6320 53 Road Street, Kenosha, WI 53144
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Brookside Care Center's impact on a family can be profound, and the experiences shared here paint a deeply troubling picture that blends heartbreak, distress, and hard-earned lessons for anyone evaluating long-term care for a loved one. The author begins with a painful truth: after a rehab stay, their father moved to the skilled nursing side hoping for basic quality-of-life supports - meals in a dining room, activities, a little sunshine, and dignified daily care. Instead, they witnessed a rapid and troubling decline that they believe could have been prevented with proper care and documentation.
One of the most staggering concerns centers on preventable wounds and inadequate wound care. The father developed a deep tissue unstageable injury (DTI) on his heel, and, despite explicit instructions not to place anything on that foot, staff repeatedly covered the wound with a shoe. At times, an inflatable heel boot was even placed over the shoe, compounding the injury. The wound's severity persisted despite involvement from a wound care specialist, suggesting gaps in proper wound assessment, documentation, and treatment protocols. This kind of wound care lapse is described as a core factor in his ongoing decline, a decline the family believes might have been avoidable with more attentive care.
Medical care or lack thereof also emerged as a central concern. A Foley catheter was mishandled during a change, with the patient left undressed and exposed after placement. The documented consequence was an infection, adding physical and emotional distress to an already fragile state. Nutritional status and hydration were likewise poorly monitored, with dehydration playing a significant role in the deterioration. The patient eventually required assistance to feed himself, and swallowing became difficult, leading to a plan for thickened liquids to reduce choking risk. Yet, family visits routinely observed the staff inadvertently undermining that plan by offering regular water or juice, triggering choking episodes during attempts to drink.
The emotional and cognitive toll was equally distressing. The father's mental and emotional condition deteriorated noticeably - he became nonverbal, withdrawn, disengaged, and less able to participate in activities or conversations during visits. His eyes appeared glassy and vacant, and there was a stark sense that he was not fully aware of his surroundings. The overall trajectory suggested not just a medical decline but a decline in the quality of daily life that families often ally with skilled nursing care. The documented presence of pills on his shirt and on the floor during visits also suggested lapses in medication monitoring and safety.
Moments of overt mistreatment or frustration from staff left the family especially shaken. One day, a CNA yelled at him out of frustration when he apparently didn't understand what was being asked of him. The author interceded calmly, redirecting him, and observed that with patient, respectful assistance he could perform the task. This encounter illustrated a broader concern that "help" was sometimes replaced by harshness rather than supportive, patient-centered care.
Ultimately, the family chose to move their father to another assisted living community. The decision was framed as a difficult but necessary one - an act of protection in the face of neglect. Remarkably, within days of leaving Brookside, the father's condition improved: he became alert again, started eating, and regained some of his previous engagement and joy. The contrast was described as dramatic, reinforcing the belief that the decline at Brookside was linked to neglect rather than age or the natural course of illness.
The formal response to these concerns came in the form of a state complaint. The investigation found Brookside negligent and issued a citation, with a correction plan put in place. Yet when the state followed up, Brookside reportedly had not carried through on the corrective actions. For the author, this outcome underscored a troubling lack of accountability and a troubling message about whether facilities will meaningfully change protocols once a citation is issued. It raised a deeper doubt about the likelihood that other families could trust Brookside to act in their loved ones' best interests without persistent, external oversight.
Beyond the central narrative, the message to other families is clear: ask questions, show up unexpectedly, and trust your gut. The author's warning is practical and urgent: the failure that happened to their father should not be a hidden risk for others. The testimony closes with a vehement call to action for vigilance and scrutiny, especially in contexts where loved ones depend on caregivers for their basic dignity and safety.
The collection of additional reviews presents a more complex portrait. Several voices praise Brookside as a place of healing and competence. Some describe it as a well-run facility with knowledgeable, caring staff, noting strong partnerships in care and positive experiences with rehabilitation services. Phrases like "Best place in the state," "high-quality facility," "welcoming, comfortable, secure," and "amazing staff" sit alongside testimonials about cleanliness and a well-maintained environment. Many reviewers emphasize that staff members - particularly in rehabilitation, nursing, and CNAs - are dedicated and capable, and they thank Brookside for providing what they see as comprehensive care. For some families, Brookside represents a reliable and supportive setting where a loved one can recover, regain function, and feel valued.
Yet the same pool of reviews contains cautionary notes about cost, space, and staffing realities. A recurring theme points to room size, with several reviewers describing rooms as too small for modern needs, featuring limited furniture and shared bathrooms. Some express concern about the expense, with mentions of high monthly costs that strain families, even as they recognize the value of care. The financial aspect is not abstract here; reviewers describe the cost in concrete terms and frame it against what they feel is sometimes limited space or older accommodations that may not be ideal for all residents.
There are also warnings about the quality of care depending on shifts or days. One account cites a rough night crew and sparse coverage, echoing the concern that staffing levels and consistency can influence the resident experience. Others describe positive interactions with staff and praise the care provided during certain periods, suggesting that experiences at Brookside can be highly variable and dependent on individual staff, shifts, and management practices at a given time.
Overall, the mix of experiences serves as a cautionary and hopeful panorama. For some families, Brookside has delivered compassionate care, professional rehabilitation, and a generally safe environment when observed and engaged by families and staff who collaborate effectively. For others, as reflected in the detailed personal story, significant gaps in care - and times when neglect seemed to be a live risk - have caused permanent distress and led to decisions to relocate a loved one to seek safer, more dignified care. The juxtaposition of these narratives underscores a broader truth about long-term care: outcomes hinge on the quality of daily interactions, the rigor of medical and wound care protocols, the attentiveness of staff, and the accountability of management and oversight. For anyone considering Brookside, the message rings loud and clear - investigate thoroughly, visit unannounced, and listen closely to your instincts and to the signals your loved one's body and behavior send you, because those signals can be the difference between dignity and decline.
Kings Care Residential in Kenosha, WI is a welcoming and fully furnished board and care home that offers a range of care services to meet the needs of its residents. Our community provides a comfortable and homelike environment where seniors can enjoy their golden years with peace of mind.
Residents at Kings Care Residential benefit from a variety of amenities designed to enhance their daily living experience. Our dining room ensures that nutritious meals are provided, taking into consideration any special dietary restrictions. Housekeeping services are also available to maintain cleanliness and tidiness throughout the community. Additionally, our outdoor space and garden offer opportunities for relaxation and enjoyment of nature.
Our dedicated staff is committed to providing assistance with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, transfers, and medication management. We also coordinate with health care providers to ensure that residents receive appropriate medical attention when needed. Residents can rely on us for transportation arrangements to medical appointments as well.
At Kings Care Residential, we understand the importance of social engagement and staying active. Therefore, we provide scheduled daily activities for residents to participate in and enjoy. There are numerous amenities nearby, including cafes, parks, pharmacies, physicians' offices, restaurants, places of worship, theaters, and hospitals. This ensures that residents have access to various resources in their immediate vicinity.
Choosing Kings Care Residential means choosing a supportive community where individuals can age gracefully while receiving the care they need. We prioritize the well-being and comfort of our residents while fostering a warm and inclusive environment. Contact us today to learn more about how we can cater to your loved one's unique needs at Kings Care Residential in Kenosha, WI.
Kings Care Residential is located at 6320 53 Road Street, Kenosha, WI 53144 in Kenosha County, Wisconsin
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