Colony Oaks Care Center

Pros

• The reviewer deeply cared for their mother and advocated for her well-being during her time in the nursing home.
• They took the initiative to communicate with the doctor to ensure appropriate care was administered.
• The reviewer demonstrated a strong protective instinct towards their mother, wanting the best for her despite the circumstances.
• Their dedication and involvement highlight a loving relationship between the reviewer and their mother during a challenging time.

Cons

• The nursing home provided inadequate care, leading to severe health deterioration.
• Residents were not given necessary pain medications, causing extreme suffering.
• Staff demonstrated a lack of urgency in addressing medical needs and managing pain.
• The facility's communication with family members was poor and dismissive.
• There was a significant disregard for the basic comfort and well-being of patients.
• Overall, the experience at this nursing home was unacceptable and frustrating for families seeking care for their loved ones.

Review

The experience shared by the reviewer regarding a nursing home in the Valley paints a deeply troubling picture of care, compassion, and professionalism. The timeline begins with the admission of the reviewer's mother on May 6th and concludes with her passing just two weeks later, on May 21st. This brief period was marked by alarming neglect that contributed to an unfortunate decline in the mother's health and well-being. What is particularly distressing is the stark contrast between her condition upon leaving the hospital—reportedly free of any decubitus ulcers—and her appalling state after just five days in this nursing facility.

Upon arrival at the nursing home, it is reported that the patient's condition deteriorated rapidly; she developed a decubitus ulcer on her sacrum that was alarmingly large, described as being "the size of a saucer." Such wounds typically signify severe neglect in patient care and suggest that proper monitoring and repositioning were sorely lacking. Pressure ulcers, or bedsores, are preventable injuries usually associated with prolonged pressure on the skin. Therefore, their emergence indicates an insufficient level of attention from caregivers who should have been vigilant about regularly turning and checking residents who may be immobile due to illness.

Compounding this situation further was the issue of pain management—or rather, the lack thereof. Despite having a terminal diagnosis of cancer, which understandably causes significant pain and discomfort, there was an alarming failure to administer prescribed pain medications. The reviewer's description highlights an agonizing environment where their mother would scream in distress whenever family members arrived for visits; this anguish could be heard before even entering her room. This scenario reflects not only a disregard for patient comfort but also raises ethical concerns about inadequate pain management protocols within the nursing home.

When inquiries were made regarding medication for pain relief, staff members purportedly claimed they could not administer medication too frequently for fear of potential addiction—a misguided perspective given that patients facing terminal illnesses prioritize comfort over fears related to dependency on pain relief drugs. As many healthcare professionals advocate, effective palliative care focuses on alleviating suffering rather than adhering strictly to arbitrary schedules or concerns about addiction in patients at such critical stages of life.

The review takes another sharp turn when it mentions interference from nursing staff after seeking assistance from a physician to rectify medication issues. The reviewer alleges that nurses advised their brother to keep them away from their mother, which adds another layer of unsettling behavior by healthcare professionals entrusted with providing compassionate care during one’s final days. This sense of isolation amplifies feelings of helplessness not only for patients but also for family members who wish to advocate for their loved ones’ best interests.

In conclusion, this narrative serves as a haunting reminder of how crucial quality care is within nursing homes—especially those catering to individuals nearing end-of-life circumstances. The reviewer's sentiments encapsulate anger and deep sorrow at witnessing significant shortcomings in both medical treatment and emotional support provided by caregivers entrusted with such profound responsibilities. Clearly articulated discontent emphasizes that such experiences should never become common occurrences; instead, they spark essential dialogue around improving standards within long-term care facilities—ensuring future patients receive dignified treatment worthy of their last days alongside loving families who seek nothing less than compassionate care during such vulnerable moments.

This part of Appleton, Wisconsin, offers a convenient and diverse range of amenities for seniors looking to live in the area. There are several restaurants nearby, providing various dining options such as Taco Bell, Perkins Restaurant and Bakery, and Dairyland Brew Pub. In terms of healthcare, there are multiple physicians' offices and pharmacies within close proximity, including Valley Eye Associates and Walgreens. Additionally, residents can enjoy entertainment at the Valley Grand Cinema or find spiritual fulfillment at places of worship like St Bernadette and Holy Spirit Church. The presence of hospitals like Appleton Medical Center and St Elizabeth Hospital ensures that quality medical care is readily accessible. Parks like Legion Park and Erb Park offer opportunities for recreation and outdoor activities for seniors looking to stay active. Overall, this neighborhood provides a combination of convenience, healthcare services, entertainment options, and green spaces making it a desirable location for senior living in Appleton.

Restaurants

• Taco Bell (0.6 miles)
• Perkins Restaurant and Bakery (0.6 miles)
• McDonald's (0.8 miles)
• Camelot Camelot (1 miles)
• Scuba's Pourhouse (1.3 miles)
• Dairyland Brew Pub (1.4 miles)
• Game Day Sports Bar (1.4 miles)

Physicians

• Surgery Center Association of Wisconsin (0.6 miles)
• Valley Periodontics (1 miles)
• Valley Eye Associates (1.7 miles)
• Nathan Daryl Munson (1.8 miles)
• RAYUS Radiology (1.8 miles)
• Thedacare Cancer Institute (1.8 miles)
• Family Fertility Center (1.8 miles)

Pharmacies

• Theda Care Fast Care (0.8 miles)
• Pick 'n Save Pharmacy (1.5 miles)
• Walgreens (1.6 miles)
• Walmart Pharmacy (1.8 miles)
• Aurora Pharmacy (1.9 miles)
• Omnicare (2.2 miles)
• Walgreens (2.2 miles)

Theaters

• Valley Grand Cinema Appleton, Wi (1.1 miles)

Places of Worship

• St Bernadette (1.2 miles)
• Holy Spirit Church (1.6 miles)
• First United Methodist Church (2.1 miles)

Cafes

• Panera Bread (1.7 miles)
• Seth's Coffee & Bake Shop (2.4 miles)
• Copper Rock Coffee (2.4 miles)

Hospitals

• Martha Siekman Cancer Center (1.8 miles)
• Icu (1.8 miles)
• Appleton Medical Center (1.9 miles)
• St Elizabeth Hospital (2.5 miles)
• St Elizabeth Hospital Auxiliary (2.5 miles)

Parks

• Legion Park (2.1 miles)
• Erb Park (2.3 miles)
• Jones Park (2.5 miles)
• Doyle Park (2.5 miles)