Fleur Heights Care Center

Pros

• The caring staff on the 2 to 10 and overnight shifts were very helpful and showed genuine concern for residents.
• The compassionate night staff took the initiative to relocate a resident to a private room, demonstrating their empathy during a difficult time.
• Familiar nursing and aide staff provided comfort and support to residents with special needs, creating a connection that was valued by families.
• The initial experience at the facility included great food and quality care, indicating a positive beginning for some families.
• Residents who had personal activities, like art projects, found joy in expressing themselves within their living environments.

Cons

• The facility is described as disgusting, dirty, and providing horrible care to residents.
• Patients are treated poorly and the staff seems to have a dismissive attitude toward families.
• There was a lack of appropriate care for patients with serious health issues, such as pneumonia and sepsis.
• The social worker behaved unprofessionally by inquiring about funeral arrangements prematurely.
• Residents often live in filthy conditions, with unsanitary environments going unaddressed by the staff.
• There is a lack of empathy from the management regarding the emotional needs of residents transitioning to different areas within the facility.
• Patients are not receiving timely medical attention or necessary tests, leading to fatal consequences.
• Families feel pressured to leave their loved ones in a place that does not provide adequate care or respect for their dignity.

Review

The reviews highlight a deeply troubling atmosphere within a long-term care facility where residents receive inadequate care and attention. Many family members of residents express their distress over the conditions observed, creating an overwhelming sense of urgency for change. The common themes emerging from these accounts reveal not only negligence but also a lack of compassion and professionalism that marks the experience for both residents and their loved ones.

One recurring complaint centers on the cleanliness and overall environment of the facility. Multiple reviewers describe rooms that are filthy and uncared for, with shocking details such as dried urine left unattended on surfaces. This state of neglect clearly indicates a systemic issue with staffing levels or training, as families recount being told that cleaning staff cannot reach everything immediately. Such statements fail to acknowledge the seriousness of sanitary conditions in a place meant to be safe and nurturing for vulnerable individuals.

Family members express particular concern about how residents with delicate health needs are treated. A tragic account describes instances where patients, like one suffering from dementia, were placed in shared accommodations without consideration for their emotional well-being during critical times. Just before passing away, one husband was forced to remain in a room surrounded by noise and activity rather than being granted privacy to say farewell to his loved ones. These actions reflect a startling disregard for patient dignity at what can be one of the most critical moments in life.

Further compounding these issues is a glaring lack of professionalism among some staff members. For instance, a social worker's insensitive inquiry about funeral arrangements while family members were still grappling with imminent loss exemplifies inappropriate behavior among those who should provide support during difficult times. Additionally, there seem to be failures in basic medical oversight; relatives report concerns about unaddressed health issues—such as infections—that went ignored despite clear indications that further medical evaluation was necessary.

While some staff members working evening shifts have been recognized for their compassion and attentiveness, these positive notes often come overshadowed by broader critiques directed toward management decisions that adversely affect resident care. Changes within the facility have reportedly made it more challenging for certain residents to maintain connections with familiar staff or therapeutic activities they enjoyed, leading to heightened anxiety for individuals already facing substantial cognitive challenges.

In light of these accounts, many reviewers strongly urge potential clients to reconsider placing their loved ones in this facility. The emotional toll described suggests not merely an unfortunate series of events but rather systemic problems requiring serious intervention—be it through surprise inspections or administrative changes aimed at fostering improved standards of care and respect for all residents. Families share their heartache not just in hopes of raising awareness but also out of genuine concern that such conditions could persist unchecked if no one takes action on behalf of those who cannot advocate for themselves.

Ultimately, these reflections underscore the profound impact that quality (or lack thereof) in long-term care facilities can have on both residents' health outcomes and families' peace of mind during trying times. As families find themselves navigating grief compounded by frustration over subpar care experiences, they genuinely hope others will heed their warnings before making similar regrettable choices regarding where to entrust their elders’ well-being.

This part of Des Moines, Iowa offers convenient access to essential services for seniors, with multiple pharmacies, restaurants, cafes, and healthcare facilities within close proximity. The presence of various dining options and parks provides opportunities for recreational activities and social engagement. In addition, the nearby transportation options make it easy for seniors to navigate the area and access medical appointments. The availability of reputable physicians and hospitals ensures quality healthcare services are readily accessible. Overall, this neighborhood in Des Moines offers a well-rounded community with amenities that cater to the needs of senior residents.

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.3 miles)
• MercyOne Des Moines Behavioral Health (1.3 miles)
• Walgreens (2.6 miles)
• Osco Pharmacy (2.6 miles)
• Walgreens (3.2 miles)
• Medicap (3.3 miles)
• Walgreens (3.5 miles)

Restaurants

• Burger King (0.3 miles)
• Subway (0.4 miles)
• McDonald's (0.5 miles)
• Old West Mexican (0.5 miles)
• Francies (0.5 miles)
• Skip's (0.6 miles)
• Jimmy John's (0.7 miles)

Cafes

• Panera Bread (0.3 miles)
• Starbucks (0.4 miles)
• Starbucks (3 miles)
• Starbucks (3.3 miles)
• Caribou Coffee (3.4 miles)
• St Kilda Collective (4.2 miles)

Parks

• Water Works Park (0.4 miles)
• Sayers Park (0.7 miles)
• Gray's Lake Park (2 miles)
• Stone Park (2.6 miles)

Transportation

• Concourse C (0.6 miles)
• Des Moines International Airport (DSM) (0.6 miles)
• TSA Checkpoint (0.6 miles)

Physicians

• Mercy Clinics (1.3 miles)
• Deanna Boesen, MD (1.3 miles)
• Oral Surgeons PC (1.6 miles)
• Eyemart Optical Outlet - South Des Moines (2.3 miles)
• Radiant Complexions Dermatology Clinics (2.5 miles)
• Primary Health Care - BEC Medical (2.9 miles)
• South Glenn Walk In Clinic (3 miles)

Hospitals

• Blank Children's Hospital NICU (3.5 miles)
• Methodist Hospital North 6 (3.5 miles)
• Methodist Outpatient Surgery (3.5 miles)
• UnityPoint Health - Iowa Methodist Medical Center - Emergency Department (3.5 miles)
• North 3 - IMMC (3.5 miles)
• Mercy River Hills Surgery Center (4.1 miles)
• Select Specialty Hospital-Des Moines (4.2 miles)