4 Star User Review
Garden Terrace has been a wonderful home for my mother over the past 3 years. They provide a home atmosphere whereas many nursing homes have the feel of an institution. The hallways are arranged into neighborhoods where one nurse is in charge of that neighborhood. Many of the rooms look out onto colorful gardens.
Many of the staff have been there for many years, lending the added advantage of stability to the residents. The building is older and the decor is in need of refreshing, so if you are looking for that this is not the home for you. There have been promises of rehabilitating the building for many years, but so far it just hasn't happened.
What Garden Terrace does offer is a staff of musical therapists that regularly sing to the residents, either by entertaining large groups of them, or in small groups of exercise and music. Occasionally, one of the staff will make the rounds and sing to individuals in their rooms, too. Activities of musical performances , painting classes conducted by an art therapist, prayer meetings, church and mass, ice cream socials, and bingo games scheduled for the residents almost daily. The facility has an excellent staff of therapists who work with skilled nursing patients. And a very nice advantage is that the facility has its own doctor, who is available much of the time. As well, there is a staff of social workers.
I have found the nursing staff and CNAs to range from extremely respectful in their care for residents to aloof and hurried. The laundry cannot always be trusted to get the clothes back in good condition. I have often found stains that were not there before. The food is also lacking in taste and wholesomeness. Very seldom do I see fresh fruits or fresh vegetables be a part of the menu. Pasta is a of staple. And if you are truly concerned about your loved one, you really have to take charge of his or her care, because the staff cannot give the personal attention that a family member can.
Overall, what the facility offers outweighs the deficiencies, and does take Medicaid and Medicare patients. I would recommend anyone take a look at it.