The Windsor of Gainesville

Brotherly Love

My brother was to move into Windsor on Saturday, August 17, 2024. I initially toured the facility on April 1st. Quite impressed with what I saw, I felt this was the perfect fit for my brother so I brought him to give his opinion. After all, this could be his new home. We spent much time with Ruth touring the place, both the ALF and the Memory Care unit, asking many questions along the way. At no time was I not upfront with Ruth about my brother’s diagnosis - Dementia - specifically Lewy Body Dementia (LBD). With my brother fully aware of his diagnosis, we were making plans for his best quality of life. And thought we found it. He toured with me again, visited the memory care unit and selected his apartment. He was very happy and eager to move in. Along with my husband, we participated in various events held there including the BBQ cook off on July 25th, 2024. My brother was getting used to his “new home”, meeting other residents and becoming familiar with the lay of the land. Much paperwork was completed and finally move in day was set. Saturday, August 17, 2024. Many complicated plans were made. Arranging movers from Vero Beach to Windsor and the cost associated with that done. But then, on Wednesday, August 14th, 2024, I received a call from both Ruth, The Sales Director and Joy, The Exective Director stating that they had spoken with the Regional Director of Windsor the night before and realized that they had a Policy where they could not accept LBD residents. How convenient. Breaking the news to my brother was very difficult. He was extremely disappointed and continued to ask what happened. I could not tell him that because of his diagnosis, the facility would not accept him. As a nurse myself and my brothers sister, I was furious. I was pleased to remind Ruth of my honesty of his diagnosis early on and that due to other residents self reported “dementia “ diagnosis, if they would be neurologically evaluated, more than half of them would in fact be diagnosed with LBD. Fast forward, immediate arrangements had to be found to store his belongings while I pursued other acceptable facilities in the Gainesville are, which was very difficult to find I must say. After two weeks of searching and eliminating, I’m very pleased to say that a wonderful family owned, smaller facility was found in the Ocala area, although 20 extra minutes away from me. My brother was welcomed, his apartment is larger, brighter and less expensive than what would have been at the Windsor, the employees wear smiles and it’s evident they love what the do and the other residents are happy and have eagerly accepted my brother into the community. I strongly believe things happen for a reason and this is just another example. My brother is at peace and so am I.

Sandra

I toured The Windsor of Gainesville. It was very nice and very upscale. The only problem is that the room was very small. I couldn't put anything other than a twin bed in there and I wanted to put a bigger bed. Ruth was wonderful and she was great.

Henry

I went to The Windsor of Gainesville. The biggest thing was the guests themselves. The Windsor's residents were very friendly. I wanted to see what the guests looked like and how they were reacting. Every guest that we saw was happy. They were smiling. They were enjoying themselves. So it was more of a family atmosphere than other places that we looked at. The apartment has a full fridge, microwave, and bathroom. It's a real apartment. The living room is separate from the bedroom.

Provider Response

Nelwyn

The Windsor of Gainesville is a beautiful, very upscale, very lovely facility. It's high-end. I think they have up to 99 residents. The staff members were great. They were very helpful and nice and gave me all the information I asked for. They had all kinds of things. They had a theater. The dining room was very lovely. It was very nice. They have lots of activities. They have a library. They have crafts and entertainment. They have a theater where you can go watch a movie every day. It's fancy and beautiful and it's like living in a hotel.

Provider Response

Sandy

I'm probably going to go with The Windsor of Gainesville for my mother. I walked in there and it looked like a five-star hotel. I hope my mom will be very happy there. I'm delighted to have found that place. I saw the dining area, the theater room, and the hairdressing room. The staff who gave me the tour was very personable, knowledgeable, friendly, delightful, hardworking, and very informative. I felt all my questions were answered. She gave me a cupcake when I left and it was delicious. This place looked pristine, and they had an incredible menu selection and great activities, which I hope my mom will do. They had a center courtyard that was pleasant. The apartment had a little kitchenette area and I will supply all the furniture and everything, but it's a nice living space for her. They would provide 3 meals a day and I think there were snacks around. I found out that I could dine with her for a small fee, which is cheaper than going to a restaurant.

Provider Response

Ron

I looked at The Windsor of Gainesville. It was very good. The people there were good. I think my mom-in-law could fit in there very well. They have semi-private rooms. They do have private rooms, but you had to get on a waiting list, so we just prefer the other facility because they're all private rooms. I toured both assisted living and memory care. The semi-private rooms are smaller, but the place was clean and nice. The thing that stuck out about The Windsor of Gainesville, which was good is that memory care is limited to 24 people. When I was in there and it was like 2:00 in the afternoon, they talked about how they try to keep them engaged. I counted 18 people that they had out either engaged with each other or a caregiver engaging with them, so it was good to see that they did what they say they do. They keep them engaged because the majority of people were out, and they were active and doing things, and that's inside memory care. That was very impressive. The facility is a pretty good size. They have other areas with activities. They had a small movie theater where they were giving a presentation. There were a few people in there. They offer a lot. The big thing is with the people who need memory care, they probably don't want to participate in things, but they had them out participating in crafts and discussions and things, so it was good.

Provider Response