A Very Difficult Experience -- Former Employee
Today I received a "Happy Anniversary" message from Harmony on the Peninsula, reminding me that today would have marked one year of employment. Instead, I found myself reflecting on my experience there and the many reasons I ultimately chose to leave on June 12.
In my experience, Harmony was one of the most stressful and disorganized organizations I have ever worked for. The focus seemed to be overwhelmingly on the bottom line and staying within budget, often at the expense of employees and, more concerningly, the residents we were there to serve.
The residents are the ones I believe suffered the most. Staffing was frequently inadequate, and I personally witnessed situations where residents did not receive medications, bathing, or other necessary care in a timely manner. I also witnessed residents being "double briefed" rather than being changed as regularly as they should have been. These are vulnerable people who depend on their caregivers for their basic needs, and seeing these situations was extremely difficult.
As Culinary Director, I did everything I could to provide the residents with food that was nutritious, appealing, and appropriate for their individual needs. When food orders arrived short or when a resident had a special dietary requirement that we weren't adequately supplied for, I frequently purchased ingredients with my own money so that residents would still have what they needed. I am still owed $540 from an expense report for food I personally purchased approximately three months ago.
Unfortunately, the issues did not end there. I am still owed wages for hours I worked as well as vacation time. I have contacted the Executive Director, the Business Office Manager, and Corporate Payroll multiple times regarding these outstanding amounts, yet my messages have gone unanswered.
I have heard from others who have left Harmony that receiving their full final compensation has also been an issue. I sincerely hope that is not the case with me, but the fact that I am still trying to get answers months after leaving is extremely disappointing.
I also have several friends who are currently looking for assisted living options for their parents. Based on my personal experience working at Harmony, I have specifically advised them not to consider Harmony as an option. When someone is trusting a facility with the care of a parent or loved one, I believe they deserve to know what that environment is really like from the perspective of someone who has worked there.
I do want to recognize that there were individuals there who genuinely cared about the residents and did an excellent job. The Maintenance Director and Activities Director in particular stood out to me. Both worked extremely hard, cared about the residents, and consistently went above and beyond to make a positive difference in their lives. They deserve recognition for the effort and compassion they brought to their jobs.
I cared deeply about the residents and genuinely tried to make a difference during my time there. That is what makes this experience particularly difficult. Employees cannot consistently provide the level of care residents deserve when they are working in an environment that is understaffed, disorganized, and seemingly driven primarily by budget considerations.
I hope Harmony will take these concerns seriously--not for the sake of its reputation, but for the sake of the residents and the employees who are responsible for caring for them. read more
