Lambeth House Senior Living Detailed Review

Introduction and overview

Lambeth House is located at 150 Broadway Street in New Orleans, LA 70118. It's a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) that has operated for over 20 years. This review covers what the facility offers, what residents say, and how it compares to other options in the area.

Key facts

• Founded: Over 20 years ago
• Type: Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC)
• Location: Uptown New Orleans, along the Mississippi River
• Total capacity: 235 units across various care levels

Services and care options

Lambeth House provides care at multiple levels. Residents can move between them as their needs change without relocating:

Care level

Description

Key features

Independent living

For active seniors who want maintenance-free housing

118 private apartments; community activities; access to amenities

Assisted living

24/7 personal care assistance

61 apartments; medication management; help with daily activities

Memory care

Specialized support for cognitive impairments

Secure environment; tailored programs; trained staff

Skilled nursing

24-hour medical supervision

56 private residences at St. Anna's; medical care; rehabilitation services

Specialized care services

• The facility has partnerships with local healthcare providers. Residents can see doctors on-site when needed.
• The Wellness Center offers specialized classes for various health conditions.
• The LifeCare program guarantees residents access to care as they age without having to leave the facility. It's the only program like this in the region.

Amenities and daily life

Lambeth House has several amenities on-site:

Facility amenities

• 21,000 square-foot Wellness Center
• Restaurant-style dining rooms with chef-prepared meals
• Saltwater pool natatorium
• Art studio
• Interfaith chapel and meditation room
• Beauty salon and barber shop
• Wi-Fi throughout the facility
• Library and business center
• Landscaped gardens and outdoor walking paths

Activities and engagement

The facility schedules activities throughout the week: morning exercise classes, art workshops, bingo, piano performances and live music, educational lectures, spiritual services, walking and hiking trips, and group yoga.

• Spiritual activities matter to many residents. On-site chapels, worship services, Bible studies, and meditation groups provide comfort and connection. Some residents need transportation to local churches or synagogues, which the facility can arrange. For many, these programs reinforce their sense of purpose.
• Ask for a sample monthly activity calendar during your visit. Watch what activities are actually happening. This tells you what daily life looks like and what residents can participate in. Look for a mix of activities that fit different interests and physical abilities.
• Visit at different times, including during meals, to understand what daily life is actually like. Talk with current residents and families when staff are not present. Request to attend a meal to see the food and menu options. Ask how often menus change and whether they accommodate dietary restrictions. Ask about maintenance response times for repairs.
• Pricing structure and financial considerations
• Costs at Lambeth House depend on care level and apartment choice. Typically you pay a one-time community fee, monthly service fees for amenities and utilities, and extra charges for care services like medication management. Ask the admissions team about all costs and financial assistance options.

1. Additional financial considerations

Refundable entrance fee options may be available; confirm the terms with admissions.

The facility accepts personal checks, credit cards, and insurance.

Monthly fees typically cover dining, housekeeping, utilities, and access to amenities and activities.

Get an itemized pricing sheet that breaks down base rates for each care level, costs for specialized services, one-time fees, and potential rate increases. Ask how pricing changes if care needs change. Inquire about financial assistance or sliding scale fees. Look for bundled packages that might offer better value. Compare costs with at least three other facilities in the area. Consider talking with a financial advisor about the long-term implications of different payment options, particularly the refundable entrance fee model.

Key differentiators of Lambeth House

All levels of care are available, so residents can age in place without moving.

The 21,000 square-foot Wellness Center has modern equipment and specialized classes.

Located in Uptown New Orleans, near Audubon Park, museums, and local restaurants.

The LifeCare program is available only at Lambeth House in this region.

When comparing facilities:

1. Create a checklist of your most important criteria (care levels, amenities, activities, pricing) and use it to evaluate each facility.
2. Schedule tours of at least 3-4 facilities to compare environments, staff interactions, and overall atmosphere.
3. Speak with residents and family members at each facility to get unfiltered feedback on daily life and care quality.
4. Consider both current and potential future care needs when evaluating each facility.
5. Pay special attention to unique features like Lambeth House's LifeCare program and assess how these align with your long-term care goals.

1. Ask each facility about staff-to-resident ratios, training programs, and quality improvement initiatives.
2. Compare the range of medical services offered, particularly if you have specific health needs.

Management quality and staff responsiveness

Assessing management quality and staff responsiveness directly is one of the most useful things you can do when evaluating any community.

To assess management quality and staff responsiveness:

1. During your visit, observe staff interactions with residents across different departments.
2. Ask about staff-to-resident ratios during various shifts, including nights and weekends.
3. Inquire about staff retention rates and ongoing training programs.
4. Ask how the facility handles resident concerns or complaints.
5. Ask about communication protocols between staff, residents, and families, especially regarding health updates or care plan changes.
6. Ask for examples of how management has addressed and resolved past issues raised by residents or their families.
7. Inquire about the qualifications and experience of key management personnel, particularly those overseeing care services.

Unique features and programs

Lambeth House offers several features that set it apart:

1. LifeCare Program: The only facility in New Orleans offering this program, ensuring residents have access to necessary care as they age.
2. Wellness Center: The 21,000 square-foot center includes fitness areas, a saltwater pool, art studio, and meditation room.
3. Location: The community is in Uptown New Orleans, close to Audubon Park, museums, and local restaurants.
4. Continuum of Care: Moving between care levels in the same community helps residents age in place and ensures consistent care.
5. Cultural Integration: Programs that celebrate New Orleans traditions help residents maintain connection to local culture.

To fully appreciate these features:

1. Ask for specific examples of how the LifeCare program has helped current residents.
2. Request a detailed tour of the Wellness Center and ask about the frequency and variety of programs offered.
3. Inquire about transportation services and organized outings to local attractions.
4. Ask about the process for moving between care levels within the facility, and request examples of how this has worked for current residents.
5. Ask about special events or programs that feature local New Orleans culture and traditions.

Reputation and recognition

Lambeth House is recognized in senior living:

1. Design Excellence: The facility has received multiple awards:
   • 1999 Best of 1999 Award from Louisiana Contractor Magazine
   • Citation for Design Excellence from the American Institute of Architects and the American Association of Homes for the Aging
   • 2000 Award of Merit from the American Concrete Institute, Louisiana Chapter
   • 1999 Private Architecture Project of the Year
2. Industry Leadership: Lambeth House is:
   • The first Continuing Care Retirement Community in New Orleans
   • The only Life Plan Community in New Orleans
3. Community Engagement: The organization participates in local events and initiatives.
4. Leadership Recognition: Scott Crabtree, President and CEO, recently joined the LeadingAge Southeast Board of Trustees, reflecting the facility's standing.

However, the facility has faced some challenges:

• Charity Navigator gave the facility a two-star rating with a 72% score for accountability and finance practices
• Areas identified for operational improvement

To learn more about Lambeth House's reputation:

1. Research local news articles or community publications for mentions of the facility.
2. Ask about partnerships or involvement with local organizations or events.
3. Ask management about their plans for improving or maintaining the facility's standing.
4. Seek opinions from local healthcare professionals or senior care advisors about the facility.
5. Discuss with management how they are addressing areas for improvement identified by rating organizations.

Conclusion and final recommendations

Lambeth House offers a range of services with strengths in wellness programs, location, and the LifeCare offering. It has a long history in New Orleans and industry recognition. Weigh these alongside the areas identified for improvement when you consider it.

Final actionable steps

1. Schedule multiple visits: Arrange tours at different times of day, including weekends and evenings, to understand how the facility operates.
2. Engage with residents and families: Speak with current residents and their families outside of scheduled tours to get unfiltered feedback.
3. Review inspection reports: Request and review the most recent state inspection reports to understand any ongoing issues and improvement plans.
4. Assess staff engagement: During your visit, observe staff interactions with residents and ask about turnover rates and training programs.
5. Evaluate care transitions: Ask how the facility manages moves between different care levels, which matters for long-term planning.
6. Compare wellness programs: If wellness and active living matter to you, ask for detailed information about the Wellness Center programs and how they compare to other facilities.
7. Review communication: Ask how the facility communicates with families, especially regarding health updates or care plan changes.
8. Consider future needs: Check whether Lambeth House's services can meet your future health needs so you won't have to relocate later.
9. Investigate improvement plans: Ask management about specific plans to improve care quality, staffing, and resident satisfaction.
10. Evaluate the value: Compare costs with amenities, care options, and special features like the LifeCare program to see if the package meets your long-term care goals and budget.

Take time with this decision. Check that the facility can meet your specific needs and preferences before you decide.