My mother went to Wildewood Downs for rehab following a hospitalization. The first time I went to visit her there, she had been moved to a new room because they needed to make space for a male patient. I found her lying in bed, soaked, with a super-soaked dirty diaper on the floor next to her. I am guessing that she hadn't been changed in a very long time. I had to ring for help and the CNA/technician that came in had a horrible attitude. Over the course of mother's stay there, she was moved to a new room three more times. In the process, her hearing aid - which was supposed to be locked up at night - was lost. Of course, no one had any answers and they didn't want to accept responsibility. My mother couldn't have lost it herself, as she was completely immobile. The duration of her stay there was pretty much like this -- simply not good at all. When she finally got transferred out to her home, at a facility elsewhere, Wildwood Downs sent her with the wrong wheelchair, which was far less nice than her own wheelchair. Some of her personal belongings were left behind as well & I had to go in person to swap out the wheelchairs and to get her belongings. I wouldn't recommended this place, ever, unless of course, you are looking to end someone's life early. I believe that could happen at Wildwood Downs!
Wildewood Downs
Offers Assisted Living, Independent Living, Continuing Care Communities, and Memory Care
21 Reviews
731 Polo Road, Columbia, SC 29223
Call
(803) 788-5115
Reviews of Wildewood Downs
Assisted Living Reviews for Wildewood Downs
May 19, 2019
I am a friend or relative of a current/past resident
April 08, 2018
I am a friend or relative of a current/past resident
My mother recently died after living in independent living for over ten years. There is no doubt Wildewood Downs added years of quality to her life.
Wildewood is a small town with a wide-range of people. Had my mother stayed in her home, she would not have enjoyed the activities that Wildewood offers. She played bridge, joined dinner groups that kept her mind active, and enjoyed making field trips with her friends to cultural and civic activities.
For me, the van service for doctor's visits was the most helpful. The driver, Deedi K., made the trips efficient and fun for my mother. She also made it possible for me to just meet my mother at the doctor's office and get back to my life. Because of this service, I rarely missed a doctor's appointment and could choose the best doctors for my mother, not just the most convenient ones.
Catina H. is the Social Director. She knows everyone and provides good educational, social, and cultural activities for the residents. If possible, she responds to their requests - from Wednesday night dinners and dancing to Friday luncheons with guest speakers to evenings at one of the local theaters. Her program is wide-ranging and fun.
Deedi and Catina are two of the special people who made my mother's last months so special. They are such loving and compassionate people. They encouraged her and treated her as a friend. She loved them both. I am grateful that my mother had such wonderful people in her life.
October 16, 2017
I visited this facility
After exploring 6 different communities in South Carolina with my parents, Wildewood Downs is our top pick. We were welcomed by the Executive Director who gave my family an outstanding tour, introducing us to other kind and genuine staff members. They have recently redecorated and everything was absolutely beautiful. Our experience was outstanding and I would highly recommend this community!
August 01, 2016
I am a friend or relative of resident
Don't believe what you see. This place has gone down hill in the 2 years my relative has lived here. Price goes up but services go down. It takes forever to get a response to a maintenance need, the food selection has gone from bad to worse, if you ask for an extra to go container they threaten to charge you for an additional meal, they don't come to do the heavy once a year cleaning as promised and the General Manager is ignorant to the residents needs and to the families requests. If this is suppose to be the best in the Columbia area, our senior relatives are in trouble!!
June 17, 2016
I visited this facility
I was impressed with Wildewood Downs but it's a little bit pricey. The staff was very friendly and helpful in answering questions. It was very clean. I liked the fact that it had different levels of accommodations, whether you need independent living or assisted living or memory care. They do field trips but don't have a pool. They have planned activities for the residents and an exercise room.
September 06, 2015
I visited this facility
Wildewood Downs was a very nice facility, and they had a lot of amenities. I thought it was well worth looking at. The rooms were excellent. However, it was too spread out for my mother, but it was very nice.
October 17, 2014
I am a friend or relative of a resident
My mother was at Wildewood Downs Retirement. It’s lovely, and it’s well appointed. I knew that it was a place she would enjoy and she did. She was in independent-living for almost 3 years, then went into assisted living and then she passed 3 years ago. You could decorate the rooms the way you wanted to. They provided basic furniture if you didn’t want to bring in your own things which we did. We furnished my mother’s 2-bedrooom apartment and used some of those things in her room in assisted-living. The food is excellent. They have a chef, so there was quality food and in independent, they serve you like a restaurant. You have choices at dinner. There were 3 meals, and they were well-balanced and appealing.
I would be over there often since I live nearby. They were caring and paid good attention to the patient. She had told us that she was very happy where she was, made friends, and enjoyed playing bridge or just doing whatever. They had the usual bingo, and they had puzzles out to do. They took the residents out to eat at a restaurant. Whatever the holiday was, they did special things and brought in people to perform for them or to talk to them. Many of the residents in independent-living want to go to the symphony or the theater, so they provided transportation taking them to the event and returning them. They have exercise several times a week.
I have friends who’ve done rehab there. I had my knee replaced, so I chose to go to Wildewood Downs because my mother was there. I got excellent care because I knew the rehab people. I was there 2 weeks. I would say it was excellent. The people would go get her to bring her up to the lunch room to have lunch with me. That was the kind of atmosphere it was.
July 31, 2014
I visited this facility
Wildewood Downs Retirement would be one of my favorite choices. The staff had very good attitude and we were very pleased with it. The homes were very nice. They had a one-bedroom, two-bedrooms, and three-bedrooms. It is in a very quiet area. It is not too far from the golf course, Wildewood Country Club. And, the meals were excellent.
April 14, 2013
I am a friend or relative of a resident
Wildewood Downs is a very nice and very clean facility. It seemed to fit our needs, and it was also closer to my grandmother's home. She gets her hair done, they go to church, and they have all other kinds of activities. The staff is very good and they seem to be doing a good job. But they could use more help. I would still recommend them to others.
November 18, 2011
I am a friend or relative of a resident
The facility was very good and they served good food. They seemed to experience a high turn-over with their personnel, so the quality of care was inconsistent. My mother was there for app 6 weeks and I visited everyday. During that time a intestinal virus circulated thru the entire facility to include frequent visitors (like me) which caused me to miss work for several days. They were very quick to discharge my mother once Medicare reached it limit.
October 24, 2011
I visited this facility
Wildewood Downs is an extraordinary option for senior living. The community provides all levels of healthcare including: independent living, assisted living, rehabilitation services, care for Alzheimer and dementia patients and 24 hour nursing care. The campus consists of modern, elegant homes and apartments and a nursing facility. The environment of the facility is warm, friendly, and compassionate. The staff meets the needs and expectations of the residents exceedingly, and cares for each patient as if they are their own parents and relatives. Skilled nurses and physicians are on site and available 24 hours a day. Recreation is also provided to keep the residents busy during the day and evening. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner is served three times a day, and independent residents have the option of cooking for themselves in their own homes. Residents are able to be cared for and monitored without inconveniencing their families in any way. Their families gain a peace of mind knowing that their loved ones are in good hands. Families of the residents are always welcome and are encouraged to participate in the planning of the residents' care and rehabilitation.
June 09, 2011
Friend or relative of resident
As a member of the Wildewood Downs extended family I would like to share my experiences and personal notes. I needed to find an assisted living facility for my mother, who needed help with bathing and meds.
I knew she would not be happy unless we could locate a setting where she would be encouraged to be as independent as possible and luckily we discovered Wildewood Downs.
The property is in the beautiful, northeastern region of Columbia, SC and is only a 90 minute drive from my home in Aiken. This is a wonderful area of the city and I never have had to wonder about my mother's safety and security.
Now my mom has the personal help she needs on a daily basis, and she still maintains an active and involved life.
The grounds are absolutely stunning and at every visit I am greeted by happy residents and friendly staff members. This is why I consider myself to be a member of this senior community. I always feel at home when I am visiting.
I can not say enough about the care and dedication of the staff. On one occasion my mother had fallen and I was quickly notified even though she had not been injured. One of the caregivers updates our family on a regular basis which is also very much appreciated. This keeps us in the loop so we always know how our mom is doing.
The facility is sparkling clean and reminds me of an elegant county club. With lots of activities, the freedom to travel and on-call emergency assistance always available my mother is content and happy. This makes everyone else in our family happy and content as well.
Independent Living Reviews for Wildewood Downs
March 05, 2021
I visited this facility
We went to Wildewood Downs. It was fabulous. The staff was excellent. I liked the facade, we were looking for independent quarters, and they had independent housing. It was very well done. Their assisted living was well done, and they were renovating everything. It was in complete renovation, and it was being beautifully done. They're probably better, probably a little bit more than we're looking for, but the deciding factor was proximity of family.
January 01, 2021
I am/was a resident of this facility
Living quarters are excellent. staff is very good and friendly. corona virus info is excellent. Maintenance group good. kitchen staff good but menu of late not so good.
December 04, 2020
I am/was a resident of this facility
My association with Wildewood Downs began when my mother came in 2004 to live in a spacious two bedroom apartment and later in assisted living. She loved it here for seven years. It could be said that I am a cheerleader for Wildewood Downs. Starting with the wonderful people creating a family-like atmosphere, to the superior leadership and staff that provides an active social and fitness calendar, one can find something of interest to do. Before I moved to Wildewood Downs, I was in rehab here twice and had an excellent experience. Wildewood Downs has been my home since March of 2016. I live in Independent Living and have a duplex with two car garage and screened porch. My husband was with me when we moved here. We had wonderful time until his passing in July, 2017. I only mention this to point out that the community here is so helpful and supportive during a time of loss. I am a strong believer in the benefits to the emotional and mental sharpness of seniors living in a senior community. I have never regretted moving here. I love it.
November 25, 2020
I visited this facility
I went to Wildewood Downs for a tour. It was a wonderful visit, I couldn't ask for better. They've got a variety of floorplans, cottages, and apartments, and they've got just about anything you want. The staff I met was very, very good. Everything I saw was very well decorated and spotless. All the units I visited were very clean, very well-planned, they're just very good. I went into one of the apartments, I went into a two-bedroom home, a three-bedroom place, and the place where they have the dining area and activities. I ate there, it was excellent, and the people I ate with said it was very good. My friend that lives there said she loves it. The service was really good and the dining room was fine.
December 04, 2019
I visited this facility
I chose Wildewood Downs because they have cottages. The staff is extremely helpful. The dining area is very attractive. They have a fitness center, a putting green within the complex, and several scheduled Bridge games. It's a very friendly and vibrant community. They have apartments as well.
August 12, 2019
I visited this facility
I do enjoy living here and get along with everyone no problems. Security around the clock and now we have new management and are excited to see the changes that they are putting in place.
August 12, 2019
I am/was a resident of this facility
I love my Garden Home. I am age 77. I enjoy plenty of space in 1,500 square feet. My home has 2 spacious bedrooms, an office, kitchen, 2 baths, dining room, living room, and a Carolina room. I enjoy my yard as well. I care for 5 rose bushes, pretty grass, and bird feeders. I enjoy a great space to ride my bike and play golf. The grounds are well kept and everyone has a golf cart. The meals are very nice and the friend are what we do best.
Continuing Care Retirement Community Reviews for Wildewood Downs
August 17, 2020
I am a friend or relative of a current/past resident
Our family has been very happy with the service, staff & experience of having our parents live at Wildewood Downs. As a daughter, that has served as the primary caregiver for both my parents the choice for them to move to WWD has been a very positive one. My father first moved to Assisted living at WWD in 2017 as it became increasingly difficult to care for him at home as he suffered from Lewy Body Dementia. After a visit to the hospital and a different facility for rehab for 6 weeks, we finally made the difficult decision to move him permanently to WWD. As anyone that has experienced the challenges of moving your parents in their later years, it is an emotional and very difficult decision but one that I look back on 3 years later and still feel confident we did the right thing for my Dad. The nurses, dining room staff, social activity directors and all those involved with the daily care of my Dad during his time in Assisted Living were exceptional and treated him with great respect, love and sincere care. My mother then decided to move into an independent 2 bedroom villa the following year and has greatly enjoyed not only being closer to her husband of 63 years but also be relieved of the daily stress of caring for a large home. Mom already knew many residents that were living at WWD and quickly made new friends with those that also live in her community. She felt immediately at home, when she realized an old friend that our family has known for over 50 years was living down the hall and their friendship was a blessing during a time with much change. Mom has enjoyed the support of other spouses that had experienced the same difficult season of life. She has said many times that she is thankful she is not alone in her big house anymore, the opportunity to eat with friends daily, play Bingo, enjoy a multitude of activities has helped during a time that loneliness can be overwhelming. As my Dad declined over his time at WWD, he did spend time in the hospital and WWD maybe it very easy for us to move him to rehab when he was discharged so that he could regain his strength before moving back to his AL room. It was always my hope that Dad would be able to live as long as possible in his AL room with the familiar faces that he had grown to love over the years but eventually his inability to feed himself pushed us to move him to the Skilled Nursing area at WWD. For anyone that cares for elderly people, I will tell you that having the ability to move throughout different levels of care within one community is OUTSTANDING & an ABSOLUTE PRIORITY when choosing a place to live. You can find many Memory Care & Assisted Living facilities these days but once you need more hands on medical attention then your loved one is forced to move to another facility and often another change sets them back even further mentally and physically. Unfortunately, during the time of forced lockdown due to COVID-19, my Dad's condition rapidly declined as we were unable to see him for 4 weeks but that was necessary for not only his safety but the safety of all residents and staff. It was hard but we totally appreciate all that WWD did to care for him and let Dad know that we missed him and loved him deeply. When it was obvious that he was nearing the end of his life, we were allowed to spend the last 18 hrs of his time on earth with him which I am forever grateful for. I truly appreciated the love & compassion that all of the staff that knew either of my parents expressed during this very difficult time of grieving. It has brought us great comfort knowing that Mom has also been living in a very safe, protected environment during the crisis of COVID-19. The Director, Terri H. has done an EXCEPTIONAL job of prioritizing the safety, well-being and health of the residents and staff that are needed to make WWD successful on a daily basis. Terri also does a marvelous job of communicating which I greatly appreciate as my mother doesn't use a computer, mobile phone or any modern device to communicate so it's vital that I know what's going on in the community. Many residents do keep updated with the many emails that are sent to residents but for those that technology is a challenge, WWD also does a great job of ensuring that paper copies of all communications are readily available to residents. They have done a fantastic job of trying to get creative with activities to keep the residents engaged while ensuring their safety and keeping them socially distanced. The new renovations in the dining room are beautiful and Mom has greatly enjoyed being able to get back to eating meals safely with her friends. Moving to a retirement community is a huge life decision, sometimes made with great planning and sometimes made at the last minute out of necessity and an unexpected change in your life. It is my opinion that WWD is not only an economical choice but also a choice that will bring you and your loved ones great comfort. We are thankful for all those that work hard to make WWD a special place to live no matter which area of care you might be living in. Personally, I can't say enough about Terri H. as she took on the role of Executive Director with great energy, a smile that will make anyone smile back as you can't help but be positive around her as she exudes compassion, kindness and sincere caring for those whom she takes great responsibility in providing for their positive living experience. As we all know there are always going to be challenges but I will honestly say from the first time I met Terri, she always listens, responds as quickly as possible and will do anything she can to help resolve any concern that you have. She is a dedicated and very hard worker that sets the standard of expectations for the entire WWD community. I highly recommend you visit Wildewood Downs and take the time to talk to residents, staff and Terri so that you and your family can also make the right choice for your loved ones.
May 24, 2020
I visited this facility
I went to the nursing home part of Wildewood Downs. It seemed to be a nice place, it was well kept, and we were treated very nicely. It seemed to be very clean, and it was a medium-sized facility. The room they showed was nice, it was the minimum size for a person with those needs, and it had natural sunlight.
Costs for Wildewood Downs
Services and Amenities of Wildewood Downs
Costs
- All Inclusive Rent
- Entry Fee
- Assisted Living Starting At: $4750/month
- Independent Living Starting At: $3000/month
- Continuing Care Retirement Community Starting At: $3000/month
- Memory Care Starting At: $6250/month
Room and housing options
- 1-bedroom apartments
- 2-bedroom apartments
- 3-bedroom apartments
- Companion Suites: We Do Not Offer Companion Suites
- Studio Apartments
- Detached Homes
- Housing Extra: Cottages
Medicare
- Health:
- Overall:
- Quality:
- Staff:
- Medicare Provider Number: 425385
- Ownership Type: For Profit Limited Liability Company
- Date Certified: 10/01/2020
General
- Resident Capacity: 244
- Respite Care
- Minimum Age: 55
- Pets: All Pets Allowed
Licenses
- State Licenses: CRC-2091
About Wildewood Downs
Columbia's Premier Continuing Care Retirement Community
Experience luxury senior living at Wildewood Downs of Columbia, South Carolina.
Members of our community enjoy premier accommodations, robust social programming, restaurant-style fine dining, industry-leading care services, and an award-winning wellness program.
Most importantly, our community is built for our Members, and everything we do is geared toward helping them live Longer, Healthier, Happier lives.
As a continuing care retirement community, or CCRC, Wildewood Downs takes care of our Members throughout the entire journey of aging. Our living options include Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care and Skilled Nursing. We also offer Short-Term Rehab Services on site. This means that unlike other communities, ourMembers never have to worry about moving again. They will be taken care of no matter how their needs change.
Our Senior Living Options
Independent Living: Independent Living is designed for seniors who benefit from a maintenance-free lifestyle but need little to no outside assistance. Our Independent Living community offers both cottage homes and villa apartments.
Assisted Living: Assisted Living provides Members assistance with the activities of daily living (ADLs) in an environment geared toward maximizing their independence. Our Members receive personalized care based on their individual needs and goals.
Memory Care: Memory Care offers specialized support for Members with Alzheimer’s and dementia. At our community, every caregiver is a Certified Dementia Practitioner. We focus on helping our Members live a high quality of life and meet them where they’re at both physically and mentally.
Skilled Nursing: Skilled Nursing provides Members with person-centered support from a team of top-tier medical professionals. We offer around-the-clock care and monitoring, as well as uncompromising attention to Member needs, in an elegant environment.
Short-Term Rehab: Short-Term Rehab offers Members extraordinary results in physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. Our partnership with Genesis Rehab Services allows us to achieve outcomes that exceed the national average.
What Makes Us Special
Our dedicated team members have a proven track record for success and know the importance of establishing a lifestyle that allows members to live longer, happier, healthier lives. Our number one goal is to provide an environment that encourages an independent lifestyle for all our members.
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