I have been involved in many decisions for skilled care facilities for loved ones. I have worked in many care facilities as well as served on my local Ombudsman committee to investigate senior facilities. Going into this facility, we thought it was the best decision for my mother as a decision was made quickly upon her release from skilled care rehabilitation for a surgically repaired broken femur. This is the case for most families when loved ones cannot return home after a traumatic health event.
The room was spacious and the staff was warm and welcoming during the initial tour. Upon moving in, everything changed. Less than adequate staff/patient ratio with only 4 medical staff/1000+ beds. Even though her apartment was right next to the nurses station, she was left unattended for hours on end. We paid additional money to have her checked every 2 hours. The facility was aware she was a fall risk as she was still recuperating from her surgery. After 4 falls, the last one left her with a fractured vertebrae in her back. In extreme pain and now confined to a wheelchair, my mother is a mere shadow of what she was upon admission in just 2 short months. When her demeanor changed drastically, we suspected a UTI. It took them 2 weeks to get a urinalysis to confirm our suspicions. Even at that point, my sister had to step in to help them collect the specimen because they were unable to. Her dementia has advanced more quickly due to the pain and infection she suffered as a result of their neglect.
Their lack of concern and care is unfathomable for an assisted living facility. I know Brookdale is a huge conglomerate but they need to pay more attention to the patients instead of their stock price because all lives matter. What looks good from the outside and upon initial tour of the facility is a deception. Do not consider this facility if you care about your loved one. read more
