I am starting this post to hear of genuinly bad experiences and true problems and events that you and/or your loved one have experienced in Asisted Living or Nursing Home facilities. And to date, I would like to know if you've taken action, if so, what action has been taken and what have the results been (if any.)
Even almost a year later when he moved into the Assisted Living/Memory Care wing, he had no complains. Oh, except for the monthly rent, but he understood it took a village to take care of everyone.
My Mom was in another facility long-term-care for 3 months before she passed. She had accelerated dementia due to a head trauma fall at home, she wasn't able to reason out anything, so I couldn't ask her what she thought or how was her care. Dad and his caregiver would go at noon to visit my Mom and the caregiver would feed Mom... just not enough Staff to help those at the same time.
One time at the long-term care facility, it was later in the evening and the Staff was trying to round up the patients to get them settled into their bed. But 2 or 3 of the patients would climb out and start wandering the halls, and the Staff would round them up, again. And a third time. One night was extremely busy, I heard one nurse or aide say "Lord, give me strength".
Experience with an ALF other than mom's memory care which is a specialty ALF
I have continually been underwhelmed by what they deliver versus what they promote
Several folks in the past year have been moved out by their loved ones following falls or other incidents
Mom is a handful and I have personal caregivers with her 12 hours a day
Her doctors recommend this place which is well known and say there are so few options
She's not ready for a SNF yet so I do what I can to see she is safe however I can't afford the private caregivers indefinitely so we take it day by day
Not sure if she needed oxygen I would attempt to keep her there
My issues with the the regular AL was that they seemed to have a problem with medical transport and even though it was their job to provide her transport, they claimed they were not available, much of the time. (Already booked up.) So, I had to transport. This is huge for someone in a wheelchair and when I was self employed. I should have complained more, but, didn't have the time. lol
Regular AL was clean as a pin and had impressive daily activities, LIVE entertainment several times per week! I attended a lot of the performances. Awesome and varied meals. Downside: I got the feeling that their was miscommunication with the staff between themselves. They were very observant and caring to the residents, but, didn't seem to be well trained in handling dementia behavior, so would call me to address it. Too many calls for things they should be able to handle.
Memory Care is also clean as a pin and more equipped to handle dementia patients. Laundry issues though. And, this sounds petty, but, I have arrived to find my LO's radio playing a station that she would not choose, EVEN though, I have made it known what music is to be played. I find that frustrating. But, she is kept clean, well nourished, well groomed, safe, and always seems to love the staff. She has told me that they are good to her. It's a small, family run facility, so, we are all on a first name basis.
Both places had regular volunteer visitors from churches and civic groups who visit, provide gifts, parties, etc.
No place is perfect, but, I think that I lucked up with some great facilities.
The ombudsman has been called a few times recently to my mom's facility and licensing has made surprise visits agreeing there was sufficient evidence to substantiate the complaint
Fine $100
I am going to meet with Head Nurse and review the time logs. This facility is one of the nicest in our town, and I am going to let them know what our expectations are.
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