Mercy Medical

Pros

• The nursing staff at Mercy Medical was described as friendly and helpful, contributing to a positive atmosphere during rehabilitation.
• The rehab department provided an enjoyable experience for the patients, fostering a sense of community and care.
• The facility had a warm and bright feel, creating an inviting environment for both patients and visitors.
• Patients appreciated the quality of food served, which was considered pleasant and easy to handle.
• Residents enjoyed companionship and entertainment, highlighting the positive social interactions within the facility.
• Overall, Mercy Medical was initially perceived as a commendable place compared to other retirement facilities.

Cons

• The mother-in-law was left unattended many times in the restroom for up to 45 minutes.
• She suffered bruises on her legs and arms due to being unattended.
• She was left lying on her back with no oxygen, which she needed to survive.
• She expressed fear that they were going to kill her and begged to be removed from the facility.
• On December 29, 2010, she again was left lying down without oxygen and went into respiratory failure.
• The family never received her $400 digital camera, brand new $300 glasses, and other miscellaneous items back from Mercy Medical.
• Despite its initial pleasant atmosphere, the long-term care experience turned out to be severely lacking in necessary patient attention and safety measures.

Review

In October 2010, my mother-in-law entered Mercy Medical for rehabilitation following surgery. Initially, her experience there was positive; the nursing staff were friendly and attentive, contributing to a pleasant atmosphere that fostered recovery. The rehab department seemed well-organized, providing the support she needed during this transitional period. Family members were relieved to see her progress and appreciated the overall warmth and care provided by the staff.

However, the situation took a drastic turn when she was transferred downstairs to the long-term care facility in December 2010. This transition marked the beginning of a series of troubling incidents that raised serious concerns about patient care in this part of the hospital. Despite having received adequate attention in rehabilitation, my mother-in-law’s quality of care significantly declined upon her move. She experienced alarming neglect, being left unattended for lengthy periods—sometimes as long as 45 minutes—while using the restroom or lying in bed without proper monitoring.

The consequences of this neglect became painfully evident when she sustained multiple bruises from falls that occurred due to inadequate supervision. Alarmingly, there were occasions when she lay on her back without oxygen support despite needing it for her survival. These dire situations compounded her anxiety and fear; she began expressing distress at times, urging us to help her escape what she described as an environment where "they were going to kill her." Her pleas highlighted not only physical suffering but also psychological trauma stemming from feeling abandoned by caregivers who were supposed to ensure her safety.

The culmination of these distressing episodes occurred on December 29, 2010, when my mother-in-law was again left unattended while lying on her back without necessary medical support. Tragically, this led to a respiratory failure episode that required emergency intervention and transport back to the hospital—a heartbreaking turn of events for our family. Fortunately, she was revived after being placed in a medically induced coma for two weeks. During this harrowing time, we faced an agonizing choice: whether to let her fight for life or allow nature to take its course.

Thankfully, my mother-in-law demonstrated remarkable resilience and ultimately made a full recovery; however, this journey was fraught with challenges that almost claimed her life unnecessarily due to negligence at Mercy Medical’s long-term care facility. While she now lives independently at home with a tracheotomy tube and has regained much of her previous functionality—including driving—the scars from this traumatic experience have deeply affected our family's trust in healthcare institutions.

Reflecting on our overall experience at Mercy Medical is bittersweet. While it started with promise in rehab—where staff showed compassion and engaged positively with patients—the stark contrast presented by long-term care cannot be overlooked. It stands out as a cautionary tale within our community regarding patient safety standards in health facilities. Furthermore, unresolved issues such as missing personal belongings—including a $400 digital camera and $300 glasses—added another layer of disappointment during an already distressing time.

Despite initial optimism about Mercy Medical's reputation based on their welcoming ambiance and seemingly dedicated personnel during rehabilitation treatment, we will never return there again or recommend it based on our harrowing experiences within their long-term care unit. Our story serves not just as an account of one family's ordeal but highlights critical areas needing attention within patient care settings both locally and nationally—a reminder that vigilance is necessary even in places that initially seem caring and nurturing.

This area of Daphne, Alabama offers convenient access to a variety of essential services and amenities, making it an attractive option for senior living. With several pharmacies located within close proximity, obtaining necessary medications is easily accessible. Additionally, there are numerous dining options ranging from casual eateries like Champy's Famous Fried Chicken and Chick-Fil-A to more upscale establishments such as Lake Forest Yacht Club. The presence of reputable physicians and medical facilities such as Eastern Shore Neurology & Pain Center and Infirmary Health System ensures that residents have access to quality healthcare services. For leisure activities, there is a movie theater nearby at Spanish Fort PREMIERE 14 Eastern Shore and the beautiful Fairhopers Community Park for outdoor recreation. Places of worship including City Hope Church and First Baptist Church offer spiritual support for those seeking a sense of community. Overall, this part of Daphne provides a well-rounded environment for seniors looking for convenience, entertainment, and peace of mind in their living arrangements.

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.5 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (0.5 miles)
• CPT (1.5 miles)
• Api Solutions (1.5 miles)
• Hemacare Plus (2.4 miles)
• Rx Advantage (3 miles)
• Walgreens (3.8 miles)

Restaurants

• Champy's Famous Fried Chicken (0.6 miles)
• Lennys Grill Subs (0.8 miles)
• Chicken Salad Chick (1 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (1 miles)
• The Wacky Shrimp (1.1 miles)
• Moe's Original BBQ (1.3 miles)
• Lake Forest Yacht Club (1.8 miles)

Cafes

• East Shore Cafe (1 miles)
• Pj's Coffee (3.8 miles)
• Starbucks (5.1 miles)
• The Coffee Loft (5.4 miles)

Physicians

• Eastern Shore Neurology & Pain Center (1 miles)
• Restoration Health (1.4 miles)
• Asthma & Allergy Institute (1.4 miles)
• Dr Dan Matthews, Alabama Orthopaedic Sports Medicine (1.4 miles)
• Pediatrics by the Bay (1.9 miles)
• Deep South Dermatology (2.1 miles)
• Pulmonary Associates (2.2 miles)

Hospitals

• Infirmary Health System (3 miles)
• Thomas Hospital (6.6 miles)

Places of Worship

• City Hope Church (4.9 miles)
• First Baptist Church (6.6 miles)
• Providence United Methodist Church (6.7 miles)
• Trinity Presbyterian Church (6.8 miles)

Theaters

• Spanish Fort PREMIERE 14 Eastern Shore (5.4 miles)

Parks

• Fairhopers Community Park (6.4 miles)