4231 Cole Road, Hillsdale, MI 49242
For more information about senior living options: (844) 490-3973
I spent about four to six months working at a country living facility called Drew's Place, and the experience was a mix of heartfelt moments and deeply painful challenges. From the start, I wasn't treated kindly by some coworkers and, most notably, by management and HR. There was a particular moment where HR screamed at me in front of coworkers and residents, and I wasn't at fault for the situation at hand. That incident encapsulated a broader pattern I experienced: a workplace environment that often felt hostile and unsupportive, especially toward me as I faced health problems related to my pregnancy. Eventually I was terminated, and I believe the termination was tied to those health challenges and the way I was treated, which I perceived as discriminatory.
What followed felt like a continuation of broken promises. I was repeatedly told I would be moved to the back building, to work with residents who required only one assistant, which would have made the job safer for me during my pregnancy. Yet those assurances never materialized. Instead, it seemed that other staff who were involved in ongoing drama were favored and moved into the back-house setting, despite my assurances that I would be transferred. The discrepancy between what I was told and what actually happened created a sense of injustice and distrust toward the management and HR.
There was a particularly troubling incident involving one resident and a coworker who admitted to neglect. This worker left medications lying around, and I later learned that the same resident had dentures and other needs that had not been disclosed to me initially. I hadn't even known about this resident until my second day of work. For months, I was led to believe that this resident was bedridden, which was not the case. I felt compelled to advocate for the resident's rights and wellbeing - pushing for basic comfort measures like proper footwear and for this resident to be helped out of bed for meals when requested. I coordinated with other staff to prevent further bed sores, rotating the resident regularly and using pillows to support their back and hips. I reported these concerns to management and HR, but it seemed nothing substantial was done to address the neglect or to prevent harmful conditions from continuing.
Around the holiday season, I was terminated - two days before Christmas - and I felt certain that the termination stemmed from discrimination tied to my health status and the treatment I received for raising legitimate concerns. The sense of being singled out for speaking up about patient safety and for demanding basic protections felt both personal and systemic. It was a painful end to a chapter that had exposed significant flaws in how the facility handled resident care and employee welfare.
Despite these deeply negative experiences, the facility did have elements I could respect and appreciate. Some staff members were truly wonderful - caring, attentive, and consistent. The place is small enough to allow for real attention to residents, and there are moments when you can see how much the staff cares about each person who lives there. For my grandmother, who resides there, this small environment seems to offer a level of personal contact and stability that she responds to positively. I consistently observed staff checking on residents multiple times a day, which is a comforting aspect of the operation and one of the reasons my grandmother remains satisfied with her care.
The stories of care extended beyond my grandmother. My grandpa is enjoying his space there and finds the facility clean and well-kept. My mom, who has been a resident for more than three years, has received loving care throughout her time there. Even though I live thousands of miles away, my sister has visited regularly and has had positive interactions with the staff on both shifts. When my mom recently passed away, the staff who were on duty that day stopped by to offer their condolences, share memories, and provide emotional support to my sister. Those moments of kindness stood out against the harsher experiences I endured during my time there and reminded me of the compassion that does exist within the team.
In sum, the place embodies a paradox: it is a setting where compassion and professional dedication can thrive, but it is also a workplace where serious concerns about safety, fairness, and treatment can go unaddressed. The staff's warmth and the residents' dignity are undeniable positives, and I am grateful for the moments of genuine care I observed and received. Still, there are critical gaps - especially in how management handles worker welfare, resident safety, and accountability for negligent practices - that need attention if the facility hopes to provide consistently humane and ethical care. To the staff who showed up with empathy and steadiness, thank you for your dedication. To the management and HR teams, a thorough, corrective look at policies, communication, and protections for both residents and employees would go a long way toward ensuring that the kind of care people deserve is the standard, not the exception.
Country Garden Adult Foster Care in Hillsdale, MI is an inviting and comfortable assisted living community for seniors. Our residents can enjoy a wide range of amenities and services that cater to their individual needs and preferences.
Our community features a spacious dining room where residents can gather for delicious meals prepared by our skilled staff. Each living space is fully furnished, providing a cozy and welcoming environment for our residents. Our beautiful garden provides a serene outdoor space where residents can relax and enjoy the fresh air.
We understand the importance of maintaining a clean and organized living space, which is why we offer housekeeping services to our residents. Our dedicated staff ensures that each resident's living area remains tidy and comfortable.
Moving can be a stressful process, especially for seniors. At Country Garden Adult Foster Care, we provide move-in coordination services to make the transition as smooth as possible for our residents. We handle all the logistics, allowing our residents to focus on settling into their new home.
Residents have access to telephone and Wi-Fi/high-speed internet services so they can easily stay connected with loved ones or browse the web at their leisure.
Our caring staff is available to assist with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, and transfers. We also coordinate with health care providers to ensure our residents receive comprehensive care tailored to their specific needs. For individuals with diabetes or special dietary restrictions, we offer specialized meal preparation and service.
Transportation is an essential aspect of senior living, which is why we arrange transportation for medical appointments. Residents can rely on us to ensure they reach their doctors' appointments safely and on time.
In addition to these amenities and care services, we also prioritize social engagement by offering scheduled daily activities for our residents. This allows them to participate in meaningful experiences within our community.
With 4 cafes, 4 parks, 7 pharmacies, 8 physicians' offices nearby, finding essential resources in Hillsdale is convenient for our residents. Additionally, there are 12 restaurants and 15 places of worship nearby for a variety of dining options and spiritual support. For any medical emergencies, 2 hospitals are also located close by.
At Country Garden Adult Foster Care, we strive to provide a nurturing and supportive environment that promotes the well-being and happiness of our residents.
Country Garden Adult Foster Care is located at 4231 Cole Road, Hillsdale, MI 49242 in Hillsdale County, Michigan
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