My experience with Ignite Medical Resort Dyer was extremely disappointing and concerning. Based on…read morewhat I observed during my loved one's stay, I believe the facility falls far short of the standard of care and professionalism that its name suggests.
On the very first day of admission, there was a cloth chair in my loved one's room that appeared to have dried human waste on the armrest. I immediately brought this to the attention of the staff. After investigating, I was assured that the chair would be removed right away. However, three days later, the chair remained in the room.
Throughout the stay, the level of care, responsiveness, and bedside manner displayed by many of the nursing and CNA staff was unacceptable. The facility appeared to be understaffed, and there was a noticeable lack of urgency when patients required assistance. On numerous occasions, we used the call button to request help for my loved one. Not once did a nurse or CNA respond to the call button in a timely manner. Each time, a family member had to physically walk to the nurses' station to request assistance before anyone responded.
My loved one shared a room with another patient, and I frequently overheard that patient calling out for help. She could often be heard moaning, groaning, and asking for assistance for extended periods. When staff eventually entered the room, I was shocked to hear them scold the patient, telling her that she was "always calling" and that she "didn't want anything." Witnessing this interaction was deeply troubling and demonstrated a lack of compassion and respect for a vulnerable resident.
Another concern was the apparent lack of engagement with residents. Many elderly patients spent entire days sitting near the nurses' station with little to no interaction from staff. They appeared isolated, disengaged, and unhappy.
The most disturbing issue occurred when I noticed what initially appeared to be clumps of dirt or lint along the wall behind my loved one's bed. Upon closer inspection, I discovered that the area was covered with hundreds, if not thousands, of ants crawling along the wall and throughout the room. I immediately reported the issue to staff. One CNA responded by saying, "Well, I just got here." A nurse then acknowledged that she had already informed the day aide about the ant problem. This indicated that staff were already aware of the infestation, yet no action had been taken to resolve it or relocate the patient.
When I expressed my concern and disgust regarding the situation, the nurse rolled her eyes and told me that I should contact maintenance about the ants. I found this response unprofessional and inappropriate, especially given that the issue involved patient health, safety, and sanitation.
My final negative interaction occurred during the discharge process. The nurse manager reviewed my loved one's discharge instructions and medications. When I asked questions regarding follow-up medications, I was met with visible irritation and an unwelcoming attitude, as though asking questions about my loved one's care was an inconvenience.
I strongly believe the facility should reevaluate its hiring practices, staff training, accountability measures, cleanliness standards, and responsiveness to patient concerns. Patients and families deserve compassionate care, professional communication, and a clean, safe environment.
The one positive aspect of our experience was the therapy department. I did observe meaningful improvement in my loved one's therapy progress, and the therapy staff appeared dedicated to their work. They were the bright spot in an otherwise disappointing experience.
I was relieved when my loved one was discharged from Ignite Medical Resort Dyer. Based on my experience, I would not choose this facility again. I encourage families with loved ones in nursing homes or rehabilitation facilities to visit frequently and remain actively involved in their care.
Photos and videos documenting the ant infestation are below.
