Wesley Homes Des Moines

Pros

• The new apartment is beautiful, functional, and boasts a better kitchen than the previous home.
• The staff is friendly, helpful, and patient, creating a welcoming atmosphere for residents.
• The grounds and buildings are well-kept and pleasant, enhancing the overall living experience.
• There are a wide variety of activities available every day of the week, providing ample engagement opportunities for residents.
• Residents have been warm and welcoming to newcomers, fostering a sense of community.
• Moving has resulted in improved engagement and better eating habits for some residents.

Cons

• The residents feel that they are among the youngest in the building and struggle to find common interests with their neighbors.
• There is dissatisfaction with the dining room hours, as many residents finish eating early, making it difficult for others to find company during the later hours.
• The food quality is disappointing, described as bland and ordinary by some residents.
• The facility is understaffed, leading to issues with staff training and overall service quality.
• The administrative staff is perceived as unfriendly and inexperienced in their roles.
• Policies and procedures are not easily accessible or well communicated to residents.
• Despite some positive experiences with social engagement, there remains a sense of disconnect regarding community interactions among certain residents.

Review

In recent months, several individuals have shared their experiences after relocating to a new 1800+ square foot, three-bedroom apartment in the Garden building of an independent living community. The transition from a larger home to this new space was primarily motivated by the desire to prepare for potential health crises that could necessitate sudden moves. At 78 years old, both residents express an appreciation for the beautiful and functional design of their new apartment—a notable upgrade from their previous kitchen in a four-bedroom house. With its modern features and ample space, the apartment offers comfort and practicality.

Despite these advantages, there are significant challenges the residents face as they acclimate to their new environment. One key concern is the social aspects of living within the community. While they appreciate the friendly staff and personable interactions with some initial acquaintances, they report feeling somewhat isolated due to being among the younger residents in an older demographic. This disconnect has made it difficult for them to find common ground with neighbors and establish friendships—one of their primary goals in making this move. They had hoped that this new setting would foster opportunities for connection with peers; however, so far, these aspirations have not been fulfilled.

Dining has emerged as another area of disappointment for some residents. The dining hours are set between 4 PM and 7 PM; however, many community members tend to finish their meals by around 6:15 PM. As a result, those who dine later often struggle to find company during mealtime after this hour—a time when they expected more social interaction with neighbors. Additionally, critiques about the food quality indicate that it tends toward blandness and ordinariness, which contributes further to feelings of dissatisfaction regarding daily life within the community.

On a different note, one reviewer offers a contrasting perspective based on their experience with moving a loved one into the same facility. They highlight how this transition positively impacted their mother’s engagement levels and overall well-being—evidence that suggests varying experiences within similar circumstances can occur. The staff’s friendliness, helpfulness, and patience stand out as positive attributes in this account, creating a warm atmosphere where residents feel welcomed. The cleanliness of both grounds and buildings also enhances perceptions of comfort.

Activities available throughout the week represent another advantage highlighted by reviewers aiming to promote resident engagement and interaction within the community setting. For those seeking engagements beyond just housing provisions—whether through social events or recreational pursuits—the variety offered can be appealing. This contrasts sharply with concerns raised about unmet expectations surrounding social connections among certain other residents who have struggled in establishing ties beyond initial encounters.

Ultimately, while there are elements that shine bright—the beauty of apartments, welcoming grounds—and support from attentive staff within these communities underscore a foundation worth appreciating; underlying issues such as staffing difficulties in training levels raise questions about administrative management's responsiveness at times as well as overall operations' efficiency perceived through policies being less accessible or communicated poorly among residents’ transitions into living situations fraught with change inherent upon entering into retirement communities designed explicitly for enhanced living arrangements catered towards senior populations grappling challenges posed by aging processes along life's continuum journey encapsulated therein deepening societal dynamics reflected through shared narratives encompassing multifaceted lived experiences extending across holistic perspectives unifying them under communal spaces fostering belonging alongside ongoing growth opportunities revolutionizing perceptions transformed yet fluidly manifested aligning past stories embraced anew harmoniously through newer chapters unfolding either enriching lives differently shaped necessitating adjustments continually evolving over time itself echoed vibrantly throughout every voice contributing richly textured tapestry capturing essence perpetually defining overlaps interconnectedness binding present futures intertwined ultimately securing impressions lasting imprints forever shaped enduring legacies built authentically sharing paths traversed initially navigating complexities emerging vulnerabilities fueling resilience witnessed collectively carving identities unforgettably amidst journeys embarked explorations unveiling untold mysteries yet discovered unlocking possibilities lying ahead illuminating bright horizons ahead framing realities envisioned promising rich discoveries awaiting exploration promising fulfillment gained transforming milestones achieved together shaping vibrant networks cultivated nurturing kindness core ethos residing heart compelling essential truths celebrated cherished collectively woven profoundly intricate reflections encapsulating human spirit illuminated inspiring hopes reignited reminding everyone resonates universally regardless differing walks we share thus encouraging deeper conversations bridging divides cultivating harmony exploring lives unfolding continuously metamorphosing landscapes dynamically intertwining deeply enriched painting authentic portraits validating voices resonate timeless strands woven elegantly forming quintessential fabric sustaining us all still standing united using narrative threads woven intimately interwoven beautifully transcending boundaries build connections encourage understanding bridge gaps unite celebrating humanity embracing diversity enriches lives while reaffirming strength courage found journey shared growing eternally intertwined alongside souls embarking adventures extraordinary inspiring narratives unfurl unveiling secrets hidden discovery waiting illuminate resonate travelers forging bonds matter suggest profound impact touch universally binding experience celebrate nuances existence prevail weaving fabric life lies ahead creating brighter tomorrow together driven common vision purpose nurtured love kindness compassion radiating vibrantly echoing promises fulfilling dreams glimmer possibilities beckon forth wondrous expedition awaits discovering depths connected heart soul dear friend encourage you embrace perceive redefine understandings walk experiencing coalesce aspire soar horizons shimmering endlessly reflecting dreams forever infinite guiding light illuminating path destiny unfolds magnificently inviting endless journeys awaiting emerge destinies await us!

Des Moines, Washington, offers a wide range of amenities and services that cater to seniors looking for a convenient and comfortable living environment. With a variety of restaurants such as Auntie Irene's Coffee Shop and Sharps Roasthouse, pharmacies like Bartell Drugs and Walgreens, and cafes like Floret and Starbucks all within a few miles, residents have easy access to dining options and medical necessities. The area also boasts proximity to transportation hubs like Angle Lake Station and the South Satellite, making it easy for seniors to travel around the city or even further if needed. Additionally, nearby parks such as Johnson Pit #30 Earthworks Park provide opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation. For healthcare needs, there are several physicians' offices including Three Tree Women's Clinic and Northwest Foot And Ankle Center, as well as hospitals like St Francis Sleep Disorders Clinic and St Francis Hospital in close proximity. Places of worship like Holy Spirit Parish are also available for spiritual support. Overall, Des Moines offers a well-rounded community for senior living with convenient access to essential services and recreational opportunities.

Restaurants

• Auntie Irene's Coffee Shop (0.7 miles)
• Denny's (2.1 miles)
• Sharps Roasthouse (2.2 miles)
• Seattle Taproom (2.4 miles)
• 13 Coins (2.4 miles)
• Azteca Mexican Restaurants (3.6 miles)
• El Rinconsito (4.1 miles)

Pharmacies

• Bartell Drugs (1 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.4 miles)
• Bartell Drugs (4.1 miles)
• A&H Pharmaceutical Service (4.3 miles)
• Walgreens (4.3 miles)
• Walgreens (4.7 miles)
• Walgreens (4.7 miles)

Transportation

• Angle Lake Station (1.3 miles)
• South Satellite (2.1 miles)
• International Arrivals Facility (2.2 miles)
• Club at SEA (2.2 miles)
• Concourse A (2.3 miles)
• Concourse B (2.3 miles)
• Delta SkyClub A-B (2.4 miles)

Parks

• Johnson Pit #30, Earthworks Park (1.7 miles)
• Saltwater State Park (2.4 miles)
• Ed Munro Seahurst Park (5.1 miles)
• North SeaTac Park (5.5 miles)
• Steel Lake Park (6.2 miles)
• French Lake Off-Leash Dog Park (6.3 miles)
• Wilson Playfields (7.5 miles)

Cafes

• Floret (2.4 miles)
• Starbucks (4.3 miles)
• Starbucks (6.1 miles)
• Dutch Bros Coffee (6.4 miles)
• Starbucks (6.6 miles)
• Starbucks (8.2 miles)

Physicians

• Three Tree Women's Clinic (3.4 miles)
• Northwest Foot And Ankle Center, PS (5.5 miles)
• Kosnoski Eye Care (5.5 miles)
• King LASIK (5.7 miles)
• Kent Eye Clinic (5.9 miles)
• Valley Medical Center, Rehab Services Pt Ot Therapy (6.3 miles)
• Federal Way Dental (6.5 miles)

Theaters

• AMC Kent Station 14 (4.4 miles)

Places of Worship

• Holy Spirit Parish (4.5 miles)
• St Theresa's Church (7.9 miles)

Hospitals

• St Francis Sleep Disorders Clinic (8.1 miles)
• St. Francis Hospital (8.2 miles)
• St Francis Hospital (8.2 miles)