Blair County Valley View Home

Pros

• The facility is described as pretty nice, with a variety of activities for residents to enjoy.
• The staff at Valley View Home are friendly and well-regarded by both residents and family members.
• The environment is clean and well-maintained, contributing to a comfortable living space for residents.
• Residents have access to individual TVs in their rooms, enhancing their comfort and leisure time.
• Family visits and short outings are encouraged, allowing residents to maintain connections with loved ones.
• Overall care for residents' needs, medications, mental stimulation, and happiness is appreciated by families.

Cons

• The food was often complained about as being bland.
• The care received in physical therapy was fair at best, with limited help after initial sessions.
• The nursing and care staff appeared to be understaffed, leading to inadequate attention for some patients.
• Some residents do not receive sufficient individual attention due to the high number of patients.
• Overall experiences with the facility have been mixed, indicating dissatisfaction with certain aspects of care.

Review

Valley View Home in Altoona has garnered a spectrum of reviews from family members of residents, reflecting various experiences and perspectives regarding its overall quality. This facility stands out for its cleanliness, friendly staff, and an array of activities designed to keep residents engaged and stimulated. One reviewer noted that during the summer months, the home organizes outings to local attractions and ballgames, illustrating a commitment to promoting social interaction and enjoyable experiences for its residents. The positive atmosphere combined with dedicated staff contributes to an environment where many feel comfortable and well cared for.

However, despite these favorable aspects, not all experiences at Valley View Home have been uniformly positive. One reviewer shared their mixed feelings stemming from past interactions when their great-grandmother resided there. While she expressed contentment with her overall comfort level during her stay, she frequently complained about the blandness of the food served. This sentiment underscores a common concern about meal quality that some families might find disappointing in a nursing home setting. Although staff interactions were generally seen as positive and accommodating by this reviewer, they voiced dissatisfaction with the physical therapy services offered at the facility.

The reviewer’s experience with physical therapy highlights a significant drawback: while care was deemed fair initially, it fell short after just three sessions. This led them to seek assistance elsewhere in Altoona, suggesting that although Valley View Home may excel in certain areas of care and resident engagement, it faces challenges when it comes to specialized medical services like rehabilitation therapy. It raises questions about how facilities can adequately support both general residential needs alongside specific therapeutic requirements.

Another family member reflected on their grandmother's experience at Valley View Home, mentioning a sense of genuine care exhibited by staff members toward residents. Nevertheless, they expressed concerns about understaffing within the nursing and care teams. This perceived shortage seemed to affect how much attention individual patients received—potentially compromising the quality of personalized care necessary for elderly individuals who require more focused support due to health issues or mobility challenges. While acknowledging that basic needs such as medication management were being met, this review encapsulates anxieties surrounding staffing levels which can impact older adults' everyday lives significantly.

Regarding amenities available at the facility, several reviews indicated that they are decent considering budget constraints typical of many nursing homes. Family members noted constructive policies around visitation allowances—such as enabling families to share holiday meals or take residents out for brief periods—which can foster connectivity between residents and their loved ones outside of institutional confines. These practices likely contribute positively to resident morale but also hint at a desire among families for greater flexibility regarding visitation overall.

In conclusion, while Valley View Home undoubtedly offers several commendable aspects—such as engaging activities for residents, friendly staff interactions, and opportunities for familial connection—it is not without its flaws. Families have expressed concerns about food quality in addition to potential deficiencies in specialized healthcare services such as physical therapy offerings amidst what appears to be chronic understaffing challenges within daily nursing responsibilities. Overall impressions suggest that while most enjoy pleasant stays supported by caring personnel dedicated to meeting fundamental needs amidst communal life settings; improvements could certainly enhance service delivery across various dimensions vital for holistic elder care.

This area of Altoona, Pennsylvania, offers a variety of amenities that cater to senior living needs. With several parks nearby, including Valley View County Park and Central Blair Recreation Commn, there are opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation. In terms of healthcare services, there are multiple physicians' offices such as Blair Gastroenterology Associates and Pediatric Healthcare Associates within close proximity for convenient medical care. Additionally, a range of dining options can be found in the area, from Luigetta's to Panera Bread, catering to different tastes. Pharmacies like Rite Aid and Thompson Pharmacy are also easily accessible for medication needs. Furthermore, there are various places of worship nearby for spiritual fulfillment. Transportation options like Amtrak and Norfolk Southern provide easy access for travel. Overall, this neighborhood in Altoona provides a convenient and comfortable environment for seniors looking to settle down.

Parks

• Valley View County Park (0.1 miles)
• Central Blair Recreation Commn (1.6 miles)
• Memorial Park (1.7 miles)
• Garfield Park (2.2 miles)
• Mansion Park (2.5 miles)
• Canterberry Canine Recreation Area (3.5 miles)

Physicians

• Blair Gastroenterology Associates (0.6 miles)
• Allegheny Regional Endoscopy (0.6 miles)
• Sankaran Manickam MD (0.6 miles)
• Altoona Ophthalmology Associates (0.6 miles)
• Pediatric Healthcare Associates (0.8 miles)
• Kansal Kay MD (0.9 miles)
• Elias - Rifkh Elias M Rifkah MD (1.1 miles)

Restaurants

• Luigetta's (0.6 miles)
• Bavarian Hall (1 miles)
• Buccinese Society (1 miles)
• Taco Bell (1.2 miles)
• Wendy's (1.2 miles)
• Brothers Pizza (1.2 miles)
• 4d's Lounge (1.3 miles)

Cafes

• Greenbean Coffee House (0.9 miles)
• Panera Bread (2 miles)
• Port Sky Cafe (2.6 miles)
• Starbucks (3.1 miles)
• Starbucks (3.6 miles)

Pharmacies

• Rite Aid (1.2 miles)
• Thompson Pharmacy (1.9 miles)
• Greenwood Drugs (2.1 miles)
• Walgreens (2.8 miles)
• Cambria Medical Supply Co. (3 miles)

Hospitals

• Altoona Hospital (1.2 miles)
• Altoona Regional Health System (1.2 miles)
• Upmc Altoona (1.3 miles)
• Altoona Hospital Surgical Center (1.3 miles)

Transportation

• Amtrak (1.4 miles)
• Norfolk Southern (1.4 miles)
• Norfolk Southern Juniata Heavy Repair Shops (1.4 miles)

Places of Worship

• Altoona Restoration Church of God (1.7 miles)
• Element Church of God (1.8 miles)
• Altoona Apostolic Church (2 miles)
• Saint Mina Coptic Orthodox Church (2 miles)
• Evangelical Independent Methodist Church (2.4 miles)
• Westminster Orthodox Presbyterian Church (3.7 miles)