In early November 2010 my mother was accepted into Brookdale Place at Chanate after completing the necessary evaluations by her Physician and by Brookdales nursing staff. Brookdale defined and communicated the services levels needed and cost based on my mothers needs. We paid brookdale over $5000 to move in. After 2 days my mother was hospitalized with an infection which kept her in the hospital for about a week. I do want to note that the infection was not related to anything Brookdale had done. However, they did neglect to notify their nursing staff when the infection had wiped my mom out, she was barley breathing and was slumped over in her wheelchair left in the bathroom. I was shocked when I arrived that Sunday morning and found her in that condition. I immediately had to find an aid to get a nurse and 911 was called. If had not shown up that morning, I can't imagine what would have happened to my mom.
When my mom returned to Brookdale on Friday December 10, we were greeted by one of the nursing staff, on Saturday December 11 someone else from Administration come up and asked my mom to confirm her direct deposit information and sign a few additional forms, then on December 14, 2010 they walked into my mothers apartment and handed her an eviction notice. There was no disccusion prior to this notice regarding my mothers care needs or changes to them, which there was none. Brookdale has not provided results of any reassessment, which is in breech of contract. My mom is in a wheelchair due to the loss of a patella tendon on her left leg. She can stand and pivot using her right leg. Not a big mystery and nothing hidden regarding what she needs help with, unless you're in idiot.
This has devistated my mother. She has been in tears ever since. To make matters worse she has now been a victim of elder abuse and neglect now at this facility. Brookdale uses pendant paging system for residents to call for aids when they need assistance. We were told they would respond within 5 mins. On too many occasions it has taken them 45 mins to an hour to respond. I've reported this several times to management and it clearly doesn't matter. I've had to drive over at all hours of day including late at night to help my mom to the bathroom because they don't answer their pages. This morning they finally answered a page, but then refused to help her and left her for almost 2 hrs before the next shift came on. She had an embarrassing accident in the bed and was left to sit in it. She couldn't access her cell phone, to call anyone for help. What if she was having a heart attack, cut herself, had fallen or and intruder was in her room. Nobody is answering the call for help. NEGLECT, EDLER ABUSE AND PLAIN BS.....is that about right, you faceless horrible creatures.
My mother has been refused the right to bath. When she asked to take a shower, she was told No. That the nurse had to approve it and coordinate it. This has never happened. I help my mother to bath and yet Brookdale is charging us for this.
The local Ombudsman office has been investigating and state licensing has been engaged. Today the Ombudsman paid my mom a visit to additional follow up. The Ombudsman was also there to see another resident, clearly this place has more issues then we know about.
My family and I are working to find the right facility and yet coming up to the funds to move into another is difficult. My mother asked Brookdale about getting her money back and they laughed at her. Disgusted with ALL of you Brookdale.
People DO NOT let anyone you love live in any Brookdale facility. Look at all the complaints online from family and employees of this horrible company.
btw...Mr. William Sherriff (CEO), thank you for forwarding my e-mail that I sent you to a regional vice president, who acknowledged that this whole matter was handled incorrectly. Who left me a voicemail that Brookdale could accommodate my mother? But not resolving the matter, notproviding the details regarding "WHY" my mom was evicted about 7 days of care. I will be saving that voicemail in my iphone for any attorney who wants to hear it.
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