Vibrant Life of Kalamazoo

Pros

• The staff at the facility is wonderful and very caring.
• The grounds are beautiful and well-kept.
• The community has a great COVID plan and has done a great job keeping the residents safe.
• The staff at New Friends Memory Care & Assisted Living goes out of their way to help with difficult transitions.
• The facility smells wonderful and clean, creating a warm and homey environment.

Cons

• They did not follow the medication guideline and sent the patient to the hospital after an altercation.
• The facility neglected to help a resident with basic needs, such as getting around and providing glasses.
• The care level for severe dementia residents was inadequate, with only two showers in three weeks.
• The facility had multiple incidents of falls and lack of proper care, leading to serious injuries.
• The community raised rates and lost a resident's hearing aids, which had to be repaid.
• There was a long waiting list with a high fee just to join.
• There were not enough activities for residents, particularly for someone who was more independent.
• Despite some positive aspects, there were concerns about staff handling difficult behavior and meeting daily needs.
• Some reviews mentioned that there were limited options on the menu and a lack of variety in food choices.
• It's important to remember that these statements reflect the opinions and experiences of the reviewers and may not necessarily accurately represent all individuals' experiences at the community.

Review

New Friends Memory Care & Assisted Living is a highly regarded community with beautiful grounds that are well-maintained. The staff is described as wonderful and caring, providing exceptional care to the residents. Overall, the reviewers seemed pleased with their experience at this facility.

However, there were some negative experiences shared by a few reviewers. In one instance, a resident's medication guidelines were not followed, leading to an altercation and ultimately a trip to the emergency room. Another incident involved neglect in assisting a resident with daily tasks, such as getting around and finding food. This lack of care extended to infrequent showers and inadequate post-hospitalization support for patients in need.

In terms of amenities, one reviewer mentioned that food is not available after certain hours and that there is a lack of variety and quality in the meals provided. Additionally, it was noted that there were no checks on residents in their rooms and no nurse on staff to attend to their medical needs.

Despite these negative experiences, there were positive aspects mentioned as well. The community accepts Medicaid, which was a deciding factor for one reviewer. Another person commended the facility for its effective COVID-19 plan and praised their efforts in keeping residents safe during the pandemic.

The rooms provided to residents were given an average rating by one reviewer but were not recommended due to recent rate increases and issues regarding lost hearing aids. However, another reviewer had a more positive experience during their tour of the facility, noting attentive and polite staff members, clean surroundings, and independent cottages where residents could enjoy outdoor activities.

There were mixed opinions about the activities offered at New Friends Memory Care & Assisted Living. Some reviewers felt that there weren't enough options available for their loved ones or that their loved ones were more independent than other residents at assisted living facilities. On the other hand, one review praised the staff for their excellent work with a difficult resident and highlighted engaging activities like story time and interactive projects.

Transportation services were mentioned as a positive aspect, with residents being provided opportunities for shopping trips and outdoor excursions. Fresh air and a warm, homey environment were appreciated. However, one reviewer expressed a desire for more menu options if the resident did not like what was available.

Overall, New Friends Memory Care & Assisted Living appears to be a community that strives to provide attentive care and engaging activities for its residents. While there were some negative experiences shared, it is important to note that each person's experience may vary based on their own unique circumstances and expectations.

This area of Kalamazoo, Michigan, offers a variety of dining options within walking distance, including Library Kitchen & Taphouse, Papa John's Pizza, and Shawarma King. There are also several cafes nearby such as Sweetwater's Donut Mill and Starbucks. For medical needs, there are several physicians and pharmacies in the vicinity, including John Spurr DDS and CVS Pharmacy. Places of worship like Westwood Christian Reformed Church and Valley Family Church are also located nearby for spiritual support. Hospitals like Bronson Internal Medicine Oshtemo provide medical care within a short distance. Additionally, recreational activities can be enjoyed at GQT Kalamazoo 10 theater or Bronson Park. Overall, this neighborhood offers convenience and amenities that may appeal to seniors looking for a comfortable living environment in Kalamazoo.

Restaurants

• Library Kitchen & Taphouse (0.1 miles)
• Papa John's Pizza (0.4 miles)
• Dickey's Barbecue Pit (0.6 miles)
• McDonald's (0.6 miles)
• Shawarma King (0.6 miles)
• Checkers (0.7 miles)
• The Big Burrito (0.7 miles)

Cafes

• Sweetwater's Donut Mill (0.5 miles)
• Starbucks (0.7 miles)
• Panera Bread (1.4 miles)
• Starbucks (1.6 miles)
• Water Street Coffee Joint (1.7 miles)
• Brite Eyes Brewing Co. (2.7 miles)

Physicians

• John Spurr DDS (0.7 miles)
• SVS Vision Optical Centers (0.7 miles)
• Adult & Pediatric Ear Nose & Throat Plc (0.9 miles)
• Bronson Orthopedics & Sports Medicine (1.2 miles)
• Thomas A Slack, DDS (1.2 miles)
• Kalamazoo Oral Surgery (1.2 miles)
• Walden Dr Katherine Md (1.2 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (0.8 miles)
• Kmed Pharmacy (1.3 miles)
• Torrent Pharma (1.3 miles)
• Harding's Friendly Markets (1.3 miles)
• Walgreens (1.5 miles)
• Sindecuse Health Center Pharmacy (1.5 miles)
• D & W Pharmacy (1.7 miles)

Places of Worship

• Westwood Christian Reformed Church (1.4 miles)
• Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (1.8 miles)
• Valley Family Church (2.7 miles)
• Southern Heights Christian Reformed Church (2.7 miles)

Hospitals

• Bronson Internal Medicine Oshtemo (1.4 miles)
• Kalamazoo Psychiatric Hospital (1.8 miles)
• Bronson ProHealth - John St (2.8 miles)

Theaters

• GQT Kalamazoo 10 (1.8 miles)

Parks

• Bronson Park (2.7 miles)