My Experience at Alderwood: A Journey from Frustration to Genuine Care…read more
I recently stayed at Alderwood for rehab and was discharged not long ago. I want to share my honest experience -- the difficult parts, the turning point, and ultimately the reason I left with gratitude.
During my first week, I was not thrilled with the care I received. I often felt overlooked. Some staff members -- not all -- seemed rushed, with little interaction or engagement. When I voiced concerns, I felt dismissed rather than heard.
I repeatedly asked to speak with the person in charge of the nurses and aides, but she never came. I spoke with the social worker and the administrator, who reassured me they would address my concerns and send the nursing director. Still, she never appeared.
My main concern at the time was how my legs were being wrapped. I wanted guidance, reassurance, and proper care. Then the inspectors arrived, and shortly after, I learned the director had been fired. This worried me even more -- if things weren't running well before, what would happen now?
A few days later, a gentleman introduced himself as the nurse supervisor. At first, I didn't think much of it. He came in regularly, asking how I was doing and whether I had any issues with my care. I assumed he was just another staff member making rounds.
But he kept coming back. He kept asking. And he genuinely listened. I even asked, is there a problem that's why you keep asking these questions?
Slowly, I noticed a shift. The staff's attitude improved. They were more attentive, kinder, and more professional. I told him this directly -- that since he started checking in, the entire atmosphere felt different. He told me, the staff here are wonderful. They may just be under pressure but thank you, I will surely let them know.
A few days before my discharge, I received a new roommate who struggled with yelling and screaming at night. I understood she couldn't help it, but it made resting and healing extremely difficult. I reported my concerns to management, including to a nurse named Tee, who said she would inform her supervisor.
Honestly, I didn't expect anything to happen. My hope was low. I told them not to do anything about it, not even a grievance. I really wanted to just leave then but I physically cant.
To my surprise, shortly after reporting the issue, the same gentleman walked in -- and this time he introduced himself as the Director of Nursing.
I jokingly gave him an earful for not telling me sooner. His response is something I will never forget. He said:
"My actions should speak for themselves. I want my residents to remember me not by name or title, but by how I made them feel."
I cried -- tears of relief and gratitude.
He apologized for my experience and for the rough night. He offered solutions immediately and even brought me earplugs. When I told him I was worried I wouldn't hear my alarm, he promised that a staff member would wake me up at exactly 7:00 AM -- "like you're in a hotel," he said. And he delivered.
All my earlier frustrations were overshadowed by the sincerity, consistency, and compassion shown by the new Director of Nursing. His leadership changed the environment. The therapy team, nurses, and aides became more attentive, more present, and more caring.
I left Alderwood feeling heard, supported, and respected.
That is why I gave a 5‑star review -- not because everything was perfect from the start, but because the right person stepped in, listened, and transformed my experience.
To Umesh social worker, the therapy team, nurses, and aides: thank you. To the Director of Nursing, Joe-mar your actions truly spoke louder than any title ever could.
Now that I'm back to working, I've been sharing my experience at Alderwood -- not just the challenges I faced at the beginning, but the incredible turnaround that happened because of the people who truly care.
