N3531 Elder Drive, Gilman, WI 54433
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A troubling pattern emerges when you read through these experiences about a certain group home, especially after a recent, devastating update. One reviewer sharply lowers the rating to one star, labeling the place as negligent to the point of danger. They claim a homicide occurred - one client killed another - directly tied to the home's neglect. The tone is urgent and exasperated: shut this place down, they say, and warn others from placing clients there. The plea is loud and specific for caseworkers and other professionals to seek safer, more appropriate placements for people in need, stressing that this facility could be dangerous in its current state.
The same reviewer goes on to explain that the updated one-star rating feels deserved, even if the stay there once included some better moments. They describe a rough arc over a three-month period: there were staff members who truly cared and seemed invested in their clients' growth, yet others appeared disengaged or indifferent. A strong thread running through the account is about coercion and lack of autonomy - many residents, including the reviewer, felt they were not there by choice. A roommate's deterioration stands out as a haunting example: a once-bright, energetic person became withdrawn and bedridden, seemingly as a result of mistreatment and the overall environment. The reviewer notes that their only sustaining factor was a therapy dog named Suzie, suggesting that animal-assisted comfort outshined many formal therapies during their time there.
The administrative culture is drawn as a highlight-reel of cruel moments amid routine operations. The reviewer recalls being labeled as "attention seeking" for basic needs and then again for not reaching out, a double-edged accusation that underscores a hostile dynamic with staff. Nightmares about administrative staff, secret self-harm as a coping mechanism to avoid drawing attention, and persistent trauma surface as the stay wears on. Beyond the interpersonal dynamics, there are concrete operational failures that compound the distress: moldy basement odors, a dryer out of operation for weeks, and a summer where garbage and recycling were not collected for four weeks. A purported justification from an admin staff member - that she would rather get paid than handle trash - adds a bitter note about morale and accountability. The reviewer closes with a stark reminder that they were the only client there by their own choice, and that even if some people end up there by circumstance rather than by choice, careful scrutiny is essential for anyone considering placement.
In this broader portrait, the reviewer emphasizes the difficulty in separating good moments from the severe, systemic issues. While they acknowledge that there were positive aspects - supportive staff in some instances, and the dog Suzie's significant, practical help - the balance tips toward danger and harm in the end. The message to prospective families and professionals is clear and urgent: conduct thorough due diligence, verify the facility's practices, and consider safer alternatives. The reviewer emphasizes that some of the so-called "treatment" can feel bordering on abusive, and that the overall atmosphere can be emotionally and psychologically damaging, especially for someone already navigating trauma.
A separate account offers a contrasting experience, though still within the same facility's orbit. This reviewer begins with praise: the staff, group sessions, and peers were described as excellent, and the initial impression was positive enough to recommend the place to others who might be stable. However, the praise is tempered by a crucial caveat for anyone in a mental health crisis. The reviewer explicitly cautions that Phoenix House does not seem trustworthy to help someone who is experiencing a serious mental health crisis. The warning is stark: if you have serious problems, this facility might not be the right fit. The reviewer adds a practical caution for violence in crisis - the implication being that if you become violent during a crisis, you may face charges rather than receiving appropriate care or support.
Taken together, these reviews triangulate a complex and troubling picture. On one hand, there are moments of care, community, and supportive staff who genuinely engage with residents and their improvement. On the other hand, a heavy weight of administrative cruelty, coercive dynamics, and operational neglect creates an environment that can feel unsafe and traumatizing. The explicit claim that negligence contributed to a homicide cannot be ignored by families or professionals weighing placements. The repeated references to being forced to stay, to being labeled or ignored, and to tangible maintenance failures all contribute to a picture of a facility that, at its worst, fails to protect the people it is supposed to serve.
If you are evaluating this group home for a client or loved one, the takeaway is clear: proceed with extreme caution. Investigate thoroughly, speak with current and former residents, demand transparent reporting on safety, ethics, and maintenance, and compare with alternative placements that can offer stronger safeguards, better oversight, and more consistent, compassionate care. For those who are in a position to decide, use these accounts as a warning: the environment described ranges from intermittently supportive to perilously neglectful, and the potential risk - especially during a mental health crisis - appears to be a decisive factor in whether this is the right place for anyone who needs stable, safe, and humane care.
Almost Home Again is an assisted living community located in Gilman, WI that offers a wide range of amenities and care services to ensure the comfort and well-being of its residents. The community features a dining room where residents can enjoy their meals, which are prepared and served by the staff. The community is fully furnished, providing a cozy and welcoming atmosphere for all residents.
The community also boasts a beautiful garden and outdoor space where residents can relax and enjoy nature. Housekeeping services are provided to ensure that the living spaces are clean and tidy at all times. Residents can stay connected with friends and family through telephone and Wi-Fi/high-speed internet services.
The dedicated care team at Almost Home Again provides assistance with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, and transfers. They coordinate with health care providers to ensure that each resident's specific needs are met. Special dietary restrictions, including diabetes diet, can be accommodated in the meal preparation.
Transportation arrangements for medical purposes, including doctors' appointments, are available for the convenience of the residents. The community also organizes scheduled daily activities to keep residents engaged and entertained.
Additionally, Almost Home Again is conveniently located near three restaurants and one place of worship, providing easy access to dining options and spiritual support for its residents.
Almost Home Again is located at N3531 Elder Drive, Gilman, WI 54433 in Taylor County, Wisconsin
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