Employee at Sancerre at Orange City…read more
Position: Caregiver / Aide
Employment Type: Current Employee
1101 Parc Hill Blvd, Orange City, FL 32763
My time working at Sancerre at Orange City has been one of the most disappointing and disheartening work experiences I have ever had. I am sharing my experience to shed light on the serious problems in both the work environment and the quality of resident care.
My first impression of the facility came during orientation. I mentioned that I had gotten sick after my interview visit--since that was the only place I had been that day--and instead of responding with understanding, the staff member leading my orientation argued with me and told me it wasn't possible. I expressed that it was inappropriate and toxic to argue with me about something like that, and that experience set the tone for the type of communication I would come to expect from this place.
Once I started working, I immediately noticed that communication between staff members was poor and often hostile. I was told during training that one aide would work one side of the floor and another would work the opposite side. However, when I mentioned that in passing, a nurse overheard and used that statement against me. She fabricated a story that another aide had asked me for help and that I ignored her--which was completely false. The aide never came to me, never called me over the radio, and never tried to reach out. Despite this, the nurse reported me to management, and I was nearly sent home because of that false accusation. I had to call my supervisor to explain what really happened, but the damage to my reputation had already been done.
There have also been multiple incidents involving missing equipment--specifically my work radio. On more than one occasion, my radio was stolen or hidden, and when I reported it, I was told that "nobody is taking it." However, the same issue kept happening, which made it clear that it was being done intentionally. This behavior created unnecessary tension and made it difficult to perform my job safely and efficiently.
The overall workplace culture is extremely toxic. Many employees are quick to gossip, argue, or refuse to help one another. I've been met with sarcasm and disrespect more times than I can count, even when I'm just trying to provide proper care to residents. Management often brushes off these issues or dismisses concerns entirely, leaving employees to fend for themselves in a negative and unprofessional atmosphere.
Payroll has also been unreliable. On two separate occasions, I was told I would be paid on a certain Friday and ended up being paid a week or two later instead. On one weekend, I worked through my lunch breaks on both Saturday and Sunday due to being severely understaffed and short-handed. When I asked my boss to correct my pay for those missed breaks, I was told it would be fixed and paid out on Friday--but it wasn't. I had to contact her again, and she asked if she could "just do it next week." Only after I insisted did she have me e-sign a form to process the pay, but even then, I didn't receive it on time. Having to constantly chase down missing pay for hours I've already worked is completely unacceptable.
Even more concerning than the employee treatment, however, is the state of resident care in the memory care unit. What I have witnessed there is genuinely heartbreaking. Many residents spend nearly all day and night sitting in the common area, except during meal times. They get a few brief afternoon activities, but otherwise, they are left idle and unstimulated. Residents are not being changed every two hours as required, and some individuals who clearly need nursing home-level care remain in memory care simply because it's profitable for management to keep them there.
Staffing is dangerously low. Most nights there are only three aides responsible for up to 26 residents, many of whom need full assistance with feeding, transfers, and mobility. It's impossible to give every resident the attention and care they deserve under those conditions. The facility's fall rate is high, and from what I've seen, resident morale is extremely low. I've had residents tell me they feel hopeless, bored, and that they "hate it here." Some have even said they wish they could die.
It's clear that profit takes priority over proper care. I've seen married couples forced to live in separate rooms so the facility can collect income from both. Residents who should be in a higher level of care are kept here for the sake of money. It's painful to watch and emotionally draining for those of us who genuinely care about these people.
Overall, Sancerre at Orange City suffers from poor leadership, unprofessional communication, toxic staff dynamics, and serious neglect in resident care. Employees are not respected or supported, and residents are not receiving the care or dignity they deserve. This facility needs major reform.