3016 Portage Ave, South Bend, IN 46628
For more information about senior living options: (844) 490-3973
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They love the residents and most of the staff, including some medical staff. They appreciate the humanity and care shown by many residents and staff. They extend heartfelt concern for the residents and their families. They are glad that Portage Manor's closing will prevent further suffering. They hope for safer, more supportive care for others who may need to live independently in the future.
The facility was run with medical neglect, leading to harm and deaths. Residents were not taken seriously when ill, causing dangerous delays in care. It was described as inhumane, with a dark past and present. The overall management failed to provide safe, adequate care throughout its operation. The reviewer's own life was endangered by the facility's neglect, including severe health crises like blood clots. While some staff showed humanity, the care was generally inadequate and unsafe. The closure is viewed as relief to prevent further suffering. Residents faced fear of retaliation and had few options to leave. There were deaths attributed to not taking residents' concerns seriously.I lived there for almost two years straight, and what I experienced there were things no one should have to endure. I saw and felt medical neglect firsthand, and I know of a few deaths that happened because people in charge didn't take the residents seriously enough. I speak from the inside out: when you're living day after day in a place that's supposed to care for you, you notice every slip, every delay, every moment when a life could have been saved but wasn't given the attention it deserved. The hardest part of all is that some of what I lived through was not just frustrating or inconvenient; it was dangerous.
There was a moment in my own life there that I can still feel in my bones. I had three blood clots, and I was almost unable to walk, breathe, or talk because it hurt so much. In those days, I believed I might not survive. In retrospect, I know I should have pursued legal action for negligence and malpractice, but like so many residents - who either had no other place to go or didn't want to risk losing the roof over their heads - I stayed put. The fear of retaliation and the fear of losing the little security we had kept me silent. It's impossible not to think about what could have happened if someone had listened more closely, moved faster, or taken the warning signs seriously rather than brushing them aside.
And yet, as much as I want to condemn the failings, I also want to acknowledge the people I came to know there. I loved the residents who inhabited the same hallways as me, and I cared deeply for many of the staff. There were some medical staff who showed genuine concern and tried to help, but those pockets of care didn't make up for the overarching way the facility was run. It never felt like the place was operating the way it should, the whole time I was there. It's a complicated picture: affection and loyalty among the residents and some staff, shadowed by systemic issues that undermined safety and dignity.
I also believe that my actions - calling the state and county in multiple branches - played a role, however small, in the decision to close Portage Manor. I don't pretend to know every factor that led to that outcome, but I know what I felt: that those calls were part of a turning point. If my reporting helped bring scrutiny and accountability, then perhaps it did some good, even though the closure meant upheaval for people who depended on the facility. I'm not proud of the trouble it caused, but I am grateful that the door to a safer future might be opening by finally acknowledging the problems that were allowed to persist.
To the residents, I owe an apology. I wish I had spoken up louder and fought harder, not just for myself but for all of you who struggled to advocate for basic care and basic safety. I know that many of you don't have the skills to live independently, to navigate the outside world, or to build a life beyond the walls that housed us. That truth makes the idea of leaving Portage Manor even more terrifying, because it means facing a reality that's unfamiliar and, in many cases, frightening. It's sad, and it's terrifying to think about how many days were spent without the help you needed when you needed it most. My heart goes out to you and to your families, and I hope - more than anything - that you find a path that treats you with the dignity you deserved all along.
If there's a silver lining to all of this, it's the realization that ending the facility's operations could spare future residents from the same pain. The thought that fewer people might suffer the same neglect is a small beacon in an otherwise dark story. I truly hope the closure forces a broader wake-up call about how such places are run, how patients are treated, and how accountability is enforced when lives are at stake. To the families and friends who stood by your loved ones through it all, may you find strength and support in the days ahead, and may those who work in care facilities carry forward a renewed commitment to compassion, vigilance, and real medical attention.
Most of all, I want to hold on to the memory of the residents I grew to care about - the people who taught me what resilience looks like in the face of systemic failure, and the staff who did what they could within a broken system. Portage Manor is closing, and with that closure comes a chance for change, for better practices, and for a culture that finally treats every resident as a person who matters. I'll carry the lessons of those two years with me: the cost of neglect, the fragility of life when care isn't consistent, and the enduring hope that the next place people call home will offer not just shelter, but real, humane care.
Assisted LivingAssisted living facilities provide crucial support and care for seniors who may need help with daily tasks such as medication management, bathing, and meal preparation. These communities offer a safe and comfortable environment where seniors can maintain their independence while receiving the assistance they need to thrive in their golden years.
Activities on-siteActivities on-site are important for seniors because they provide opportunities for socialization, mental stimulation, physical activity, and overall well-being. Engaging in activities can help seniors stay active, maintain their independence, and improve their quality of life.
Devotional services off-siteDevotional services off-site are important for seniors as they provide spiritual nourishment, social engagement, and a sense of community outside of the senior living facility. This can enhance overall well-being and help combat feelings of isolation and loneliness often experienced by older adults.
Indoor common areasIndoor common areas are crucial for seniors as they provide a space for socialization, recreation, and community engagement, promoting overall well-being and reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness.
South Bend Regional (2 miles away)
Ambulatory care"Ambulatory care services provide essential medical support and treatment to seniors without requiring hospitalization, allowing them to maintain their independence and quality of life while managing chronic conditions or receiving routine medical care."
Diabetic careDiabetic care is crucial for seniors as they are more susceptible to developing diabetes due to aging and other health conditions. Proper management of diabetes can help prevent complications such as heart disease, vision loss, and nerve damage, improving the overall quality of life for seniors in senior living communities.
Meals provided"Meals provided" are crucial for seniors in assisted living communities as it ensures they have access to nutritious, balanced meals without the stress of meal planning and preparation. This can help promote overall health and well-being for seniors who may have limited mobility or cognitive abilities. Activities on-siteActivities on-site are important for seniors because they provide opportunities for socialization, mental stimulation, physical activity, and overall well-being. Engaging in activities can help seniors stay active, maintain their independence, and improve their quality of life. Devotional activities offsiteDevotional activities offsite are important for seniors because they provide social engagement, spiritual growth, and a sense of community outside of their living environment. This can improve overall well-being, mental health, and combat feelings of isolation or loneliness.St Joseph County Portage Manor in South Bend, IN is an assisted living community that offers a range of amenities to enhance the lives of its residents. With devotional services available off-site, residents have the opportunity to nurture their spiritual well-being. Indoor common areas provide a comfortable and inviting space for socialization and relaxation.
The community also provides specialized care services for individuals with diabetes, ensuring they receive the support they need to manage their condition effectively. This includes assistance with medication management and monitoring blood sugar levels.
Residents at St Joseph County Portage Manor can engage in various activities designed to meet their individual interests and preferences. With devotional activities taking place off-site, individuals have the chance to further explore and deepen their spiritual journey.
Conveniently located, there are numerous amenities within close proximity to the community. Cafes, parks, pharmacies, physicians' offices, restaurants, transportation options, places of worship, and hospitals are all easily accessible. This ensures that residents have easy access to essential services and opportunities for leisure and recreation.
St Joseph County Portage Manor strives to provide a comfortable and enriching environment for its residents. With a range of amenities and convenient access to nearby facilities and services, this assisted living community offers a well-rounded experience tailored to the needs of each individual resident.
St Joseph County Portage Manor is located at 3016 Portage Ave, South Bend, IN 46628 in St. Joseph County, Indiana
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Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) are fundamental tasks vital for an individual's independence, particularly in older adults over 85, and include functions like bathing and dressing; assessing ADLs alongside Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) helps determine the level of required assistance due to age-related health challenges. Tailored support plans, involving family and community resources, are essential for maintaining dignity and autonomy in assisted living environments.
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Medicare does not cover assisted living costs, as it focuses on acute medical needs and short-term care, with exceptions for certain medically necessary services like physical therapy. Individuals must explore other options such as Medicaid, veterans' benefits, or long-term care insurance to manage these expenses effectively.
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Choosing between assisted living and nursing homes involves evaluating emotional and financial factors, with assisted living offering independence and support for daily activities at a lower cost, while nursing homes provide intensive medical care for individuals with significant health needs. The decision is influenced by personal preferences, health status, cognitive function, and varying Medicaid coverage across states.
