If there were a lower star rating, I would choose it. Please do your due diligence before placing a…read moreloved one in this facility.
I want to begin by recognizing the people who truly made a difference. The hospice nurse, Sheena, was exceptional -- compassionate, attentive, and everything you would hope for during such a difficult time. I am also grateful for Victoria in the Business Office. Of the several business managers I dealt with over three years, she was by far the most helpful. She consistently sent invoices to our long-term care insurance on time and even joined calls with the insurance company to resolve payment issues. She was professional and responsive, and I appreciate her efforts.
Unfortunately, my overall experience with the facility itself was extremely disappointing.
First, ask about annual rate increases. The monthly cost increased substantially each year. Most recently, the rate jumped $500 -- from $7,835 to over $8,300 per month.
Second, be aware of their billing structure under the new ownership group, Pegasus. Charges are now split into a base "rent" plus a 1-10 care level rating. My mother was rated a 2 out of 10, and we were billed accordingly. Make sure you fully understand how this system works before signing anything as I can only imagine what they are charging those that "rate" higher.
If you have long-term care insurance, monitor invoicing closely. Insurance coverage is only helpful if paperwork is submitted accurately and on time -- and that was a recurring issue until Victoria stepped in.
One final note: My mother passed away at the end of January. I had her belongings removed from the room on February 1. Despite this, I received a final statement for over $3,600 for February because her passing was considered a "two-week notice." That policy, applied in that moment, felt deeply lacking in compassion and simply a money grab to give them more time to try and find another "cash cow."
What is perhaps most frustrating is the broader reality that facilities are allowed to raise rates year after year with little oversight, while families are navigating one of the most vulnerable seasons of their lives. The generation that built this country should not feel like a revenue stream at the end of their lives. There seems to be minimal accountability around how aggressively these increases are implemented or how billing policies are structured. Greater transparency and oversight would go a long way in protecting families who are already under enormous emotional and financial strain.
I rarely leave reviews, but I wish I had known these details beforehand. This is already one of the most stressful seasons a family can face. Ask detailed questions. Read the fine print carefully. Understand the billing policies in advance.
Finally, if you are a company that responds to reviews to try and reduce the impact, please reach out to me and share with me how you aren't only concerned about money, because that is exactly how you come across. So please, don't come on here and give some BS corporate "company" answer as to how you think this is justified. I promise you, if we randomly asked 100 people if charging someone for two weeks and over $3600 after they have passed, you would not like the results. If what you are doing was justified, then when you submitted the invoice to the insurance company...they would pay it. The fact that they won't, isn't them being greedy...it's you...because it's flat out wrong to try and still profit from a dead person. IF you do want to discuss it, dont send someone on the payroll, send the suit wearing, luxury car driving F*$#@ who lacks logic!
I genuinely hope your experience is different.