisines to suit different preferences. For entertainment, there is a movie theater within a few miles. Additionally, there are parks for leisurely walks and places of worship for spiritual fulfillment. The proximity to the University of Oklahoma Airport provides easy access for travel if needed. Overall, this area offers a mix of amenities and services that may be appealing for senior living.

Physicians

• Norman Endoscopy Center (0.1 miles)
• GI Of Norman (0.2 miles)
• Breast Care Center At Norman Regional Hospital (0.3 miles)
• Variety Care (0.3 miles)
• Medical Mart (0.5 miles)
• Yeaman Signature Health Clinic (0.9 miles)
• Eyecare Center (1 miles)

Hospitals

• Norman Regional Hospital Radiation Oncology (0.2 miles)
• Children's Recovery Center (1.1 miles)
• Alsac St Jude Childrens's Hosp (1.2 miles)
• Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (1.3 miles)
• J D Mc Carty Center For Children (1.8 miles)
• Healthplex Women's and Children's Pavillion (3.3 miles)
• Norman Healthplex Labor and Delivery (3.4 miles)

Pharmacies

• Physicians & Surgeons Pharmacy (0.3 miles)
• Central Pharmacy (1.1 miles)
• Walgreens (1.3 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.4 miles)
• Homeland (1.5 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.3 miles)
• Homeland (2.4 miles)

Restaurants

• Sonic Drive-In (0.5 miles)
• Tarahumara's Mexican Cafe (0.5 miles)
• Scratch Kitchen & Cocktails (1.1 miles)
• Service Station (1.4 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (1.4 miles)
• McDonald's (1.5 miles)
• Othello's Italian Restaurant (1.5 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (1.4 miles)
• Dutch Bros Coffee (1.6 miles)
• Panera Bread (2.3 miles)
• Starbucks (2.4 miles)

Transportation

• University of Oklahoma Airport (OUN) (1.7 miles)
• David Jay Perry Airport (1K4) (5.8 miles)

Parks

• Rotary Park (2.1 miles)
• Colonial Commons Park (2.4 miles)

Places of Worship

• Islamic Society of Norman (2.2 miles)

Theaters

• Robinson Crossing 6 (2.7 miles)