Calyx Living of Wakefield

My friends have a family member at Calyx Living in Wakefield, and after just two weeks, their experience has been deeply concerning. The community opened with high promises but has quickly revealed serious issues in leadership, staffing, and security. Most alarming, there have already been two elopements from the supposedly “secure” memory care unit. That alone should raise serious concerns (NC State Health Department, take note). Staffing shortages are constant, with corporate leadership stepping in to cover shifts because regular staff are leaving at an alarming rate. The turnover is staggering, and with employees underpaid and overworked, many don’t stay long enough to learn their roles properly. Despite the high cost, families are left frustrated and stressed as they watch their loved ones struggle due to poor care and disorganization. To make matters worse, both assisted living and memory care appear to be staffed at the bare minimum state-required ratios, offering little reassurance to residents and their families. If you’re considering Calyx Living in Wakefield, I strongly urge you to speak with current families and employees before making a decision. The reality behind the marketing promises is deeply troubling.

Title: Executive Director Experience – Incredible Potential, But Leadership Prevents Real Change I served as an Executive Director at Calyx Senior Living, and this review is written after a great deal of reflection. I did not come to this decision lightly. Calyx has beautiful communities and tremendous potential. Unfortunately, the greatest barrier to success is the leadership culture at the top. As an Executive Director, I quickly realized that the ability to create meaningful change is extremely limited. Decisions are centralized, feedback is not welcomed, and initiatives that would improve staff morale, resident satisfaction, and operational stability are often shut down before they have a chance to succeed. The most concerning issue is the consistent pattern of strong department heads and senior leaders leaving the organization. This is not coincidence—it is culture. Talented, passionate professionals come in wanting to make a difference, only to discover that they are not empowered to lead, innovate, or feel supported. Over time, the environment becomes discouraging and unsustainable. Communication from upper leadership frequently feels dismissive and condescending, and collaboration is often replaced by top-down directives. This creates a workplace where employees feel undervalued and unappreciated, which inevitably impacts the quality of the environment for both residents and families. I personally made significant sacrifices for the company, including canceling personal plans and vacations at leadership’s request, often at my own financial loss. Despite this level of commitment, appreciation and recognition were notably absent. Over time, the imbalance between expectations and support becomes very clear. Families and staff both want stability, transparency, and leadership that listens. Unfortunately, the disconnect between corporate leadership and community-level reality makes it extremely difficult to provide the level of care and culture that exist!

I would never recommend this facility, which is a shame. It could be the best in the area. It is more expensive than other options, but the care level was extremely disappointng. The facilities are beautiful, but it is incredibly understaffed. On weekends, it is a virtual ghost town. I would find my mother stuck in bed for hours after pushing and pushing her call button. Overall a very traumatic experience for her and our family. To be fair, many of the staff were very kind and giving, but the good ones lasted about 30 - 60 days. The pay is terrible at $13.50 and hour. They can get $17 at Target. We paid top dollar for a high level of care and got minimal care.