I'm assigning 4 stars here, which subtitles itself "Yay, I'm a fan." 5 Stars says "Woohoo! As good as it gets!" I cannot give 5 stars when I don't have enough almost identical comparatives, against which I can say "Woohoo! As good as it gets!" 4 stars IS as good as it gets!
I'm a volunteer. I first came through the doors around March of 2019, from Calvary Chapel 14:6, a non-denominational church that actually shares part of the same parking lot with Kingswood Place.
From the moment I met my first contact, the Life Enhancement Coordinator, I was made to feel welcome. Some 9 months later, I have not been mistaken nor mislead. I have what I hope will be taken properly as a different perspective, as I'm neither resident nor staff. I'm not getting any compensation for my views or experience at Kingswood. I feel led to share some firsthand views of the life at Kingswood Place that so many people I've become fond of have at their fingertips.
My last qualifier is the 3 days each week, at an average of 2 hours each, that I'm blessed to be able to share with my Kingswood friends.
Activities are displayed on an oversized board for all to see, and the residents ALWAYS have personal copies to refer to daily. The activities are way to numerous to mention- you'll have to visit to see for yourself. Various holiday-specific activities offer new things to do that engage the residents, and respectful/fun celebrations are constantly being presented that just beg for the folks to get involved.
Whether its playing cards while listening to 50's and 60's music, assorted church gatherings, movies, ice cream socials, resident-led games of choice, or community outings, Kingswood's staff is "all in!"
When you first come in, you will find not one but two separate social/tv areas (one which is closed-door private. Plenty of comfortable seating everywhere, with suitable room to accommodate the necessary walkers and wheelchairs. While I realize that this review is looking like a career opportunity, stay with me... I now have to speak of "dining."
I've actually heard people say they're fed "too much!" I've seen the portions, ate the food, and listened to the residents' testimonies. I'm telling you- the food is GOOD! I stand behind that as someone who studied Hotel & Restaurant Mgmt. back in college. Everything made from scratch, desserts included. Good portions... attention paid respectfully to special dietary needs... a flexible professional chef who works hard at both quality and presentation. I've also seen large-scale buffets for those special calendar days, and the quality and quantity of food is undeniable. When you consider the very cool daily dessert offerings, not to mention things like chocolate chip cookies that just happen to be 'laying around', nobody's starving at Kingswood!
The physical grounds of Kingswood are well-maintained, as are the very hallways and public spaces. Proximity to the church across the parking lot makes it a given that the residents are welcomed to be part of the regular worship, as well as the assorted breakfasts, dinners, and special events put on by Calvary Chapel. All just a few yards away.
As my final contribution I must speak of the staff. I will refrain from using names, partly because at my age I'm lucky to remember my own, and also because I'll either mis-spell or forget some. High marks MUST go to administration, front desk, culinary, one-on-one, life enhancement, maintenance and housekeeping (please tell me I've not forgotten anyone...!). I cannot speak highly enough for the courteous and quality individuals who cater to your loved ones' needs. All you need to verify all of this is to see for yourself the attention to detail at any given mealtime (to pick just ONE aspect). Clearly, Kingswood's vision for dignity and esteem for each resident is supported by the way staff takes care of the business that represents your family member. That attitude identifies Kingswood on a "corporate" level, as well, and good living pretty much trickles down from there!
I believe that life at such a Residence encompasses all the right things, and the folks I see 3 days a week (and for those whom I escort to church on Sundays) are living testimonies to a decision well-made... All are welcome, and NONE are forgotten!
P.S. Bring your dog- he won't be alone...! read more
