SOUTH WIND HOME

Before admission, we met directly with the facility’s manager to review expectations and care needs. We were explicit. Our family member is a 79-year-old woman with Alzheimer’s who is active, does not sleep well, needs assistance walking and using the restroom, and requires hands-on support. None of this was a surprise. The facility also had her full hospital discharge records outlining her medical needs. We were assured she could be accommodated. Nineteen days later, on Christmas Eve, we were informed she was “too high maintenance.” Apparently, expectations beyond quietly sitting alone in a room and dying were unreasonable. Despite being told laundry is done twice weekly, we were sent home with weeks worth of unwashed clothing stuffed into a large trash bag, including items soaked in urine. This suggests either an inability or an unwillingness to perform one of the most basic functions of care. We were repeatedly encouraged to pay additional hourly fees for routine assistance due to being “understaffed.” This was difficult to reconcile with the reality of approximately ten residents total and three staff members on site, most of whom remained in their rooms. One would assume that caring for ten people would be manageable, unless the expectation is minimal engagement and no deviation from convenience. At discharge, a staff member remarked, “Thank God she’s gone.” This comment was made about a vulnerable elderly woman with dementia and mobility issues. It was, perhaps unintentionally, the most honest moment of the entire experience. Hospice care is meant to provide comfort, dignity, and compassion at the end of life. What we experienced instead was impatience with basic needs and resentment toward anyone who required actual care.

Nice staff and facility

My wife SaDonna had C.O.P.D. for years; and a little over 2 years ago was diagnosed with lung cancer. Suddenly she took a turn for the worst; and had to be admitted to South wind Hospice. The staff and management was friendly; competent; and attentive. The facility was beautiful and clean. They continue to follow up with me and offer counseling as I need anything!!! I would recommend them for any one you love!