Brentwood at LaPorte

I am highly disappointed with the care for my mom while attending this facility. My mothers suffers with Dementia/Alzheimers. She is mostly non-verbal but at a high-functioning status. The intake person Kristen was very thorough and responsive. David the Executive Director sat with me and thoroughly discussed the in/outs of the facility as well as the specifics with my mom. I specifically stated the to the ED that if moms behavior is too stoic and peculiar, I can have her caregiver pick her up. I understand that dementia patients have difficulty to adapting to new places and environments. I additionally stated to contact me if she was having any issues. The place is very neat and clean. The staff was courteous and accessible from what I could observe. Upon arriving to drop mom off I spoke with the nurse and Kristen in detail as well as leaving a typed memo regarding most of my mom's activities, limitations and common behaviors. I also thoroughly explained her medications and the need for one in particular. I left and checked in later that evening. The nurse called me back and stated she wasn't even aware that my mom was arriving or there. She had no clue of what her status was ie Dementia. She didn't have the note I left or any information. This was the first red flag. But I once again thoroughly explained in detail to her my mothers status. She assured me that she would relate everything to all the staff and locate the letter and place in her room. The next day I contacted Kristen and espoused my concerns for the call received. She assured me everything and everyone would be informed and mom would be taken care of accordingly. The nurse/CNA FaceTimed mom and I a couple of times and her spirits appeared to be good. They were dancing and laughing. I was at ease and felt good about choosing that location. Upon returning to pick mom and gather her items I noticed not many of her clothes were dirty. None of her soap or body wash was used. Actually it didn't appear that none of her items seemed touched. Her house shoes were filthy, some type of sticky substance. Because I had to take her to an appointment I did not mention anything right then. I picked up her medication and left. Once I got home I then noticed that 1 of her meds were not administered at all. She was not clean at all, she possessed a body odor. Additionally, due to the restricted amount of items in the dirty clothes bag I knew she wasn't changed daily. I have more understanding than most and I know the in/outs of Dementia/Alzheimers people. I've been my mothers caregiver for 8 years now. The three things I adamantly depicted was for her to be safe, clean and monitored. My notes specifically addressed things that I would have expected to be communicated about. I telephoned and spoke with David the next day. There was NO accountability for anything. The CNA/nurse stated to me mom was not allowing them to shower her or administer her a sponge bath. That her rights supersede their rights. I stated that NO one relayed this information to me, not once on any call. How can a non-verbal dementia patient make decisions for themselves?. In a caregiving position/role, you must do what's best for the individual as they no longer know or can do what's best for them. If one is trained properly they know how to handle a dementia patient. They had no answer for why her medication was not administered, period. Hygiene is imperative to me regarding my mom. It is NOT ok that my mom was with them 7 days with no shower/sponge bath. This is the main reason why I quit my job and sacrificed, for me to keep my mom at home. I don't expect anyone to care for her like me, as David stated. But I do have minimal expectations. These are the types of horror stories I've heard from various people. I wonder is she had soiled herself would they have just left her that way. Now my hopes for having a little me time has been altered. Please check on your loved ones in facilities.

Brentwood at LaPorte is a wonderful community that cares for all of their residents! The staff approaches care with respect and dignity.

My bestfriend is Ali, she is the Memory Care Director. She invites me and my 2 children to most of the events and we absolutely love coming to them. The staff is amazing and so great with my kids. The residents love to see my 2 little girls and I feel like it brightens their time, while we are there. I have never had a bad experience there. Everyone is so helpful and kind. Everything is clean and well-taken care of. The events are always so much fun ((for all ages)) and my children usually fall asleep as soon as we leave the parking lot, because of all the excitement. If I had an elderly family member that needed special care, Brentwood would be my first choice.