1. Introduction and Overview
Nazareth Living Center, located at 2 Nazareth Ln, St. Louis, MO 63129, is a large-scale senior living facility offering a comprehensive range of care options. With over 100 years of experience in serving senior citizens, Nazareth Living Center has established itself as a full-service Continuum of Care Retirement Community (CCRC) in the St. Louis area.
Key Facts:
- Capacity: 242 certified beds
- Medicare/Medicaid Certified: Yes
- Overall Medicare Rating: 2 out of 5 stars
2. Services and Care Options
Nazareth Living Center provides a full continuum of care, allowing residents to transition between different levels of support as their needs change:
| Care Level | Description | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Independent Living | For active seniors seeking a maintenance-free lifestyle | – Private accommodations – Social activities – Community amenities |
| Assisted Living | 24/7 personal care assistance | – Medication management – Help with daily activities – Personalized care plans |
| Memory Care | Specialized support for cognitive impairments | – Secure environment – Tailored programs – Trained staff |
| Skilled Nursing | 24-hour medical supervision | – Comprehensive medical care – Rehabilitation services – Chronic condition management |
| Rehabilitation Services | Recovery and therapy programs | – Physical therapy – Occupational therapy – Speech therapy |
Specialized Care Services:
- On-site Medical Partnerships: Collaborations with local healthcare providers ensure residents have access to expert medical attention when needed.
- Pain Management Programs: Tailored approaches to managing chronic pain and improving quality of life.
- Complex Wound Care: Advanced treatment for difficult-to-heal wounds.
- In-House Dialysis: On-site hemodialysis treatment for convenient care.
3. Amenities and Daily Life
Nazareth Living Center offers a rich array of amenities designed to enhance residents’ quality of life:
Facility Amenities:
- Restaurant-style dining room with chef-inspired meals and special diet accommodations
- Social gathering spaces and outdoor areas for relaxation
- Fitness center with organized classes
- Beauty salon/barber shop
- Wi-Fi throughout the facility
- Emergency alert system
- Housekeeping and laundry services
Activities and Engagement:
Nazareth Living Center emphasizes a vibrant social life with various activities and events. A typical week might include:
- Morning exercise classes
- Art workshops
- Bingo and game nights
- Piano performances and live entertainment
- Educational lectures
- Spiritual activities and church services
- Walking and hiking opportunities
- Group exercise and yoga sessions
Actionable Recommendation: When touring Nazareth Living Center, request a sample monthly activity calendar and ask to observe ongoing activities. This will give you a clearer picture of the daily life and engagement opportunities for residents. Pay special attention to the variety of activities offered and how they cater to different interests and abilities.
4. Resident Experiences and Satisfaction
Our analysis of resident feedback reveals a mixed but generally positive sentiment towards Nazareth Living Center:
| Aspect | Rating (out of 5) |
|---|---|
| Overall | 2.7 |
| Facility | 2.6 |
| Staff | 2.7 |
| Food | 2.7 |
| Activities | 2.7 |
| Value | 2.7 |
Positive Aspects Highlighted by Residents:
- Caring and compassionate staff
- Convenient on-site doctor availability
- Strong sense of community and social engagement
- Comprehensive range of care options
Areas for Consideration:
- Some concerns about food quality
- Mixed feedback on staff responsiveness
Notable Testimonial: “The staff is absolutely outstanding! They could not be more caring or compassionate than what they are. They truly are interested in our welfare.” – Joan T., Resident
Actionable Recommendation: To get a comprehensive understanding of resident experiences:
- Visit Nazareth Living Center at different times of day, including mealtimes, to observe staff interactions and food quality firsthand.
- Speak with current residents and their families outside of scheduled tour times to get unfiltered feedback on daily experiences.
- Ask management about specific initiatives to address common concerns raised in reviews, such as food quality and staff responsiveness.
- Request to participate in a meal service to personally evaluate the dining experience and menu variety.
- Inquire about the frequency of menu changes and how dietary preferences and restrictions are accommodated.
5. Pricing Structure and Financial Considerations
Nazareth Living Center offers competitive pricing within the local market:
| Cost Type | Nazareth Living Center | Local Market Average |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $2,940/month | $4,750/month |
| Average Monthly Cost | $5,164/month | $4,980/month |
| Maximum Cost | $7,729/month | N/A |
Detailed Pricing Breakdown:
| Room Type | Monthly Rate | Features |
|---|---|---|
| One-Bedroom | $1,782 | Kitchenette, private bath |
| Two-Bedroom | $2,181 | Full kitchen, living area |
| Studio | $3,510 | Safety features, monitored access |
Payment Options:
- Medicare certified
- Medicaid approved
- Private insurance accepted (verify specific plans)
- Private pay options available
Actionable Recommendation: To ensure a comprehensive understanding of the financial aspects:
- Request a detailed, itemized pricing sheet from Nazareth Living Center, including:
- Base rates for different levels of care (assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing)
- Additional costs for specialized services (e.g., dialysis, rehabilitation)
- Any one-time fees (e.g., community fee, admission fee)
- Potential rate increase schedules
- Discuss scenarios where care needs might change and how this would affect pricing.
- Inquire about any move-in specials or financial assistance programs available.
- Ask about bundled service packages that might offer better value for comprehensive care needs.
- Compare these costs with at least three other facilities in the area to ensure you’re getting a comprehensive view of the local market rates and value propositions.
6. Staff Quality and Management
Nazareth Living Center has received low ratings for staffing from Medicare:
| Category | Rating (out of 5 stars) |
|---|---|
| Overall Staffing | 1 |
| RN Staffing | 1 |
Daily nursing care hours per resident:
- Total nursing care: 3.3 hours
- Licensed nurses: 1.1 hours (RNs: 0.2 hours, LPNs: 0.9 hours)
- Nurse aides: 2.2 hours
These staffing levels are below average, which could impact the quality and responsiveness of care provided to residents.
Actionable Recommendation: When evaluating the facility:
- Ask about staff-to-resident ratios during different shifts, including nights and weekends.
- Inquire about staff turnover rates and ongoing training programs.
- Observe staff interactions with residents during your visit to gauge attentiveness and care quality.
- Request information on any initiatives to improve staffing levels and care quality.
- Ask about the facility’s plan to address the low Medicare staffing ratings and improve care delivery.
- Inquire about the qualifications and experience of key management personnel, particularly those overseeing care services.
7. Comparison with Local Alternatives
To provide context, here’s how Nazareth Living Center compares to other facilities in the St. Louis area:
| Facility Name | Overall Rating | Key Features | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nazareth Living Center | 2.0/5 (Medicare) | Comprehensive care options, Large facility | $2,940/month |
| Bethesda Hawthorne Place | 9.3/10 | High-quality memory care, Local recognition | Contact for pricing |
| Laclede Groves | 9.4/10 | Faith-inspired setting, Holistic care approach | Contact for pricing |
| Friendship Village Sunset Hills | 5.5/10 | Comprehensive amenities, Mixed satisfaction | $3,566/month |
| Mason Pointe | 7.3/10 | Luxury environment, Premium amenities | $3,920/month |
Key Differentiators of Nazareth Living Center:
- Large-Scale Facility: With 242 certified beds, it potentially offers more resources and diverse social opportunities.
- Comprehensive Care Continuum: Offers a full range of care options from independent living to skilled nursing.
- Specialized Medical Services: In-house dialysis unit sets it apart from typical assisted living facilities.
- Competitive Entry-Level Pricing: The starting price is below the local average, potentially offering good value for basic care needs.
Actionable Recommendation: When comparing facilities:
- Create a checklist of your most important criteria (e.g., care levels, amenities, activities, pricing) and use it to evaluate each facility.
- Schedule tours of at least 3-4 facilities to compare environments, staff interactions, and overall atmosphere firsthand.
- Speak with residents and family members at each facility to get unfiltered feedback on daily life and care quality.
- Consider both current and potential future care needs when evaluating the suitability of each facility.
- Pay special attention to the stark difference in ratings between Nazareth Living Center and its competitors. Investigate the reasons behind these differences during your visits.
- Ask each facility about their staff-to-resident ratios, training programs, and initiatives to improve care quality.
- Compare the range of medical services offered, particularly if you have specific health needs like dialysis.
8. Reputation and Recognition
While specific awards or recognitions for Nazareth Living Center were not identified in our research, it’s important to note that the facility is part of a larger organization with a strong reputation in the senior living industry:
- Organizational Backing: Nazareth Living Center is associated with Benedictine Living, a well-established organization in the senior care sector.
- Long-standing Experience: With over 100 years of service, Nazareth Living Center has a long-standing presence in the St. Louis community, contributing to its established reputation.
- Community Engagement: The facility is known for its active participation in local events and initiatives, fostering strong connections within the community it serves.
However, it’s crucial to note that the facility has faced some regulatory challenges:
- 7 federal fines in the last 3 years, totaling $779,963
- 3 payment denials by Medicare in the last 3 years
- Flagged for abuse citation
- 40 health citations (compared to the Illinois average of 12.4)
These issues suggest that the facility may be struggling with maintaining consistent quality standards and regulatory compliance.
Actionable Recommendation: To gain a deeper understanding of Nazareth Living Center’s reputation:
- Research local news articles or community publications for mentions of the facility.
- Inquire about any partnerships or involvement with local organizations or events.
- Ask the management about their plans for improving or maintaining the facility’s standing in the community.
- Seek opinions from local healthcare professionals or senior care advisors about the facility’s reputation.
- Review the facility’s plan to address and resolve the regulatory issues and citations.
9. Conclusion and Final Recommendations
Nazareth Living Center offers a comprehensive range of services in a large-scale setting, with notable strengths in specialized care options and competitive entry-level pricing. However, the lower Medicare ratings, staffing concerns, and regulatory issues highlight significant areas that require careful consideration.
Final Actionable Steps:
- Schedule Multiple Visits: Arrange tours at different times of day, including weekends and evenings, to get a comprehensive view of the facility’s operations and resident care.
- Engage with Current Residents and Families: Make an effort to speak with current residents and their families outside of scheduled tour times to get unfiltered feedback on their experiences.
- Review Recent Inspection Reports: Request and review the most recent state inspection reports to understand any ongoing issues and improvement plans.
- Assess Staff Engagement: During your visit, observe staff interactions with residents and inquire about staff turnover rates and ongoing training programs.
- Evaluate Care Transition Processes: Inquire about how the facility manages transitions between different levels of care, as this can be crucial for long-term planning.
- Compare Rehabilitation Services: If rehabilitation is a priority, ask for success rates, average length of stay for short-term residents, and the qualifications of therapy staff.
- Review Communication Protocols: Inquire about how the facility communicates with families, especially regarding health updates or care plan changes.
- Consider Future Needs: Evaluate how Nazareth Living Center’s range of services aligns with potential future health needs, ensuring the facility can accommodate changing care requirements over time.
- Investigate Quality Improvement Plans: Given the low ratings and regulatory issues, ask management about specific, actionable plans to improve care quality, staffing, and overall resident satisfaction.
- Assess Value Proposition: Carefully weigh the lower costs against the potential trade-offs in care quality and amenities. Consider whether the savings justify any compromises in service or quality of life.
By thoroughly investigating these aspects, you’ll be better equipped to make an informed decision that ensures the best possible care and quality of life for your loved one. Remember, while Nazareth Living Center offers comprehensive services at competitive entry-level pricing, the lower quality ratings and regulatory issues necessitate careful consideration and personal verification of care standards before making a decision.
