Good Samaritan Society - Westbrook

Pros

• The direct care staff at the facility are highly regarded for their dedication and kindness towards residents.
• The rooms are cleaned thoroughly, ensuring a clean and comfortable living environment.
• Good Samaritan Society offers a variety of activities, such as bingo, which residents enjoy.
• The staff is described as nice and friendly, creating a welcoming atmosphere for residents.
• The facility features sitting areas with TVs and an outdoor space, providing opportunities for relaxation and socialization.

Cons

• The direct care staff are clearly overworked and unable to provide adequate attention to residents.
• Office staff do not communicate or assist with residents, even when help is needed.
• The evening meals are not very good.
• The rooms are tiny and may feel cramped for residents.
• The overall management of the facility leaves much to be desired, suggesting it could be run better.

Review

The experiences of families with loved ones in long-term care facilities can vary widely, revealing a mix of positive aspects and areas in need of improvement. In the case of two reviews regarding senior care facilities, the feedback highlights the commendable efforts of direct care staff while simultaneously pointing out systemic issues that affect resident experience. Overall, these insights paint a picture of dedicated caregiving amid challenges related to staffing and resource allocation.

One notable observation shared across both reviews is the high level of commitment demonstrated by direct care staff members. Family members express appreciation for their hard work, noting that they provide essential hands-on assistance to residents like their mothers. The caregivers’ dedication is evident; however, it becomes clear that this commitment comes at a cost—many staff members feel overworked and stretched thin. This situation raises concerns about staff morale and burnout, which could ultimately impact the quality of care provided to residents. It underscores the importance of adequate staffing levels and support systems within these facilities.

In contrast to the proactive presence of direct care workers, there seems to be a marked absence among office staff or management when it comes to engaging with residents. One reviewer specifically mentions instances where their loved one’s call light went unanswered for an extended period due to a lack of communication from administrative personnel. This observation suggests a disconnect between those responsible for running the facility and the daily needs and experiences of residents—an issue that could easily be addressed through regular interactions and support from office staff.

While cleanliness in living quarters appears satisfactory, with rooms being maintained well by the housekeeping teams, meal quality emerges as another point needing attention. Both reviewers express dissatisfaction with evening meals served at their respective facilities. A common complaint revolves around food not meeting expectations or being subpar in taste or nutritional value. Given that mealtime is often an important social occasion for seniors, improving nutritional offerings could enhance overall resident satisfaction significantly.

The presence of activities such as bingo stands out as a positive feature in both facilities reviewed, highlighting opportunities for social engagement among residents. These activities can provide entertainment, foster friendships, and contribute positively to mental health by keeping cognition sharp through participation in games and group events. Alongside structured activities, some amenities such as outdoor areas are also mentioned positively; these spaces allow residents to connect with nature—potentially enhancing their quality of life during their stay.

Despite several strengths observable within these care facilities—such as friendly interaction from staff, availability of therapeutic services, purposeful activity programming, and clean living environments—the core message remains: leadership must prioritize better management practices focused on improving overall operations. By addressing staffing concerns and enhancing food quality while promoting visibility among administrative personnel interacting with residents regularly could lead towards building an environment where both caregivers and those receiving care thrive together effectively.

In conclusion, while there are significant aspects worthy of praise regarding direct caregiving at residential facilities like Good Samaritan Society—and acknowledgment should certainly be given—it is vital for facility operators to recognize areas for improvement highlighted by family experiences shared in these reviews. Enhancing communication logistics between administration and caregiving teams will help bridge gaps where service may falter; attention toward meal preparations can significantly improve resident dining experiences too—all crucial steps toward fostering happier living conditions for seniors entrusted into such homes during vulnerable stages in life.

Restaurants

• Bonnie & Clydes 2 (0.1 miles)
• Shady Drive In (5.7 miles)
• Dovray Log Cabin (5.7 miles)
• Painted Prairie Vineyard (6.9 miles)
• Lakeside Hideaway (11.7 miles)
• Mill Street BBQ Co. (11.7 miles)
• Trail's Edge General Store (12 miles)

Places of Worship

• Immanuel Baptist Church (0.3 miles)
• Trinity Lutheran Church Elca (0.3 miles)
• Grace Lutheran Church ELCA (0.4 miles)
• Trinity Lutheran Church (0.5 miles)
• Storden Baptist Church (5.7 miles)
• Our Saviors Lutheran Church (5.8 miles)
• Bethany Lutheran Church (5.9 miles)

Pharmacies

• Thrifty White Drug (0.3 miles)
• Guidepoint Pharmacy (14.2 miles)
• John's Rx Drug (16.3 miles)
• Lewis Drug (16.3 miles)
• Thrifty White Pharmacy (16.3 miles)
• Guidepoint Pharmacy (16.3 miles)

Cafes

• Mainstreet Coffee Shop (11.9 miles)
• J D's Diner (15.9 miles)
• The Plaid Moose (16.3 miles)

Parks

• Parks & Recreation Department (12.2 miles)
• Plum Creek County Park Office (12.9 miles)
• Lake Shetek State Park (13.5 miles)
• Murray County Water Resources (16.3 miles)
• Red Rock Falls Park (17.3 miles)

Hospitals

• Tracy Medical Clinic (15.9 miles)
• Sioux Valley Tracy Medical Center (15.9 miles)

Transportation

• U-Haul Neighborhood Dealer (15.9 miles)
• U-Haul (16.7 miles)

Physicians

• Ado Buying Group (16.2 miles)
• SW Mn Orthopedics & Sports Medicine (16.3 miles)