Southwood Care Center

Southwood Care Center used to be a senior living facility in South Austin at 3759 Valley View Road, just east of Menchaca Road and near US 290, not far from St. David's South Austin Hospital, and you'd see that building had 118 beds, but only about 71 residents with a 60% occupancy rate before it closed, and now the building stands vacant after being permanently closed, so there's no care being given there at this time, though it did have a long history serving both short-term and long-term residents, families, and people with complex care needs, and it was a for-profit nursing home owned by multiple owners-not part of a hospital or continuing care retirement community-and operated as a skilled nursing facility, assisted living community, and memory care center, with independent living options available. The center kept the place free of accident dangers, and had skilled nursing staff who followed written care plans for each resident, and folks said nurse aides showed proper skills to help with daily needs. The staff did try to let families, residents, and doctors know quickly if something happened, like an injury, illness, or change in treatment, and they kept records in order and provided medications daily or when needed, even in emergencies. Infection control programs were in place, and resident dignity and rights came first, with rules against abuse, neglect, and theft, and there was even a resident council. The building had full sprinklers for safety and offered things like housekeeping, maintenance, and proper food, including vegetarian meal options. Residents could take part in on-site and off-site activities, join devotional services, enjoy indoor and outdoor gathering spaces, and see the on-site beautician, plus they had access to recreation and therapy services-physical, occupational, and speech therapy every week, Monday through Saturday-and specialized health care like high acuity care, memory support, diabetes care, tracheostomy and wound care, incontinence help, and secured memory support. There were private accommodations, respite and hospice care, short stays for folks with Alzheimer's, transportation, resident parking, and wheelchair accessible showers. The center helped with non-ambulatory care for those who couldn't get around easily and offered both short-term rehab and long-term care, plus IV therapy when needed. Southwood Care Center did participate in Medicare and Medicaid, did not hold any special "focus facility" label, and had policies to support mistreatment prevention and resident rights. It operated round the clock, every day of the week, but after a fire incident, it closed down and hasn't offered services since then.