714 High School Drive, Deridder, LA 70634
For more information about senior living options: (866) 208-4318
Overall Review of Westwood Manor Nursing Home
Pros
The staff at Westwood Manor is professional and friendly.- The activities director plans enjoyable activities for residents.
- The facility offers community outings, such as dining at restaurants, attending fairs, and fishing trips.
- Meals shared with a resident are described as good.
- The administrator, social worker, and finance director answer questions as needed.
- The reviewer feels blessed that the nursing home was recommended.
Cons
They do not care!- They lie.
- They ship your loved one out just so they don’t pass on their dime.
- They are only there for a paycheck.
- They are irresponsible, careless and have no compassion.
- Several of Mom's possessions were missing.
Review
Westwood Manor Nursing Home in Deridder, LA is best suited for families that prize an active, socially engaging environment paired with generally competent nursing oversight, and for residents whose families are willing to stay engaged and monitor day-to-day operations. The community shows a real strength in programming: an activities director who plans outings and in-house events, trips to local venues, and opportunities to socialize with peers. When family members participate, meals have been described as reasonably satisfying, and the nursing staff is sometimes described as professional and friendly. For families who want visible, ongoing contact with administration and a responsive front office, this facility can feel approachable and accessible.
That said, there are clear reasons to consider alternatives. A number of reviews raise serious red flags about personal item security and consistent quality of care. Reported losses of clothing, blankets, and personal belongings paint a troubling picture of accountability gaps. Other accounts allege a troubling indifference toward residents, including accusations of sending patients out for PT or other services primarily to align billing, and even claims of a lack of genuine compassion. An instance of a resident left outside in heat during a move adds a vivid, safety-oriented concern. For families that cannot tolerate potential discrepancies in care, or who require a culture of uncompromising attentiveness to residents and their belongings, exploring other options is prudent.
The positive aspects, an active activity calendar, accessible outings, and staff perceived as friendly and professional, do offset some risk, but not fully. The engaging programming helps reduce isolation and keeps residents mentally and socially stimulated, which is a meaningful benefit for many seniors. Good meals support nutrition and enjoyment, and responsive administrative personnel can ease the stress of coordinating care. However, these strengths are tempered by experiences that undermine trust: missing items, questions about whether care is truly resident-centered, and perceptions that staff may prioritize expedience or financial considerations over individual well-being. When trust and item security are in question, even strong activities and cordial staff cannot fully compensate.
From a decision standpoint, the practical calculus is straightforward. If the family can maintain a consistent, hands-on oversight strategy, regular visits, careful review of incident reports, and clear expectations communicated to leadership, Westwood Manor can function as a viable option for someone who values social engagement and accessible nursing support. Yet the potential downsides are not trivial: the risk of belongings disappearing, the perception that medical decisions may be driven by billing considerations, and a few highly concerning safety anecdotes. These factors should weigh heavily, especially for residents with dementia, mobility challenges, or high care needs where reliability and item security become even more critical.
Families should insist on concrete safeguards before any placement. Request a detailed policy on item handling and accountability, and ask to see documented incident logs and resolution timelines for lost belongings. Seek direct conversations with the director of nursing and the administrator to gauge consistency of staffing, shift coverage, and how residents are monitored during rehab or PT transitions. A tour focused on how staff interact with residents in real time can reveal whether the promised warmth translates into daily practice. If possible, obtain recent references from families with long-term residents to understand whether improvements have occurred and whether concerns have been acknowledged and addressed.
Ultimately, the decision hinges on priorities and risk tolerance. Westwood Manor can work for families prioritizing social activity, accessible staff, and clear administrative touchpoints, provided strong family oversight is feasible and the care plan aligns with individual needs. For anyone whose nonnegotiables include impeccably secure belongings, unambiguous, compassionate care, and a proven pattern of consistent quality, it is wise to explore other facilities first. In the Deridder area, compare options with stronger track records on resident dignity, item security, and transparent care decisions before committing, and use that comparison to drive a detailed, standards-based evaluation during visits.
132 resident community capacity
Skilled Nursing Facility
Air-conditioning
Beauty salon
Cable or satellite TV
Computer center
Dining room
Fitness room
Fully furnished
Gaming room
Garden
Housekeeping services
Kitchenette
Move-in coordination
Outdoor space
Private bathrooms
Restaurant-style dining
Small library
Telephone
Wellness center
Wi-Fi/high-speed internet available
Community operated transportation
12-16 hour nursing
24-hour call system
Activities of daily living assistance
Assistance with bathing
Assistance with dressing
Assistance with transfers
Diabetes diet
Medication management
Mental wellness program
Special dietary restrictions
Concierge services
Planned day trips
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