Sandalwood Creek

I set up appointments to look at facilities and 2 of my sisters toured them. It was the location of Sandalwood Creek that really sold it for us. We needed to keep mom local. The staff was very gracious and accommodating when mom declined quickly.

We went and visited Sandalwood Creek. That place was a little dumpy. They had one cafeteria. I asked them if the family comes and visits, can they go anywhere in the facility with them? And they're like, no, the only place you can go in is their bedroom. Their rooms didn't have kitchenettes in there. They didn't have an activity room. Most of their patients were sleeping. I wasn't that impressed at all. The room was just a room, a bed, and a bathroom, and it was old. Nothing special. It didn't have a TV in it. I didn't try the food, but they did have a menu and it wasn't as elaborate as the other facility. The staff did not look that great. The one that I talked to looked like she had been in the same scrubs for like three days or her hair looked like she'd been in that for two days. They didn't have any amenities that I know of. They have the option for the doctors to come in and you don't always have to take the patient out to the doctor, which is nice.

The tour with Sandalwood Creek was great. The people there were nice. Right now, there are only twelve residents there. The staff was very good. Her office was a mess, and she says she does some cooking and stuff like that, so it's more of a home atmosphere, with the people that are there. They have more buildings, but they have them shut down because of COVID, they said. It's very clean, the place was spotless. They have a kitchen facility, if it's a shared apartment they have a bathroom and a shower, and that's what I was looking for. They have some games, but the only game I saw was the puzzle sitting on a table. They said they do things outside. They said that they can take them out during the day, but they cannot leave the building. The only part I did not like was that they are locked in full-time. You have to be let out and they don't let the patients out unless they're going with somebody.

We chose Sandalwood Creek because they offered a locked down memory care unit, it fit our price range, and the location was great for family. I would tell others that you really have to keep on them about communication about your loved ones, so do not be afraid to do so. I would recommend this facility for those that are in the area.

The community is very good at taking care of the residents. They have low staff and lots of turnover, I'm not happy with that. Overall my loved one is very happy there. There are some concerns my loved one has; however, my loved one won't talk about them. I'm trying to communicate by phone or email with the community.