Agape Senior Home

Pros

• The individual is grateful for finding an affordable place for their mom, where the staff are kind and thoughtful.
• A Place for Mom provided caring assistance during the search for a suitable home.
• The location is nice and offers an intimate family structure, making it a good fit for those in need of care.
• At least two staff members are always on site, ensuring residents receive adequate support.
• The rooms are fairly clean, contributing to a comfortable living environment.
• Residents have the option to go outside, promoting engagement with nature.
• The staff includes individuals with significant experience in caregiving, which adds to the home's quality of care.
• Overall, the place is considered not bad and is worth keeping on the list for its convenient location.

Cons

• The bathroom would have to be shared, which may not be ideal for residents.
• The residents looked like zombies, indicating a lack of engagement or quality of care.
• The house was in repair, suggesting issues with maintenance and upkeep.
• The layout of the house had steps that wouldn't work for someone with mobility issues, like bad knees.
• Residents could only partially access the upstairs via a chair lift but still had to navigate stairs on their own, posing safety concerns.

Review

Finding the right living arrangement for a loved one can often feel overwhelming, especially when considering options such as assisted living facilities or group homes. Recently, I explored several residential care settings aimed at providing comfort and support for my mother. My journey revealed a mix of experiences, highlighting both the positives and negatives of each place.

One option that stood out was an affordable home that offered an intimate environment where only a handful of residents could live together. The staff were notably kind and thoughtful, which gave me peace of mind knowing that my mother would be in caring hands. Additionally, A Place for Mom played a critical role in this search process, demonstrating genuine concern and support while helping me navigate the various choices available. The facility did not boast a packed schedule of activities; however, it did allow residents to enjoy some outdoor time, which is always important for mental well-being.

The location itself was appealing, situated in a neighborhood that felt welcoming and safe. With just four residents possible at one time and always two staff members on duty, this setting fostered a familial atmosphere. During my visit, I noted that at least three staff quarters were present within the home layout—an encouraging sign that care providers lived nearby to maintain constant support. With one caretaker boasting 25 years of experience in the field, I felt reassured about the competence of the team as well as their commitment to quality care.

However, not all residential settings left me with positive impressions. One particular house intended for four people felt less than ideal upon inspection. The overall condition raised concerns as the home appeared to be undergoing repairs; it lacked essential features like private bathrooms since residents would have to share facilities—a significant drawback in ensuring individual dignity and comfort. Moreover, witnessing other residents who seemed disengaged from their surroundings—almost zombie-like—was alarming and indicative of an environment lacking sufficient stimulation or personal interaction.

Another setting I toured marked my first exposure to group home living arrangements specifically designed for individuals requiring assistance due to mobility issues or cognitive challenges like dementia. While the exterior of this house was pleasant enough, it became evident quite quickly that its layout posed significant challenges for my mother’s specific needs due to her bad knees combined with memory decline. Despite having a chair lift enabling partial access to upstairs areas, she would still face difficulty managing steps independently—a critical factor in evaluating whether this space could truly accommodate her requirements comfortably.

With these experiences fresh in my mind, I've determined it's vital to prioritize accessibility when selecting an appropriate residence for my mother moving forward. While some facilities may be ideal regarding location or staffing matters—the ability to accommodate physical disabilities must also play a crucial role in decision-making processes going ahead. Based on what I’ve observed thus far about these potential homes—with both positives noted alongside pivotal drawbacks—it becomes clear that continuing our search is necessary until we find just the right fit tailored specifically for her unique circumstances while remaining conveniently located near family and friends alike.

This area of Columbia, Maryland offers a variety of amenities and services that would be convenient for senior living. With several restaurants, cafes, pharmacies, physicians, theaters, parks, hospitals, places of worship, and transportation options within a few miles radius, residents would have easy access to necessities and entertainment. The proximity to Howard County General Hospital and other healthcare facilities ensures that medical needs can be easily addressed. Additionally, the presence of diverse dining options and recreational spaces such as parks provides opportunities for socialization and relaxation. The transportation options nearby make it convenient for seniors to travel within and outside the area as needed. Overall, this part of Columbia offers a well-rounded community with essential resources for seniors looking for a comfortable and accessible living environment.

Restaurants

• HomeSlyce (0.8 miles)
• Hunan Manor Restaurant (0.9 miles)
• Taco Bell (0.9 miles)
• Frisco Tap House & Brewery (1.5 miles)
• McDonald's (2.3 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (2.4 miles)
• Chipotle Mexican Grill (2.7 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (0.8 miles)
• Starbucks (2.5 miles)
• Starbucks (3.7 miles)
• Café Nordstrom (3.9 miles)
• Starbucks (4.5 miles)
• Starbucks (5.5 miles)
• Starbucks (5.7 miles)

Parks

• Lake Elkhorn Park (1.5 miles)
• Martin Road Park (2.6 miles)
• Blandair Regional Park (3.2 miles)
• High Ridge Park (3.9 miles)
• Centennial Park (5.4 miles)
• Centennial Park (6.1 miles)

Pharmacies

• Wegmans (1.6 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.8 miles)
• Walgreens (3.8 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (4.2 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (4.4 miles)
• Walgreens (4.7 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (4.8 miles)

Physicians

• Seton Medical Group (3.4 miles)
• Maple Lawn Surgery Center (3.8 miles)
• Sheikh, Sarah Capital Womens Care (3.8 miles)
• American Vein Institute (4 miles)
• Eternal Dermatology (4.1 miles)
• Hopkins gastroenterology clinic (4.2 miles)
• Mid Atlantic Nephrology Association (4.3 miles)

Theaters

• AMC Columbia 14 (3.9 miles)
• Cinemark Holdings (5.9 miles)

Hospitals

• Howard County General Hospital (4.4 miles)
• Howard County General Hospital, Johns Hopkins Medicine (4.4 miles)
• Sheppard Pratt Health System (6.8 miles)
• Kimbrough Ambulatory Care Clinic Main Pharmacy (7.3 miles)

Places of Worship

• Bridgeway Community Church (4.5 miles)
• St Augustine's Church (7.1 miles)

Transportation

• BWI Rental Car Facility (7 miles)
• Avis Rent A Car (7 miles)
• Hertz Rent A Car (7 miles)
• Amtrak/MARC - BWI Rail Station (7.7 miles)