chose this facility based on a friend's recommendation, and while it is a newer establishment, my…read moreinitial impressions of the staff were not favorable. Upon entering, I was greeted by a pleasant atmosphere; the facility was clean, quiet, and had a delightful fragrance. My first room was a bariatric suite, featuring wider doors and a spacious bathroom equipped with a shower chair. Being a corner room, it had plenty of windows, creating an almost hotel-like experience.
However, the situation with my buzzer, which was broken upon arrival, became a significant concern. Instead of a working buzzer, I was provided with a bell as a temporary solution. Unfortunately, I found this bell to be ineffective, as it could only be heard in proximity to my room. One evening, I rang it for 30 minutes without a response, only to eventually receive assistance during the scheduled rounds. A staff member informed me that the bell was essentially useless, as no one could hear it unless they were nearby. Although they promised to contact the company for repairs, my buzzer issue was never resolved.
Additionally, my bed became lopsided, causing me to worry about my safety. The inconsistency in staff was another challenge; I encountered different nurses and aides daily, with the exception of one dedicated aide named Jada. Jada consistently ensured that I had the opportunity for daily hygiene care, while many other aides seemed disengaged.
After two weeks, the administrator finally arranged for a new bed and a room change, which improved my situation, although I lost the larger room. At least my new room had a functioning buzzer, TV, and bed. Still, the frequent staff turnover made it difficult to establish any rapport with caregivers.
observed that many of the Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) were either pursuing their GED or high school diplomas, which I admire. However, it was evident that while they were facility-trained, they lacked the professionalism expected in a healthcare setting. There were instances where the atmosphere felt less like a care facility and more like a bar.
Concerns about cost-cutting measures were prevalent among the staff. I believed that reducing the dietitian services--given that all patients were on the same diet--could allow for better staffing on the night shift.
A particularly concerning experience involved a wound care nurse who neglected to apply the necessary cream for my wound, citing her personal issues with the aide assigned to me. This disregard for patient care was alarming. She even instructed me to repeat verbatim what she had said, expressing disapproval over the weekend wound care nurse's assessment. Furthermore, her comment labeling all of us as "drug addicts" was both inappropriate and damaging to morale.
If the administration is genuinely committed to improving the facility, addressing the performance of this particular nurse would be a necessary step. Her attitude is detrimental to both patient care and the overall atmosphere within the facility.
Upon my arrival, I had the opportunity to discuss my dietary preferences with the sous chef, specifically requesting a salad due to my blood thinner medication and fish allergy. While some meals were acceptable, my overall experience has led me to conclude that I do not wish to extend my stay at this facility. There were instances where the food quality was so poor that it could be deemed inedible, prompting the kitchen to consider a break.
Dinner is served between 5:00 and 6:00 PM, yet there were frequent occasions when snacks were not provided. Additionally, I found the hydration service to be lacking. When I requested water, I was told by an aide that it would take 45 minutes; in reality, I ended up waiting an entire hour, despite my immediate thirst.
During the evening hours, I often found myself unaware of who my assigned aide was, as there was no formal introduction at 7:00 PM. While I encountered some Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) who genuinely cared about patient well-being, it was evident that others were merely fulfilling their duties for a paycheck. I also learned that some aides did not provide their real names, which created an environment where reporting issues could lead to perceptions of being delusional.
On a positive note, the physical therapy department stood out for its exceptional service. My favorite therapists, Mohammed, Annie, and Doug, offered valuable support. However, I often found myself pushing to take more initiative in my exercises, as their pace was somewhat slow. Given my limited time here, I felt compelled to actively engage in walking exercises rather than solely relying on standing exercises with them.
