my elderly mother was a dementia case, and in the "cove" memory care unit at this facility from…read moreMarch 2021 until late August 2023. The facility was superb in 2021, definitely 5 stars. But, as you've guessed, it all started to decline, while the rent increased (significantly).
My mother was a fall risk, quite common with dementia patients; yet, she had numerous falls/injuries, usually to her head (forehead, eyes, chin, nose, lips), as well as to her arms, legs; indeed, several falls required visits to the ER [for CT scans]. At first, I just accepted this as the norm, nothing you can do, just pray that it's not a serious injury to her hip [or head]. But it kept happening, and far too often, imho; from mid 2022 thru this year, she kept having falls, several which I think were simply due to the lack of staff to watch/prevent such accidents.
Now, understand that I visited my mother every week while she was a resident; the first year, I came on Sundays; over time, certainly in the past 12-14 months, I came every Friday, and/or Saturday, if I felt the need. I had a good opportunity to see what was changing over those years. I definitely agree that staffing levels declined; sometime in mid 2022, certainly early 2023, I noticed that several key personnel had left the memory care unit.
And, at least over the past 12 months, I noticed that the upkeep of the memory care unit was on the decline. Nothing major, just little things, like waste bins being filled [even when I came back a day later]; or the kitchenette floor not being clean [after several hours]; carpet stains; and furniture that was worn, slightly damaged.
As far as care management, I think the staff tried their best to keep an eye on everyone, but, there were some occasions when no one was available and I would see someone who needed assistance. Usually I walked up to the nurse window and notified them, or one of the other staff.
Now, as I said earlier, rents increased dramatically; the monthly rent on my mother's studio (private room), which was quite reasonable back in 2021, had a ~25% increase 1Q/2022; 10 months later, another increase, ~15%. Understand that rent doesn't cover personal needs (i.e., hair, nails, feet), or sundries (i.e., soap, shampoo, toothpaste, mouthwash); these are all paid out-of-pocket, in addition to the rent.
I realize that it's difficult to maintain a care facility in times like these, without cost increases. But I didn't see any significant improvement to my mother's care, much less her surroundings, despite these major price increases.
So I think you'll understand when I say that I cannot recommend HarborChase Wellington Crossing for your loved one. I advise you seek care at another facility, and there's plenty to choose from in the Lake Worth area.
