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Assisted Living Investigative

Camellia Gardens

Reviewer concerns include unprofessional and unresponsive staff (mentioned by 3 reviewers) — investigate before committing.

5010 S. Alston Avenue, Durham, NC 2771381 bedsLicensed & Active
Source: NC DHSR — view official record
Google rating
2.0/5

based on 9 Google reviews

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What this means for your family

This facility presents significant risks regarding hygiene and staff supervision. If you choose to visit, you should specifically ask about their cleaning protocols for restrooms and inquire about the current staffing levels and visitor access policies to ensure your loved one's safety.

Google Reviews

Google Reviews

9 reviews analyzed
Families should exercise extreme caution, as multiple reviewers report severe issues regarding cleanliness, including odors of urine and pest presence. There are significant concerns regarding staff professionalism, lack of supervision, and restrictive or difficult visiting policies.

Quality Themes

Tap a score for details
FoodN/AStaff1.0Clean1.0Activities1.0MedsN/AMemoryN/AComms1.0Value1.0

Concerns

  • Unprofessional and unresponsive staff (mentioned by 3 reviewers)
  • Poor facility cleanliness and unpleasant odors (mentioned by 2 reviewers)
  • Restrictive or difficult visiting procedures (mentioned by 2 reviewers)

Rating Trends

Tap a year to see what changed

2342.02018(1)1.02019(1)5.02020(1)1.02021(3)3.02022(2)1.02024(1)

Distribution

5
2
4
0
3
0
2
1
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6

How They Respond to Reviews

0%response rate

Questions for Your Tour

  • 1How does the team ensure that the common areas and resident rooms are kept fresh and clean throughout the day?
  • 2What is the best way for family members to stay in regular contact with the staff and receive updates on our loved one's well-being?
  • 3Could you tell us more about the types of social events or group activities planned to keep residents engaged and active?
  • 4What specific protocols are in place to handle medical emergencies or sudden changes in health during the night?
  • 5How do you approach staff training to ensure everyone provides a high level of professional and attentive care?
  • 6What are the current visiting hours and policies for family members who want to drop by for a quick visit?

Personalized based on this facility's data


Key Review Excerpts

Very poor service, it stinks in here smells like dry pee, not worth the money wouldn't recommend to anybody to put your loved ones here

Resident's family member · 2021☆☆☆☆

This building is poorly maintained, not cleaned properly, and is managed by a group of very unprofessional staff / nurses. They do not check on the residents that reside here and when families come to visit they are hassled by the staff and are even locked out at times.

Resident's family member · 2022☆☆☆☆

I was very disappointed with very poor service no staff at front desk having to wait about 10 min then I went walking all around the building to look for a staff member then when I speak to a staff they ignore me and walk into staff room

Visitor · 2019☆☆☆☆
Source: 9 Google reviews

State Inspection History

State Inspections

Source: NC Division of Health Service Regulation

9total
11deficiencies
Jul 30, 2025Other
Nutrition and Food ServiceD 306

The facility failed to ensure water was served to each resident at each meal in addition to other beverages. Observations during lunch and breakfast services showed that only a small number of residents were served water, while the majority were only provided other beverages. Interviews with residents and management confirmed that water was not consistently provided unless specifically requested.

Feb 22, 2024Follow-up
Physical EnvironmentD 067

The facility failed to ensure that 8 of 8 exit doors accessible to residents with disorientation or wandering tendencies were equipped with working alarms of sufficient volume. These alarms could not be heard by staff when activated, posing a safety risk to residents.

Feb 22, 2024Follow-up
Physical EnvironmentD 067

The facility failed to ensure that 8 of 8 exit doors accessible to residents with disorientation or wandering tendencies were equipped with working alarms of sufficient volume. Observations revealed multiple instances where doors were opened without an audible alarm sounding, including side doors, the dining room exit, and the loading dock door.

Jun 13, 2022Follow-up
Qualifications Of Activity DirectorD 129

The facility failed to have a qualified activity director with documentation of completion of the required basic activity course or a comparable course. Observations and interviews revealed a lack of scheduled activities, no posted activity calendars in resident areas, and residents reporting a lack of social engagement and programming.

Jun 13, 2022Follow-up
Qualifications Of Activity DirectorD 129

The facility failed to have a qualified activity director with documentation of completion of the required basic activity course or a comparable course. Observations showed insufficient scheduled activities and a lack of posted activity calendars in resident common areas.

Sep 12, 2019Follow-up
Medication StorageD 378

The facility failed to ensure medications were stored safely and securely under the supervision of staff. Specifically, medications including expired hydrocortisone, expired Lotrimin, and eye drops were found unsecured on a resident's nightstand instead of being locked in the medication cart.

Sep 9, 2019Other
Medication StorageD 378

The facility failed to ensure medications were stored safely and under the supervision of staff. Specifically, medications including expired hydrocortisone ointment, Lotrimin Ultra, and various eye drops were observed unsecured on a resident's nightstand.

May 22, 2019Other
Housekeeping and FurnishingsD078

The facility failed to ensure the environment was free of hazards due to the unsafe storage of oxygen tanks. Six 14-inch oxygen tanks were found unracked and sitting upright beside a crate in resident room #1, where they had been stored for several months.

Other RequirementsD108

The facility failed to maintain an efficient heating system and failed to prevent the use of a prohibited portable electric heater. A portable electric heater was found plugged in and active in resident room #7 because the permanent heating unit had been blowing cold air for several weeks.

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References & Resources

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Safer Alternatives Nearby

Based on current clinical data, we identified 6 nearby facilities within 10 miles that may offer a stronger care environment. We encourage families to compare options carefully.

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