Admissions Suspended At An Emeritus Assisted Living Facility Following The Discovery Of: Medication Errors, Bed Sores & Falsified Medical Records

Picture-262After discovering multiple health and safety problems, Florida officials have suspended the admission of new residents to Emeritus at Crossing Pointe– a Florida Assisted Living Facility.

A September inspection of Emeritus revealed:

  • An 82-year-old patient who died after staff failed to provide her heart medication for four days
  • Inaccurate resident counts by facility managers
  • Residents with infected bed sores (also called decubitus ulcers, pressure ulcers or pressure sores)
  • Neglected patients-  some Alzheimer’s patients had toe nails so long that they curved around their toes
  • Falsified medical records
  • Staff administering the wrong medications to patients that resulted in injury

The documented findings above, come on the heels of a suspected Norovirus outbreak in August at the facility.  The outbreak originated in the facilities cafeteria and sickened 19 residents and two staff members.

In response to the recent findings, management of Emeritus at Crossing Pointe recently held a meeting for residents and their families.  According to acting executive director, Pam Campbell, the identified conditions by inspectors are “not what Emeritus stands for” and calls findings “very sad for us.”

Rest assured, once the state lifts the suspension on new admissions, Ms. Campbell says her facility is prepared.  “We’re ready for them any day.”

Great.

I find it difficult to believe the Ms. Campbell– or any manager in her position– is capable of turning around such a troubled facility so quickly.  The reason the state’s inspection report listed such extensive violations is because Emeritus allowed a culture of poor patient care to exist.  My guess is that until management decides to delve deeply into these problems and evaluate each employees role in this neglect, it is only a matter of time before more problems surface.

Emeritus Corporation

Emeritus Senior Living is part of the Emeritus Corporations, a publicly traded company based in Seattle.  Emeritus Senior Living operates more than 300 assisted living, Alzheimer’s care, and retirement communities across the country.

Learn more about the laws applicable to Florida nursing homes here.
Click on the links for information on nursing homes in Miami, Orlando and Tampa

Updated:

0 responses to “Admissions Suspended At An Emeritus Assisted Living Facility Following The Discovery Of: Medication Errors, Bed Sores & Falsified Medical Records”

  1. jane smith says:

    I used to be a resident care director in an emeritus building in Ohio. Emeritus doesn’t care about people, just money. I had to accept people that were not assisted living appropriate, no matter what their health condition and really belonged in a nursing home. Emeritus does alot of covering up on incidents that are really their fault due to not having enough staff. I dont’ know how the state allows this facility to accept the residents that they do. There is alot of neglect in the Emeritus buildings because Emeritus doesn’t like to spend money on their residents just what is put into their pocket. I have so many horror stories that they are too numerous to list in this blog.

  2. Henry Samuels says:

    I am a musical entertainer. I have entertained at the “Emeritus” in Chatsworth, California, many times but have not yet recieved my fee of $100 for the last time I entertained there on 10/23/09. Trusting you will check this out and have them mail me a check at their earliest convenience. Thank you. Henry Samuels.

  3. concerned family member says:

    I have a family member at a emeritus facility In Hobart,I am very close to the aides who work there the exact same thing is there also,they are understaffed and the patients are not getting the care they need,there was a suicide that was investagated but swept under the rug,no measures where taken the day before when he tried then, there are also residents who do not belong there that don’t belong. Such as the lady with they hoyer

  4. Jane Doe says:

    I am an employee of an emeritus in Hobart Indiana, I love the residents that I care for although they are not getting the care they deserve because of lack of help, they are promised so many things and do not receive it, I’ve masked my name for fear of retalitation, I need my Job, I’m not bashing this company but they do things that just don’t make sense, we also have inappropriate people in are facility like the one in Ohio, and when asked about it, they say it’s temporary but yet they are still there 2 and 3 mths down the road, I also feel they are in for the money and don’t care about the residents or the staff,,, Thank You

  5. Hobart says:

    I am an employee at the Emeritus at Hobart and I would like to say a couple of things. People complain about the staffing and the care and say that nothing is being done about it, when everyone needs to know that at the facility level you can only do certain things. Everything must go through corporate and people don’t understand that. They like to complain and say that the management isnt doing anything and they don’t care. I have seen several managers that do care and are trying. I have seen others who don’t care but corporate seems to support them and they don’t listen to the ones they should. So to all of you who put everyone in the same category, maybe you should know the full story.

  6. I admire the dedicated nursing home employees who genuinely want to provide quality care to their patients. I agree with you in that patient care is a reflection of priority the corporate owners place on it. Many corporate owners are so removed from the reality of the how nursing homes operate that they not-equipped to make decisions that impact patient care. Further, we have seen an increase in large conglomerates taking control of nursing homes around the country. I hope that the corporate folks take notice of your observations and take the necessary steps to improve patient care.

  7. K. Ireland says:

    This is no joke and Pam Campbell is one of the least trust worthy, or honest employees this company has on staff. I had the displeasure of working with her and would not trust her with my mom. She is famous for the big teary eyes batting while claiming ignorance.
    These problems also happened at Pams prior position. Pam was the queen of doctoring records and hiding activities.
    Pam..karma is a real sister isnt it?
    The reason your staff doesnt work well for you is because of all of the drama and panic that you bring to a community.
    It’s too bad Kathy didnt get rid of you when she had the chance.
    Do everyone a favor and retire.

  8. Mary says:

    I am a caregiver at an Emeritus community.
    I have been with the company for 11 years.
    They are good people.
    They are not a bad company.
    This building had bad employees they are trying to weed out.
    They will fix it. They fixed my place and I love it.

  9. k. pinney says:

    As the executive director of an Emeritus property, I am astutely aware of the commitment the corporation has toward seniors and their families. Resident care is a daily concern, and numerous detailed systems are in place to ensure that no resident receives less than the optimum.
    No entity is perfect, but the Emeritus culture and philosophy encompasses not only resident satisfaction and safety, but also contributes to the security of its employees. I have observed, first hand, corporate and regional directors, supervisors, and local line staff coming together to support not only a community, but also its individual staff members. I have watched dedicated leaders work ruthlessly evenings, weekends, and holidays to hone operations, not to increase the bottom line, but to enhance the physical and clinical environment they believe that each and every resident deserves. In addition, I continue to work closely with other department heads, who contribute both physical and emotional energy, with little time off, to ensure the welfare of the individuals in their care.
    I am proud to be an Emeritus employee and am conscious of the strength, resources and support that I receive to do my job. I am confident that the recent allegations that have surfaced do not reflect the overall objectives of a corporation who has dedicated its existence to the overall well being of our countries seniors.

  10. J. Frost says:

    It has been my privilege to be with Emeritus for 5 years now. As the company grows, there is a continuous thread to do the right thing with thoughtful decisions for Residents and Employees.
    I have worked in two areas of the country with Emeritus. Representing Emeritus in Texas during Hurricane Ike brought me to tears. Employees, their Families, and our Residents were No.1. The company supported with provisions like one had never seen.
    Crossing Pointe receives the same level of dedication and commitment to provide for our Residents, Families, and Employees. I have participated in efforts at the community with many others, and again have been so proud to be a part of this company that once again shows through actions to do the right thing, and to have systems in place to provide for our Residents and Staff.

  11. Been there says:

    Emeritus is the worst assisted living company I have ever worked for. They cut staffing back so much that they expect 2 people to care for 80 residents. Everything is about the numbers and their motto of “Our family is committed to yours”, is a total joke. We are allowed less than $5.00 per day to feed the residents three meals and snacks, when the residents pay $6000 a month to live there. The turnover rate amongst staff and managers is truly amazing, as most people quit within 6 months. There were so many medication errors, the State of NJ pulled their medication program. This is what happens when you have medication aides give meds, who barely manage to speak English. We were hoping the State would close us down, so corporate would realize they couldn’t keep running their buildings the way they do.

  12. EMT/ACLS/PALS/PHTLS/K9 says:

    I have never seen such incompetence in my life. Sadly much of it endangers residents lives. Med errors, caregivers taking over an hour to respond, dirty conditions in the dining area, substandard food, and very poor training.
    What do you think happens when there is poor morale?
    Whats with AED’s and O2 not being easily accessible in assisted living? Oh I know why, no one knows how to use them. I have yet to speak with a caregiver that has a CPR card. One LVN is so incompetent she should be fired and have her state license pulled.

  13. Pat Scherr says:

    I have seen emeritus take over the facility my parents are in and it has gone down hill. They are only interested in filling the rooms and do not follow through on proper care! My dad had a stroke and left the facility for two months and upon his return, they took four days before continuing his meds.
    He went through serious withdrawals and the staff was not concerned. The facility in Niles , MI. also has only two assistants at night for 120 residents.When my parents moved in two years ago the staff was wonderful. Now they do not listen.
    I caution anyone to admit a family member to an Emeritus facility , they are managed substandardly
    I take some comfort in the fact that I see my case is not the only one against Emeritus. I feel like moving my parents is now, for they’re own good.

  14. Melinda says:

    I just took my sister out of an Emeritus facility in Boynton Beach. Same story as 29 May posting, when Emeritus took over the facility it went down hill. Medication aides gave wrong meds to my sister, gave them late, abused the hospice staff, didn’t send food up or sent the wrong food. Plus they accused the hospice staff of blocking the plumbing. A staff member brought a plunger to the room and told the hospice nurse she needed to learn to P L U N G E plunge just like she would do in her own home. The Wellness Centre lost my sister’s pajamas and the list goes on. When these incidents were brought to the attention of management the attitude was all blame and denial.
    Can anyone let me know the best way to report these people to the authorities in State of Florida.

  15. ST says:

    You can report them to several agencies. My mother is an Emeritus property in Texas and her level of care is terrible. Her med situation is nothing short of neglectful. I called a lawyer who encouraged me to file a report with Adult Protective Services (which I did a week ago), and the Texas Medical Board. I called to report the problem to Medicare. Medicare encouraged me to contact Q.I.O. (Quality – I forgot) google Q.I.O. in your state and you’ll find them.
    My attorney also advised me that any correspondence you send to Emeritus should be sent certified mail – proof that they received. I log every conversation I have with the facility. Who I talked to, etc. Emeritus conveniently misplaces every written correspondence I would send them regarding important medical information. Since I send certified, things are a little better.
    Good luck to you. I am so sad to hear these terrible things about a facility I was so impressed with when I toured it.

  16. Paul says:

    Information for Melinda – posting of July 9, 2010.
    To file a complaint in the State of Florida go to http://www.floridahealthfinder.gov scroll down looking in the middle section for “Help for Florida Consumers” and you will find the topic File a Complaint.
    My relative lives in the Clermont, FL facility and I have to agree with many of the postings that staffing levels are not what they should be, this facility is an accident waiting to happen .
    We have had several instances when medications that had been discountinued by the physician were still be administered. Whoever is managing the medication management program for Emeritus needs a check up from the neck up.
    Check out the article in the Orlando Sentinel, October 2009 about the Emeritus Orlando facility where one of the residents died as a result of not receiving her heart medication.

  17. Travis says:

    As a previous employee (RSD) of a large Emeritus AL/MC in Texas, I found to have liked their systems. In fact, if staff are trained correctly and there is good communication between the departments, there is little problem. Since Emeritus is a for-profit company, they will do what is necessary to keep expenses as low as possible. But they will not purposely put people at risk. If the right people are hired (and that is usually a very big problem), then many of the problems mentioned above are apparent.
    Unfortunately, due to lack of training and hiring inexperienced or simply the people at all levels in the AL, it will be a disaster. And that is one common thread across the AL industry.
    I left Emeritus not due to disatisfaction, but simply needed to relocate. I would work for the company again.

  18. Joan Duckworth says:

    My mother is in a facility in Sunrise, Fl and since Emeritus took over things are gradually going downhill. Today she never got her lunch. They are supposed to put support hose on her but many times fail to do so., leading to now very edemadous legs, now weeping and soon to breakdown.
    She doesn’t get wheeled from meals; often other residents or help her move the wheelchair.and I see this happening. The service in the dining room is not what these people deserve. I am there often and sit at the table and see how they have to wait for their meal and even a cup of coffee or juice. It all short staffing and money.
    We are all paying good money and not getting what is promised. Emeritus should be ashamed of itself. I feel bad for those who have no one to keep an eye on them. I think it is time they are inspected as to staff ratio to residents. Many of these belong in nursing homes not “assisted living” and should not be accepted.
    I called the facility today because of the problem and no administrator was on the premise (3:30 in the afternoon, Sat).

  19. Concerned says:

    Having had a family member at Emeritus of Emerson, in NJ, all I can say is please don’t put your loved one there, if they need assistance. The Emerson facility has about 100 people and after 4 pm, there are usually 2 aides on. How can 2 people make sure everyone gets to dinner and gets dressed for bed? We were paying for a high level of care, but no one even made sure she was brushing her teeth, as her toothpaste tube remained unused, even after I told the administrator, no one was checking on her. The final straw was when I arrivied one morning to find her still in bed, and breakfast was over. No one even realized she had not been to breakfast, and I received such attitude from everyone, we moved her into another assisted living.

  20. Chris says:

    Mary, I don’t know where your information comes from, but all too often the GOOD staff is weeded out, and the crappy staff is left on. Oh, and all too often it is the CERTIFIED staff that is let go, and UNcertified that is kept on. If this makes sense to you, then you are brainwashed like the rest of the higher ups.
    One Welness Director was reprimanded TWICE by the Board of Nursing for diverting drugs from precious jobs—-guess who kept her job at Emeritus? Yup, she did.
    Also, why does Emeritus hire on some guy who is plastered all over the web, touting ‘how to make your business profit’ as an Administrator? Sounds like there is something going wrong somewhere, wouldn’t you think? Can it be the lawsuits?

  21. Jane Doe says:

    The entire Assisted Living across this country is a travesty. I’ve worked in this field for 10 years, for several companies, and they are all the same. Money is the issue. Dietary costs per resident under $5 a day including three meals plus snacks? Nursing (I use this term loosely because they aren’t nurses but caregivers) aren’t paid adequately and are overworked.
    Some residents in these facilities belong in skilled nursing facilities and aren’t getting the care needed – pressure sores, diabetic, etc. The public needs to be EDUCATED about these places. Memory care units especially. No “adequately, formally” trained staff, low staff to patient ratios – AL is not equipped to deal with this population – Memory Care Unit need to be under a skilled license.
    This is one of the biggest tragedies in this country. These poor people aren’t getting the care they need. If you’re part of a “chain” forget it – all the same and bottom line is money. IF the public knew what was really going on things would change because something would be done.
    And yes, good staff leave and the bad ones stay on because they can’t get jobs anywhere else. Directors of some of these places have been grandfathered in with no formal education only time served. A very sad situation all the way around.

  22. concerned son says:

    Mother is living at Emeritus of Bonita Springs, Florida. They are on complete lock down because of sick residents. This happened last year also for 10 days. I find it interesting that Emeritus of Fort Myers Florida is also on lock down at this time for the same reasons. Also interesting to know is that they share the same administrator. He is part time in each of the buildings. Service, care, food etc is all very poor along with no communication. I would not recommend this facility and am considering moving my mother.

  23. stevenson says:

    I had for emeritus for almost a year…. the residents a great their but the company sucks….. they only care about money, and need to fill rooms fast, without caring who they bring in…. 95% of the residents are nursing home material, they don’t belong, but as long as they get the money on residents moved in they dont care how much work we have to do… we are a no lift, but we have residents fall, and if we dont want to loose our jobs we must get them, but how can you lift them when they weigh over 200lbs….. its a joke their and they don’t pay NOTHING, you don’t even get a ‘thank you’ for the work you do…..

  24. Concerned Daughter says:

    The day I moved my mom from the Emerson location was the best day of her life. She smelled, her clothes were dirty, the “clean” clothes had dirty clothes put away with them. The apartment was filthy….the dust amazing. All I know now is that, where she is now – she is cared for, they look in on her every 2 hours, medicine is administered on time and the staff has been the same! Life isn’t perfect when you NEED assisted living – but she has her dignity!

  25. anonymous says:

    I am a employee at a facility recently purchased by emeritus. while they are fast to point a finger at caregivers they are quick to pat the back of a administration that deliberately wears blinders.
    If a resident is unfit for a facility and we do not have the equipment or staffing to properly care for the resident, when something goes wrong the fingers are pointed at us. something is wrong with this picture in my mind.
    We continually cut budgets for care yet admin is driving fancy cars and taking vacations as caregivers we are trying our best but when we don’t have what we need to provide care our best will NEVER be good enough.

  26. Lori says:

    After reading these posts I am glad that my brother was unable to go to Laurel Lakes Estates in NJ. Unfortunately I gave them a $500 refundable deposit for a room on December 4. I have yet to receive my money back two and a half months later.

  27. Suzanne Janeski says:

    March 2, 2011
    My mother had lived at an Emeritus in San Juan Capistrano for over a year (it was formerly a Sunrise) When Emeritus took over, as the first months went by it become very evident that the care was not the same. They overturned all the staff and hired new; cutting their hours on top of it. It became very evident that the care that she received before was not there anymore.
    I also witnessed elder abuse. I was told that the guilty staff members were being “taken care of” and no longer at the facility.
    My mother was lost for over 2-4 hours on one occasion. At this point I was looking for another facility to move her too. It was in that time frame (about 2 weeks) that I caught the staff over-medicating her to the point that she could not get out of bed and was almost comatose (this was due totally to over-medication) I immediately removed her.
    The best part…ha…I asked corporate to refund half of her months rent (about $3,000) to her since we moved out quickly and within a 30 day notice time frame. I sent letters to each corp. head. NEVER GOT AN ANSWER! I am going ahead with a lawsuit. These people should not be in business!!!!

  28. A Concerned Caregiver says:

    WOW! I wish I had read this before my parents moved into Emeritus Boynton Beach. I surely would have looked for others.
    However, most of the posts are true, they do not have enough staff, they do not fullfill their care plans for the residents, the food is horrible and the new saying they have that they care about your family is a bunch of crap.
    They don’t care about anything except the money. It is all about the money and making numbers.
    My parents do not like it there at all and I don’t know what to do. I have seen my parents go down hill also since they have been there.

  29. EX Employee says:

    I worked for the Emeritus in Auburn , CA. They only cared about money. They don’t care about the residents. Always bringing in residents that are beyond our care, and told us to deal with it. I was forced to work doubles when on light duty and really sick (105 temp). They never cared how sick you were, they still wanted you to work. In Fact we have a no lift policy, and were told we couldn’t use gait belts, but still had to lift and transfer 200 to 400 pound resident. I am only about 100 pounds. Without any assistants they still expected me to do it. They was only one person who i met that i actually believed cared more about the residents then money and she was the regional director of our MCN unit.
    If you care about the elderly don’t let them live here.

  30. Al Mancinelli says:

    I am currently searching for an Assisted Living Facility near Manassas, Virginia. I have an appointment later this week to visit an Emeritus facility here, in Manassas.
    Has there been any reported comments about this facility, either positive or negative. I would hate to find out that I had made a mistake in my selection after it has been done. For my sake, and my Mom’s, please reply to this comment.

  31. Al-
    Thanks for reaching out regarding this important decision. As you can see, Emeritus operates several different facilities at the Manassas location (http://www.emeritus.com/virginia/manassas) including: continuing care retirement community, independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing care, Alzheimer’s care and short-term respite care.
    These are separate facilities at the same location. Importantly, the different types of care require different types of licensure on the state and federal level. Due to the licensing requirements, you will likely not find much regard the assisted living care at this location. You will however find a good deal of information regarding the skilled nursing care at this location, and I suggest this may be representative of the care provided at the assisted living facility at this location.
    Nonetheless, I suggest that you make at least two visits to this facility– and any others you may be looking at. Making an announced and un-announced visit would likely provide you with the best insight into care at this facility.
    Good luck and best regards,
    Jonathan

  32. Debi says:

    I’m looking for information on the Emeritus facility on Jog Road in Boynton Beach, Fla. My mother is thinking of renting an apartment. She is healthy and currently lives independently. I’m Interested in comments on the quality of management and service, the food, whether there are other independent seniors there and any other impressions you may have of the place. Thank you so much.

  33. Debi-
    It sounds as though you are tuned in to many of the issues at assisted living facilities. I suggest you visit the facility — at least two times— and see if it meets your requirements. Preferably, one of your visits should be unannounced. If you don’t get a positive feeling, you may wish to move along. Good luck!

  34. yolandav. palomo says:

    I moved out of an emeritus on january 28, 2011 a few days later I called the facility ans requested my medical records at which time I WAS INFORMED TO FILL OUT a form that would then be sent to the corporate office for release approval my concern is that to this date i have not received my medical file. One suggestion is residents should also be informed that upon their leaving the facility they will have to wait over two months to get their file in hand. What other route or who else should I talk to to make this happen I did give mangement a 30 days notice that I was moving out corporate policies or rules might consider of disclosing this information before a resident decides to move into one of their facilities personally. I would highly recommend do more unannounced visits to inspect their facilities. They might surprised when their visits are unannounced. thank you for your time.

  35. Michelle Steele says:

    If you have an elderly parent needing assistant living arrangements, steer clear of Emeritus. My mother lived there due to her beginning Alzheimer’s and every time I visited her, it smelled like cat litter and ammonia.
    They urged me to sign her resident agreement or they were going to evict her, so I did. Her guardianship attorney took care of all of her financial obligations to the facility. They doubled her rent due to moving her to the dementia unit and they never notified me in writing within 30 days of the increase as it was stated in the contract I signed. The attorney continued paying the half that was covered in the contract, they let it accumulate for 4 months without any communication to me. By the time they notified me, the balance was up to $11k. My mother passed away in September of 2010 and once they found out my mother was broke, they sent it to collections and put it on my credit report the same month she died. They do not care about people, all they care about is money. I have reported them to the better business bureau and the Attorney General of Ohio and they refuse to reply to either. Avoid them at all costs.
    They breached the contract and the Ohio Nursing Home Bill of Rights but they don’t seem to care one bit.

  36. annette says:

    Emeritus has left me astounded at the amount of understaffing in our facility n Oregon. Since emeritus bought our facility in January they have moved in a new resident almost every week until now. Our facility is full and they refuse to put more than 4 people on the floor for am shift and 3.5 (one person works half the shift) on our omen shift. We have about 80 residents. How do you manage with only 4 care takers? I thank god every day that I’ve made it through another day of the most stressful under paid job I’ve ever encountered. Not only that but I just have to smile and listen to all of the complaints of family members. I wish I could help these people and give them the care they deserve and pay for but its nearly impossible. I am lucky to receive 1 break during an 8 hour shift. This company is corrupt. I feel bad for anyone involved. Oh one last thing. I was told by my boss recently that part of my job is to not let anyone know how busy and understaffed we are and how hard we have to work. I agree cause the residents go through enough already

    • Bettytwoflick says:

      understaffing and blaming staff for being unable to keep up, yep happens at our facilty in Oregon too

  37. What a difference after we left Emeritus! says:

    Moving a loved one to an assisted living, is not easy and there is no such thing as perfect. However, we moved our family member from Emeritus of Emerson, and can not believe the dramatic improvement she has had. First off, now she is clean and her clothes are not stained and wrinkled. She participates in activities and has made friends, whereas before, all she did was cry and say how miserable she was.
    Overall, her new community is not depressing and everyone seems happy, unlike Emerson, where all you ever heard were the residents and staff complaining. Also, the staffing levels are double of what they were in Emerson, and if I had known they would only have 2 caregivers on for all those people, I never would have placed her there.
    The staffing requirements at a dog kennel are better than what we had at Emerson, and because the state does not have exact staffing regulations, they get away with it. Before you move a family member into community, talk to the residents and listen to what they say, because they will tell it to you, like it is.

  38. Donna B says:

    I used to work at a Facility in California ow owned by Emeritus. There was class action law suit against them and the current corporation Sunwest. Doesn’t seem like things are any better with new owners. I get calls all the time at my present facility (privately owned) about the neglect that goes on at other facility owned by Emeritus. It is a shame for those poor, helpless Seniors.

  39. Ann N says:

    After experiencing neglect firsthand while my mother was a resident at an Emeritus community in Westerville, OH, I have vowed to do everything I can to expose the company for what they are. This company is concerned with their bottom line and their first priority is filling buildings regardless of whether or not the facility is able to provide proper care.
    I cringe to think of the time my mother spent in the “care” of Emeritus – neglected, left to sit and wither away, and unable to express what was happening when I wasn’t there. Upon our moving out, I filed a complaint with the Ohio Department of Health and the facility was cited for multiple violations. Over a year later, I still speak to family members whose loved ones remain there, and the neglect continues despite many, many complaints. I honestly do not understand how this company is allowed to remain in business. The negligence seen day in and day out at their facilities is stomach turning, and I would venture to say that not a single member of the Emeritus executive management team would ever leave a loved one of theirs in these conditions.

  40. MaryBeth says:

    Hello Mr. Rosenfeld – and followers,
    We were just made aware of this story on one of our Emeritus communities in Orlando that you posted two years ago. Please be assured that since 2009, Emeritus’ has made the changes necessary to address the issues at Crossing Pointe. Primarily, we decided to operate this community as a retirement living community, rather than an assisted living community. Crossing Pointe no longer houses residents who need medical care, and as a result many staffing adjustments were made.
    As for the reader comments, we really appreciate the families and employees who have spoken up to defend the quality of the care Emeritus provides. Emeritus has earned an excellent reputation for providing care in its 20 years of serving seniors. Among our thousands of satisfied families, residents and employees, we have almost as many heartwarming stories to report about the care they are receiving.
    Although it is disappointing to read these accounts, we really do appreciate hearing from the people who have had a bad experience with an Emeritus community. Receiving that information is how we improve.
    At Emeritus, we take any negative reports like these extremely seriously. We strongly encourage residents and families to communicate openly to our staff members any concerns they may have regarding the care we provide.
    If families or residents are not comfortable with communicating to our staff, we also have a dedicated customer service program in place, called Ethics First, for residents and families to offer feedback anonymously and confidentially in a safe and secure manner. This program is easily accessible from our website at http://www.emeritus.com/ethics.
    We sincerely hope that anyone who has left a comment here has used one of these vehicles to communicate your concerns to us. Family and resident feedback is vital to our organization and our ongoing efforts to improve our quality of care.

  41. Tyler says:

    My mother is a resident of the Brentwood at Elkhart, an ‘independent’ living facility. This place and the ones who run it are a sham. The executive director and sales rep are 2 of the most dishonest people I have ever come across in my life. They bring in residents that are not independent, but rather need around-the-clock care. They force front desk personnel to handle and administer medication to residents who need them; this facility has no nurses or licenses to do so. The residents are promised the world and get nothing. They cut staff to a minimum and expect them to do the impossible, not to mention the work that a nurse or CNA would do. They are only concerned about filling apartments and the money it brings in. They do not care about the residents or the employees. Plus, the executive director is a local politician that holds office in the city of Elkhart. It is a culture that this corporation encourages and fosters.

  42. Tish says:

    I’ve been an Activities professional for over 20 years, and have never seen such neglect, short staffing, covering up, cut backs, and lying as Emeritus. I accepted a position with the company, and found out it is neglectful, ignores the needs of the residents, provides no money to run a proper Activity program, but most of all will expect one person to be responsible for the department, and provide activities within the state regulations which is impossible to do. When valid concerns are addressed to management concerning the welfare, and safety of residents due to under staffing in the activity department you are told to find volunteers to help you out. According to State regulations volunteers are to be under an employees supervision at all times, so how do they think this is an answer to an under staffing problem. They need to hire the appropriate staff to run a department, like other assisted living facilities do. Trip outings with residents will consist of one person, the activity director, and they are to be responsible for all residents, and drive the bus at the same time. How do you manage four residents in wheelchairs, and two in walkers and provide them a safe shopping experience. How do they get away with this! Families have no idea. BE AWARE! This is not a well run Assisted Living Community. Implications will be made by management for you to lie, and document activities being done on residents when they know it wasn’t possible with just one person. I hate the fact that I left a reputable company that had a good reputation to be subjected to this. They lie to families, and jeopardize the safety of residents. After being in contact with other activity directors that work for Emeritus I found out that this is an ongoing problem in all their facilities. Families be an advocate for your loved ones. DON’T PUT THEM IN EMERITUS!

  43. Chester says:

    We are in the process of moving my parents into an Emeritus facility in Eugene OR. Anyone have any experiences to share which could help us better advocate for our folks?

  44. Jacqueline Holloman says:

    My mother was a resident of Emeritus of Arlington from 2004 until 2011. In Dec. 2011 the Virginia Dept. of Health Professions sent a hearing notice to Laurie Henley the ED. The letter states that Mrs. Henley may have violated VA codes 18 VAC 95-30-210(1) and (2) of the regulations governing the Practice of Assisted Living Facility Admin in 2009, 2010, and 2011.
    1-you have repeatedly failed to properly supevise staff to ensure that medications were being ordered and aministered as prescribed to the facilitys residents and that the medication admin. records were properly maintained.
    2-you have repeatedly allowed staff to administer medication to residents for whom the medication had not been prescribed.
    3-you have repeatedly failed to ensure that staff properly followed the facilitys medication protocols in administering medications to residents.
    4-you allowed staff members who could not read English to function in a capacity that required them to read physicians orders, which were written in English, before administering medications.
    5-you failed to ensure that residents were not served food to which they had allergies
    6-you may have failed to ensure residents needs were promptly responded to
    7-you may have violated regulations in that you failed to ensure that all employees had up to date tuberculosis screeings

  45. LINDA REED says:

    HI, EVERYONE I AM SO SORRY TO HEAR AND READ ALL THE PROBLEMS I AM AN EMPLOYEE AT BRENDENWOOD SENIOR CARE IN NJ I HAVE BEEN THERE FOR 5 YEARS I LOVE THE RESIDENTS AND CARE ABOUT THEM WE HAVE A GREAT TEAM AND I MUST SAY ALL EMPLOYEES HAVE BEEN THERE LONG TERM THERES NO TURN OVER THINGS ARE HANDLED PROPERLY AND QUICKLY OUR COMMUNITY IS IN GOOD STANDING WE ALSO HAVE OTHER LOCATIONS ALL OVER SO IF YOUR LOOKING FOR A PLACE FOR MOM OR DAD CALL BROOKDALE SENIOR CARE AND TAKE A TOUR ASK QUESTIONS I ALSO WOULD RECOMMEND BROOKDALE ASSISTANT LIVING TO ANY ONE LOOKING FOR GOOD CARE AND A LOVING TEAM WE CARE ABOUT YOUR LOVED ONES AND THERE SAFETY THE NURSES ARE GREAT EVERYONE CARES WHEN LOOKING FOR A PLACE TRY BROOKDALE ASSISTANT LIVING SEE FOR YOURSELF I DON’T THINK YOUR REGRET IT WE PUT THE RESIDENT FIRST P UT YOUR MIND AT EASE EVERYONE HAS PROBLEMS BUT NOT LIKE I HAVE READ ABOUT THAT IS TERRIBLE I AM SORRY AND HOPE YOU FIND THIS HELPFUL THANKS AND GOD BLESS .

  46. jane doe says:

    chester please do not do it, especially an emeritus facility, I work in one in the Indianan area, we are low paid and understaffed, we have people in our facility that does not belong there, we just recently sent a gentlemen to the hospital because he was dehydrated, but that was a week after we let the nurse know he was starting to swell and not eating,, there care is about the money only, this is not the first time this has happened, the nurses don’t seem to care about the patient, and the staff is so short they have to rush thru taking care of the family memeber so the care there is not the best, the food is what they can afford to give them, it is not given what they are promised in the beginning, and then sometimes they will promise outrageious things just to get you in and take your money, although this is the experience at where I am located, as I have seen this is going on at all of them,, so please reconsider and try to find an in home care giver, or another assissted living facility Thank You

    • Undecided says:

      I totally agree

    • GILLIAN COHEN says:

      IT’S THE SAME HERE IN NEW JERSEY!! ESPECIALLY IN VOORHEES. IT’S MOSTLY MEDICAID RESIDENTS~!!  THE FOOD IS HORRIBLE. I SAW RATS IN THE KITCHEN ONCE BECAUSE SOMEONE LEFT OUT FOOD AFTER DINNER.  THERE WERE SO MANY ROACHES THAT WHEN A PLUMBER TOOK OUT A PIPE TO REPLACE IN THE WALL, THOUSANDS OF THEM CAME OUT. OMG. I HAD TO RUN OUT OF THE PLACE. I HAD NEVER SEEN ONE IN MY LIFE!! I LIVED IN VOORHEES FOR A WHILE, THIS WAS ABOUT 5 YEARS AGO. I ACTUALLY SAW RESIDENTS TOLD THEY WERE GOING TO BE THROWN OUT IF THEY DID NOT PAY UP!! AND THEY HAD ALREADY BEEN PAID FROM MEDICAID!!  THESE PEOPLE HAD NOTHING YET, THEY WERE TERRORIZED!! I EVEN TOOK ONE HOME WITH ME ONCE TO CALM HER DOWN.  IT IS JUST AN AWFUL PLACE TO WORK AND AN AWFUL PLACE TO LIVE.  PEOPLE HAD THINGS STOLLEN ALL THE TIME FROM SOME OF THE WORKERS THERE.  I DONT THINK THEY EVEN DID BACKGROUND CHECKS, IN FACT I KNOW THEY DIDNT. THEY WERE FALSIFIED. I WORKED IN THE OFFICES, AND OVERHEARD MANY HORRIBLE THINGS!!  SOMEDAY, THEY WILL ALL STAND BEFORE GOD ALMIGHTY AND BE JUDGED FOR WHAT THEY HAVE DONE.! I KNOW MANY PEOPLE WHO WORKED THERE THAT SUED THEM FOR BEING FIRED BECAUSE THEY TRIED TO STAND UP TO THE COMPANY ON BEHALF OF THE RESIDENTS AND WERE TOLD THEY WERE FIRED! MADE UP THINGS, THESE PEOPLE SUED THEM AND WON!!!!!  GOD BLESS THESE OLD FOLKS. POOR PEOPLE.

  47. Peter says:

    My Nana moved in for a total of one week. She was happy to know she have a roomate that had been a resident for a while and could show her the “ropes”. Turn’s out that my Nana’s new roomate had already made a name for herself there having been unable to live with other woman prior to my granma. So knowing this person has had a bad record causing problems with other’s, they stuck her with the woman. The manager Val come’s off caring and polite at first but in the end was a real fake, money geared, dragon lady. Her co-worker’s seemed to let me know about her within a couple day’s of Nana’s arrival. Along side the rude ” CAREGIVER’S”, cleaning staff, and pharmicist; one whom looked and was acting over medicated herself. My Nana was givin three week’s to live, and when I was moving her out , the cleaning gal was asking if I can hurry up so she can finish her job. I also had to move around the carpet cleaners that had been brought in to clean the apt. I guess since my Nana was leaving; since Emeritus doesn’t have a license for Hospice to be there. I reported all my complaints to Val and she blew me off like I was a bothering her. But told me she’d be sending out the bill and she’d look in on it, WTF? I finally got a hold of Val’s boss, was told so much on refund, to only have that readjusted. So the harassment, rude comment’s, lack of care, under trained staff, and money drivin staff, after one week of paying over 3k up front I was retrurned 1045.00? What a fu**ing scam! I have delt with some half a$$ Nursing home’s, but they have earned #1 for the worst. I am NOT going to allow this to happen to anyother family or friends I know. It scare’s me to think that this is my possible future? Like hell it is.

  48. Pete says:

    I have 2 family members at an Emeritus assisted living in Charleston WV. It has turned out to be a terrible place. Smells of urine in the hallways EVERY TIME WE HAVE BEEN THERE. The executive director is a very cold un-approachable person who would be better suited being a prison warden. there have been multiple ‘near misses’ of bringing them the wrong medication. The nurses there have called the doctor and had medicine changed and NOT informed the family. They are short staffed all the time because management does not see or treat the residents as human beings, they are treated more like cattle. Due to short staffing and negligence, a whole wing of the “community” was not taken to breakfast the other day. They are trying to sweep it under the rug. How can you not feed people that cannot get themselves dressed and go down to the dining room to eat?? That is why they are in assisted living. working on getting my family members out of there ASAP! They promise good things but absolutely do not deliver.

  49. Heed the warnings..... says:

    Emeritus sounds very much like Sunrise Senior Living – another facility that I wouldn’t send a loved one to because of staff not being properly trained, not enough staff, overnight staff sleeping on the job and not knowing what to do when a resident needs emergency help in the middle of the night (hint: call 911!!!). Emergency pull cords are not responded to in a timely manner and on and on. Management at these types of facilities are only concerned with profits first and resident care last. Resident neglect is covered up at these places. Great employees who care wind up leaving, there is alot of turnover. Many residents are moved into assisted living when they would benefit from better care received in a nursing home or skilled nursing facility. But it’s all about filling up empty rooms and the Executive Director and the Director of Community Relations (fancy titles to cover up for what they really are which are sales people), will move in anyone so they can get their commissions/bonuses. Best bet for anyone looking for an assisted living facility is one that is a stand alone, privately run facility and one that is not part of a big franchise.

  50. Christine says:

    Please, beware of any facility owned/operated by Emeritus. My parents equated it to “A house of horrors.” I can’t begin to tell you what my parents were subjected to. My father gave a 30 day notice, yet, died before he and my mother could make their escape. My mother just passed on December 19, 2011. Let me just say this, they were only 73 and 74, and their causes of death were “Severe Sepsis,” and “NSAID Use.” The overwhelming number of employee (former and current,) and consumer complaints is pathetic and has given me something to ponder. They are very good at “passing the buck.” The fact they preach this “CORE” aka Care Over Real Estate, is laughable. Money seems to take priority over EVERYTHING! “Isolated incident…?” Hmmm, I don’t think so….There seems to be a pattern of behavior at Emeritus owned/operated facilities from, COAST TO COAST. The employees will do WHATEVER IS NECESSARY to keep the facility at full capacity. (I do mean they will do ANYTHING, to keep a resident from moving out.) If any of you are interested in sharing your experience please let me knowl. I would be more than happy to do the same. I hope there will come a day when, someone will have the courage to stand up for those who could not/cannot stand up for themselves. We need to “Take care of those, who took care of us…” When will Emeritus Corporation be held accountable for the actions of their employees? I’m guessing….NEVER. (How sad, that is.)

    • GILLIAN COHEN says:

      I AM AGREEING WITH YOU!!!! I SAW IT FIRST HAND!!!  MADE ME WANNA VOMIT.. I CANNOT EVEN IMAGINE TREATING PEOPLE LIKE THEY WERE TREATED!!!

  51. C. Davis says:

    If you care for your loved one at all, then do not entrust them to any facility that is owned and operated by Emeritus Senior Living! Although this corporation claims to be in the business of care giving, the only thing Emeritus really cares about is their bottom line. They will lure you into their facilities which are nicely decorated with upholstered furniture, carpeting, drapes and artificial flowers. They will then give you a well-rehearsed marketing pitch containing repeated references to their claim of high regard for “family values.” Hah! Don’t believe one word of it! Concerns about quality of care for your loved ones and “family values” are nonexistent in the minds of the powers that be (PTB) that run Emeritus Senior Living.
    The emphasis here on the mindset of the PTB is important. Please note that not all Emeritus employees are dollar driven. In our experience over several years with this company, we actually did encounter lower level management and staff who we believe to have had genuine care for the residents. However, it is imperative to understand that this corporation is tightly run at the top and it dictates all policies to the minions below. The local facilities are unable to exercise truly independent authority and discretion in problem analysis and solution. As a result, even if the line staff wish to give the residents the highest level of care, they are prevented from doing so. Instead, a money-grubbing executive management team, which sits safely behind a corporate veil of terror, spews out draconian care giving policies and repetitive staffing and budget cuts for the sole purpose of meeting the corporation’s bottom line. I believe their real mission statement reads: “Customer be damned or dead — whichever happens first!.
    If you still need a bit of convincing, read on. Two of our family members were already in residence at this facility when Emeritus took it over in 2007. What had been a very good senior residence experience for them, slowly turned into an nightmare. In 5 years, there were 5 changes of the Executor Director — including changes to the rest of the administrative staff, such as the nurse, recreation director, food director, etc. With each major staff change, Emeritus’ persistent demand for higher and higher fee increases became worse and worse. Yet, the quality of care and services didn’t improve and, in some instances, got even worse, Finally, after one of our family members died and the health of the other declined dramatically, we woke up, smelled the coffee and moved the latter loved one out of Emeritus. Our only regret is that we did not do this sooner! (Truth is, our hand was forced was by an outrageous new demand for a fee increase which was simultaneously accompanied by atrocious issues of neglect and malpractice in care giving.) At this point, she is now in a quality, skilled nursing care facility and the difference in her health care and care giving services is night and day.
    The only way I can ease my guilt over having allowed our family members to be neglected for as long as they were at Emeritus, is to write the strongest review I know to warn others away from experiencing this kind of pain. In short, be forewarned:
    These people will raise your fees with a glint in their eyes while all the while lowering the quality of care of loved ones. I would not wish a residential contract with Emeritus Senior Living corporation upon my worst enemy and/or their own loved ones.

  52. BEATTY says:

    Elderly Man Abandon, Discriminated against by Emeritus Assisted Living of Boynton Village, Florida.

    Frank Meade, 88 years old, WW II, April 2, 1924.
    My father Frank Meade, fell May 13th,2012 Sun. at the Boynton Beach Emeritus Asst. Living.He was taken to the emergency at Delray Medical Hospital. He broke his right hip and was operatedon Mon. May 14th. He came thru the operation fine. Tue. May 15th I went to go see him and take him a paper.He was in good spirits and had stood up a few times that day. Was told he would go to a rehab the next day to rehab his hip. I had made reservation 8 days earlier to take dad to Costa Rica and we were to leave May 25th for his dream trip to Costa Rica. He was so excited. At about 2:30 am May 16th I was called by a nurse that my father stopped breathing and they resuscitated him (even though I had a do not DNR) and he was going into ICU, but not sure of his condition.He had no response what so ever. He was not brain dead, but had a lot of brain damage. He could not swallow, eat, drink, talk, response by blinking, and he was on a respirator. I waited 2 days and the doctors told me he would not make it. I went to The Emeritus Asst. Living at The Gardens at Boynton Beach to notify them that I wanted to bring my father back home to die…Per his wishes.
    I was told by the Resident Care Director, Steve Labelle that was a good idea and they had no problem with it. I called in Vitas to make all the arrangements for 24/7 continuous care till his time to expire.It was his will to never be resuscitated or to be on life support.

    I removed him on Friday May 18th from life support about 4:00PM. Dad was taken to a contracted room in the hospital to stabilize over night before going home Sat. Approximately 6:30 pm Friday night I call the resident care director Steve Labelle to tell him that dad had survived being off the respirator and that I would be bring him back to his home the next day Sat. morning by ambulance.That is when the shocker came and devastation. He said, GeeGee no one wants himhere more than I do, but Corp. says he can’t come back here. I said, “WHY”? He said,I don’t know, they did not give me a reason. I am so upset.” I said, That is dads homewe have paid for more than 3 1/2 years and that is where I promised to take him. You haveto keep your word and let me bring him. He said, he will try to speak to Corp tomorrow ( Sat.)to convince them to let him come home. I said, where am I to put him if he can’t come home?He said, I don’t know. May 19th Sat. at 8:30 a.m. I called the Resident Care Director again on his cell phone. He said, he spoke to Corp.again briefly and they wanted him to speak to Vitas to be sure what kind of care they would be givingFrank Meade. I assured him that dad, was not going to live more than 10 days with no food or water anexplained all his symptoms and what the doctors said. He asked if I would have Vitas call him to confirm.At 9:10 Ellen Reinhart( VITAS WEEKEND MANAGER) called me to find out if Emeritus of Boynton gave me an answer. I told her she wouldhave to contact the resident care director, Steve, to assure him of the care my dad would be getting and 24/7. She said,I will call him right now.” Vitas weekend Manager Ellen Reinhart spoke with Steve Labelle of the urgency and
    condition of my father Frank Meade. He said, he would get right back to her after he calls Corp. It was up to Corp. if it was up to him dad could come.
    Vitas and myself called back 3-4 each to Steve Labelle cell phone, till about 1:30pm Sat. while my dad was in the hospital waiting to be transported to his home.
    The Emeritus Boynton Beach Asst. Living, director, Corp, care director, never returned a phone call. SAT. SUN. OR MON..
    I called Steve Labelle about 10:30 am. Tues. I asked him why Corp. or he did not
    call me to give me an answer. He said,” Corp. over ruled me and told me they would handle it.”
    I asked Steve how many other residents were there in Emeritus with hospice, vitas 24/7 continuous care?
    He said, two maybe three. I said, why was my dad not allowed to come? He said, I can’t tell you. I said,
    I have asked for a written explanation. He said, I told Corp, but cant give it to you till they give me the OK. It has been one week and no letter of explanation.
    My father was discriminated against and it was INDIGNANT, UNMERCIFUL, ABANDONMENT, CRUEL and CRIMINAL what Emeritus did to my father in his last days of life. They offered no support or care for Frank Meade. He was a 3 1/2 year resident under their care. UNDER FLA. STATUE 429.26 Appropriateness of placements; examinations of residents, they were negligent on all accounts.Here are photos of dads last days. not a pretty site, but I want to make an impact on you to
    be aware. This could happen to your husband, daughter, mother, child. I want there to be an accountability
    to the elderly.
    My father passed away May 26th, 2012 at 9:10 a.m. I had to bring him to my house. HE was not allowed to go home with the Emeritus assisted living where all his prize treasured belongings, photos, friends that he was familiar with. God bless him he lived 9 days with no food or water. He was a strong man till the end. Even though he was rejected from his assisted living home on his death bed at 88 years old.This has been a devastating experience and painful to watch. I fear for the many other elderly that don’t have an advocate for them. They are being denied their dignity.

    GeeGee Morgan Beatty

    ( daughter of Frank Meade)
    Caretaker, Surrogate, Power of Attorney.

    • Mscane1 says:

      Dear GeeGee, my condolences to you and your family.  It appears that are problems with Emeritus regardless of the state you live in.  The great thing you were with your dad when he passed, he wasn’t alone.  If I were you I’d contact the state agency that licenses the staff of the facility (i.e. Exec Dir), and let them know what has happened.  If your state agency is anything like the agency in VA heads will roll.

  53. Shotchanged says:

    Don’t blame the line staff. There are many wonderful and caring people working for Emeritus. The staff return day after day and week after week to not only work short but to be shorted of any overtime.
    There is so much pressure that is put onto the staff. Emeritus is not living their own family values.
    I know so many people who are committed to Emerirus but Emerirus is not committed to their staff or residents. They are only committed to the bottom line the all mighty dollar and #.

  54. SEE SPOT RUN says:

    Elderly Man Abandon, Discriminated against by Emeritus Assisted Living of Boynton Village, Florida.
     
    Mr.F., 88 years old, WW II,  Born 1924.
    My father Mr. F, fell May 13th,2012 Sun. at the Boynton Beach Emeritus Asst. Living.He was taken to the emergency at Delray Medical Hospital. He broke his right hip and was operatedon Mon. May 14th. He came thru the operation fine. Tue. May 15th I went to go see him and take him a paper.He was in good spirits and had stood up a few times that day. Was told he would go to a rehab the next day to rehab his hip. I had made reservation 8 days earlier to take dad to Costa Rica and we were to leave May 25th for his dream trip to Costa Rica. He was so excited. At about 2:30 am May 16th I was called by a nurse that my father stopped breathing and they resuscitated him (even though I had a do not DNR) and he was going into ICU, but not sure of his condition.He had no response what so ever. He was not brain dead, but had a lot of brain damage. He could not swallow, eat, drink, talk, response by blinking, and he was on a respirator. I waited 2 days and the doctors told me he would not make it. I went to The Emeritus Asst. Living at The Gardens at Boynton Beach to notify them that I wanted to bring my father back home to die…Per his wishes.
    I was told by the Resident Care Director, Steve Labelle that was a good idea and they had no problem with it. I called in Vitas to make all the arrangements for 24/7 continuous care till his time to expire.It was his will to never be resuscitated or to be on life support.
     
     I removed him on Friday May 18th from life support about 4:00PM. Dad was taken to a contracted room in the hospital to stabilize over night before going home Sat.  Approximately 6:30 pm Friday night I call the resident care director Steve Labelle to tell him that dad had survived being off the respirator and that I would be bring him back to his home the next day Sat. morning by ambulance.That is when the shocker came and devastation. He said, GeeGee no one wants himhere more than I do, but Corp. says he can’t come back here. I said, “WHY”? He said,I don’t know, they did not give me a reason. I am so upset.” I said, That is dads homewe have paid for more than 3 1/2 years and that is where I promised to take him. You haveto keep your word and let me bring him. He said, he will try to speak to Corp tomorrow ( Sat.)to convince them to let him come home. I said, where am I to put him if he can’t come home?He said, I don’t know.May 19th Sat. at 8:30 a.m. I called the Resident Care Director again on his cell phone. He said, he spoke to Corp.again briefly and they wanted him to speak to Vitas to be sure what kind of care they would be givingFrank Meade. I assured him that dad, was not going to live more than 10 days with no food or water anexplained all his symptoms and what the doctors said. He asked if I would have Vitas call him to confirm.At 9:10 Ellen Reinhart( VITAS WEEKEND MANAGER) called me to find out if Emeritus of Boynton gave me an answer. I told her she wouldhave to contact the resident care director, Steve, to assure him of the care my dad would be getting and 24/7. She said,I will call him right now.” Vitas weekend Manager Ellen Reinhart spoke with Steve Labelle of the urgency and
    condition of my father Frank Meade. He said, he would get right back to her after he calls Corp. It was up to Corp. if it was up to him dad could come.
    Vitas and myself called back 3-4 each to Steve Labelle cell phone, till about 1:30pm Sat. while my dad was in the hospital waiting to be transported to his home.
    The Emeritus Boynton Beach Asst. Living, director, Corp, care director, never returned a phone call. SAT. SUN. OR MON..
    I called Steve Labelle about 10:30 am. Tues. I asked him why Corp. or he did not
    call me to give me an answer. He said,” Corp. over ruled me and told me they would handle it.”
    I asked Steve how many other residents were there in Emeritus with hospice, vitas 24/7 continuous care?
    He said, two maybe three. I said, why was my dad not allowed to come? He said, I can’t tell you. I said,
    I have asked for a written explanation. He said, I told Corp, but cant give it to you till they give me the OK. It has been one week and no letter of explanation.
    My father was discriminated against and it was INDIGNANT, UNMERCIFUL, ABANDONMENT, CRUEL and CRIMINAL what Emeritus did to my father in his last days of life. They offered no support or care for Frank Meade. He was a 3 1/2 year resident Appropriateness of placements; under their care. UNDER FLA. STATUE 429.26 examinations of residents, they were negligent on all accounts.Here are photos of dads last days. not a pretty site, but I want to make an impact on you to
    be aware. This could happen to your husband, daughter, mother, child. I want there to be an accountability
    to the elderly.
     My father passed away May 26th, 2012 at 9:10 a.m. I had to bring him to my house. HE was not allowed to go home with the Emeritus assisted living where all his prize treasured belongings, photos, friends that he was familiar with. God bless him he lived 9 days with no food or water. He was a strong man till the end. Even though he  was rejected from his assisted living home on his death bed at 88 years old.

    I have written and called their so called ETHICS COMPLAINT DEPT. THAT IS
    A BIG JOKE. THEY DO NOTHING AND THEY DONT EVEN RESPOND. IT IS JUST
    A NAME THEY USE SOME SERVICE TO TAKE CALLS THAT IS IT.This has been a  devastating experience and painful to watch. I fear for the many other elderly that don’t have an advocate for them. They are being denied their dignity.
    This has been a  devastating experience and painful to watch. I fear for the many other elderly that don’t have an advocate for them. They are being denied their dignity.
     Dont put your loved on in Emeritus. It is about the money and not the care or
    caring.

  55. Bettyboop says:

    its because they refuse to staff enough nurses and caregivers- then blame them

    • Committed says:

      I agree I am an employee in South Carolins and it us so sad that we are under paid.We have to many tasks to do in the run of a day that we can barely take a break.The supervisors sit and talk but when we do they find a reason why we have to get up.It’s hard working under these circumstances and the pay is aweful.They give two percent raises that is about 20 cent a year.The staff has so much work that we dont have time for the residents.We are rushed so much that we cant have a moment just to intersct with the residents and this is so sad.This is a money hungry company that makes a trillion dollars a year and wony even give the employees a bonus.Instead the heads of each community get the bonus and we do all the work.Low pay and loys of work that what Emeritus is about! Yes this is the company that is committed to our families?????

      • phunnyphilly says:

        Employees at these facilities should band together and call the Fed Dept of Labor about wage abuses. Maybe a high-profile suit would begin to change things…

  56. GILLIAN COHEN says:

    I WOULD NOT ALLOW ANY FAMILY MEMBER OF MINE TO EVEN STEP FOOT IN ONEEEEEE FACILITY OWNED BY EMERITUS.!!!  A HORRIBLY UNCARING PLACE TO BE!! I HAVE BEEN IN THREE OF THEM IN SOUTH JERSEY, AND ALL THREE ARE UNCARING, ONLY CARING ABOUT THE MONEY THEY CAN GET FROM THESE OLD FOLKS!!!  MAKES ME SICK!!  AND IT STARTS FROM THE TOP DOWN!!

    • phunnyphilly says:

      We also had a bad experience at a Sunrise in Monmouth County. Horrible food, understaffed, overprescribing medication, almost no activities for residents (despite claims)and what looked like Medicare fraud. And this was just a one-month respite stay!

  57. Drwilliamlaker says:

    what emertius is known for the fake motto -Our family is committed to your family- – i am trying to assess how many people have been robbed at emertius communities around america- i am aware of a women. pearl gruber who was robbed of over 5,000 worth of diamonds in emertius- in northern  nevada- people who have been robbed should contact me- drwilliamlaker@att.- i want to assess just how many people have been robbed at emertius communities in america- bill

  58. TeTe Fb Yomoma says:

    Emertius is full of shit don’t send your love one there.everybody well the directors are so fake and phony its sad.all they care about it the money

  59. Jonathan Rosenfeld says:

    Thank you all for you worthwhile comments.  With respect the the last comment by Shotchanged, I very much agree with you. Most people who take positions at nursing homes really do want the best for their patients.  Unfortunately, the corporations that control these facilities desperately understaff these facilities in such a manner than there is no possible way for people to responsibly do their jobs. Until this changes, problems will persist.

    Jonathan Rosenfeld
    http://www.rosenfeldinjurylawyers.com

  60. MreWeaver says:

    wow, this really hits home.
    if you have a family member that is in need of assisted living please do not use a publicly traded company like emeritus.  The level of care comes down to one thing and that is money, but the culture of neglect among regional management and Executive directors is unacceptable.
    I know of someone recently fired from an emeritus in colorado.  I worked with her for a year , where she did the best job and the most work of anyone around the facility as a Dir, in Mem Care.  This woman was on call 24/7 and did the best job judging by the feed back of family members.
    She was fired 1 wk before the year bonus for company wide memory care unit admission numbers, who gets it now?  Marketing.
    That should say something.  
    Amazingly, that’s not why she was fired.  All the reasons stated on the termination papers were false.  They had to come up with something.
    No, she was fired because she told the ExecDir that she was documenting all the neglect on the part of nurses regarding medications, the MARS sheets, and lack of concern, care or action, all documented in emails and notes.
    It was not her job to do the work of the nurses by verifying orders, following up with doctors, changing wrong orders etc., but she found herself doing it everyday, people missing meds, people not having orders filled, patients needing care from nurses with no response.  ITs all documented.
    I personally witnessed patients who were so severely drugged by their medications that it hasten the demise and death of those people and this was unacceptable to me and i knew as a PA i was powerless to change it.
    Two months ago, she was sent to a training where regional management spoke of mem care coordinators, while she was a director.  It was the first sign that her job was being eliminated.  
    The second sign was when she learned that because of the way emeritus operates, mortgages for all properties including that one, would go up DEC 1.   That and the false termination reasons and the bonus coming, show that this was  a plan already put into action.
    The problem for EC is that the state board of health does not care why she was fired, just what she saw, and how EC and its EXEC DIR and REG. Management have covered that up.
    Now the false reasons, already on paper, and the fact she noted the neglect and brought it to her supervisor  the ED, and was then promptly fired means we may have grounds for a lawsuit for wrongful termination for retaliation against an employee for reporting abuse.
    Oh are they gonna shit when state shows up.
    I just hope they tried to eliminate the internal emails because that’s criminal!

    An element of psychopathology is to do whatever you want without care or concern for how it effects others, thats what happens when money rules the mind. 

  61. MreWeaver says:

    hey MB
    BullSh*t!
    We know from our own observations that Emeritus passes the blame where necessary and hides it, or denies when applicable.  Every other post on here is about the abuse people have been experiencing at Emeritus facilities for YEARS.
    With a company that has so many complaints we are not really expected to believe you are we?
    I worked there, I know better because every one of the complaints that I’ve read here I witnessed personally.
    I was so appalled at the mismanagement of care from the so called professionals that I couldn’t keep a clear conscience and still work thee lest I get blamed for the neglect.   This was in 2011 mind you so to think that Emeritus has changed is a bold faced laughable lie.

  62. MreWeaver says:

    2 caregivers for 30 residents, that’s what Emeritus does, only now they are raising the bed count and bringing in Day Care Patients.  
    Of course thats in MEM CARE, where the patients need help all the time, tell me, who watches them when the workers have to go to lunch or break?
    One caregiver for 30 patients for 1/2 hr at a time, good luck with that.
    One fall risk, one flight risk, one toileting and the whole place is falling apart.

  63. Knows about this company says:

    I work at one now and mad. How can you put on schedule as an assistant to work Thanksgiving day Christmas eve day and work Christmas day???. THEY LIE with the Values of their company. You would not make a person work all the holidays.. You ask for more hrs and they hire more people and it doesn’t happen.And yet we run around  crazy all day One RA will take care of 3 halls by herself for over one hour in the Mornings. All we do is dress your love one make the bed and hope they leave us alone!! We are running all day for 9.00 an hour. We don’t know you love ones care needs we have 20 to 30 per hall where in  nursing home they have 8 to 12 per person.We get urine on our clothes etc and serve you in the dinning room, We make the drinks  the kitchen staff will not put the dirty dishes in racks we bust tables and load carts for the dishwasher. it should not be our job.MANAGEMENT pushes things for their bonus FEW have a CNA>..They hide things they drop people they hide MRSA

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