Evergreen Nursing & Rehab Center

Pros

• The volunteers enjoy working with the residents and find it a rewarding experience.
• The staff is warm and friendly, creating a positive atmosphere for the residents.
• The residents seem very happy, indicating a level of care and support provided by the staff.
• The staff genuinely cares about the people in their care, showing compassion and dedication to their well-being.

Cons

• The facility was not very clean and had an unpleasant smell.
• Many residents appeared to be kept in a sedated-like state using "PRN" medications.
• The overall atmosphere of the facility lacked comfort and a welcoming feel.
• Despite the friendly staff, the condition of the facility left much to be desired.

Review

Volunteering in care facilities can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience, especially when it involves meaningful interactions with residents. One volunteer's time at a particular facility provided insights into both the positive and challenging aspects of the environment. The overarching theme of their experience was centered on the kind-heartedness of the staff and their genuine concern for the well-being of the residents. This warm atmosphere contributed greatly to the volunteer’s enjoyment while working there, as they observed a strong bond between caregivers and those under their care.

Despite the friendly demeanor of the staff, certain elements of the facility left much to be desired, particularly in terms of cleanliness. The volunteer expressed concerns about hygiene standards within the premises, suggesting that improvements are essential to create a more pleasant living environment for residents. Cleanliness is not just an issue of aesthetics; it is directly linked to health outcomes, especially in a care setting where vulnerable individuals reside. A cleaner environment would not only enhance comfort but also contribute to overall well-being.

Another troubling observation revolved around medication management practices within the facility. The volunteer noted an unsettling trend where many residents appeared to be kept in a sedated state through the use of "PRN" medications—medications that are given as needed rather than on a scheduled basis. This practice raised ethical questions regarding consent and autonomy for residents who might be incapable of expressing their needs or desires due to sedation. It painted a concerning picture: while medications may sometimes be necessary for managing certain conditions, over-reliance on them could detract from individualized care that addresses each resident's unique needs holistically.

The emotional tone set by these observations profoundly affected how the volunteer felt about their service at this particular facility. While they found joy in interacting with happy residents who seemed comfortable and engaged despite some systemic issues, there was an undeniable discomfort associated with imagining what life could be like for those who live there long-term. Maintaining happiness among residents often requires more than just interpersonal relationships; it necessitates an environment conducive to dignity and respect—a space where they feel genuinely at home.

Transitioning from reflections on staff interactions to impressions about physical conditions highlighted significant contrasts within this care setting. While friendly employees provided warmth and compassion that made visits bearable, inconsistent maintenance and poor cleanliness undermined any potential comfort or community spirit that could otherwise flourish among both staff and residents alike. Though capable caregivers enriched lives during day-to-day operations through small acts of kindness or attentiveness, these efforts risk being overshadowed by shortcomings related to hygiene and proper environmental standards.

In conclusion, this account highlights both commendable aspects as well as critical areas for improvement within residential facilities catering to vulnerable populations. While friendly staff provide essential support channels fostering connections with residents—there remain complex challenges tied intricately into foundational sanitation practices alongside ethically sound approaches towards medication management systems visible throughout daily life experienced inside such environments. Ultimately enriching lived experiences hinge upon aligning compassionate caregiving principles alongside infrastructural priorities aimed resolutely toward enhancing quality-of-life standards across all levels—thus ensuring every individual has access not only friendship but also dignity throughout their journey wherever they call home.

Physicians

• Daniel M Tkach, MD FACS (0.1 miles)
• Bonutti Clinic (0.3 miles)
• Effingham Ob/Gyn Associates: Dust Jennifer H MD (0.5 miles)
• Crossroads Cancer Center (0.5 miles)
• Southern Illinois Hand Center, S.C. (0.6 miles)
• Southern Illinois Hand Center (0.6 miles)
• The Center For Jaw and Facial Surgery, PC (0.6 miles)

Restaurants

• Cracker Barrel (0.2 miles)
• K Bowl & Cocktail Lounge (0.3 miles)
• TGI Friday's (0.3 miles)
• Taco Bell (0.4 miles)
• Wendy's (0.4 miles)
• Panda Express (0.4 miles)
• KFC (0.4 miles)

Places of Worship

• Saint-Anthony Church (0.2 miles)
• St Francis Church (1.2 miles)
• St Anthony Church (1.2 miles)
• Comunidad Cristiana Calvario (1.2 miles)
• Sacred Heart Catholic Church (1.2 miles)
• St Anthony Grade School (1.3 miles)
• Cross Foundation (1.4 miles)

Hospitals

• Effingham Express Care (0.3 miles)
• St Anthony's Diagnostic Center (0.7 miles)
• Prairie Heart Institute at HSHS St. Anthony's Memorial Hospital (0.9 miles)
• Hospitals (0.9 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walmart Pharmacy (0.3 miles)
• Walgreens (1.1 miles)
• Medicine Shoppe (1.2 miles)
• Andes Health Mart Pharmacy (1.2 miles)
• Brown's Drug Store (1.4 miles)
• The Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy (11 miles)
• Poehler's Pharmacy (11 miles)

Cafes

• Panera Bread (0.4 miles)
• Starbucks (0.5 miles)

Transportation

• U-Haul Neighborhood Dealer (0.4 miles)
• Budget Truck Rental (1.3 miles)
• Amtrak - Efg (1.5 miles)
• Effingham Taxi (1.5 miles)
• John W Kirby Office (1.8 miles)
• Enterprise Rent-A-Car (2.1 miles)
• Alamo (2.1 miles)

Parks

• Hendelmeyer Park (2.4 miles)
• Schmidt Park (11.8 miles)