Good Shepherd Hlth Care Center

Good Shepherd Convalescent Hospital is part of a myriad of medical buildings and skilled nursing facilities in the area. The building sits on a busy street, where parking can be challenging. When we visited, the facility was seeking city approval for renovations, and there was a sign to this effect posted out front. A little TLC would go a long way in sprucing up its appearance&#8212as is, the outside looks a tad plain, but a small green lawn and shrubbery add some color. The shaded entrance leads to a tiny, simply decorated foyer. A male resident was sitting in this area with his wife when we arrived. They appeared content to gaze out the windows, enjoying each others’ company. They spend a great deal of time doing this together, we were told, and often one or both of them dozes off before the window. Many of the residents and staff members have been with the facility for years, creating a familial atmosphere. Candlelit dinners, trips to restaurants, weekly religious services, coffee socials, exercise sessions and bingo get everyone involved.

Overall, the interior is clean but unadorned and ready for some updating. The dining room, which doubles as an activity space, is no exception. Staff members do their best to bring everyone together for meals, but some people opt to dine in their rooms. Residents often eat and participate in activities on the lovely patio. Grass, shade, a fountain and a tree as old as the facility create an attractive, homey environment. Resident rooms are small and institutional looking. They come furnished with space for a table or bookcase, and some of them overlook the garden. Privacy curtains are optional. Although people can come and go as the please, the front doors are locked each evening. …. SHOW MORE