McDowell Village

I would, and have, told people that McDowell Village was everything I was hoping for, and even some things I didn't think to hope for. I appreciate the welfare checks they make if my dad doesn't appear where expected, and the person who will come help him with his confounding electronic devices.

The facility access was great; staff was very good; meals/dining was problematic (good food, but lousy visitor 'reservation' policy that basically kept friends/family away, and monthly "holiday meals" (with reserved seatings) caused my loved one and us a lot of stress). The value for the money, they're pricey, even compared to other MBK properties. The housekeeping wasn't thorough - there were always dust bunnies under the bed, and their mopping often left sticky, dried mop water patches on the floor. Thermostats are mounted too low to see unless you're in a wheelchair (my loved one almost fell over every time they tried checking/adjusting it); we asked them to raise it, but they never did. Frequent issues with their transportation rules/scheduling made it a not-really-there benefit (they only schedule departures, and that's on-the-hour, to multiple destinations. You arrive super early, about on time, or late, depending on how you schedule the ride. They also don't SCHEDULE return trips: you have to call when you're ready, then be prepared to wait, sometimes over an hour, for pick-up. That's unacceptable!

My mom recently needed extra care because she wasn't eating. She was tired of the food and the activities had come to a halt because a few residents had Covid. So I hired ComforCare to come in and make sure she ate. She quickly got better and now she's going to the dining room regularly and the activities have started again. McDowell Village did not help my mom get adjusted to living there. It took her getting ill to get to them to notice her. So our first [dates removed] weren't the best. But she likes it now. My mom needed extra help adjusting like an ambassador or such to take her to the dining room that they said they offer, but according to my mom they didn't follow up on that.

I feel favorably about McDowell Village. I haven't participated in things as much as I would like to yet. But they have exercise classes and things I would like to eventually try out. I think the staff are quite nice and quite pleasant for the most part. I'm amazed at how quickly they remember your name. The kitchen needs more space, and there are plans to enlarge it, which should help improve the food.

McDowell Village has met all of our expectations. There had been 24 hour nursing care that my loved one used and it was exceptional. The staff are great to work with if we have any questions or concerns. The food is great and everything my loved one would want. Wine tasting, live music entertainment and more are some of the activities available for the residents to choose from.

The communication could be improved with the residents, and visiting family and friends. The staff are responsive to friends and family's requests. They recently switched chefs. It would be nice to have the residents be more encouraged to join in on the activities by floor.

Our first impression right away was with the friendliness of the staff members and the residents, everyone just came up to speak with us on our tour which made us feel very welcoming. The meals are good and the residents are kept very busy with all the activities. The value for cost is great.

There is nothing I would change about McDowell Village, everything about this facility is fabulous. Administrative staff is amazing and all of the residents make you feel comfortable and welcome. The staff go above and beyond. The meals here are chef prepared and all of the activities provided are wonderful. My mom is thriving.