Lourdes Senior Community

    2300 Watkins Lake Rd, Waterford, MI, 48328
    • Independent living
    • Assisted living
    • Memory care
    • Skilled nursing
    AnonymousLoved one of resident
    3.0

    Beautiful campus but inconsistent care

    I have mixed feelings. The campus is beautiful and clean with lake views, a warm pastoral presence, many compassionate long-tenured staff, and solid rehab and therapy when it's available. However care is inconsistent - slow or no response to call lights, staffing gaps, delayed or changed meds and therapy, occasional neglect/bed-sores and poor communication. It's high quality when staffed well, but plan to stay very involved if you consider it.

    Pricing

    Schedule a Tour

    Amenities

    4.55 · 143 reviews

    Overall rating

    1. 5
    2. 4
    3. 3
    4. 2
    5. 1
    • Care

      4.2
    • Staff

      4.3
    • Meals

      3.8
    • Amenities

      4.4
    • Value

      2.8

    Pros

    • Beautiful, well-maintained grounds and lakefront setting
    • Clean, spacious and nicely decorated buildings and apartments
    • Private rooms with private baths available
    • Extensive outdoor spaces: walking trails, courtyard, dock, wildlife viewing
    • Continuum of care on one campus (independent, assisted, memory care, rehab)
    • Strong Catholic mission and pastoral/spiritual support (daily rosary, Mass)
    • Many compassionate, attentive and long‑tenured staff members
    • Staff who know residents by name and form personal bonds
    • High praise for rehabilitation services (PT/OT) and therapy outcomes
    • Consistent reports of staff going above and beyond for residents
    • Hospice support and end‑of‑life care noted as compassionate
    • Variety of activities, social programming, and shuttle transportation
    • On‑site medical visits and 24/7 nursing coverage reported by some
    • Delicious meals and attractive dining areas reported by many
    • Laundry on same floor with plenty of machines
    • Well‑run clinic/vaccination events and organized administrative processes
    • Cleanliness and odor‑free environment frequently mentioned
    • Safe, resort‑like, vacation‑feeling campus praised by many residents
    • Helpful social workers and engaged leadership teams
    • Family‑like atmosphere and feelings of safety and comfort
    • Reasonable pricing reported by some reviewers and all‑inclusive convenience
    • Private and semi‑private apartment options (one- and two‑bedrooms)
    • Good staff‑to‑resident ratio and perceived higher caregiver pay in some reports
    • Successful post‑acute rehab discharges and transitions to home
    • Many reviewers highly recommend Lourdes for various care levels

    Cons

    • Inconsistent staff quality — excellent caregivers alongside uncaring or rude aides
    • Unresponsive staff and slow or missed call light responses, especially late shifts
    • Medication errors, abrupt med changes to cheaper versions, and poor communication about meds
    • Serious safety incidents reported (delayed ER response, bed sores, alleged neglect)
    • Reports of rough handling, refused toileting assistance, and dignity concerns
    • Therapy interruptions during COVID and reports of inadequate therapy time/billing issues
    • Allegations that management is indifferent or dismissive of family concerns
    • Cases of alleged neglect of residents with dementia and wandering incidents
    • Variability in dining quality and reports of rude dining room staff or rushed service
    • Visitor access delays (e.g., waits to gain entrance) and restrictive visitation rules at times
    • Perceived care decline tied to financial/insurance limits and discharge decisions
    • Claims of poor communication, inconsistent updates, and lack of honesty from staff
    • Some reviewers described high cost relative to perceived value
    • Inconsistent activity levels reported (both abundant and limited)
    • Reports of rehab quality variability and reluctance to readmit some patients
    • Instances where COVID lockdowns led to reduced services or abrupt transitions
    • Notable differences between shifts—early shift praised, late shift criticized
    • Reports of residents left unattended for long periods and pressure sores developing
    • Alleged circumvention of call systems or other operational flaws
    • A minority of reviewers strongly discourage placement due to safety/quality concerns

    Summary review

    Overall sentiment: Reviews of Lourdes Senior Community are mixed but lean positive in volume and tone; the facility’s physical campus, spiritual mission, and many individual staff members receive consistent praise, while recurring operational and care consistency issues generate the majority of critical commentary. Across the reviews there are strong, repeated endorsements of the property’s aesthetics and amenities: reviewers describe beautifully landscaped grounds, lakefront access, walking trails, a peaceful setting with wildlife, spacious and clean interiors, and attractive common areas (courtyard, library, salon, dining room). The continuum-of-care model — independent living, assisted living, memory care, and an on‑site rehab center — is repeatedly cited as a convenience and strength, along with private rooms and private baths, laundry on the floor, shuttle services and transportation for activities.

    Staff and care quality: Staff performance emerges as the most polarized theme. Many reviewers describe compassionate, attentive, highly skilled staff — nurses, CNAs, occupational and physical therapists, pastoral team members and specific named sisters — who form meaningful bonds with residents, provide above‑and‑beyond support, and achieve strong rehab outcomes. Numerous accounts call the therapy team “amazing” or “miracle workers,” crediting them with enabling discharges home and marked functional improvement. Hospice and pastoral support are also singled out as strengths, with spiritual activities (daily rosary, Mass) an important plus for residents seeking a Catholic environment.

    Conversely, a significant portion of reviews recount inconsistent caregiving: unresponsive aides, slow call‑light responses (particularly on late shifts), rude behavior from some nursing assistants and dining staff, and reports of rough handling or refusal of toileting help. Several reviews describe more alarming failures: medication issues (including abrupt changes to cheaper medications and continued dosing despite family requests), delayed transfer to emergency care after mental/clinical decline, development of bed sores and infections alleged to have been neglected, and at least one account of a resident experiencing seizures and an adverse medication reaction with a fatal outcome soon after admission. These serious safety and communication complaints are relatively fewer in number but are highly salient and repeatedly cited by reviewers as reasons to avoid the facility or exercise caution.

    Rehabilitation and therapy: The rehab program earns substantial positive recognition for clinical expertise, continuity of therapists, and successful outcomes for many patients. Multiple reviewers credit the PT/OT staff with helping residents regain independence. At the same time, others report interruptions to therapy services (notably during COVID), allegations of inadequate therapy time, billing/time‑tracking concerns, or sudden reductions in rehabilitation intensity linked to insurance or administrative decisions. This produces a mixed picture: when therapy is delivered as described by positive reviewers it can be excellent; when constrained it appears to fall short of expectations.

    Facilities, dining and activities: The physical plant is a clear strength: reviewers consistently praise the cleanliness, spaciousness, and thoughtful decor of living spaces and common rooms. Dining impressions vary — many enjoyed delicious, plentiful meals and single out the dining room atmosphere, while others report rushed service, rude dining staff, tossed food, poor quality and pricing concerns. Activities and social programming are frequently mentioned as positives, with transportation for outings and a broad activity schedule supporting resident engagement; however, some reviewers experienced limited programming or perceived inactivity in certain units. Overall, amenities are strong, but service delivery (dining, activities) shows variability between experiences and across time.

    Management, communication and operations: Several reviewers praise engaged leadership, long‑tenured staff, and efficient administrative processes (vaccination clinics, admissions, scheduling). Others, however, criticize management for being unresponsive to complaints, for poor communication with families (inconsistent updates, not being honest), and for operational flaws like circumvented call systems or staffing shortages. Multiple reports note notable differences between shifts (early shift described as attentive; late shift as unresponsive), and some reviewers tie reduced care quality to financial or insurance pressures leading to shorter or less intense service. COVID‑era practices also appear to have contributed to negative experiences for certain residents (therapy cessation, abrupt discharges, restricted visitation).

    Safety and notable concerns: While the majority of reviews describe positive personal experiences, the dataset contains several recurring serious safety themes: delayed emergency response, medication mishandling or undisclosed changes, pressure ulcers not addressed effectively, neglect of residents with dementia (wandering, lack of supervision), and at least one report of a severe adverse event and death shortly after admission. These accounts are fewer than the positive reports but carry significant weight and create a clear pattern of inconsistency in safe caregiving practices that families should investigate closely.

    Who might be a good fit: Lourdes appears well suited to families seeking a serene, faith‑based campus with strong aesthetic amenities and robust rehab services when therapy is applied as described by many reviewers. Residents who value spiritual programming, outdoor access and a family‑like culture may find it especially appealing. Prospective residents and families who require reliable, consistently attentive assisted‑living or memory‑care supervision should perform careful due diligence: ask about staffing ratios across shifts, medication management procedures, call‑light response times, documentation and handling of skin integrity issues, therapy schedules and billing practices, visitor access policies, and recent safety incident records.

    Bottom line: The reviews paint Lourdes Senior Community as a place with outstanding physical grounds, a meaningful spiritual mission, and many dedicated, excellent employees who provide exceptional care and rehab for many residents. However, there is a recurrent and important pattern of inconsistency in caregiving, communication and operational execution — including some serious safety and dignity concerns — that prospective residents and families should investigate directly. The overall tenor is that experiences vary widely by unit, shift and individual staff; strong positive outcomes are common, but isolated reports of severe lapses merit caution and targeted questions during tours and admissions conversations.

    Location

    Map showing location of Lourdes Senior Community

    About Lourdes Senior Community

    Lourdes Senior Community sits beside a lake in Waterford, Michigan, and covers over 30 acres with quiet paths, forest views, and docks for fishing or walking, which seems to give a peaceful feeling when you visit. The community's made up of four main residences: Fox Manor on the Lake for independent seniors, Mendelson Assisted Living for folks who want help but still value their independence, Clausen Manor with specialized memory care in a safe area and caring staff, and Lourdes Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center for long-term nursing or short-term rehab needs. There's also The Villas at Lourdes with independent living, and Angela Hospice offering hospice care in a 15-bed residence right there on campus, so once somebody moves in, most folks won't need to move again if their needs change.

    The apartments come in different styles, including private and semi-private rooms, studios, plus one and two-bedroom options, all with choices like furnished rooms, full kitchens, cable TV, handicap access, and climate control in each unit. They have all-inclusive features such as wall-to-wall carpet, emergency pendants, and safety systems. Some apartments overlook the lake or have easy paths for a stroll, and several have storage spaces, covered parking, and laundry rooms on-site that make things pretty simple.

    Lourdes Senior Community serves more than 250 residents and has a 4.3 rating from 50 reviews, so folks seem to get along pretty well there. The place gives a full range of care, like independent and assisted living, skilled nursing, memory care for people with Alzheimer's or dementia, and even rehab for folks coming back from illness or surgery, all supported by a team that covers nursing, therapy, dietary, social work, and spiritual care. Nurses and medical professionals stay on-site, and the staff get picked for being friendly and skilled, with an eye for showing dignity and compassion since they follow four main values: Dignity, Service, Spirituality, and Compassion. There's a Catholic background since the Dominican Sisters of Peace sponsor the place, and the campus holds Mass twice a week, a daily rosary, but also many non-denominational services for all faiths.

    Social life feels busy and lively since the community has clubs, games, art classes, movie nights, music events, and even organized trips out to places like Frankenmuth or the casino, plus shopping outings and boat rides on their own pontoon. There are fitness classes, walking trails, a fitness gym, and even a golf course for folks who want to stay active, and plenty of spaces for quiet, like a big library or a lounge with a fireplace. Other small comforts include hair salons, storage, computer rooms, game rooms, a chapel, and an outdoor gazebo area for those who like fresh air. Dining can be in the primary restaurant, outside, or with restaurant-style options, and cooks can handle special diets.

    Safety matters, so residents have a 24-hour medic alert system, 24-hour security, and some pretty modern touches-like AI-powered fall detectors in bedrooms and wireless computer access. Clausen Manor, where memory care happens, uses a specialized gaming table called Tovertafel to help folks with dementia keep their minds active and social, and their staff gets picked for patience and kindness.

    The campus was formed back in 2009 when Dominican Sisters of Oxford joined with other religious groups, and the whole thing's run as a nonprofit, keeping the focus on caring rather than profit. The organization aims to respect everyone's unique needs, and the staff work to help every resident feel understood and at peace. Everyday work at Lourdes means helping with meals, cleaning, salon services, banking, and transportation, along with spiritual support and daily activities that bring people together.

    Fox Manor offers independent living with one- and two-bedroom apartments, meals, cleaning, and social activities, making it easy for seniors who want fewer worries but still live on their own. Mendelson Assisted Living Home gives help day or night for people needing meals, personal care, or support but still wanting independence and a bit of privacy. Clausen Manor focuses on people struggling with memory issues, with 24-hour staff, meals, and special programs in a safe locked area meant for dignity and comfort. The long-term care center includes private rooms, a team of health professionals, planned wellness programs, round-the-clock support, and therapy aimed at recovering the highest possible function.

    Over the years, Lourdes Senior Community has built a reputation for solid, steady care, with programs that help folks connect, learn, and feel safe. People can schedule a tour to get a sense of the place, meet the staff, see activities, or walk the lakefront, which is often the best way to know if it's the right fit for a new home.

    People often ask...

    Nearby Communities

    • Outdoor entrance sign reading 'Sunrise Senior Living' mounted on a white picket fence with surrounding landscaping.
      $3,760 – $4,512+3.9 (101)
      Semi-private
      assisted living, memory care

      River Oaks Assisted Living & Memory Care

      500 E University Dr, Rochester, MI, 48307
    • Three-story modern senior living building with balconies set behind a grassy lawn and a pond with a fountain.
      $3,000 – $7,000+4.5 (98)
      suite
      independent, assisted living, memory care

      StoryPoint Novi

      42400 W 12 Mile Rd, Novi, MI, 48377
    • Two-story senior living building with balconies overlooking a large manicured lawn and pond under a blue sky.
      $2,189 – $3,529+4.4 (70)
      Studio • 1 Bedroom • 2 Bedroom
      independent living

      StoryPoint Grand Rapids West

      3121 Lake Michigan Drive Northwest, Grand Rapids, MI, 49504
    • Evening view of the entrance area of Belmont Village Senior Living Lincoln Park, featuring brick walls, decorative lighting fixtures, a circular chandelier on the ceiling, and a sign with the facility's name visible near the street.
      $5,506 – $7,157+4.5 (131)
      Semi-private • 1 Bedroom • Studio
      independent, assisted living, memory care

      Belmont Village Senior Living Lincoln Park

      700 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago, IL, 60614
    • Exterior view of Belmont Village Senior Living Glenview building at dusk, showing a large covered entrance with white columns, well-maintained landscaping with bushes and trees, and a multi-story brick and siding facade with lit windows.
      $3,965+4.6 (121)
      Semi-private
      independent, assisted living, memory care

      Belmont Village Senior Living Glenview

      2200 Golf Rd, Glenview, IL, 60025
    • Front entrance of a brick multi-story building with a covered porte-cochère and a 'Brookdale' sign above the doors.
      $3,448 – $4,482+4.7 (112)
      Semi-private • Studio
      independent living, assisted living

      Brookdale Mt. Lebanon

      1050 McNeilly Rd, Pittsburgh, PA, 15226

    Assisted Living in Nearby Cities

    1. 142 facilities$4,861/mo
    2. 143 facilities$4,901/mo
    3. 171 facilities$4,959/mo
    4. 188 facilities$4,874/mo
    5. 209 facilities$4,854/mo
    6. 94 facilities$4,754/mo
    7. 194 facilities$5,156/mo
    8. 189 facilities$4,802/mo
    9. 96 facilities$4,550/mo
    10. 187 facilities$4,770/mo
    11. 192 facilities$4,915/mo
    12. 246 facilities$4,924/mo
    © 2025 Mirador Living