The Dorothy Frances Home

Pros

• The caregivers at The Dorothy Francis Home provided excellent care and support to the resident.
• The active lifestyle and engaging environment at the facility positively impacted the resident's well-being.
• The superior care ratio of two aides to seven residents ensured personalized attention and safety.
• The facility consistently ensured that the resident stayed hydrated and maintained good hygiene.
• The resident's contentment and safety were greatly appreciated by their family.
• The experience at The Dorothy Francis Home was a relief after a previous negative experience at another facility.
• The resident's last months were spent in a safe and secure environment, providing peace of mind to their loved ones.

Cons

• Despite being in a Benchmark facility, the care ratio there was exceptionally low at 1 aide to 18 residents, which led to multiple falls and hospitalization for the reviewer's father.
• The reviewer had to take their father out of a Benchmark facility after only three weeks due to inadequate care and safety concerns.
• Benchmark facilities have a significantly lower care ratio compared to The Dorothy Francis Home, making them less ideal for providing quality care and ensuring resident safety.
• The reviewer's father experienced falls while in another facility, highlighting potential negligence in their care practices compared to The Dorothy Francis Home.
• The care provided at other facilities did not meet the reviewer's expectations or adequately address their father's need for mobility and conversation.

Review

The Dorothy Francis Home has received glowing reviews from a satisfied customer whose 95-year-old father spent the last three months of his life there. According to the reviewer, their father was incredibly active and always wanted to move around and engage in conversation. However, the attentive staff at The Dorothy Francis Home ensured that he remained safe and secure throughout his stay.

One aspect that stood out to the reviewer was the exceptional care ratio at The Dorothy Francis Home. With only seven other residents present during their father's time there, the care was provided by two aides, resulting in an impressive level of personalized attention. This aspect alone made a world of difference compared to another facility where the ratio was a staggering 1 aide for every 18 residents.

Safety was clearly a top priority at The Dorothy Francis Home, as they went above and beyond to prevent any falls or accidents. The constant presence of caregivers ensured that their father never had to face such incidents during his stay. Moreover, the staff made it a point to keep him well-hydrated and maintain his cleanliness, ensuring both his physical comfort and overall contentment.

Speaking of contentment, it is evident that The Dorothy Francis Home succeeded in providing a peaceful atmosphere where their father felt genuinely satisfied. His happiness was a huge relief for both him and his family, knowing that he was safe and well-cared for in his final months.

Comparing this experience to a previous one at another facility underlines just how fortunate their family felt about finding The Dorothy Francis Home. It showcases not only the stark contrast in care ratios but also emphasizes how crucial skilled and attentive personnel can be when it comes to maintaining seniors' safety and well-being.

In summary, The Dorothy Francis Home received high praise for its attentive staff members who created an environment where residents could thrive physically, emotionally, and socially. The exceptional care ratio with two aides for just seven other residents sets this facility apart from others that struggle with overwhelming numbers. The commitment to safety, keeping residents hydrated, and maintaining their cleanliness further solidifies The Dorothy Francis Home as a place where elderly individuals can spend their final months in comfort and security.

Located in Waltham, Massachusetts, this neighborhood offers a convenient and vibrant living environment for seniors. With a variety of restaurants such as Wendy's, Margaritas Mexican Restaurant, and Pizzi Farm Market & Deli nearby, there are plenty of dining options to choose from. Additionally, the area boasts several pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens for easy access to medications and healthcare needs. For outdoor activities, there are parks like Prospect Hill Park and Cat Rock Park within a short distance, providing opportunities for leisurely strolls or picnics. Places of worship such as Our Lady's Church and Temple Shir Tikva cater to spiritual needs. The neighborhood also has reputable medical facilities including McLean Hospital and Newton-Wellesley Hospital for any health concerns. Transportation options like the MBTA stations make it convenient to explore the surrounding areas, while theaters such as Cinema World Majestic 7 offer entertainment options for residents. Overall, this part of Waltham offers a well-rounded and accessible community for seniors looking for a comfortable place to call home.

Restaurants

• Wendy's (0.8 miles)
• Margaritas Mexican Restaurant (0.9 miles)
• Pizzi Farm Market & Deli (1.7 miles)
• Kura Revolving Sushi Bar (4.1 miles)
• Sofra Bakery & Cafe (4.3 miles)
• McDonald's (4.4 miles)
• La Saison Bakery (4.8 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (0.8 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.2 miles)
• Immunogen (2.6 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.6 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.8 miles)
• Walgreens (3.6 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (4 miles)

Parks

• Prospect Hill Park (1.2 miles)
• Cat Rock Park (2.4 miles)
• Rindge Park (3.8 miles)
• Newton Highlands Playground (4.9 miles)
• Grove-Cedar Bike Path (6 miles)
• Tufts Park (6.5 miles)
• Mary Cummings Park (6.7 miles)

Places of Worship

• Our Lady's Church (1.6 miles)
• Parish of the Messiah (2.8 miles)
• St Agnes Parish-Arlington (4.8 miles)
• Temple Shir Tikva (6.1 miles)
• St Paul Parish, Harvard Square (6.1 miles)

Physicians

• Mersi (2.1 miles)
• Lahey Lexington (2.6 miles)
• Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates (5.6 miles)
• Fresenius Medical Care (6.1 miles)
• Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates (6.4 miles)
• Laser Gentle Medical Spa (7 miles)
• Bidmc Lowry Building (7.1 miles)

Hospitals

• McLean Hospital (2.2 miles)
• Newton-Wellesley Hospital (3.8 miles)
• Mount Auburn Hospital (5.1 miles)
• Lahey Clinic (7 miles)
• Brigham and Women's Hospital (7.3 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (2.7 miles)
• Starbucks (4.4 miles)
• Blue Bottle Coffee (5.4 miles)
• Flour Bakery + Cafe (5.7 miles)
• Cafe Rustica (6 miles)
• Tatte Bakery & Cafe (6 miles)
• Forge Baking Company (6.2 miles)

Transportation

• MBTA Riverside Station (3.5 miles)
• MBTA Reservoir Station (5.5 miles)
• MBTA Davis Square Station (5.7 miles)
• Porter Square MBTA Station (5.8 miles)
• Hanscom Field (BED) (6.1 miles)
• MBTA Union Square Station (7.1 miles)
• MBTA Fenway Station (7.1 miles)

Theaters

• Cinema World Majestic 7 (4.2 miles)
• Showcase SuperLux (5.4 miles)
• AMC Burlington Cinema 1 (6.7 miles)