Southside Gardens Assisted Living Center

I thought Southside Gardens was nice, but they had individual apartments for assisted living. With that setup, my loved one would just sit there by himself and not have interaction with other people. Also, if it rained, he would have had to go out in the rain to get the dining hall. And we didn't...

I thought Southside Gardens was nice, but they had individual apartments for assisted living. With that setup, my loved one would just sit there by himself and not have interaction with other people. Also, if it rained, he would have had to go out in the rain to get the dining hall. And we didn't want that for him.

My mother lived there for several years in the independent living apartments. As far as the amenities go, the apartments are a very good value. They are well maintained, offering a little porch and a small garden, a feature hard to find in many senior communities. A stacking washer and dryer in e...

My mother lived there for several years in the independent living apartments. As far as the amenities go, the apartments are a very good value. They are well maintained, offering a little porch and a small garden, a feature hard to find in many senior communities. A stacking washer and dryer in each unit is a huge plus. Two meals a day are provided, and meals can be delivered when the weather is bad, or if residents don't want to walk to the dining hall that day. Basic housekeeping is also included (vacuum, mop, and clean bath fixtures/surfaces as well as kitchen floor and surfaces). Of course residents are expected to pick up after themselves, but the weekly cleaning service is good. Attic storage in the cottages is a nice plus for seasonal decorations, out of season clothing, etc. Small pets (cats, small dogs, birds, etc.) are allowed, and this is so critical in the lives of so many seniors who live alone. The fact that Southside is pet-friendly was a key factor in my mother's decision to move there. Most of the staff is very friendly and quick to respond to resident's needs, sometimes going over the top to help, especially a woman named Jerri, who I hope is still working there. The housekeeping staff is very nice as well. When my mother was there, the food was all right, but the menu choices were limited. I have heard they have a new chef, so hopefully that has changed. Southside is much more affordable than many similar facilities, and offers many activities for residents, as well as a chapel and hair salon.My mother also enjoyed walking the grounds for her exercise. Maintenance is usually prompt, but if you have a weekend or nighttime maintenance emergency requiring a professional (like a clogged toilet that does not respond to the efforts of staff members), there is no provision for that, and residents either go out of pocket for Roto Rooter or they won't be able to use the toilet. The staff on duty will try to resolve the problem themselves (they get a star for that!) but the owner of the facility does not allow staff to call a professional after hours or on weekends, and that is a serious consideration. That policy may have changed since my mother lived there, so please inquire about this before you commit to a lease. I gave them four stars instead of five only because of the lack of after-hours emergency maintenance, limited menu options (at that time), and due to the fact that there were a couple of staff members during my mother's stay there who were busybodies, and two other staff members who persistently proselytized their religious beliefs to residents. The rest of the staff is excellent.

My loved one enjoys having an independent apartment and being able to enjoy the outside. She has her own porch where she can grow flowers, and she's raising tomatoes. She's able to enjoy her gardening, as opposed to being in a building with her room down a long hall like she's in a hotel. That's ...

My loved one enjoys having an independent apartment and being able to enjoy the outside. She has her own porch where she can grow flowers, and she's raising tomatoes. She's able to enjoy her gardening, as opposed to being in a building with her room down a long hall like she's in a hotel. That's why she chose Southside. The staff have been very responsive to any needs or requests that she makes. Activities had to be cut back due to Covid, but they're improving lately. They recently just added bus trips back in. She's joined a community of other ladies with similar interests, so she's been keeping rather busy. She's in a card group and plays bingo, and is also in a prayer circle. So I feel she's integrated well into the community.

The people and the staff are really great. It's a good safe community the way it's set up. The community is located centrally in the city and has access to a lot of shopping, and shops. I would recommend this community to others.