Lakewood Care Ctr in Milwaukee, WI

Pros

• The staff is very friendly, with Dawanna singled out for special praise.
• The staff is very nice and caring, making Edenbrook Lakeside a nice place to place a relative for rehabilitation.
• Ziera and Zer were absolute angels.
• Ziera and Zer consistently returned calls and answered questions.
• Edenbrook Lakeside has come a long way under new ownership and leadership, with a dedicated team focused on improving care.
• The facility offers single rooms with TVs in every room, and the staff is terrific.
• The medical and assistance teams on the first floor were exceptional and made patients comfortable.

Cons

• They claim the staff neglected their relative, failing to check on him or provide timely care, leading to a decline and death.
• They describe the facility as dirty and stinky, with unsanitary room conditions and infrequent cleaning.
• They report long delays for treatments and oxygen, while staff sit at desks talking instead of caring.
• They allege poor communication, unreturned calls, and care conferences that left families misinformed.
• They state there was inconsistent, rude, or incompetent staff, and frequent staff turnover.
• They accuse some staff of stealing residents' belongings and say doors do not lock properly, creating safety concerns.
• They say the food is poor, often described as slop or unrecognizable.
• They argue the facility should be shut down or avoided for elderly or critically ill patients due to neglect.
• They report ongoing plumbing problems and lack of hot water impacting daily care.

Review

Lakewood Care Ctr is best suited for families pursuing short- or intermediate-term rehabilitation with the explicit aim of returning home, provided the care team demonstrates reliable therapy delivery and steady, attentive staff. The strongest fit emerges when residents can benefit from structured physical, occupational, and speech therapies and when a pair of hands-on clinicians, case managers, and nurses can sustain a clear plan toward recovery. This community does not appear ideal for residents who require constant, high-acuity medical oversight, or for those in end-of-life or long-term needs where consistent, around-the-clock monitoring and flawless operations are non-negotiable.

Those who should consider alternatives are families facing significant questions about staffing stability, communication, and safety. Reviews raise red flags about inconsistent staffing, delayed responses, and gaps in daily care - issues that can derail progress in rehab or leave a patient vulnerable when rapid intervention is needed. For families prioritizing meticulous care, predictable operations, and clean, well-maintained environments, it may be prudent to compare options with stronger, more consistent staffing ratios, better documented care coordination, and verifiable quality metrics.

On the positive side, several accounts highlight accessibility of a caring, capable therapy team and staff who genuinely engage with residents. When therapy and social work are consistently available, residents can make meaningful progress, gain confidence in daily activities, and feel supported through transitions back toward independence. The presence of private rooms and visible, proactive social workers who advocate for the patient are notable strengths. In practical terms, those benefits can translate into faster rehabilitation milestones, improved mood, and clearer communication about goals and progress - provided they coexist with dependable day-to-day care.

The most challenging threads in the reviews center on staffing gaps, communication breakdowns, and safety concerns. Recurring complaints describe slow or absent responses to calls, lapses in hygiene and routine care, and gaps in supervision that leave families worried about whether treatments and daily needs are being met. Reports of inconsistent care planning, unreturned messages, and unsettled transfer logistics further erode trust. There are also mentions of environmental issues - unresolved maintenance, cleanliness worries, and equipment or supply problems - that compound the risk of poor outcomes in a rehab setting. Taken together, these factors can overwhelm even a strong therapy program.

To decide confidently, families should verify several practical specifics before choosing. Inquire about current staffing ratios during day, evening, and night shifts; request recent state survey results and any corrective action plans; observe how quickly staff respond to calls during a visit; and ask for a tour of therapy spaces to gauge how aggressively PT/OT and speech therapy operate in a typical day. Confirm clarity of care plans, the process for daily progress notes, and how families are updated - ideally with timely, documented communications. Investigate the handling of transfers and insurance coverage, and assess the cleanliness and maintenance of rooms, kitchens, and bathrooms. These checks help separate standout rehab programs from those plagued by operational weaknesses.

In the end, Lakewood Care Ctr can be a solid option for rehab-focused families if the facility demonstrates durable staffing, consistent communication, and rigorous care oversight. The favorable elements - engaged therapists, supportive social workers, and private accommodations - are meaningful when paired with dependable day-to-day care. If these assurances can be confirmed through a thorough in-person evaluation, the balance tips toward choosing this community. If not, or if a resident's needs include very high medical acuity, immediate responsiveness, or uncompromising safety standards, it is prudent to pursue alternatives with a clearer track record of stable operations and uncompromised resident protections.

This part of Milwaukee, Wisconsin offers a variety of amenities that may appeal to seniors looking for a convenient and comfortable living environment. There are several cafes within close proximity, providing opportunities for socialization and relaxation. In terms of dining options, there is a mix of casual venues like McDonald's and Champion's Pub, as well as more upscale choices such as Casablanca and Glorioso's Italian Market. Additionally, the area boasts several pharmacies for easy access to medical supplies and prescriptions. For outdoor recreation, residents can enjoy nearby parks like Lakeshore State Park and Red Arrow Park. Transportation is easily accessible with the Milwaukee Intermodal Station located within a short distance. There are also reputable hospitals in the vicinity including Aurora Sinai Medical Center and Wheaton Franciscan - St. Joseph Campus. Overall, this neighborhood offers a blend of conveniences and services that may make it an attractive option for seniors seeking a vibrant community to call home.

Cafes

• Colectivo Lakefront (0.3 miles)
• Colectivo Coffee (3.9 miles)
• Starbucks (4.7 miles)
• Starbucks (6 miles)
• Hawthorne Coffee Roasters (6.2 miles)
• Starbucks (6.2 miles)
• Starbucks (6.8 miles)

Restaurants

• McDonald's (0.4 miles)
• Champion's Pub (0.4 miles)
• Jamo's (0.5 miles)
• Glorioso's Italian Market (0.8 miles)
• Casablanca (1 miles)
• Veggas Pub (1 miles)
• Company Brewing (1.1 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (0.5 miles)
• Walgreens (0.5 miles)
• Walgreens (1.1 miles)
• Metro Market Pharmacy (1.3 miles)
• Walgreens (1.7 miles)
• Walgreens (2 miles)
• Walgreens (2.3 miles)

Parks

• Lakeshore State Park (1.5 miles)
• Red Arrow Park (1.6 miles)
• Kern Park (1.9 miles)
• Henry Maier Festival Park (2.1 miles)
• Atwater Park (2.4 miles)
• Paliafito Park (2.9 miles)
• Estabrook Park (3.1 miles)

Transportation

• Milwaukee Intermodal Station (2.3 miles)

Hospitals

• Aurora Sinai Medical Center (2.4 miles)
• Wheaton Franciscan - St. Joseph Campus (4.8 miles)
• Aurora St Luke's Medical Center (5.7 miles)
• Aurora Psychiatric Hospital (6.3 miles)
• Froedtert Pavilion (7 miles)

Physicians

• Rheumatic Disease Center (6.3 miles)
• Aurora Nephrology (7.1 miles)

Places of Worship

• Honey Creek Church (6.8 miles)