First-time reviewer, I try to see the positivity in every situation, but this is something that needs to be said; especially for families encountering this sensitive and very difficult period in their lives.
Apex Hospice has exhibited an extreme lack of communication and total loss of empathy.
In my encounter with Apex, my friend who had requested and filed forms to avoid another hospital stay was transported to the ER because the on-call nurse for Apex "was 60 miles away, so what do you want me to do". After bringing this to Apex's attention we had hoped for better care; we were let down. My friend was taken off of vitamins that he asked to continue on because "are they really necessary right now"? He also had his caregiver turned away from buying groceries because their nurse hid his wallet and did not want to tell him where it was; like it was a game to her. My friend had oxygen delivered to his home, to increase his current amount, their nurse did not hook him up to the appropriate (and prescribed) oxygen concentrator for two full days because she did not feel it mattered. Further, after the request of my friend and his family to NOT be removed from his home, Apex tried diligently to place him in a rehab center so that they could allow themselves time to get a nurse; they contract their nurses from other agencies.
It is appalling to me that in a profession such as Hospice Care, a company could treat someone who is actively dying with a lack of respect, dignity, or compassion. As previously stated, we did try to bring this to the attention of their Director as well as the nurses and Case Managers that we encountered. However, we saw no improvement. Lastly, when I called to see if the nurse had been made aware that he passed, and to see what the next steps were, this was the response I received: "I know that he expired, I am going to be there when I can get there.(then hung up)"
I hope, sincerely, that these individuals receive better care should they ever need it. read more
