6831 Big Bend Road, Waterford, WI 53185
For more information about senior living options: (844) 490-3973
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The collection of comments about Elder Care Cottages presents a strikingly uneven portrait. On one hand, there are heartfelt, glowing accounts from families who say the caregivers and the environment offered genuine comfort, warmth, and companionship during some of the most trying times. On the other hand, there are numerous accounts of serious organizational lapses, neglectful behavior, and communication failures that left families alarmed, frustrated, and, in some cases, convinced that their loved ones were at risk. Taken together, the reviews show a facility where experiences range from deeply positive to alarmingly negative, sometimes within the same family and the same care setting.
Several reviews emphasize the human side of care - the people who show up every day and treat residents with kindness and respect. Families repeatedly describe caregivers as loving and patient, forming bonds that feel almost familial. In these narratives, the staff are praised for their willingness to spend time with residents, for personal attention to individuals with dementia, and for creating a sense of coziness and belonging in the cottage environment. One reviewer even calls the caregivers "family" who helped a loved one through end-of-life care, noting the patience, compassion, and meaningful interactions that made a difficult period more bearable. Compliments about activity programming and the sense that staff are genuinely invested in residents' well-being appear in multiple anecdotes, alongside affirmations that the management team is engaged and supportive of both residents and staff.
Yet the same facility is a source of serious concerns for many others. A recurrent thread is poor communication and unprofessional or disorganized management. Several reviewers complain about slow or nonexistent return calls and a sense that information about residents is not promptly or adequately shared with families. Some comments suggest management is too entangled with day-to-day staff dynamics and, in other cases, that management is ineffective or clueless about what to do in difficult situations. The tension between positive impressions of staff care and negative judgments about administrative handling appears repeatedly, signaling inconsistency in leadership and operations that can color a family's entire experience.
A cluster of deeply troubling anecdotes centers on patient safety and quality of care. One account alleges that a registered nurse left with a full box of medications late in the evening to restock a cart, implying lapses in role boundaries and potential safety risks. Other reviews claim the facility lacks licensed CNAs, resulting in residents not receiving appropriate attention or care. There are disturbing stories of residents not being dressed properly in public, dentures and belongings going missing, and staff providing misleading answers about who is working on a given day. In some cases, families describe discovering a loved one in a state of malnutrition or with a severe infection, or encountering unaddressed medical issues such as UTIs, with reports that vitals or routine monitoring were not performed in a timely or appropriate manner.
The most alarming accounts focus on neglect and poor hygiene practices. Reviewers recount situations in which showers were not provided, meals were inadequate or unappealing, and the shared bathrooms were not properly cleaned. There are vivid descriptions of outbreaks (C. diff) and odors, with allegations that windows were left open in cold weather to "air out" the facility, compounding health risks for vulnerable residents. In some stories, families detail repeated failures to communicate about medical changes, med administration, or urgent incidents, followed by blunt notices from the facility about required moves or terminations of residence.
A number of reviews also recount distressing experiences surrounding transitions of care and family involvement. Some families describe med changes or medical events happening without their consent or notice, despite having someone designated as power of attorney. There are accounts of delayed or absent updates after hospitalizations or emergencies, and a sense that staff are too busy or too scattered to coordinate with families effectively. In one particularly harsh narrative, a family explains that after a parent's transfer to another facility, the new place received the person without essential belongings, highlighting a lack of continuity and respect during critical handoffs. Critically, there are explicit warnings from some reviewers to avoid this facility for anyone they care about, framed as cautionary tales rather than mere dissatisfaction.
Across these divergent experiences, what seems most evident is the high variability in quality and reliability. For some residents, the cottages provide a comforting, attentive environment where staff form genuine connections, activities are meaningful, and families feel a sense of peace and partnership with the caregivers. For others, the same setting appears to suffer from inconsistent leadership, gaps in licensed staffing, missed communications, and alarming lapses in basic care and safety. The juxtaposition of affection and alarm within the same organization makes it clear that prospective families should conduct thorough, in-depth evaluations - tours, conversations with both front-line staff and management, and explicit inquiries about licensing, med administration protocols, care plans, and how emergencies and transfers are handled - before making any decisions.
The Rausch Family Care Home in Waterford, WI offers a comfortable and convenient living environment for seniors in need of assistance with daily activities. The community provides a range of amenities to ensure residents' comfort and satisfaction.
The dining room allows residents to enjoy nutritious meals in a social setting. The fully furnished accommodations provide a cozy and home-like atmosphere. The outdoor space is perfect for enjoying fresh air and nature. Housekeeping services help maintain a clean and tidy environment.
Residents can stay connected with loved ones through telephone and Wi-Fi/high-speed internet access. Move-in coordination is provided to make the transition smooth and stress-free.
Care services at the Rausch Family Care Home focus on assisting residents with their activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and transfers. The staff also coordinates with health care providers to ensure comprehensive care. Special attention is given to individuals with diabetes, including meal preparation according to diabetes diet guidelines.
Medication management is available to ensure residents take their medications as prescribed. Special dietary restrictions are accommodated, ensuring that each resident's unique needs are met.
Transportation arrangements are made for medical appointments, ensuring that residents have easy access to necessary healthcare services. Additionally, there are several nearby cafes, pharmacies, physicians, and restaurants for added convenience.
At the Rausch Family Care Home, residents can enjoy scheduled daily activities designed to promote socialization and engagement within the community.
Overall, this assisted living community offers a supportive environment where seniors receive personalized care while enjoying various amenities and convenient access to nearby amenities.
Rausch Family Care Home is located at 6831 Big Bend Road, Waterford, WI 53185 in Waukesha County, Wisconsin
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