Golden LivingCenter - Florence

Pros

• She was transferred to Marquette, where people care.

Cons

• They were appalled that their sister was allowed only one shower a week.
• They found the ankle bracelet for 2-3 months unacceptable.
• They were told their sister would be taken shopping, but that never happened.
• For three months, they could not get a schedule together.
• They believe the care at the prior facility was improper and unacceptable.

Review

Golden LivingCenter - Florence is best suited for families seeking a budget-conscious, lightly supervised assisted living option where the resident is relatively independent but still needs occasional daily help. The community can deliver a livable, home-like environment with a routine and social contact, but success hinges on active family advocacy to keep care on track. This setting is not a high-touch, medical-focused facility; it works when expectations are anchored in steady, hands-on oversight from loved ones and clear, ongoing communication with staff.

Care needs beyond basic assistance, along with a desire for highly reliable scheduling, should push families to consider alternatives. Residents who require frequent personal care, rapid response to needs, or specialized supervision may not find the level of consistency here. Families that cannot commit to regular in-person oversight may encounter persistent gaps in service. Those who value seamless outings and predictable daily rhythms should compare other communities, including nearby options and the Marquette location cited as delivering more engaged care by a transferring family.

On the positive side, there is evidence that the community can deliver satisfactory days when operations align. A five-star endorsement exists, suggesting that some residents experience meaningful care, comfort, and real companionship. The facility has the potential to provide a welcoming environment where routine meals, social interaction, and accessible support contribute to a decent quality of life. When staff engagement and scheduling cooperate, residents can enjoy stability and a sense of belonging within a familiar setting.

Yet the strongest red flags center on inconsistency and reliability. A reviewer described only one shower per week and a long failure to implement promised outings, illustrating fragile operational discipline. The use of an ankle bracelet for an extended period raises concerns about autonomy and dignity, signaling safety measures that can feel intrusive. A three-month scheduling gap for routine activities underscores a broader pattern of delays and incomplete follow-through. Taken together, these issues erode trust and undermine daily independence, even for residents who otherwise tolerate modest care.

These pros and cons must be weighed against real-world needs. If the expected daily life can tolerate variability and family members are prepared to stay actively involved to enforce routines, Golden LivingCenter - Florence can function as a practical, lower-cost option or interim placement. However, for residents requiring reliable, proactive care, especially in hygiene, medication oversight, timely responses, and consistent outings, the cons carry enough weight to prompt serious consideration of alternatives. The balance tilts decisively toward looking at stronger-performing communities in the area or a transfer to the Marquette campus where care appears more consistently attentive.

For families evaluating options, a focused, no-nonsense assessment is essential. Probe staffing ratios by shift, verify average shower frequency, and map out how outings and errands are scheduled and documented. Request concrete escalation processes for missed promises and a plan for improving communication with the family. If dignity, autonomy, and dependable daily care are non-negotiable, consider alternatives with stronger operational discipline or the noted Marquette location that other families have endorsed. Golden LivingCenter - Florence can work for a suitable resident, but only with vigilant, ongoing advocacy and a clear plan to address the highlighted gaps.

Located in Florence, Wisconsin, this area offers a variety of amenities suited for senior living. With parks such as Wild Rivers Interpretive Center and Upper Peninsula Vietnam Veterans Memorial nearby, there are plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation. Places of worship like Bethlehem Lutheran Church and Homestead Baptist Church provide spiritual support within the community. Pharmacies such as Florence Prescription Services and Walgreens are conveniently located for easy access to medications. Additionally, healthcare services from facilities like Dickinson Family Practice Center and VA Medical Center ensure that seniors have access to quality medical care. Various dining options including Barb's Cafe and Village Inn offer a diverse range of choices for meals. Transportation options like Delta Connection Kingsford and Tri-City Cab make it easy to get around the area. Overall, this part of Florence provides a well-rounded environment for seniors looking to settle down in a peaceful and supportive community.

Parks

• Wild Rivers Interpretive Center (0.2 miles)
• Stager Lake Park (5.8 miles)
• Upper Peninsula Vietnam Veterans Memorial (9.9 miles)
• Cowboy Lake Park (10.1 miles)
• Iron Mountain Park (10.7 miles)
• Dawson Lake Park (10.9 miles)
• Ford Park (11.7 miles)

Places of Worship

• Bethlehem Lutheran Church (0.2 miles)
• Homestead Baptist Church (8 miles)
• Jehovah's Witnesses (11.3 miles)
• Of The Liturgy Missionaries (11.3 miles)
• Good News Church (11.3 miles)
• Trinity United Methodist Church (11.6 miles)
• Maranatha Messengers (11.7 miles)

Restaurants

• Barb's Cafe (0.2 miles)
• Ice Cream Shoppe (0.3 miles)
• Gina Marie's (5.6 miles)
• Leff's Sports Bar & Grill (6.4 miles)
• Pasty Oven (6.6 miles)
• Village Inn (10.3 miles)
• Subway (11.1 miles)

Physicians

• Tri-County Communication Services Incorporated (0.2 miles)
• Northern Eye Care Associates, PC (11.1 miles)
• Urology Associates of Green Bay (11.3 miles)
• Henke Douglas, MD (11.3 miles)
• Iron Mountain Vein (11.3 miles)
• Dickinson Neurology Associates (11.5 miles)
• Shopko Optical (11.5 miles)

Pharmacies

• Florence Prescription Services (0.2 miles)
• Walgreens (11.8 miles)
• The Drug Store (11.9 miles)
• Super One Foods (12 miles)
• Shopko Pharmacy (12.1 miles)

Cafes

• Steamin Joe Coffeehouse (0.3 miles)
• Moose-Jackson Cafe (11.6 miles)
• B's Country Cafe & Catering (11.6 miles)
• Contrast Coffee (11.8 miles)
• Neu Cup (12.1 miles)
• Coffee Caboose (12.3 miles)
• Edelweiss Coffee (12.7 miles)

Transportation

• Delta Connection Kingsford (9.9 miles)
• Tri-City Cab (11.5 miles)
• Tri-City Cab (11.6 miles)
• U-Haul Neighborhood Dealer (11.8 miles)
• Champ's Taxidermy & Firearms (12.6 miles)

Hospitals

• Freemans Convalescent Home (11.1 miles)
• Dickinson Family Practice Center (11.7 miles)
• Marquette General Hospital (11.9 miles)
• US Department of Veterans Affairs (12 miles)
• VA Medical Center (12.1 miles)
• Oscar G Johnson VA Medical Center (12.1 miles)
• United States Veterans Hospital (12.1 miles)