Westside Multicare Ctr in Manchester, CT

Pros

• The reviewer notes that dementia care can be approached with patience, learning, and respectful persistence.
• The family shows strong involvement by visiting daily.
• The reviewer demonstrates extensive experience, having worked in caregiving for 42 years.
• The reviewer implies that ongoing, respectful care is possible when addressing dementia-related needs.

Cons

• The place was not clean and had a lousy mattress that needed replacement.
• The television did not work and was never fixed.
• The sheets stayed soaking wet for the entire five days, with holes at the bottom.
• The staff did not respond to requests for help and seemed indifferent.
• The dressers were sticky and there were socks from someone else in a drawer, suggesting the units were not properly cleaned.
• They would never place their mom there again and regretted not inspecting the place sooner.

Review

Westside Multicare Center in Manchester, CT is best suited for families that must arrange a very short-term, highly supervised stay for a loved one with dementia and can personally oversee daily care. It functions as a last-resort stop-gap when other options are unavailable or impractical, but it is not a reliable fit for anyone who requires consistently clean facilities, prompt maintenance, and attentive, caregiver-level responsiveness on every shift. In practice, it may suit caregivers who can drop in regularly to monitor conditions and intervene quickly to avert discomfort or safety lapses.

Those who should consider alternatives include families prioritizing hygiene and consistent housekeeping, residents who need predictable daily routines and well-functioning amenities (like a working TV), or anyone who cannot commit to frequent on-site checks. If cleanliness, reliable laundry, and respectful handling of residents with dementia are non-negotiables, this center should be crossed off the shortlist in favor of facilities with documented cleanliness records and stronger staff accountability.

The cons documented in the feedback are severe and pervasive. Not clean and a lousy mattress that needs replacement are basic comfort and health concerns that cannot be dismissed. Equipment and amenities fail to meet minimum expectations, with a nonfunctional TV during a short-term stay adding to the sense of neglect. Bedding conditions are repeatedly problematic - always wet sheets and worn linens - while dressers and surfaces show clear signs of inadequate housekeeping, including sticky furniture and drawers with items left behind. Operationally, responses to requests are slow or absent, and frontline staff appear disengaged, creating a cascade of risk: unreported incidents, unresolved maintenance, and a resident experience that feels neglected. The most troubling notes refer to bruising and an apparent lack of consistent, careful handling for a resident with dementia, paired with admissions that staff may not be fully reporting or coordinating care - precisely the gaps families fear when placing a loved one in a setting that should feel protective, not exposing.

There are virtually no durable positives to offset these major deficiencies. The only pragmatic takeaway is that the center seems able to accommodate short-term stays, which can be valuable in emergencies or brief transitions when family presence is constant and vigilance is high. Beyond that, the negatives dominate: hygiene lapses, uncomfortable and unsafe living conditions, and a care environment that appears slow to respond and slow to escalate concerns. In practical terms, the lack of reliable housekeeping, maintenance responsiveness, and proper dementia-care handling makes any claimed short-term utility overshadowed by risk. For families seeking stability and dignity for a person with memory needs, this center offers a precarious balance that tips strongly toward caution.

Decision-making should hinge on rigorous, up-front verification and a demand for concrete safeguards. If this option is still under consideration, insist on an on-site tour with a detailed checklist: inspect patient rooms for odor, cleanliness, and neutral moisant-free conditions; test essential equipment including the TV; verify the laundry lifecycle and linen quality; request an auditable care-log showing timely caregiver responsiveness; interview staff about protocol for dementia-related resistance and incident reporting; probe for a clear escalation path and medical oversight with scheduled nurse checks; review any incident or bruise records for patterns; demand a committed improvement plan with timelines before any stay is approved. Without these assurances, the facility should not be treated as more than a last-resort measure.

Ultimately, Westside Multicare Center should be viewed as a last-resort option only, and then only with stringent oversight and explicit service guarantees. For families weighing memory-care commitments, look to facilities with proven cleanliness standards, reliable housekeeping, prompt maintenance, and a well-documented, dignified approach to dementia care. When the choice hinges on comfort, safety, and consistent daily care, this center should be set aside in favor of options with demonstrated reliability and accountability.

This part of Manchester, Connecticut offers a diverse range of amenities and services that may appeal to seniors looking for a convenient and vibrant community. With various dining options such as McDonald's, Pepe's Restaurant & Lounge, and Starbucks, residents can enjoy a mix of casual and upscale dining experiences nearby. Additionally, there are several healthcare providers in the area including ABC Pediatrics and Connecticut Cardiology Center, offering specialized medical care for seniors. For entertainment, Cinemark Buckland Hills 18 + Imax is located just a short distance away for movie buffs. The proximity to parks like Gay City State Park also provides opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation. Overall, this part of Manchester combines essential services with recreational options suitable for seniors seeking an active lifestyle in their retirement years.

Restaurants

• McDonald's (0.9 miles)
• Pepe's Restaurant & Lounge (1.5 miles)
• Center Perk (1.5 miles)
• Elicit Brewing (2.1 miles)
• Buckland Billiards & Bar (2.6 miles)
• Sonic Drive-In (2.7 miles)
• Joey Garlic's (2.8 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (1.3 miles)
• Starbucks (3.3 miles)
• Panera Bread (3.8 miles)
• Starbucks (3.8 miles)
• Starbucks (4.6 miles)
• Panera Bread (4.6 miles)
• Rebel Dog Coffee Co. EAST HARTFORD (4.8 miles)

Physicians

• ABC Pediatrics (1.4 miles)
• Prohealth Physicians Imaging (1.5 miles)
• Manchester Orthopedic Surgery & Sports Medicine (1.8 miles)
• Suede Surgical Care (2 miles)
• Connecticut Cardiology Center, PC (2.1 miles)
• Surgical & Medical Opthlmlgy (2.2 miles)
• Very Healthy Water (2.2 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (1.6 miles)
• Walgreens (2 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.9 miles)
• Walgreens (3 miles)
• Walgreens (3.4 miles)
• Walgreens (3.9 miles)
• Walgreens (4.4 miles)

Theaters

• Cinemark Buckland Hills 18 + Imax (2.8 miles)

Transportation

• Pratt & Whitney (4.9 miles)
• Union Station (7.1 miles)

Parks

• Gay City State Park (5.7 miles)
• Satan's Kingdom State Recreation Area (6.8 miles)
• Bushnell Park (6.9 miles)

Places of Worship

• Jehovah's Witnesses (6.7 miles)

Hospitals

• Infectious Disease Division (7 miles)