Estates at Grand Prairie, The

I am an out-of-state caregiver and an aging specialist. Mom has been a resident for almost 3-months now. The staff is very flexible and accommodating to both residents and families. I especially like that they encourage their residents to try and move on their own so that they do not get dependent on their electronic wheel chairs doing it for them. Consider, "If you don't use it, you loose it!" Mom has been happy there for the most part, although, she is a diabetic and complains that food is very starchy and fatty. However, the wonderful management team is listening to her needs and seems to be willing to help try and make changes in her diet. The facility is clean; there is a small facility dog whose job make his rounds to all the residents; and there is a visiting doctor who comes to the facility (he does not accept Medicaid though) and mediations are delivered to the facility; and most importantly the staff engages with their residence. The rooms are bright/cheering, and are private with small kitchenettes and some modifications to accommodate the special needs of an aging and disabled population. On my visit, the staff was painting the walls in the main hall (darker color) so that residence could make easier visual distinction between the floor and wall. The halls are wide and open as well as the entire facility, again making it easy for residents to see without visual obstruction. They are about 25-minutes from Baylor Hospital in Irving, and the Estates accepts private pay as well as Medicaid. I cannot comment on the transportation as mom has not used it, but there is a weekly Walmart trip that will take residents on a shopping spree. If they are unable to participate, you can always arrange for staff to purchase something. Once again, I find the staff friendly, caring and extremely willing to accommodate both residence and family. --Teri Howard, Gerontologist (Evergreen, Colorado)