Bernice Laidlaw Adult Family Care Home

Pros

• Bernice eventually remembered the scheduled appointment with the reviewer.
• The reviewer appreciated the opportunity to introduce R as a resident rather than a patient.
• The reviewer commended the female resident for expressing her desire to leave the home.
• Bernice mentioned having another male resident, indicating that there are multiple residents in the facility.

Cons

• Bernice's unprofessionalism and lack of organization were evident when she claimed the appointment had not been made, causing confusion and frustration.
• The house was in disarray, with broken doors and a decor that did not suit the needs of the residents.
• Bernice showed a blatant disregard for R's condition by repeatedly referring to him as a patient instead of a resident, even after being corrected.
• Her insensitive questioning and belittling attitude towards R's cognitive impairment displayed a lack of empathy and understanding.
• The absence of planned activities or outings for the residents raised concerns about the level of care and engagement provided at the facility.
• The distressing plea from another resident to be taken away further highlighted an unsatisfactory living environment.
• Bernice's inability to account for the whereabouts of another resident during regular daytime hours raised doubts about her ability to supervise and ensure their safety.
• The use of double-sided deadbolt locks on both entry and exit doors caused worry about emergency situations or potential dangers within the facility.
• this review reflects numerous negative aspects related to Bernice's behavior, the condition of the house, inadequate care practices, lack of activities, resident distress, and safety concerns.

Review

A recent visit to Bernice's home for a scheduled appointment left the reviewer feeling unsettled and concerned about the level of care provided. Upon arrival, they were greeted by a chaotic scene, with yelling and commotion emanating from within the house. After finally gaining access, Bernice initially claimed that no appointment had been made, causing confusion and frustration. Eventually, she remembered the appointment but failed to create a welcoming environment.

The reviewer noticed that the house appeared disheveled, with broken fixtures like a closet door adding to their disappointment. Additionally, the room designated for residents was excessively feminized in its decoration, suggesting a lack of attention to personalization. Bernice's remarks about R, who is living with dementia/Alzheimer's, were particularly distressing as she continuously referred to him as a "patient" instead of acknowledging his identity as a resident. Furthermore, her confrontational approach when he struggled with questions about current events only served to further exacerbate concerns.

When inquiring about activities and outings for residents, Bernice dismissively stated that it was solely the responsibility of families. This lack of engagement contradicts the expectations one might have regarding an adult family care home and highlights a potential lack of interest in promoting socialization and well-being among residents.

Perhaps most alarming was the need for a key to both enter and exit the premises. This led the reviewer to question whether Bernice could adequately supervise her residents throughout the day or respond promptly in emergencies such as fires. Whether this practice is legal or not remains uncertain; however, it undoubtedly raises doubts about safety protocols within the home.

The final straw came when another female resident pleaded with R's family to take her away from this environment while Bernice sternly ordered her to remain silent and seated. This unsettling scene reinforced their decision not to consider placing R under Bernice's care. When inquiring about additional residents, they learned that another male resident was supposed to be out walking, despite the early morning hour.

In conclusion, the reviewer's experience at Bernice's home was marked by disorganization, a lack of empathy and understanding towards residents with cognitive impairments, indifference towards engaging residents in meaningful activities, potential safety concerns regarding locked entrances, and an overall sense that this was not an appropriate place for their loved one. These observations highlight the importance of thoroughly researching and visiting potential care homes before making any decisions.

This part of Palm Bay, Florida, boasts a variety of amenities and services that cater to the needs of seniors. With several physicians and healthcare facilities nearby such as Glad Eyecare & Surgery Center and Brevard Health Alliance, residents can access quality medical care conveniently. There are also a number of dining options including Wendy's, Chili's Grill & Bar, and The Broken Barrel Tavern for those looking to dine out. Additionally, pharmacies like CVS Pharmacy and Walgreens are in close proximity for easy access to medications. For spiritual needs, the Islamic Society of Brevard County offers a place of worship. The area also has a few cafes such as Starbucks and Panera Bread for socializing with friends over coffee or a meal. Furthermore, Holmes Regional Medical Center is within a short distance for any emergency medical needs. Overall, this part of Palm Bay provides a range of resources to support senior living comfortably.

Physicians

• Glad Eyecare & Surgery Center (0.2 miles)
• Brevard Vision Associates (0.2 miles)
• Heart Care PL (1.1 miles)
• Florida Perinatal Associates (1.1 miles)
• Morales Walter J MD PhD FACOG (1.1 miles)
• Medical Associates of Brevard PA (1.1 miles)
• Brevard Health Alliance (1.3 miles)

Restaurants

• Wendy's (0.6 miles)
• McDonald's (0.7 miles)
• Charleys Cheesesteaks and Wings (0.7 miles)
• KFC (0.8 miles)
• Burger King (0.8 miles)
• Chili's Grill & Bar (0.8 miles)
• The Broken Barrel Tavern (0.8 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (0.8 miles)
• Walgreens (1.2 miles)
• Winn-Dixie (1.3 miles)
• Brevard Health Alliance Pharmacy (1.3 miles)
• Walgreens (1.7 miles)
• Walgreens (2.8 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.9 miles)

Places of Worship

• Islamic Society of Brevard County (1.7 miles)

Cafes

• Panther Dining Hall (2.2 miles)
• Starbucks (2.4 miles)
• 905 Cafe (3.1 miles)
• Panera Bread (3.3 miles)

Hospitals

• Holmes Regional Medical Center (2.2 miles)
• Holmes Regional Medical Center (3.8 miles)

Theaters

• AMC CLASSIC West Melbourne 12 (3.3 miles)