First off, let me say I'm so sorry you're in a place where you're researching hospices. I wanted to write a positive review ASAP, because the day my father was being transferred from home hospice care to the St. Vincent facility, I did a quick google search and nearly had a panic attack after seeing the bad reviews on Yelp.
COVID-19 note: As of the end of March 2020, they have a limit of 1 visitor per patient--not 1 person at a time, 1 person period. It's really unfortunate, but obviously necessary. You'll be screened at the door (questionnaire about travel and symptoms, then they'll take your temperature using a forehead thermometer) before you can come in.
Obviously there are many parts about a terminally ill parent going into hospice that are awful, but it had nothing to do with the hospice or their staff. Everyone we encountered---doctors, nurses and CNAs---were all amazing. They were great about making sure that my father wasn't in pain, and did so quickly. We never had to wait a long time after pressing the call button for someone to come in, and they were always helpful in suggesting medications that might help his symptoms. My dad was there for 6 days before he died, and I can't say enough about how thankful I am that he was able to be free of pain in his last days. Erin, MJ, Denise and Jess were particularly wonderful.
The facility is very quiet. No one is hooked up to beeping monitors, and there aren't any overhead speaker announcements like you hear in hospitals. Patients can watch TV or you can play music for them. Each room has French doors that look out onto a peaceful courtyard with a pond, so you'll often see ducks/geese. There are birdfeeders outside each room as well--volunteers normally fill these, but they're not right now. We brought some of our own birdseed and filled them ourselves.
Some amenities I can think of off the top of my head:
* family bathrooms with showers. They have towels/washcloths and there are baskets of toiletries if you need something and have forgotten yours.
* refreshment station - Coke/Sprite etc. fountain drinks and the really good hospital ice, plus coffee and tea are available for patients and visitors.
* they don't have a cafeteria for family/visitors, but you're welcome to leave and bring back food (you don't have to get re-screened if you leave and come back right away) or get DoorDash delivery.
* the chapel and other social/meeting areas are currently closed.
Feel free to DM me if you have any questions, and again, I'm sorry you're even reading this review in the first place. read more