Althea Woodland Nursing Home

Pros

• The staff at Althea Woodland Nursing Home is described as friendly and attentive to residents' needs, creating a caring environment.
• Residents appreciate the individualized attention due to the facility's smaller size and lower staff-patient ratio.
• Positive social activities are organized, such as making pizza, which helps engage residents.
• The atmosphere at Althea Woodland is considered calm and relaxed, contributing to residents' comfort.
• Many reviewers express satisfaction with the overall cleanliness and modest appearance of the facility, noting it feels like a lovely residential area.
• The food served at Althea Woodland is highly praised by some residents, being described as excellent compared to other facilities.
• Residents feel well cared for during their stay, with administrators and staff portrayed as personable and easy to approach.

Cons

• The staff at the facility was lacking in communication, failing to relay important messages to residents and their families.
• Residents were often confused and worried due to inadequate information during incidents like lockdowns.
• There were consistent issues with misplacing or giving residents the wrong clothes, despite proper labeling.
• The food served was described as poor quality and unappetizing, not meeting basic dining standards.
• The environment was cluttered and unpleasant, with the dining room and activity area combined into one space that smelled bad.
• The shared rooms felt cramped, dark, and dingy for the residents.
• The facility prioritized profits over resident care by maintaining a low staff-to-patient ratio.

Review

The experiences shared by individuals regarding their time at Althea Woodland Nursing Home present contrasting narratives, revealing both deeply concerning issues and positive observations. While some reviewers express dissatisfaction with the quality of care and the facility’s amenities, others provide a more favorable perspective, highlighting the attentive staff and a comfortable atmosphere. This duality in feedback paints a complex picture of life within this nursing home.

One reviewer recounts an unsettling incident during a COVID-19 lockdown that left their parent distressed and confused. Despite the efforts of family members to communicate with their loved one, messages were not relayed by the staff. The failure to pass along these important communications exacerbated feelings of anxiety for the resident, who was unable to see well enough to use the phone independently. Such lapses in communication raise critical concerns about the level of attention and care residents receive at Althea Woodland. Moreover, other grievances included mismanagement of personal belongings—specifically clothing—and inadequate food quality, which was described as unappetizing even for pets. This review ended with strong disapproval; the author would not recommend this facility under any circumstances.

In contrast, other reviews depict a more favorable environment at Althea Woodland Nursing Home. Described as nestled in a quiet residential area surrounded by trees, this smaller facility provides a more personalized feel compared to larger institutions. Residents have access to physical therapy and activities that engage them socially and physically; for example, one resident participated in making pizza—a simple yet meaningful activity contributing to social interaction among residents. The administrators are noted for their caring approach and accessibility, which may help cultivate an atmosphere where residents feel valued.

Another reviewer emphasized how happy they felt after moving into Althea Woodland Nursing Home, noting that it offered just the right level of skilled nursing care that they needed due to extensive handicaps. The individual praised the staff for their attentiveness and supportive demeanor—qualities that are essential in any caregiving setting but especially crucial in skilled nursing facilities where residents often require comprehensive assistance with daily living tasks. Although limited by quarantine measures at the time of writing, this resident expressed enthusiasm about participating in activities once they were safe to do so.

Nevertheless, despite these positive aspects mentioned by some reviews involving attentive staff and well-crafted environments conducive to care and socialization, concerns regarding overall operational practices still lingered from other accounts. Specifically cited were issues surrounding staffing ratios; while some noted low ratios leading potentially to individualized attention, others argued that low staffing may ultimately lead to neglected responsibilities as seen through communication failures and poor engagement levels among residents.

Ultimately, these contrasting reviews underscore significant disparities within Althea Woodland’s overall service provision—the struggles faced by some individuals against positive experiences highlighted by others cannot be ignored nor can they solely define what life is like within its walls. Potential residents or their families should weigh these varied perspectives carefully when considering whether this particular facility aligns with their needs or expectations for elderly care services.

In conclusion, navigating long-term care options is never easy due to varying personal needs and expectations; thus understanding both sides can inform better decision-making processes. While Althea Woodland presents appealing qualities such as an intimate setting with opportunities for community-building activities alongside dedicated staff members according to some experiences shared here today—it is crucial also not forget serious complaints raised regarding communication breakdowns or inadequate support mechanisms introduced amidst its operations which could influence one's overall satisfaction significantly over time spent within any given residence's confines.

This part of Silver Spring, Maryland offers a convenient and diverse range of amenities for seniors looking to settle in the area. With multiple pharmacies such as Walgreens and CVS within close proximity, access to healthcare and medication is easily available. Nearby places of worship like Christ Congregational Church and College Park United Methodist Church provide spiritual support and community connection. Various dining options including popular chains like McDonald's and Chick-Fil-A cater to different tastes, while cafes like Lost Sock Roasters offer a cozy spot for socializing. The presence of hospitals such as Holy Cross Hospital and Medstar Washington Hospital Center ensures quality medical care nearby. Public transportation is easily accessible with several Metro stations nearby, making it convenient to explore the city. Additionally, parks like Fort Slocum Park offer green spaces for outdoor activities. Overall, this area provides a blend of convenience, healthcare options, dining choices, and recreational opportunities suitable for seniors looking for a vibrant community to call home.

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (1.2 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.4 miles)
• Walgreens (1.5 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.5 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.7 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.7 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.4 miles)

Places of Worship

• Christ Congregational Church (1.4 miles)
• College Park United Methodist Church (3.8 miles)
• Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception (5.3 miles)

Restaurants

• McDonald's (2.3 miles)
• Denizens Brewing Co. (2.4 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (3.7 miles)
• McDonald's (3.7 miles)
• McDonald's (4 miles)
• Jollibee (4.1 miles)
• McDonald's (5.6 miles)

Hospitals

• Holy Cross Hospital (2.4 miles)
• Medstar Washington Hospital Center (5.7 miles)
• Children's National Medical Center (5.8 miles)
• Howard University Hospital (6.5 miles)

Transportation

• Forest Glen Metro Station (2.8 miles)
• Prince George's Plaza Metro Station (3.6 miles)
• West Hyattsville Metro Station (3.9 miles)
• College Park - University of Maryland Metro Station (4 miles)
• Greenbelt Metro Station (4.3 miles)
• Greenbelt Station (4.3 miles)
• Glenmont Metro Station (4.9 miles)

Cafes

• Lost Sock Roasters (2.8 miles)
• Vigilante Coffee (4.8 miles)
• Tatte Bakery & Cafe (5.8 miles)
• Starbucks (6.6 miles)
• The Coffee Bar (6.8 miles)
• Starbucks (6.9 miles)
• Unconventional Diner (7.3 miles)

Parks

• Fort Slocum Park (3.6 miles)
• Duvall Playground (3.7 miles)
• Rock Creek Park (4.3 miles)
• Chevy Chase Park (4.5 miles)
• Georgian Forest Park & Tennis Courts (5.8 miles)
• Winding Creek Local Park (6.2 miles)
• Meridian Hill Park (6.4 miles)

Physicians

• Mary's Center (4 miles)
• Capitol Medical Group (4.7 miles)
• Children's National - Main Hospital (5.8 miles)
• Foxhall Pediatrics (7.2 miles)

Theaters

• Alamo Drafthouse Cinema DC Bryant Street (6 miles)