Helia Southbelt Healthcare
Save101 South Belt West, Belleville, IL 62220
For more information about senior living options: (844) 490-3973
A chorus of family members paints a deeply distressing portrait of a nursing facility where instinct and intention to care for loved ones clash with persistent signs of neglect and disorganization. Across accounts that span several months, they describe screams for help that went unanswered, alarms that went ignored, and a pattern of care that fell short of basic dignity. The shared threads are harrowing: residents left to sit in urine and soiled conditions, falls and injuries that seemed preventable, and communication gaps that left families in the dark at moments of crisis. Taken together, these testimonies create a troubling image of a facility struggling with staffing, accountability, and a consistent standard of compassionate care.
Two of the most devastating narratives revolve around preventable harm and the slow, painful aftermath of institutional neglect. One family member mourns the death of a father who died from pressure wounds on his heels, a grim reminder of the consequences of insufficient turning and skin care when a patient is bedbound. The caller recounts that no one would answer the phone, turning what should have been urgent and ongoing care into a desperate struggle to obtain basic assistance. The family describes a months-long, painful process to pursue legal counsel, a process that underscores the sense that accountability is hard to reach inside the facility. The fear and frustration are palpable, and they remain unresolved as they continue to seek justice while carrying the weight of their loss.
Another heart-wrenching case centers on a mother who spent only three months in the facility before dying, with a stage-4 bed sore and telling signs that she may have sat in urine for extended periods. The reviewer notes a nurse scrolling her phone at the nurse's station and an aide dancing in the hallway, suggesting a disengagement from essential daily care. They recount receiving only a few napkins from a return tray instead of clean supplies and the hospice evaluation being delayed or avoided, with hospice later noting significant incontinence. The family describes being spoken to in a dismissive, even hostile manner by staff, including a nurse who yelled at them when inquiring about her mother's condition. The administration is criticized for inconsistent messaging from the nursing manager to the Director of Nursing, as well as for sending a balance bill after the mother's death, highlighting a belief that the facility prioritized billing over compassionate care. The sense of systemic neglect is reinforced by the claim that this was not an isolated episode, but rather part of a larger pattern of care failures.
A separate, vivid account focuses on the grandmother's experiences, where multiple attempts to reach care teams and supervisors were thwarted by unanswered phones, busy lines, and staff who refused to provide caregiver names, licensing titles, or supervisory contact information. The reviewer describes a staff culture that included rude language and even escalated to involving the police when the family sought basic information about overnight caregivers. The tone is urgent and warned by the reviewer: avoid this facility, because the lack of communication and respect compromises safety and dignity, particularly in the evenings when concerns about care and monitoring intensify.
Other reviews echo a broader critique of the facility's responsiveness and professionalism. A straightforward complaint about the admissions line being unreachable, long holds, and missed calls reads like a recurring institutional flaw that could have severe consequences for residents' well-being. In another telling, a patient is described as left in filth, fed cold, unpalatable food, and left without assistance despite persistent calls for help. A correspondent emphasizes that the staff who interacted with their family believed to be unsympathetic or dismissive, and there is a charged assertion that the entire staff should be fired or subjected to credential reviews. One hopeful counterpoint appears briefly - an expression of gratitude to staff who did tirelessly work - but it is overshadowed by the cumulative testimony of neglect and fear.
Another thread in the collective narrative concerns the facility's record-keeping and oversight. A reviewer notes a formal response from state investigators - IDPH - yielding nine pages of investigation notes and a final determination of "Improper Nursing Care." This external validation, even within the context of an investigation, reinforces a perception of ongoing, serious quality failures, rather than isolated incidents. In one particularly concrete example, a father transferred from a hospital arrived with a CPAP machine that was broken or dropped, leading to a night of sleeplessness and a delayed replacement. The next day, no CPAP was available, a situation later corrected only after the family intervened. The sight of a facility described as run-down - exposed wood, peeling paint, unpainted walls, and bed rails that fail to lock properly - adds to the impression of a place that neglects not just residents' health, but their everyday comfort and safety.
Amid these accounts stands a nuanced note: not every staff member is described in the same harsh terms. In at least one family's experience, the CNA and RN on a wing were described as "awesome," offering care and attention despite a system that otherwise failed to meet expectations. That small glimmer in an otherwise dark landscape suggests that even in environments where systemic problems appear entrenched, individual caregivers can still deliver moments of competence and compassion. It points to a broader truth about elder care: outcomes are shaped by both the competence of front-line workers and the structural supports, policies, and leadership that govern the facility.
Taken together, these testimonies offer a sobering portrait of a care setting where stories of neglect, miscommunication, and perceived disregard for patient dignity are not mere outliers but recurring themes. The strong emotions - the sorrow of losing loved ones, the anger at perceived injustices, and the fear of what may happen to others - underscore the imperative for closer oversight, clearer lines of communication, and a renewed commitment to patient-centered care. While some staff are praised for their dedication, the overarching message from these accounts is a plea for accountability, transparency, and tangible improvements that ensure residents do not endure the conditions described by these families.
Helia Southbelt Healthcare is an assisted living community located in Belleville, IL. Our community offers a wide range of amenities and care services to ensure our residents' comfort and well-being.
Our amenities include a beauty salon, where residents can pamper themselves and maintain their personal grooming needs. We provide cable or satellite TV in each of our fully furnished apartments, so residents can enjoy their favorite shows and movies. Additionally, we offer community-operated transportation for residents who need assistance getting around.
We have a computer center where residents can stay connected with loved ones and engage in virtual activities. Our dining room provides restaurant-style dining, serving delicious meals prepared by our experienced culinary team. For residents who prefer to cook for themselves, we offer kitchenettes in some apartments.
At Helia Southbelt Healthcare, we understand the importance of maintaining an active lifestyle. That's why we have a fitness room and wellness center available for residents to exercise and participate in fitness programs designed to promote physical health.
For those who enjoy gaming or reading, we have a gaming room and small library on-site. Our outdoor spaces include a beautiful garden where residents can relax and enjoy nature.
We take pride in offering exceptional care services to our residents. These services include 24-hour call systems and supervision for their safety and peace of mind. Our dedicated staff assists with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, and transfers. We also provide medication management services to ensure that each resident's medication needs are met accurately.
Dietary restrictions are accommodated through specialized meal preparations such as diabetes diets and other special dietary requirements.
Transportation arrangements are available for non-medical purposes as well as transportation to doctors' appointments.
Our activities department organizes a variety of engaging programs including fitness programs, planned day trips to nearby attractions, resident-run activities, and scheduled daily activities.
Located near our community are cafes, parks, pharmacies, physicians' offices, restaurants, places of worship, and hospitals, providing convenient access to essential services.
At Helia Southbelt Healthcare, we strive to provide a warm and caring environment where our residents can live with dignity, independence, and the support they need.
Helia Southbelt Healthcare is located at 101 South Belt West, Belleville, IL 62220 in St. Clair County, Illinois
Helia Southbelt Healthcare on seniors.fyi includes 5 photos including images showing bedroom, entrance, parking, architecture, healthcare, building, exterior, flag, and more.
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