1 Star User Review
This facility is lacking in many areas.
#1, they do not have enough personnel to effectively care for the residents.
#1, They do not perform the necessary personal care for the patient's, i.e., clipping nails, cleaning ears, washing face after meals.
If I had it to do over again, with the knowledge I have now, I would have not chosen this facility for my mother's care. The personnel are nice enough, but they tell you only what they think you want to hear. The LVNs depend on the CNAs for reports regarding the residents. If you cause waves, they will have unfavorable reports for your family member. Typically, they (CNAs and LVNs) want only the residents that do not cause trouble or make noise. I know this first hand. Otherwise, why would they keep others that are a problem (yelling, roaming the halls, getting into other residents items, etc.)and remove another. I asked they would clean her ears, due to the build-up of wax, etc. They moved her because of "yelling" within the month. Now, mind you she has done this all along, when I would go in at night and feed her dinner, change her for bed, and stay with her for a while. As long as I did this, she was not a problem to them, I stopped doing this when I got sick and I had to choose my health or doing their job. I do not mind caring for my mother, it is a chore, but I dont mind. Now that they have moved her to Station 4, I don't know when she gets a shower, if it is when they get ready or twice a week. I know that they leave her in dirty diapers, once they sent her to ER that way. Last week when I picked up her clothes, she wanted to get up out of bed, I asked them about it, they said okay, thirty minutes later the CNA came in, changed her diaper, (dirty with poop) and I helped her put mom in her wheelchair. DO YOU THINK THEY NEED EXTRA HELP, I DO…. They don't want to budget for that, but they spent a LOT for Xhristmas decorations, and the residents in wheelchairs could not go outside to see it. SAD, SAD, SAD. As usual, the priorities are in the wrong place.
Replies to This Review
I am sorry to hear that this has been your experience there. I moved my Dad there after having been in 2 other facilities (1 in Tulare & 1 in Visalia) before choosing Redwood. Dad is the happiest he has been in years, thanks to the care and love he gets from the Nurses and CNAs there. I do understand your concerns though. It is a tough job caring for all of the needs of the Residents that live there and of course they (staff) have to take care of Us (family) in a sense too.
I can't imagine having to clean, change clothes & diapers, feed, offer water and take everyone to the bathroom that needs to go RIGHT NOW. Because in truth, No One is as important as Our family member or Our questions. In the beginning I was just as guilty as anyone else wanting Dad's call light answered immediately, change him as soon as he wet his diaper. But realistically when there are 4 0r 5 CNAs and 2 LVNs (1 at night) we need to remember only so much can be done RIGHT NOW! I too have asked for my Dad to be changed before going outside and had to wait, but if i am in a hurry I change him myself, and hold no malice. I have seen how much they care and try their best to get everyone taken care of as quickly as possible.
My Dad now lives on Station 4, when I or my Brother have questions about his care, when he was last showered or even how much dinner he had the day before the Staff ALWAYS get the information for Us. I'm sorry that your experience hasn't been as blessed as my Dad's and Our Families has. For myself if I were as unhappy as you sound to be I would look for another home for my Mom.
Wow..I don't know what to say except I'm really sorry…..as a former care giver your frustrations are running neck in neck with the care I tried to give.. I sympathize with seeing your mother that way. Unfortunately they do need more help and i think your complaints should go beyond this commentary…its really not the facility… its the personalities they hire…i agree with you but again being a former care giver there, I want you to know, I really did try and give as much care as possible…I think if i could change one thing to improve the situation there I would possibly categorize resident's according to care…sometimes CNA's that are unfavored also get the hardest residents..I know this is not your mothers fault nor is it mine,as I was less favored for being out spoken. Really from my experience of 12 yrs..every place I've worked is the same…my advice if i may..go private..I was happier and my patient had my undivided attention..as a result never having grandparents my self..I adopted that family and they adopted me..even my eldest son has fond memories of playing checkers with ( we'll call him Bernie )..who also had Alzheimer's …I hope your next experience is better…personally I dread the idea that someday I might end up there with a story like yours..I can only hope I have a good hearted CNA.
Your case is rare. Sorry for your troubles. Sounds like your poor mom needs an "extra special" care facility…one that can handle extremely irritated patients with advanced issues with Alzheimers and/or Dimentia. Because we've had and heard of no better/cleaner/classier facility in the entire Valley for our relative.