Golden LivingCenter - Pittsburg

Pros

• The team is extremely passionate and loyal to each other and their residents.
• Whitney the administrator takes pride in how this home looks and runs.
• Mason the maintenance director is as smart and hard-working as they come.
• When a team goes out of their way to help other facilities in need, that is a testament to how much they care for their own residents.
• Happy caregivers equal happy homes.
• The staff are really great.
• The caring and compassion of the staff in all departments towards staff & residents goes above and beyond each and every day.
• Staff goes the extra mile for their residents.
• Such a wonderful facility with the absolute best staff.

Cons

• The reviewer described last year as a horrible experience with 10 days of extremely poor care that resulted in ICU septic shock.
• Care plans were said to be useless because staff did not follow them, and medical staff were accused of stealing medicines and personal belongings.
• Scabies allegedly ran wild for over a year, affecting most residents.
• One reviewer reported not receiving lunch, having to go to the nurses station with no oxygen available and no staff there.
• It was claimed there is either not enough staff or poor scheduling to ensure timely care.
• The director was criticized as listening worse than a brick wall.
• The reviewer advised others not to send a loved one to this facility.

Review

The reviews paint a picture of a facility that inspires strong loyalty and genuine care from its staff, residents, and families. A recurring theme is the evident passion and teamwork that many families notice the moment they walk in. Administrators and managers are highlighted for their pride in the home and how smoothly it runs, with Whitney, the administrator, singled out for her commitment and hands-on involvement. Mason, described as the maintenance director, is praised for his intelligence and work ethic. The sense that the staff truly cares extends beyond routine duties: several reviewers note that when the team goes out of its way to help other facilities in need, it reflects a deep commitment to residents everywhere and reinforces a belief that the welfare of their own residents is at the heart of what they do. Overall, the consensus from these positive accounts is that a kind, dedicated staff contributes to a hopeful, selfless environment where caregivers seem to be the key to a happy home.

Within the positive stories, families recount meaningful, tangible benefits of a well-run facility. There are repeated affirmations about the care and attention to residents' needs, especially around rehabilitation and memory care. The facility is described as clean and well-maintained, with staff who are described as great, hard-working, and supportive. People talk about the value of a dementia and Alzheimer's care unit, noting that the staff there are particularly caring and adept at addressing the specialized needs of residents. The atmosphere is frequently portrayed as warm and familial, with residents and their families feeling that they are treated with TLC and respect. Several accounts emphasize the "going the extra mile" ethos, with staff members showing up for families and residents during transitions, and even coordinating enjoyable activities that enhance residents' quality of life, such as holiday outings and thoughtful gifts that make residents feel seen and appreciated.

There are standout anecdotes about specific individuals who have made a lasting impression. Whitney, the administrator, is credited with playing a pivotal role in helping a great-aunt navigate Medicaid processes, coordinating with KDHE and providing steady communication that led to approval and a smoother transition into care. Families describe how this level of involvement and outreach helps residents acclimate, make friends, and stay socially engaged, pointing to the extra touches - like group outings and festive celebrations - as evidence of a well-rounded care environment. Several reviews mention that after a period of adjustment, residents are reported to be well-cared-for, comfortable, and engaged, with staff who are responsive and respectful. The recurring message is that, when things run well, this facility can feel like a supportive extension of home for both residents and their families.

However, not all experiences described in the reviews are positive, and some paint a more troubling picture. One account describes an extended delay in receiving lunch, with a resident awaiting assistance and oxygen support, leaving the resident to seek a microwave for hot water and soup. The reviewer attributes the problem to staffing or scheduling gaps and emphasizes that timely care is essential, especially for residents who rely on support to eat and stay comfortable. This kind of feedback highlights the ongoing challenge facilities face in staffing management and responsiveness, underscoring the importance of reliable coverage to prevent delays that can affect a resident's well-being.

Another reviewer recounts a devastating negative experience from the previous year, explicitly warning others to research carefully before sending a family member to the facility. The claim is stark: ten days of extremely poor care that culminated in the patient needing ICU treatment for septic shock. Such a severe contrast to the more flattering reviews underscores the variability that a single facility can exhibit - between exceptional, personalized attention and episodes of care that fall seriously short of expectations. The caller urges prospective families to investigate thoroughly, recognizing that experiences can differ dramatically from one time to the next.

There are also more alarming accusations that surface in the reviews, describing conditions that some families consider unacceptable. One reviewer labeled the place as terrible for a loved one, alleging that care plans were not followed, medications and personal belongings were stolen, and a scabies outbreak affected many residents for an extended period. The same account alleges that the director is unresponsive, likening communication to hitting a brick wall. While these statements are stark, they serve as a stark reminder of the importance of transparent, proactive oversight, consistent compliance with care plans, and a robust infection-control program in any long-term care setting.

A separate note from another review mentions positive aspects alongside ongoing questions about consistency. The facility's Alzheimer's care option and outpatient rehabilitation services are acknowledged as strengths, indicating a breadth of services that can help residents maintain function and receive comprehensive care. Yet the mixed reviews - praise for staff dedication and occasional critical comments about policy adherence and operational gaps - suggest that perspective can shift based on individual experiences, the specific staff on duty, and the timing of events.

Taken together, the collection presents a facility with a strong core of dedicated, compassionate staff and several rewarding experiences that families cherish, particularly around dementia care, rehabilitation, and a sense of community. At the same time, it honestly acknowledges the serious concerns that some residents and families have faced, from scheduling challenges and care delays to more troubling allegations about care adherence and safety. For anyone considering this home, the messages strongly encourage direct, recent visits, conversations with multiple staff and administrators, and careful review of care plans, policies, and infection-control practices to form a truly informed view of how the facility operates on a day-to-day basis. In short, the place can be a source of comfort and trust when it runs smoothly and with the right staffing support, but it also warrants vigilance and due diligence to ensure that every resident receives consistent, high-quality care.

This part of Pittsburg, Kansas, offers a variety of amenities and services that cater to senior living needs. With several physicians' offices and medical facilities nearby, including Orender Clinic and the Via Christi Hospital, residents have access to quality healthcare right at their doorstep. Additionally, there are pharmacies like Lindburg Pharmacy in close proximity for convenient medication management. The area also boasts a selection of restaurants, cafes, and parks for leisure activities and social opportunities. Places of worship provide spiritual support and community engagement. Transportation options such as Enterprise Rent-A-Car are available for easy travel around town. Overall, this neighborhood provides a well-rounded environment with essential services and recreational options for seniors looking for a comfortable and convenient place to call home.

Physicians

• Orender Clinic (0.1 miles)
• Dr Orender's office (0.1 miles)
• Renu Medical & Spa (0.1 miles)
• John D Taylor (0.1 miles)
• Children & Teenagers Clinic (0.1 miles)
• Dr Marji's Office (0.2 miles)
• Via Christi Heart Clinic MD (0.2 miles)

Pharmacies

• Lindburg Pharmacy (0.1 miles)
• Crowell Drug (2.2 miles)
• Walgreens (3.1 miles)
• Medicine Shoppe (3.4 miles)
• Vogts, Penny Lynn (3.5 miles)
• Lindburg Pharmacy North (3.7 miles)
• Arma Drug (11.2 miles)

Restaurants

• Chatters (0.1 miles)
• Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers (1.3 miles)
• Jimmy John's (1.4 miles)
• Mandy's Place (1.9 miles)
• Happy Family (2 miles)
• Tornado Lounge (2.1 miles)
• Brick + Mortar (2.2 miles)

Hospitals

• Via Christi Hospital (0.3 miles)
• Girard Medical Center (13 miles)
• Saint John's Maude Norton Memorial Hospital (16.8 miles)

Parks

• Vietnam War Memorial (0.5 miles)
• Immigrant Park (2.1 miles)
• Pittsburg Parks & Recreation (2.2 miles)
• Paul B Leffler Rotary Park (2.5 miles)

Cafes

• The Twisted Pretzel Factory (0.8 miles)
• Signet Coffee Roasters (1.9 miles)
• Signet Coffee Roasters (2 miles)
• Otto's Cafe (2.4 miles)
• Farm House Cafe (4.6 miles)

Places of Worship

• First Church Of The Nazarene (0.9 miles)
• Community of Christ (1.7 miles)
• Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church (2.5 miles)
• Family Life Assembly of God (2.5 miles)
• Church of God Holiness (2.6 miles)
• Open Door Fellowship Center (3.5 miles)
• Lighthouse Church (4.9 miles)

Transportation

• Enterprise Rent-A-Car (1.8 miles)
• Palouse River & Coulee City Railroad (2.2 miles)
• Outdoors Indoors (4.1 miles)
• Enterprise Rent-A-Car (4.3 miles)
• U-Haul Rental (12.1 miles)
• Joplin Regional Airport (JLN) (18.6 miles)