We were paying over $12,000. each month, out of pocket, for abysmal care. After nearly 2 years, we finally moved our brother out of the cottage and into another care facility. The CNA's at Jensen Cottage were unprofessional and poorly trained. The few that were on duty could often be found only in their office playing Solitaire and eating. If we needed to request assistance, we felt as if we were interrupting. something important, like work! Our brother who, due to Parkinson's, could not use his hands or legs, did not get his teeth brushed, his hair washed, or his face shaved for weeks on end. He looked homeless. His clothing disappeared, which is not an uncommon occurrence for these places. Beyond that, his room was cold, the food was, at best, mediocre and seldom hot. The main room , usually a space designed for comfort, had recliners with remotes that didn't work and couches with fabric literally torn. Nothing cheerful was on the walls other than a couple of cheap landscape scenes. There was a collage of previous residents smiling... this collage was at least 15 years old, as I had known some of these residents who had long since died. People in obvious need of care were ignored. Some of the more helpless residents were left sitting at the dining table for hours after the meal had been served. They wanted to be taken back to their rooms but couldn't get anyone's attention. "Heads in Beds" was exactly what Dr. S. said he wasn't running. Nonsense. I cannot tell you how thrilled we were to find a vacancy in another facility. We are saving over $5,000 a month and are in a place with wonderful do-able activities, good food, offered with CHOICES and delightful people who are trained to know what good and comforting care looks like and then provide it. We cannot be happier now that we are finished with St. John's! Their campus is beautiful and at Christmas it is a stunning place to see. You should notice that the residents are never outside to see or enjoy it. Yes, the 4 or 5 concerts in the summertime are enjoyable for the community... It's all a kind of propaganda - as in, look how great things are here! I'll bring my relative to THIS place. If your relative needs memory or assisted living care, DON'T.
