Hampden Hills Assisted Living

Pros

• The owner was initially very communicative with the family regarding the care of their father.
• They appreciated the idea of having a respite visit to assess the environment.
• The family's intention was to find a suitable place that met their father's needs.
• They recognized the importance of being informed about all aspects of care and costs.
• The family valued transparency in contracts and fees, which could enhance future experiences for others.

Cons

• The owner failed to provide a copy of the contract as promised, leaving the family in a difficult position.
• The unexpected $2,000 "community fee" was not disclosed beforehand, causing financial strain.
• The living conditions were inadequate, with the room furnished only with a bed and lacking essential amenities.
• After paying approximately $10,000 for care, the family found the owner unreachable when they sought assistance.
• The family's experience highlighted the importance of obtaining contracts in advance and being aware of hidden fees, which they wished they had prioritized.

Review

The experience with the care facility for an aging family member has unveiled a series of troubling issues that many individuals might encounter in similar situations. The narrative begins with the family's interaction with the owner of the business, who initially appeared engaged and responsive to their concerns. Throughout the process of arranging care for their father, they maintained communication about what was necessary, giving them a sense of reassurance. However, this initial trust quickly eroded due to several critical oversights and failures on the part of the owner.

One of the most glaring issues was related to documentation—or lack thereof. Upon signing the contract for their father’s stay at the facility, they were promised a copy of this crucial document. Unfortunately, despite repeated assurances from the owner, this promise went unfulfilled. Having a written agreement is essential for any service or business transaction as it outlines expectations and responsibilities for both parties involved. The failure to provide a copy not only raises red flags about transparency but also leaves families vulnerable in situations where clarity is crucial.

Compounding these issues was an unexpected financial burden that surfaced shortly after admission: a "community fee" amounting to $2,000. This charge had never been disclosed during discussions leading up to signing the contract. Such hidden fees can create significant financial strain, especially when families are already navigating challenging circumstances related to elder care decisions. The surprise nature of this fee underscores how imperative it is for potential clients to scrutinize all costs upfront and demand full disclosure from providers.

Furthermore, once their father arrived at the facility, his living conditions left much to be desired. Described as sparse and inadequate, his room contained nothing but a bed upon arrival—no additional furnishings or amenities that one would expect in a care environment designed for comfort and recovery. Although staff members mentioned that arrangements were being made for furnishing and carpet cleaning services that were “in the works,” these changes did not happen promptly enough for their father’s needs during his brief two-day stay.

The culmination of these events led to their father's premature departure from the facility just two days after admission—a decision made out of necessity rather than choice. After investing nearly $10,000 into what they believed would be suitable care arrangements using funds from their father’s own resources, they found themselves feeling deceived and abandoned by an unreachable owner once payment had been received. This kind of response paints a concerning picture regarding customer service ethics within such businesses.

Adversely affected by this situation, they've resolved to take steps toward resolution by reaching out to an Ombudsman—a governmental organization designed to address grievances against services like those provided by elder care facilities. Their experience serves as a cautionary tale not only highlighting specific shortcomings prevalent in some senior living establishments but also emphasizing important precautions future clients should take before committing financially or emotionally.

In retrospect, one vital recommendation emerges starkly from their ordeal: potential clients should obtain copies of contracts prior to making any agreements while ensuring those documents meet their personal needs rather than inadvertently serving only those interests belonging to providers or facilitators—the very people meant to deliver compassionate care and support during life's most challenging transitions. Additionally, considering short-term respite visits could mitigate unforeseen consequences associated with long-term commitments; ultimately helping families gauge whether an environment is truly suited for their loved ones before fully investing in such significant commitments.

This part of Aurora, Colorado, offers a convenient and practical location for senior living. With multiple pharmacies within a close distance, access to medical care is easily accessible. The area also boasts a variety of dining options ranging from fast food to sit-down restaurants, providing a diverse selection for every taste. Additionally, there are several parks nearby for outdoor recreational activities and relaxation. For those seeking spiritual fulfillment, there are places of worship in the vicinity. Access to healthcare facilities is also readily available with hospitals and clinics within a short driving distance. Overall, this neighborhood provides a well-rounded environment for seniors looking to settle in a vibrant and accessible community.

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.5 miles)
• Walgreens (1.6 miles)
• Lightshade (2.1 miles)
• Walgreens (2.2 miles)
• Walgreens (2.4 miles)
• Walgreens (2.5 miles)
• Walgreens (3 miles)

Parks

• Cherry Creek State Park- Off Leash Dog Area (1 miles)
• Sagebrush Park (1.5 miles)
• Cherry Creek Dog Park (2.8 miles)
• Kennedy Dog Park (3 miles)
• Spring Creek Park - Arapahoe Cty (3.6 miles)
• Great Plains Park (3.9 miles)
• Centennial Center Park (4 miles)

Physicians

• Kaiser Permanente Smokey Hill Pharmacy (1.5 miles)
• VA Jewell Clinic (2 miles)
• Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers (2.4 miles)
• The Medical Center of Aurora (2.6 miles)
• Health Images (2.9 miles)
• Invision Sally Jobe at Centrum DTC | Surgical Center (4.4 miles)
• DTC Family Health & Walk-In (4.4 miles)

Restaurants

• Arby's (1.8 miles)
• Sonic Drive-In (2.5 miles)
• Old Town Hot Pot (2.6 miles)
• Piper Inn (3.2 miles)
• Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers (4 miles)
• In-N-Out Burger (4 miles)
• Wendy's (4.1 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (2.5 miles)
• Dutch Bros Coffee (3.9 miles)
• Black Rock Coffee Bar (4.5 miles)
• Starbucks (5.1 miles)
• Starbucks (6.3 miles)
• Starbucks (6.6 miles)

Theaters

• AMC Arapahoe Crossing 16 (4.1 miles)
• AMC DINE-IN Southlands 16 (6.7 miles)

Transportation

• Arapahoe Light Rail Station (5.2 miles)

Places of Worship

• Temple Sinai (5.7 miles)

Hospitals

• Village Pavilion (6.1 miles)
• Children's Hospital Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus (6.2 miles)
• University of Colorado Hospital (6.3 miles)
• Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center (6.4 miles)
• Cherry Creek Eye Center (6.7 miles)