Britthaven North Chase

Pros

• The physical therapy team at the nursing home was amazing and provided excellent care.
• The convenience of the location was beneficial for family visits between work and home.
• Despite challenges, the staff did their best to assist residents during busy times.
• The family showed dedication by visiting daily to provide additional support and nourishment.

Cons

• The nursing home part of North Chase was not satisfactory and left much to be desired.
• The rooms were in disrepair, with issues such as needing multiple beds before finding one that worked.
• The walls in the facility were stained and required painting, contributing to an unattractive environment.
• Many rooms did not look appealing on the inside, diminishing the overall atmosphere of the nursing home.
• Residents often experienced neglect, as staff frequently did not respond to needs promptly or assist with meals.
• There were numerous instances where assistance was sought, but it took a long time for staff to respond to requests for help.

Review

My Experience at North Chase Nursing Home: A Candid Account of Care and Conditions

Having just spent 100 days in a nursing home, my mother recently returned home after undergoing rehabilitation for her hip replacement. Reflecting on this experience at North Chase, formerly known as Britthaven of Northchase in Wilmington, I feel compelled to share my thoughts. While the intention behind her admission was primarily convenience for me, given its location halfway between my workplace and home, the overall quality of care and facility conditions left much to be desired.

One aspect that stood out during her stay was the physical therapy department, whose staff demonstrated an admirable level of skill and dedication. They were incredibly supportive in aiding my mother's recovery from her surgery. Their expertise played an essential role in helping her regain mobility. However, this positive experience was sadly overshadowed by numerous deficiencies in other areas of the nursing home itself.

The state of the facility raised significant concerns regarding its upkeep and maintenance. Upon entering my mother’s room multiple times throughout her stay, it became glaringly apparent that repairs were both necessary and overdue. To begin with, she had to endure three different beds before finally being assigned one that functioned properly. This situation alone caused unnecessary frustration and discomfort during a time when she needed stability while recovering from major surgery.

In addition to the issues with bedding, there were broader concerns about cleanliness and aesthetics within the rooms themselves. The walls bore numerous marks resulting from wear and tear that had clearly not been addressed over time; they desperately needed a fresh coat of paint to create a more welcoming atmosphere for residents like my mother. Many rooms appeared neglected and uninviting — a disheartening reality for individuals who often rely heavily on these environments for comfort as they recuperate.

Unfortunately, staffing shortages exacerbated these difficulties significantly during her stay. On many occasions when I visited around lunchtime to bring her favorite meals, I noticed distressing patterns regarding how food was handled or simply left unattended on tables beside their beds. There were times when my mother had barely touched her meals because no one had checked on her or assisted with opening up containers so she could eat properly. Observing food sitting untouched day after day felt disheartening; it illustrated a lack of attention towards resident needs.

Moreover, situations where my mother's light would flash in need of assistance proved frustratingly common — sometimes requiring 30 to 40 minutes before someone arrived to help alleviate her discomfort or respond to urgent calls for care such as changing or general support activities. These delays are unacceptable within any healthcare setting but become particularly troubling when dealing with vulnerable elderly patients requiring prompt care and support.

Ultimately, while I appreciated the exceptional work performed by physical therapists at North Chase, it remains clear that significant improvements are required across various facets of this nursing home facility — from room maintenance and proper meal assistance protocols through enhanced staffing levels ensuring timely responses from caregivers dedicated solely to supporting residents’ wellbeing. Despite the convenience factor initially drawing us here, based upon these experiences firsthand observing what transpired over those months leads me not only unable but unwilling recommend their services moving forward; nonetheless I sincerely hope future enhancements can transform it into an environment where patients receive quality care reflective of what they deserve during their most challenging times.*

This part of Wilmington, North Carolina offers convenient access to transportation, with the Wilmington International Airport just 3.3 miles away. There are a variety of dining options nearby, including Taco Bell, Goody Goody Omelet House, and Jax 5th Avenue Deli & Ale House. For those who enjoy international cuisine, Indochine Restaurant and Okami Japanese Steakhouse are also within close proximity. Additionally, there are several coffee shops such as Starbucks and Port City Java for a relaxing break. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore parks like Hugh MacRae Park and Brunswick River Park, while medical needs can be addressed at facilities like New Hanover Medical Group and Coastal Neurosurgical Associates. Pharmacies like Seashore Discount Drugs and Epic Pharmacies are conveniently located for medication needs. Overall, this area offers a vibrant mix of amenities that cater to various interests and needs, making it a desirable option for senior living in Wilmington.

Transportation

• Wilmington International Airport (ILM) (3.3 miles)
• American Airlines (3.3 miles)

Restaurants

• Taco Bell (4.6 miles)
• Goody Goody Omelet House (4.7 miles)
• Jax 5th Avenue Deli & Ale House (4.7 miles)
• Indochine Restaurant (5 miles)
• Okami Japanese Steakhouse (5.6 miles)
• McDonald's (6.1 miles)
• Katy's Grill & Bar (6.3 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (4.9 miles)
• Port City Java (5.4 miles)
• Bespoke Coffee & Dry Goods (6.3 miles)

Parks

• Hugh MacRae Park (6.8 miles)
• Brunswick River Park (8.4 miles)
• Leland Westgate Park (10.4 miles)
• Annsdale Park (12 miles)

Physicians

• New Hanover Medical Group (7.1 miles)
• Wilmington Eye - Medical Center Drive (8.1 miles)
• Wilmington Endocrinology (8.1 miles)
• Tinsley, Ellis, A, Jr, MD (8.1 miles)
• Coastal Neurosurgical Associates (8.2 miles)
• Cape Fear Cancer Specialists (10.3 miles)
• KidzCare Pediatrics (10.9 miles)

Pharmacies

• Seashore Discount Drugs (8 miles)
• Epic Pharmacies (8.4 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (8.7 miles)
• Walgreens (8.8 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (9 miles)
• Walgreens (9.2 miles)
• Walgreens (10.9 miles)

Theaters

• The Pointe 14 at Barclay (9 miles)