Saunders House

Pros

• The physical and occupational therapy services at Saunders House appeared to be great.
• The facility has nice-sized rooms and a spacious dining area, contributing to an aesthetically pleasing environment.
• There are various communal spaces for residents to enjoy activities, such as music, shows, and bingo.
• Some staff members, like the social worker, genuinely care about the residents' well-being.
• The overall atmosphere of Saunders House includes opportunities for social engagement among residents.

Cons

• The patients at Saunders House are experiencing a decrease in staffing and lack of care following a corporate takeover.
• The quality of food has diminished, contributing to a hostile environment within the facility.
• Many patients are falling due to unanswered call bells and inadequate attention from staff.
• Care for residents is reportedly terrible, making it more exhausting for families to ensure well-being than if they were to care for their loved ones themselves.
• Several staff members demonstrate rudeness and combativeness when approached with questions or concerns.
• The facility lacks effective communication among staff, leading to crucial information not being shared across departments.
• Residents have been left in urine-stained sheets, indicating poor hygiene practices.
• Medical personnel failed to address urgent situations promptly, demonstrating a lack of urgency for patient needs.
• There is no qualified psychiatrist available on the dementia unit, which is essential for proper care.
• Overall, the facility reflects society's neglect of senior citizens' needs and does not adhere to standards one would expect in healthcare settings.

Review

The experience of aging can be a reflective journey, often filled with gratitude for the lives we’ve lived. However, for some individuals, unforeseen changes—such as unexpected illness—can lead to challenging situations in care facilities. One patient’s experience at Saunders Rehabilitation and Nursing Home reflects this struggle. Initially viewed as a pleasant place for recovery, it has morphed into a troubling environment characterized by poor care that deeply affects residents’ well-being.

Patients and their families have reported significant declines since the takeover of the facility by a new corporation. Among the chief complaints are inadequate staffing levels leading to insufficient care, cutbacks on essential supplies, and an overall decrease in food quality. A notable shift in staff morale has created a hostile atmosphere underlined by high turnover rates among caregivers, compromising the continuity of care essential in rehabilitation settings. Disturbingly, residents find themselves waiting too long for assistance with basic needs, resulting in increased risks such as falls due to unanswered call lights.

While there were commendable aspects regarding physical and occupational rehabilitation services at Saunders House, many families found that actual personal care was alarmingly deficient. One family shared their harrowing experience concerning their mother who required both rehabilitation post-hospitalization and management of her mid-stage dementia. Despite efforts from certain staff members—like the social worker—it became painfully clear that many caregivers lacked either the motivation or resources to provide proper support for vulnerable patients needing attention.

Significant administrative issues plague Saunders House as well. Patients' safety is compromised through troubling incidents; one mother was reportedly left lying in urine-stained sheets instead of being promptly assisted when called upon. Dining protocols also fell short, presenting serious dietary concerns that could impact health outcomes negatively. Such oversights reflect more than mere inconvenience—they are indicative of systemic failures within caregiving practices that should prioritize dignity and respect for all patients.

Another glaring issue noted by family members is the institution's communication breakdown among staff members across various departments. Vital information communicated to social workers often fails to reach nursing staff responsible for direct patient care. The lack of efficient communication not only leads to poor responsiveness but amplifies frustration and helplessness felt by both patients and their families when urgent matters arise without timely resolution.

Perhaps most alarming is the failure to maintain adequate medical oversight; reports emerged of unqualified practitioners making crucial decisions about drug prescriptions without appropriate permissions or consultations with families beforehand. This absence of conscientious psychiatric supervision is especially critical when dealing with residents suffering from cognitive impairments associated with dementia—a condition requiring specialized knowledge for effective treatment.

Ultimately, this series of reviews reinforces an unsettling notion: society's priorities surrounding elder care appear misaligned with what should be expected standards within healthcare settings like nursing homes. Families seeking help for their loved ones often find themselves advocating fiercely for compassionate treatment—all while enduring significant emotional tolls from navigating facility politics steeped in bureaucratic inefficiencies and negligence toward vulnerable populations like seniors facing health challenges during one of life’s most delicate phases.

This part of Wynnewood, Pennsylvania offers convenient access to several hospitals and medical centers, including Lankenau Medical Center and Bryn Mawr Hospital, making it an ideal location for senior living. Additionally, there are various pharmacies nearby for easy access to medication. The area also boasts a diverse selection of restaurants, cafes, and parks for recreational activities and dining options. The proximity to public transportation hubs like SEPTA stations and bus stops provides ease of travel around the city. Furthermore, there are reputable physicians and healthcare facilities in the vicinity, such as Dr Madonna's Family Practice and the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Overall, this area offers a balance of healthcare amenities, dining options, recreational activities, and convenient transportation options that cater well to seniors looking for a comfortable and vibrant community to reside in.

Hospitals

• Lankenau Medical Center (0.2 miles)
• Bryn Mawr Hospital (4 miles)
• Philadelphia VA Medical Center (4.1 miles)
• Veterans Administration Community Living Center (4.3 miles)
• The Pavilion (4.4 miles)
• Temple University Hospital (5.7 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (0.9 miles)
• GIANT Pharmacy (1.2 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.4 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.6 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.6 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.6 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.6 miles)

Restaurants

• Larry's Steaks (1.3 miles)
• Pizza Hut (1.8 miles)
• Jack McShea's (2.1 miles)
• Custard & Cakes Creamery (3.6 miles)
• Dalessandro's Steaks (3.9 miles)
• Rosy's Taco Bar (4.9 miles)
• K'Far (5.2 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (1.3 miles)
• Starbucks (2.1 miles)
• Starbucks (2.7 miles)
• Panera Bread (2.9 miles)
• The Landing Kitchen (3 miles)
• Pilgrim Roasters (3.1 miles)
• Starbucks (3.8 miles)

Parks

• Fairmount Park (2.4 miles)
• Ellson Glen Park (4.6 miles)
• Schuylkill River Park (4.9 miles)
• Clem MacRone Memorial Park (5.1 miles)
• Rittenhouse Square (5.3 miles)
• Franklin Square (6.1 miles)
• Christopher Columbus Park Dog Run (6.2 miles)

Transportation

• SEPTA: 101/102 Lansdowne Avenue Station (2.9 miles)
• SEPTA: MFL/TRL 30th Street Station (4.5 miles)
• 30th Street Station (4.6 miles)
• Darby Transportation Center (4.8 miles)
• Septa Wayne Junction Station (5.7 miles)
• Jefferson Station (5.8 miles)

Physicians

• Dr Madonna's Family Practice (3.1 miles)
• Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (4.3 miles)
• CHOP Buerger Center for Advanced Pediatric Care - Raymond G. Perelman Campus (4.4 miles)