Before going any further I would like to explain the reason for giving a 2 star rating. Sitting here in my frustration I am tempted to give a rating of zero stars (less if I could) but that would be an injustice to the wonderful staff who deal directly with the residents of La Siena, Everyone from the front desk staff, to the dining room staff, the staff who provide personal care and medical related assistance, the staff who clean residents apartments and carry out the in apartment laundry service, the transportation staff, to name just some - they treat the residents excellently and that is very easily seen. Always very cheerful, courteous, and quick to show their interest and concern for the residents. These employees set a high standard for their competition to match. The facilities are very nice and truly resort like with very spacious apartments. The staff members and the facilities themselves deserve a five star rating.
The situation I am writing about involves my niece who is a resident at La Siena. She happens to be the exception to the average person living in an assisted living facility as she is only 39. She has MS and an assisted living residence is the best living arrangement for her at this time. I realize this a long review and decided not to shorten it as it is intended to provide information to, and benefit, those who are researching assisted living facilities for their loved one.
On Sunday 11/24/19 at 10:49 AM I received a text from my niece with a photo of a rash with blisters on her back that she woke up with. She had a care associate there take a picture so she could send it to me. I let her know that I was just finishing up some chores outside and that I would be there as soon as I got cleaned up and stopped by the pharmacy to pick up some prescriptions for her. When I got to La Siena I asked at the front desk to talk to the nurse on duty so she could look at the rash with me as I was concerned it was shingles based on pictures I looked up. Michelle the nurse on duty did come down and confirm it was shingles and pointed out the linear path it would follow if it spread further. We immediately took my niece to urgent care where the doctor confirmed it was shingles for which he prescribed an antiviral and told us to apply an antibacterial cream to the rash and to cover it with a gauze bandage to prevent the spread of the virus. He instructed us that the bandage should be changed every 24 hours. He informed us that the virus was contagious to anyone who has not had chicken pox or shingles and that keeping the rash covered would prevent the spread of any virus. He also stated that we probably intervened just in time to keep it from spreading but we would have to wait and see. He, also, pointed out the linear path it would follow if it continued to spread. In fact, we did catch it in time and prevent it from spreading at all.
When we went back to La Siena I went to see Michelle and let her know what the outcome was. I informed her that; it was indeed shingles, she was prescribed an antiviral and what the bandaging instructions were. I explained to Michelle, that because of the additional medication times and the doctor's instructions, I needed to know what I needed to do set up help with the medications and anything else required due to the situation. I told her I understand that this will be at addition expense for the service. She responded that to that would require an administrative change order which would be a hassle and take some time. She went on to state that we could make it easier if I would change her bandage every 24 hours and they would remind her to take her additional pills. I said OK if that covers us with the situation. I let her know that when I came back after going to the pharmacy to pick up the antiviral I would get the pills set up in an addition AM/PM weekly pill container and label it appropriately with a magic marker. I did in fact do that.
On Monday 11/25 at 3:36 PM I received a phone call from Alyssa at La Siena. She was calling to find out what medication M is taking. I informed her I was at work and didn't have the name of the drug with me. She told me that was fine I could let her know once I got home. I let her know I would call or email it once I got home. After working a long day and before I could get back to Alyssa I became aware of the following email Alyssa sent at 3:59PM.
Hi Don,
I tried reaching out to Dr. P for wound care orders to keep M's shingles covered. Dr. P's office said she has not been seen since he went private practice. Is he still her primary physician? I am sure you are aware the shingles is contagious. It is imperative that we obtain orders for wound care and find out what kind of Shingles M has. Please get back to me as soon as possible with this information.
Thank you,
Alyssa
The situation went downhill from there. It's 10:01 M Tuesday 12/3, and still waiting to talk to Executive Director read more