TL;DR - I am really very happy to have found the team at NBK Northgate Plaza, and feel confident in their concern and care for my family. The individuals on staff are tremendous, and they seem focused on supporting each other and the residents. The facility itself appears well appointed and cared for.
We found this NBK location on relatively short notice through a recommendation from A Place For Mom. We visited a number of spots, but chose Northgate Plaza for a number of reasons. The staff has been very kind and understanding in moving in, and the med techs / medical staff seem to be very well trained. I have an inside advantage that one of the med techs is a close friend, although I wasn't aware they worked at this facility until after we moved in. I have a great deal of confidence in the team.
The main facility is very organized and clean; public spaces and exterior gardens are well maintained, and even employees at unrelated neighboring businesses compliment the space. It does not have some of the over-the-top amenities of more expensive facilities, but they have enough, and more of a homey vibe than other facilities. Hidden corners like firelane stairways seem well maintained and organized. This gives me confidence in the building maintenance staff. The front desk staff is very alert and an excellent hub for communication during the day. They are extremely personable and quick to respond. It is my embarrassment that I can't name them offhand today. I will fix that.
Being in a key transportation location, NP will provide transportation to medical appointments, including downtown facilities, so they are well positioned for external care. They also provide external field trips, which are great opportunities.
The apartments are clean and solid, if utilitarian. The bathroom is huge, with a walk-in shower, and room for staff assistants to help residents. The rooms are well insulated, and outside noise isn't much of an issue, even in such an urban environment. The kitchenette is a microwave and a college refrigerator; there isn't any A/C in room. Heat is Cadet electrical wall units. They will definitely need an electrical upgrade as younger generations move in with more appliances. A portable AC can quickly pop the breakers, but is definitely necessary in South-facing rooms.
Residents are provided with a pendant necklace alert, so they can get assistance anywhere in the facility. Laundry and cleaning assistance provides a touch point every week.
There is a PT group on site that provides training opportunities for residents in the excercise room, from chair yoga to cardio bikes to strength training. The excercise room itself is a little small, but they use a larger multipurpose room for a number of group events.
Meals are provided restaurant style, and seems like quality service, although portions are a little small for younger visitors joining a resident for a meal. Staff in the kitchen and dining room are very friendly, and terrific working with even difficult conversations.
The residents themselves have a council as well, and provide feedback on programs and donations, and organize themselves. The residents have several regular card games and puzzle nights which provide great opportunities for engagement.
Specific shout-outs:
Fred is superlative in his friendliness, and takes excellent care of residents. In addition to his normal duties, he is playing guitar and providing random entertainment; he will do things like organize birthday parties for residents and make them feel special.
Nicole, the sales specialist, is far more than just the first person you meet in the facility. She goes out of her way to make residents feel welcome, touching base regularly, and visiting residents when in extended hospital visits. On the day we moved in, she was helping another resident move furniture. That week, she worked far more than the normal work week, investing her time to ensure residents had a good holiday. She is one of the kindest, most empathetic people you'll meet.
David & Katie, the healthcare professionals, have some of the heaviest loads, and really live up to it. They are well trained, and focused on resident care. They get excited for resident successes, and show real concern for resident issues.
Pat - current Resident Council VP and unofficial Community Greeter - just absolutely the nicest and most extroverted person ever, and a tremendous asset to the community.
Something that I would put on a wishlist:
* Mental health care, particularly for life transitions. All of the staff tries to help with this, but a specially trained visiting geriatric social worker or arnp would add another touch point for at-risk residents.
* One more staff member per staffing area - someone calling in sick doesn't affect care today, but I think staffing issues are generally true of most service industries. Late stage capitalism and profit over employee value is hurting us all. read more