Colonial Gardens Transitional Assisted Living and Memory Care

Pros

• The staff at Colonial Gardens are incredibly friendly and attentive, making a genuine effort to connect with residents and their families.
• Residents benefit from a variety of engaging daily activities, including outings to places like the Zoo and the State Fair.
• The facility is well-decorated, clean, and offers a pleasant atmosphere for both residents and visiting families.
• Family members appreciate the open communication from staff regarding updates on their loved ones’ care.
• Many residents enjoy the meals provided, which are varied and considered healthy.
• Families value the dedicated memory care focus of Colonial Gardens, leading to better quality support for their loved ones.
• The community encourages family involvement and provides resources such as newsletters and support groups for families.
• Residents have access to a beautiful courtyard where they can enjoy fresh air in a safe environment.

Cons

• The service needs improvement, as patients require more attention and better meal options.
• There is a major staffing shortage, particularly on weekends, which affects the level of care provided to residents.
• Some residents have experienced issues with missing clothes and inadequate reminders for personal care tasks.
• One family reported a devastating experience where their loved one suffered from undetected COVID-19 due to lack of proper monitoring by staff.
• The food quality and variety were criticized as insufficient, with some describing it as unappealing and unhealthy.
• Residents have been observed wearing the same clothes for extended periods without proper bathing or care.
• A few staff members reportedly lack training in handling residents who need assistance with feeding and accessing beverages.
• Although the facility is clean and well-decorated, there are concerns about the overall quality of care being compromised for financial gain.

Review

Colonial Gardens has garnered a variety of feedback from families and friends regarding their experiences with the memory care community. Overall, many reviewers express satisfaction with the facility, highlighting its dedication to residents with memory-related challenges. The physical environment appears to be a significant asset; reviewers emphasize the cleanliness and attractive decor of Colonial Gardens, often noting that seasonal decorations add warmth and cheer to the atmosphere. Additionally, families appreciate the well-kept courtyard where residents can enjoy fresh air—a feature that undoubtedly enhances their quality of life.

One aspect consistently praised is the staff's commitment to providing attentive care. Many commenters commend the caregivers for being observant and proactive in recognizing when residents need extra attention or support, whether it’s a simple conversation or assistance with mobility. A supportive community ethos is evident as family members report being encouraged to visit at any time and engage openly with both staff and other residents. This accessibility fosters a sense of belonging not just for residents but for their families as well. Several reviews mention positive interactions between staff and residents, noting that staff treat individuals with dignity rather than condescension.

The range of daily activities available is another strong point highlighted in reviews. Families report that various outings—such as trips to local zoos and state fairs—are organized regularly, keeping residents engaged and active within their community. Additionally, regular newsletters keep families informed about events happening within Colonial Gardens. Still, some reviewers note that while there are numerous activities offered, some residents may not participate due to their particular conditions or preferences.

Despite these positives, some concerns arise over staffing levels and food quality. A few reviews indicate that weekends can particularly strain resources, highlighting instances where insufficient staff caused delays in care for residents—whether in attending to meals or managing personal hygiene needs. Families expressed frustration at times when they felt their loved ones didn’t receive adequate attention or support during these shifts. Furthermore, while some appreciated the meals provided—citing them as varied and healthy—others voiced dissatisfaction concerning meal portions or options that failed to meet dietary needs effectively.

Communication emerged as an essential theme among several reviews; families generally appreciate updates on their loved ones' conditions and well-being but feel it could be more consistent across the board. Instances were noted where families advocated vigorously for proper care; however, this advocacy was not always met with responsiveness from existing staff across all shifts—their urgent concerns sometimes overlooked until dire situations arose.

Lastly, individual narratives weave together varied personal experiences shaping perceptions about Colonial Gardens’ effectiveness in providing memory care. Some families express profound appreciation for how caregiving staff supported their loved ones through difficult transitions associated with memory loss symptoms while others recount harrowing experiences related to lapses in care leading to worse health outcomes for their relatives due to neglect during essential moments of need.

In conclusion, while many family members would recommend Colonial Gardens based on positive experiences centered around environment quality and devoted staff interaction—with plenty of engaging programs tailored for residents—the critiques regarding staffing shortages during peak hours cannot be understated either alongside issues surrounding meal provision practices raised by concerned relatives throughout these reflections into what makes up this unique facility committed towards fostering dignity amidst Alzheimer’s disease’s relentless progression each day.

This part of West Columbia, South Carolina offers convenient access to essential amenities such as pharmacies, restaurants, physicians, hospitals, parks, cafes, and transportation services. With multiple pharmacy options within close proximity, seniors can easily access medication and healthcare services. The variety of dining options ranging from fast food to casual eateries provides convenient dining choices. Additionally, there are reputable physician offices and a hospital nearby for medical needs. Parks like Saluda Riverwalk offer opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation. Cafes provide a cozy atmosphere for socializing or enjoying a cup of coffee. Transportation services such as car rentals and airport facilities ensure easy travel arrangements when needed. Overall, this area combines convenience and accessibility for seniors considering a comfortable living environment in West Columbia.

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.4 miles)
• Agape Pharmacy (0.6 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1 miles)
• Medicine Mart Pharmacy (1.3 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.6 miles)
• Intramed Plus (2.3 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.5 miles)

Restaurants

• Chick-Fil-A (0.5 miles)
• Rush's (1 miles)
• McDonald's (1 miles)
• Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers (1.6 miles)
• McDonald's (1.7 miles)
• Taco Bell (2.3 miles)
• Savage Craft Ale Works (2.5 miles)

Physicians

• Advanced Fertility (1 miles)
• Three Rivers Pain Management (1.1 miles)
• Emmons Ellen M - Lexington Ent (1.5 miles)
• Riverside Surgical Group (1.5 miles)
• Lexington Orthopaedics (1.5 miles)
• Columbia Neurological Assoc Pa (1.6 miles)
• Advanced Wound Care (1.6 miles)

Hospitals

• Lexington Medical Center (1.5 miles)
• Lexington Medical Center Emergency Room (1.6 miles)

Parks

• Saluda Riverwalk (2 miles)
• West Columbia Riverwalk (2.7 miles)
• Columbia Canal & Riverfront Park (3 miles)

Cafes

• Piecewise Coffee (2.9 miles)
• Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea Park St (3.7 miles)
• The Corner Blend (4 miles)
• Starbucks (4.2 miles)

Transportation

• National Car Rental (3.2 miles)
• USO Columbia Airport (3.3 miles)
• Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) (3.6 miles)
• Enterprise Rent-A-Car (3.8 miles)