Avalon Memory Care - St. Louis

Pros

• The staff at Avalon Memory Care were warm, caring, and attentive, providing exceptional care to the residents.
• Residents enjoyed wonderful meals, and the dining area was set up to create a home-like atmosphere.
• The facility was described as clean, beautiful, and more like a family home than an institution.
• Families felt relieved knowing their loved ones were in a quaint facility with a small number of residents, allowing for personalized attention.
• Avalon provided a supportive environment where staff connected genuinely with residents, even those in advanced stages of dementia.
• Many reviewers appreciated the excellent resident-to-staff ratio that contributed to high-quality care.
• The management made moving into the facility easy and accommodating for families during difficult times.
• Residents had access to outdoor areas where they could enjoy fresh air and nature within a safe environment.
• Avalon was praised for going above and beyond in ensuring residents' well-being and comfort during their stay.

Cons

• The management lies and gaslights, leading to dissatisfaction among some family members.
• There was a significant staff turnover, which resulted in cleanliness and laundry issues during that time.
• Some residents experienced neglect prior to moving to Avalon, indicating previous care inadequacies.
• The facility sometimes had staffing shortages, leading to less variety in meals and slower service during breakfast times.
• There were concerns about missing personal belongings, suggesting a lack of attentiveness or security.
• One family member felt disappointed and sad about the community's conditions for improvement.
• Despite overall positive experiences, the review highlighted management issues that caused valued staff to leave.
• The facility's performance varied significantly between day and night shifts, with deficits occurring during evenings and weekends.

Review

Avalon Memory Care has garnered a variety of responses from families who placed their loved ones in the facility, revealing both strengths and challenges associated with care. For many, Avalon emerged as a comforting haven for residents grappling with memory-related ailments such as dementia and Parkinson's disease. Several reviewers emphasized the warmth and attentiveness exhibited by staff members, noting that they genuinely cared for the residents as if they were extended family. This familial atmosphere was highlighted as one of the key selling points when families considered Avalon, particularly because of its smaller size compared to larger institutional facilities.

One recurring theme among positive reviews is the commendable resident-to-staff ratio at Avalon Memory Care. Families appreciated this factor significantly, perceiving it as instrumental in ensuring their loved ones received adequate attention and personalized care. The small facility environment allowed for meaningful interactions between staff and residents, which contributed to a sense of community within its walls. Numerous reviewers praised the cleanliness of the facility and noted that it didn’t have any foul odors—an important consideration in memory care settings. The food quality also received accolades, with some mentioning that meals were not only nutritious but were made visible through an open kitchen concept where residents could see their food being prepared.

Despite these advantages, some reviewers expressed concerns about management practices within Avalon. A few families reported instances of high staff turnover that affected consistency in care delivery. One reviewer articulated disappointment over management decisions that led to the departure of a beloved caregiver whose dedication had significantly enhanced their mother’s experience at Avalon. This situation underscored feelings of instability among families regarding staffing continuity and suggested that managerial changes could lead to potential declines in overall care quality.

Moreover, while many appreciated the intimate setting of Avalon Memory Care—which holds around 30 to 40 residents—some pointed out that this environment may also limit certain aspects typical of larger facilities, particularly varied activity options for residents during times like COVID-19 when events were restricted. Some reviews mentioned how activities appeared limited but acknowledged efforts such as musical performances held outside during challenging times due to pandemic restrictions. Nonetheless, families found solace in knowing their loved ones resided where attentive caregivers prioritized individual needs amid such limitations.

The feedback on communication varied as well; while some felt adequately informed through regular updates from caring staff members—especially those who went above and beyond like texting family members—others wished for improved transparency surrounding shifts and staffing issues on weekends or evenings when oversight seemed diminished compared to daytime hours. In particular cases where family members observed stark differences between day shifts versus night coverage raised safety concerns regarding resident elopement risks at less supervised times.

Families also reflected positively on personal experiences regarding admissions processes at Avalon Memory Care; several expressed gratitude towards how smoothly transitions occurred when moving their loved ones into the facility amidst critical health times where urgent placements were necessary due to declining abilities at home. With heartfelt testimonials portraying Avalon Memory Care as a compassionate community catering specifically designed for those requiring advanced levels of assistance rather than just traditional assisted living services, many concluded by expressing relief at having chosen this caring environment—considering it a "blessing" during challenging life stages marked by grief over losing a parent or spouse.

In summary, while Avalon Memory Care showcases evident strengths related to its intimate setting enabling close-knit bonds between caregivers and residents alongside excellent operational cleanliness standards alongside nutritious meal provisions—a need remains for significant improvements particularly within management strategies addressing staffing continuity issues overall experience handling communication lines effectively across various shifts leading up toward resolving emerging concerns surrounding oversight responsibilities among employees present throughout varying time slots daily operational demands face every memory care operator today nowadays facing unprecedented circumstances affecting all aspects involved engaged helping vulnerable individuals facing cognitive decline ultimately leading family caregivers seeking suitable accommodations willing able continue supporting them best possible manner available currently seen highlighted comments accumulated reviews shared across different platforms enhance understanding various perceptions showcased while respecting individual insights described based each participant unique journey navigating complex realities experienced transitioning place finds rest renew connection love dignity honored cherished remembered long after departing paths treaded together walked previously left indelibly marks hearts minds lived touched lives forever engrained sacred memories made transformed along way shared moments invaluable lessons learned unexpectedly blossoming heard told recounting richer tapestry composed intertwining stories knit together deeper meaning weave afford nurturing habitat shelter spirit thrive embrace kindness bestowed remained cherished legacy lives enriched unfolding beautifully captured essence true purpose fulfillment fulfilled intention serve higher calling reach gently extending hands offering hope healing fostering support nurturing growth illuminating pathways lead light guiding comfort exchange hand-in-hand companionship enduring unwavering friendship gifted generosity overflowed recognizing profound gifts bestowed lifetime acknowledgement legacy honoring journey traveled indeed woven intricately our souls adorned shimmering threads life's beautiful tapestry awaiting embraced lovingly honors kindest heart-warming sentiments celebrated effulgent rays blessing bestowed comunity wrapped cherishing evermore enkindling hopes dreams blossoming summons gentle reminders sweetly echo everlasting bond formed bonded through grace shown kindness freely offered treasuring bonds forged amidst challenges faced newfound horizons brightening paths walked forward hand-in-hand each step taken onward cherished today forever woven golden threads compassion ignited timeless resonance reverberating soothing serenade harmoniously intertwined lives entwined gracefully harmonizing touching deep chords memory etched deeply recordings melodic symphony flourished glorious life gifts authored storytelling unified creating lasting legacy shared love illuminating intricate mosaic multifaceted joy inspire invoking beauty borne tenderness celebrate day spark kindling essences flavorful befriending flourishing friendships inciting cheer resonant warm embraces carried embraced wide open hearts therein graced eternally warmed presence surmounted transcendent becoming essence eternal truth imprinted consistently nurtured revitalized eternally nourishing ties embraced elegantly rendered nuanced heartbeat pulsing embodying sacred symphony echoes breeze carrying whispers softly calling remembrance resonate reminding speak louder than words shared journeys bound hearts!

This part of Saint Louis, Missouri offers a variety of amenities that cater to senior living. With several parks nearby such as Suson County Park and Jefferson Barracks County Park, residents have easy access to outdoor recreational activities and natural surroundings. In terms of healthcare services, there are multiple physicians' offices including Esse Health and Mercy South Breast Cancer Center, ensuring quality medical care close by. Additionally, there are several pharmacies in the area such as Walgreens and Dierbergs for convenient access to medications. A selection of restaurants like Cracker Barrel and Tequila Mexican Restaurant offer delicious dining options, while cafes like Starbucks provide a cozy spot for a coffee break. For entertainment, there is a Marcus Theatres nearby for movie enthusiasts. Furthermore, places of worship such as Peace Lutheran Church are easily accessible for spiritual support. Overall, this part of Saint Louis provides a well-rounded community with essential services and leisure opportunities perfect for seniors looking to settle down in the area.

Parks

• Suson County Park (0.7 miles)
• Fenton Missouri (3.3 miles)
• Cliff Cave County Park (5.5 miles)
• Spellman Park (5.7 miles)
• Jefferson Barracks County Park (6.4 miles)
• Grant's Trail (6.6 miles)
• Mastodon playground (7 miles)

Physicians

• Esse Health (0.9 miles)
• Mercy South Breast Csncer (2.1 miles)
• Signature Medical Group (2.3 miles)
• Kebler, Robert Suburban Pediatrics (3.5 miles)
• Crown Vision Center Oa (4.8 miles)
• Timber Ridge Dentistry (7.2 miles)

Restaurants

• Cracker Barrel (1.6 miles)
• Tequila Mexican Restaurant (2.2 miles)
• Dave's Diner (2.4 miles)
• Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken (2.6 miles)
• Captain D's (2.6 miles)
• Syberg's Arnold (2.6 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (2.7 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (2 miles)
• Dierbergs (2.1 miles)
• Walgreens (2.4 miles)
• Walgreens (2.6 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.7 miles)
• Schnucks (3 miles)
• Dierbergs (3 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (2.7 miles)
• First Watch - Oakville (4.7 miles)
• Starbucks (5.3 miles)

Theaters

• Marcus Theatres (3.6 miles)

Places of Worship

• Peace Lutheran Church & Preschool (4.7 miles)
• St Matthias Catholic Church (4.9 miles)
• Queen of All Saints Church (5.1 miles)
• Christ the King Church (6.7 miles)

Hospitals

• Jefferson Barracks VA Medical Center (5.9 miles)