Imboden Creek Gardens

As we approached the facility I was most impressed with the lovely landscaping. As a life-long gardener, it is important to me to have attractive gardening and plantings around me. The courtyard where the residents were enjoying the mild weather was equally well kept. In the dining hall residents have a choice of what they want to eat--at least to some extent. My niece talked to one of the attendants and was told that in some cases the residents are seated with other residents with "similar" issues. I am not sure I like that, althogh I do see the practicality and advantages of this practice. I was very impressed with the units that are available. They can come with a kitchen and living room--basically, what is called an "efficiency apartment." They are a very good size and I can see myself being comfortable and able to live my life very much as I do now in this setting. The real plus as far as I am concerned is that they allow companion animals. I have had some problem finding a facility that is friendly to animals, and this one definitely is. Also, when my nephew drifted off to talk with the attendants privately, he said they had a really great attitude toward the people they cared for. I think this is definitely on my list as a strong possibility.

My experience with the staff has always been pleasant. The staff talks to residents and seems to take their job both seriously and with enjoyment. The facility is one of the nicer ones in Decatur, and I have found it clean and bright with nice windows. The eating area seemed to get more chaotic than others I've been to, but it could be because the area is so large. I did notice that residents are sat in groups according to issues if any. (for example, dementia patients are together so a nurse can quickly and efficiently attend to them)

I have been to several assisted living / nursing home facilities in Decatur, and Imboden Gardens is unquestionably the nicest one. The building is clean and does not have that funky smell. It is very tastefully decorated and is definitely upscale. The landscaping and courtyard are gorgeous. The dining hall does not have that institutional feel, and residents have a choice of what they want to eat. My elderly neighbor recently moved there because of some health issues. They allowed her to bring her dog, and they have someone who comes twice a day to take the dog on walks. Her "apartment" has the cutest little fridge in it. She has a living room / kitchen / dining area when you walk into her unit and then a bedroom off to the side. She likes it there, but misses her home. The physical therapy has definitely been helping her, and she hopes that she will be able to return to her home.

We were looking for a nursing facility close to my sister's home in Decatur and decided to look at Imboden as we had heard very rave reviews in the past. As we walked into the facility, we were overcome with the smell of urine to a degree that was sickening. There were several residents lined up in wheel chairs along the wall, many of which would reach out and try to stop you practically begging you to take them to the bathroom or their room. We even had one little lady ask us if we would please take her home. Now I know elderly are prone to behave in odd manners but this wasn't just one resident; it was many. We found the staff to be what seemed like overwhelmed as they seemed too busy to answer questions. One nursing aid was nice enough to show us around the hall where she was working because the original tour guide (office personnel) was called away to take a phone call. As the nurses aid showed us around, we asked several questions including dinner times, daily schedules and activities offered and this particular aid mentioned numerous times that although they were often 'understaffed', residents always received good care. Now in reality, how many people want to put thousands of dollars into a place for their loved one that is often 'understaffed"? The whole feel of the place just turned us off and we decided to allow my grandma to live with my sister where we knew that all her needs could be met regardless of the time of day. Think twice before choosing this home and be sure to ask lots of questions before making a final decision.

On my first visit to Imboden Creek Gardens I was greeted by two very courteous ladies who were part of the staff. I was there to visit my grandma and was pleased to find my visit welcomed. One of the nurses escorted me to my grandmas room and even brought me a cup of coffee. Which I thought was way above and beyond. I was able to have dinner with everyone else in the dinning room and was very impressed with the quality of the food. We had salsbury steak, with mashed potatoes, a dinner roll, and apple pie. The grounds there are beautiful with lush flowers and cosy gazebo's. They have a little Ice cream parlor on the grounds and it even has the old fashioned lights and nostalic charm. My grandma is very happy living there. She has had the opportunity to make new friends and gain some social interactions that would have otherwise been impossible living at home. All in all I would give this place a thumbs up. It's clean comfortable, and most of all it is a nurturing caring enviroment that people can feel good about.