Our Lady of Consolation Nursing and Rehab Care Center West Islip, New York 11795
My review is based on 6-8 hours daily observation of my father's care at this facility during a 1 wk visit to NY, and also, my mother's daily observations over a nearly 2 month period.
There are some staff members who are excellent--including several of the physical therapists, a few nurses (Brenda stands out) and a couple of aides. The professionalism, compassion and skills of these individuals are unfortunately overshadowed by the sullen attitude and rude behavior of the remaining staff in his short-term care wing "Des Porres."
One of my father's roommates told us he circumvents this problem (lack of caring by some of the staff) by tipping them, so his needs are better met. I must say this solution hadn't occurred to us but I suppose it is one option.
Some of the complaints: on two occasions my father was left in urine-soaked bedding and clothing all day. The aide and nurse claim he must have spilled a pitcher of water on himself while in bed, but he is unable to get out of bed and can not reach the pitcher. Moreover, my mother had to launder the clothes he was wearing as the garments smelled of urine.
Twice now he has developed urinary tract infections that went untreated initially despite his fever. My mother attempted to get someone to check on his condition and the first occurrence, his temp had to reach 103 before someone decided he needed treatment at the ER. The second time they were slightly quicker to respond to her concerns about his fever and put him on antibiotics.
Besides the concerns with adequate and timely medical intervention, there is the problem of theft. My mother had $150 stolen from her purse this past week. A report was filed with security but nothing came of it. The same day that her money was stolen, another visitor in the dining hall reported that two bracelets disappeared from her mother's room. Was it coincidence that a new aide was working there that day?
Overall, I give this facility a one star rating, except, for cleanliness. Walls and floors were clean, and facility was odor-free, and compared to hospitals I visited in third world countries like Nepal, it compared favorably. However, for quality of care, attitude of staff, it remains on my DNR list. Do not recommend.