AVALON AT WILLOW BEND

My dad’s greatest fear was developing dementia and losing his dignity. What we experienced at Avalon Memory Care showed us that fear never truly became reality. When things became more challenging, the staff treated him with patience, respect, and humanity. They helped him understand his surroundings, gave him choices, and never made him feel “less than.” Rebecca and Val especially embodied this kind of care. They saw him, honored who he was, and loved him well during a very difficult season for our family. It was incredibly reassuring as a family to know he, and now my mother, are in such capable, compassionate hands. We are deeply grateful for Avalon and the peace of mind they’ve given us.

⭐️ One star – Serious neglect and lack of care Our experience with Avalon Memory Care in Carrollton was deeply concerning. Before admission, we were assured the staff was experienced in managing dementia-related behaviors, including resistance to bathing. After my husband was admitted, I was asked not to visit for several weeks to allow him to acclimate and was repeatedly told he was “doing fine” when I would call to check in on him. Weeks later, I learned he had not been properly bathed or cared for. I began receiving late-night calls from caregivers asking me to calm him and convince him to shower. He was clearly in distress and pain. Eventually, the facility called 911 due to what they described as behavioral issues. At the hospital, medical staff informed me he arrived covered in feces and showed signs of prolonged neglect. He had infections, open wounds, and skin breakdown requiring a five-day hospital stay with IV antibiotics. I have photographs and hospital documentation confirming his condition. He has now been home for two weeks and remains severely traumatized from the experience. Hospital staff advised me to file a report and recommended he not return to the facility. When I retrieved his belongings, his room was unclean, clothing was missing, and basic hygiene appeared to have been neglected. My attempts to discuss the situation with management were met with defensiveness rather than concern. In my opinion, the facility appeared understaffed and unprepared to safely care for vulnerable dementia patients. Families rely on memory care providers to protect loved ones who cannot advocate for themselves. In our experience, that trust was broken. I strongly encourage families to ask detailed questions and thoroughly research before choosing this facility.

My husband spent the last 4 months of his life at Avalon. The staff were all very kind to him. And patient with his behaviors. . Rebecca, the Director is very protective of her residents and figures out their quirks quickly. She provided interesting activities. Shout out to Val as well for her compassionate care. I liked that this place was small. A beautiful building. Thanks for caring for my husband so well.

I've delayed a review for Avalon since it's odd to do one in the middle of a life experience there but I feel now that things have settled down that it's justified. Up front, I can tell you that I'm more than thrilled with Jim, Rebecca, Sharika, Val, Erika, and the entire team that have taken care of my parents and continue to ensure that my mom receives the best care she can. They're proactive, professional, patient, and attentive to any concerns I, or others, have. I've been impressed with the food lately, the interest staff have in the residents, and to that measure the staff to resident ratio which seems to be about 5:1. Cleanliness is a 5/5. Staff is a 5/5. Food is a 4/5. Activities seem to be a 4.5/5. Care for residents 5/5. I would 100% recommend Avalon. No questions. If you're loved one is beginning their journey through Alzheimer's/Dementia, having the team at Avalon is a great way to assist them through this.

The manager and staff at the Carrollton facility were very knowledgeable, competent, kind, and, most especially, patient. During visits, I discovered that they deal daily with a lot of very challenging situations and I saw nothing but compassion and responsibility towards the patients. The facility itself was always clean and well-cared for. I'm glad we chose to place our parent with this company and facility. I highly recommend it.