Glen Ayr Health Ctr

Pros

• The nurses at the station are described as open, warm, and caring, showing a compassionate attitude towards the residents.
• The facility does not appear dirty and lacks any offensive odor, indicating a generally clean environment.
• Some areas of the facility, such as dining room tables, could use attention but overall maintenance is acceptable.
• The presence of staff members dedicated to communication can provide reassurance to residents' families.

Cons

• The facility has consistently denied the presence of personal items, including a wheelchair that was delivered with the resident.
• Staff members have displayed a lack of compassion and a negative attitude towards residents and their families.
• The communication from staff regarding residents' well-being is poor, leaving family members uninformed about important issues.
• Personal belongings, including clothing, have gone missing without explanation or accountability from the facility.
• The entrance assistant's behavior is unprofessional and dismissive, creating an unwelcoming environment for families.
• Although the nursing staff is generally caring, other departments do not demonstrate similar levels of empathy or support for residents and their families.
• Some areas in the facility, such as dining tables and terrace spaces, appear neglected and lack proper maintenance.

Review

The transition to a nursing facility is often a difficult decision for families, especially when it comes to ensuring the well-being of elderly loved ones. For one family, their experience at Westlake Care—formerly Glen Ayr Health Center in Lakewood, CO—has been fraught with challenges and disappointments since their father was admitted just a month ago. Encountering numerous issues from the onset, they feel compelled to share their troubling journey in hopes of informing other families considering this facility for their loved ones.

One of the initial problems arose concerning the transport and arrival of personal items, including a wheelchair critical for the resident's mobility. Upon admission via ambulance, not only did their father arrive with significant personal belongings—including a large suitcase filled with clothing—but he was also supposed to have his wheelchair delivered alongside him. However, upon arrival at Westlake Care, staff members denied that any wheelchair had ever arrived for him. This flat-out denial persisted even as family members insisted on its delivery by the ambulance crew. Eventually, after what seemed like an eternity of uncertainty and frustration regarding this vital piece of equipment, a wheelchair did appear within the facility. Yet, such mixed messages about essential supplies sent an alarming signal about the overall management and attentiveness at Westlake Care.

Beyond issues with missing equipment came deeper concerns about care quality itself. A surprise visit on June 19 revealed distressing conditions; the resident was found in bed without his dentures—a crucial item for anyone's day-to-day comfort—while appearing disheveled and inadequately dressed. More disturbingly, he wore soiled clothing that indicated inadequate attention to hygiene or personal care by staff members responsible for overseeing residents’ well-being. It became increasingly clear that there was a systemic issue at play regarding how resident needs were met—or not met—in this facility.

Adding to these frustrations was the matter of lost clothing items. The family had taken great care to pack their father's belongings from his previous location before transferring him to Westlake Care—a collection carefully organized and inventoried prior to transport. However, upon inquiry into where these items had gone after his admission, employees showed empty closets devoid of any personal effects belonging to their father. Despite meticulous planning on part of his family, there seemed to be no effort from Westlake Care staff in taking accountability for incoming items or managing them appropriately—a policy reportedly in place “to protect” both new residents and themselves against potential disputes over personal belongings.

Compounding these experiences were interactions with certain personnel at Westlake Care that further exacerbated family anxieties surrounding their father’s care situation. Family feedback pointed towards unprofessional attitudes among some staff members—the social services department exhibited behaviors characterized by negativity and verbal brusqueness during communications with relatives concerned about resident welfare. Such approaches not only lack empathy but transform what should be an environment built on compassionate understanding into one marked by discomfort and defensiveness.

On a slightly positive note, some staff within the nurses' station demonstrated warmth and genuine concern towards residents under their care; they appeared more approachable compared to other departments struggling with communication issues witnessed throughout the facility. Nevertheless, cleanliness protocols also raised questions—the common areas like dining spaces bore signs of neglect that detracted from what one would expect from a reputable establishment responsible for elder care.

In conclusion, while it's paramount that facilities like Westlake Care strive towards providing quality living arrangements for those in need due respect and dignity throughout all stages of life—what has unfolded over just one month leaves many unanswered questions regarding oversight and competency within operational practices at this particular nursing home setting. For those seeking placement options for elderly loved ones—especially veterans who may find themselves limited due availability elsewhere—it may be vital first-hand information surrounding facilities they consider before making such decisions can aid countless others navigating similar dilemmas ahead.

This area of Denver, Colorado, offers a variety of amenities and services that cater to the needs of seniors. With several physicians and pharmacies located within a short distance, access to healthcare is convenient. Additionally, there are numerous parks nearby for leisurely walks or outdoor activities. The selection of cafes provides opportunities for socialization and relaxation. For entertainment, there are theaters within a few miles' radius. A range of restaurants offer dining options, and hospitals are easily accessible in case of emergencies. Places of worship are also available for spiritual needs. Overall, this neighborhood provides a well-rounded environment for seniors seeking comfort and convenience in their daily lives.

Physicians

• Native Roots Dispensary (0.3 miles)
• Rocky Mountain Primary Care (1.8 miles)
• Kids First Pediatrics (2.1 miles)
• Cornerstone Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine (2.3 miles)
• SCL Health Heart & Vascular Institute - Wheat Ridge (2.4 miles)
• Dr Bassow (2.4 miles)
• Kaiser Permanente Lakewood Medical Offices (2.7 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.4 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.8 miles)
• Grifols (2 miles)
• Walgreens (2.1 miles)
• Lutheran Outpatient Pharmacy (2.4 miles)
• Walgreens (2.5 miles)
• Walmart Pharmacy (2.5 miles)

Parks

• Sloan's Lake Park (0.4 miles)
• Citizens Park (0.5 miles)
• Panorama Park (1.5 miles)
• César Chávez Park (2.3 miles)
• Crown Hill Open Space Park (2.4 miles)
• Berkeley Park (2.6 miles)
• Berkeley Leashless Dog Park (2.7 miles)

Cafes

• Dutch Bros Coffee (0.6 miles)
• The Bardo Coffee House (1.8 miles)
• Starbucks (3.2 miles)
• The Radiator (3.4 miles)
• Huckleberry Roasters (3.6 miles)
• Crema Coffee House (4.3 miles)
• Dutch Bros Coffee (4.4 miles)

Theaters

• Alamo Drafthouse Denver (0.9 miles)
• Regal UA Denver Pavilions 4DX & RPX (3.7 miles)

Restaurants

• Clancy's Irish Pub (2 miles)
• The Pasty Republic (2.3 miles)
• BookBar (2.4 miles)
• In-N-Out Burger (2.4 miles)
• Tstreet Roadhouse (2.6 miles)
• Domino's Pizza (2.7 miles)
• McDonald's (2.7 miles)

Hospitals

• Scl Health - Front Range (2.4 miles)
• Exempla Lutheran Medical Center (2.4 miles)
• Webb Center for Primary Care (3.8 miles)
• St Anthonys Medical Plaza 2 (4.2 miles)

Places of Worship

• Wat Buddhawararam (3.2 miles)
• St John's Cathedral (4.3 miles)