Overall sentiment in the reviews is strongly positive: reviewers repeatedly emphasize compassionate, personalized care in a clean, bright, home-like environment. The small-house model (approximately 16 residents) is a recurring positive theme, allowing staff to learn residents individually and tailor care to what brings each person joy. Multiple reviewers credit Applewood Our House with improving residents’ quality of life, increasing socialization and even improving eating habits. The facility is described as roomy, airy, and well-maintained, and the presence of a house dog (Dolly) contributes to a comforting, lived-in atmosphere.
Care quality and staff come up as the single most praised aspect. Caregivers are variously described as kind, gentle, loving, attentive, respectful and compassionate. Several staff and supervisors are named positively (Angelita, Destiny, Rebecca, Barb), and reviewers note that staff often go the extra mile and are available to answer questions. There is consistent emphasis on person-centered memory care: staff learn individual histories and preferences, which enables meaningful communication and activities tailored to dementia or cognitive impairment. Families appreciate that residents are treated like family and that staff provide not only hands-on care but also emotional and practical support to relatives.
The facility’s programming and daily life receive strong endorsement. Reviewers mention numerous organized activities and outings, with the benefit that participation is never forced. The environment supports socialization, and engaged programming is credited with improving residents’ appetite and overall mood. Dining is described as appealing and varied, and reviewers note that loved ones are kept clean and well-dressed. The physical layout — open rooms and plenty of indoor and outdoor space — is noted as ideal for both activity and quiet time.
Clinical and management supports are highlighted as strengths. Reviewers mention proper medical attention, 24/7 hospice support, and staff who understand and respond to disease-specific needs. House managers and supervisors are described as responsive and supportive; families report getting practical guidance about disease progression and coping strategies. Several accounts explicitly call the placement a “blessing” and express gratitude for the support Applewood provides to families.
Notable concerns are limited but important. A few reviewers raise the issue of frequent staff turnover, which can imply some inconsistency in caregivers over time; while many reviewers praise specific staff members, turnover may affect continuity for some families. Another recurring point is suitability for very advanced or rapidly progressing Parkinson’s cases: while multiple reviews praise Parkinson’s and dementia expertise and report symptom improvement for some residents, at least one reviewer noted that Applewood was “not a fit” for an especially aggressive Parkinson’s presentation and the placement was declined. Finally, the small-house model — a major strength in terms of personalization — does mean limited capacity, which could affect availability for prospective residents.
In summary, Applewood Our House Assisted Living Memory Care South Lakewood is consistently described as providing high-quality, compassionate, and personalized memory care in a clean, home-like setting. Strengths include exceptional staff engagement, individualized programming, an appealing physical environment, and supportive management and clinical resources (including hospice). The primary caveats from reviews are staff turnover (which may intermittently impact continuity) and a potential mismatch for very high-acuity, rapidly progressing Parkinson’s cases. For families seeking a small, attentive, dementia- and memory-focused community that emphasizes dignity, social engagement, and individualized care, reviewers overwhelmingly recommend Applewood; those with extremely advanced medical needs should verify fit with the team before placement.
