Crest Haven Care Centre
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1000 East Howard, Creston, IA 50801
For more information about senior living options: (844) 490-3973
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Two families share a harsh portrait of elder care, each exposing a chain of communication failures, disorganization, and moments of neglect that left loved ones vulnerable and families shaken. In one account, a son remembers his father, once described with the energy of an "Energizer bunny," and the years that followed when the same facility failed to provide the peace of mind a family expects when placing a loved one in care. In the other, a daughter recounts her mother's medical journey after a broken leg, where discharge planning and bedside manner were marred by rude interactions and a troubling lack of clear information. Taken together, these stories reveal a pattern of gaps that families should know how to watch for and demand answers to.
The father's story begins with a clear praise for his vitality, even at the age of 95, but quickly turns to a year of troubling care experiences after he left this world. The family felt compelled to be present every day, not as a luxury but as a necessity, because the facility repeatedly moved the patient without notifying his power of attorney. Each time the son arrived, the room would be empty, a sign that the family's legal role and the patient's continuity of care were not being prioritized. Belongings went missing - an ongoing mystery that prompted the family to label items to try and curb the losses, but the problem persisted. The son also describes a threshold moment when he refused to allow peri-care to be performed in front of him, insisting that caregivers step in to do the routine care himself, a boundary that the facility eventually tested and then breached under pressure.
The most disturbing incident centers on a particular afternoon when the CNA who delivered a food tray could have helped with a necessary change but did not. The family member, present in the room, suggested changing the patient before feeding, which would have been a simple, time-saving action. Yet two hours passed with no one arriving to assist, despite the facility's stated checks every two hours. Then, a poignant and distressing scene: at around 1:45 pm, a staff member walked in to find the father on the floor, naked and covered in dry bowel movement from head to toe. Both the morning and afternoon shifts were reportedly aware of the situation, yet no one offered help beyond washing a few fingers and walking away. The family member, acting in the absence of adequate staffing and proper care, performed a full bed bath on the floor and faced the challenge of transferring him back to bed. The account is explicit about the lack of justification - regardless of whether the patient could be difficult at times, there is a conviction that such neglect is unacceptable. The writer, who has 14 years of nursing experience, states clearly that this would be the last place they would recommend to others, underscoring the severity of the lapse in care.
The son's critique is not only about individual moments but about a systemic failure to provide consistent, humane care. He emphasizes that he would never abandon a patient/resident in the manner described, and he frames the experience as a warning to others who might assume that a facility will automatically meet basic standards of dignity and safety. The emotional toll is woven through with frustration: the sense that critical tasks were left undone, and that families must shoulder the burden of care when staff are unavailable or unresponsive. The narrative ends with a stark moral: the care shown - a lack of basic attention in potentially dangerous moments - reflects poorly on the facility and erodes the trust that families place in those entrusted with their loved ones.
The second family's account shifts to the mother and her return home after a broken leg. The doctor's guidance suggested a specific discharge window, but the admissions process proved chaotic and unsympathetic. The admissions director is described as rude, with a startling lack of communication about the discharge plan, even though the staff reportedly knew weeks in advance. The daughter recalls being told that the mother could be cared for at home, a claim that proved untrue in practice. The staff's unwillingness to acknowledge the physical limitations of home care - and their insistence that it was "not their problem" - left the family in an unsafe position, given that the daughter was in a different state with house keys that could not be used in time. The mother's discharge felt abrupt and without the collaborative planning families expect, with arguments and a sense that the facility was more concerned with appearances than with the patient's safety.
Within this same narrative, a few staff members earned sincere, if limited, praise. The kitchen manager and the activity manager were singled out as respectful and capable in their roles, offering a counterpoint to the broader complaint about leadership. Yet the principals of care - the admissions director and the overall leadership - were described as rude and dismissive, with ongoing communication breakdowns. The daughter's critique culminates in a blunt assessment: she would not return, nor would she recommend the facility to others. Her closing sentiment - "if give zero stars I would [give] one star for the other two" - captures the sense that even when a couple of staff members performed their duties well, it did not compensate for the overall impression created by the leadership and discharge planning failures. The suggestion that familiarity with the reviewer influenced treatment underscores a troubling dynamic: personal connections should not determine the quality of care or the tone of interactions.
Taken together, these accounts illustrate a troubling pattern: neglect in daily care, inconsistent supervision, and a systemic shortfall in communication and discharge planning. The stories highlight how essential routines - such as turning, assisting with peri-care, and ensuring timely changes of shift - can slip through the cracks, with family members left to pick up the pieces. They also reveal the emotional burden families bear when they must monitor and advocate for basic dignity in environments that are supposed to protect it. The experiences call for stronger accountability, clearer channels of communication, and leadership that prioritizes compassionate, reliable care over appearances or expediency.
In the end, these narratives are a sobering reminder to families considering care facilities: ask precise questions about staffing, care checks, and how and when updates are communicated, especially regarding transfers and discharges. Look for patterns of responsiveness, consistency in care across shifts, and a leadership culture that models respect for residents and their families. When hundreds of small moments - like a missed change, a delayed aid, or a defensive admissions director - accumulate, they erode trust and put vulnerable loved ones at risk. The experiences shared here could serve as a catalyst for families to demand better systems, stronger accountability, and a care environment where dignity and safety are non-negotiable.
Crest Haven Care Centre in Creston, IA is a vibrant assisted living community that offers a comfortable and fulfilling lifestyle for seniors. Our residents enjoy a wide range of amenities designed to enhance their daily lives.
For entertainment and relaxation, we provide cable or satellite TV and Wi-Fi/high-speed internet access, allowing residents to stay connected with the outside world. Our small library offers a cozy space for reading and quiet contemplation. Outdoor enthusiasts can take advantage of our beautiful garden and outdoor spaces.
Mealtimes are a delight at Crest Haven Care Centre. Our restaurant-style dining room serves delicious meals prepared by our skilled culinary team. We cater to special dietary restrictions, ensuring that every resident's needs are met.
We understand the importance of care services in maintaining the well-being of our residents. That's why we offer 24-hour supervision and assistance with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, and transfers. Our dedicated staff also provides medication management to ensure medication is taken properly. We have a mental wellness program in place to support the emotional health of our residents.
The surrounding area offers plenty of conveniences for our residents. There are cafes, parks, pharmacies, physicians, restaurants, transportation options, places of worship, theaters, and hospitals all within proximity to Crest Haven Care Centre.
At Crest Haven Care Centre, we strive to create an engaging and nurturing environment where seniors can thrive. With our exceptional amenities and care services, we provide a safe and comfortable home for older adults in Creston, IA.
This part of Creston, Iowa offers a convenient and bustling community with easy access to essential amenities. With several hospitals, physicians, pharmacies, and a care center nearby, residents can feel reassured about their healthcare needs being met. There are also numerous restaurants and cafes for dining options, as well as theaters for entertainment. Places of worship provide spiritual support, while parks offer opportunities for outdoor recreation. Transportation options like the Creston Station and Amtrak make it easy to travel around the area. Overall, this neighborhood provides a well-rounded environment for senior living with a variety of services and attractions within close proximity.
Crest Haven Care Centre is located at 1000 East Howard, Creston, IA 50801 in Union County, Iowa
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