901 State Street, Donnellson, IA 52625
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A deeply troubling set of experiences is described by someone who was hospitalized with severe pressure ulcers and then placed in a care facility far from home. The writer explains they were transferred from Iowa City hospital and clinics specifically because their wounds were advanced - stage 4 pressure ulcers accompanied by osteomyelitis - and because they were managing life with a paraplegic, wheelchair-dependent condition. They were 31 years old and a parent of three children, and the situation became even more complicated because they missed a court date while hospitalized. The account frames the journey as a desperate attempt to continue critical treatment and manage urgent personal affairs, including a need to drive themselves at times to handle responsibilities, which immediately collided with the facility's procedures.
Upon arrival for registration at the care facility, the writer says they attempted to tell the staff about their needs and the reality of their situation. They were told that, as soon as someone becomes a resident, they must relinquish their car keys and accept a controlled ability to come and go. The writer reports a relentless insistence by the staff that this was "facility policy." Feeling their freedoms constrained and fearing they would lose the ability to attend to important obligations, they chose to leave and look for another facility. What followed, they say, was a dramatic escalation: the staff allegedly contacted law enforcement, had their car keys taken, planned to tow the car, and confiscated clothing and medical supplies covered by insurance, all while issuing a no-contact order. They were left in jail with no clothing or medical supplies, in a situation exacerbated by their disability and health condition.
The narrative moves into a crisis of basic care and dignity. The writer describes the facility as leaving them in a state of vulnerability and fear - without proper clothing, essential medical supplies, or access to their vehicle. They describe the living conditions as unsanitary and poorly maintained, with gross shower rooms and a perception of neglect around nutrition, noting that the "fine dining" consisted of Maid Rite and macaroni, served on old dishes. The overall environment is characterized as outdated: old towels and bathing rags, bedding and curtains that appear worn, and a building that seems tired and in need of modernization. The writer contends that these conditions were part of a broader pattern of neglect that ran counter to what they expected from a place tasked with caring for vulnerable residents.
A particularly upsetting portion of the account concerns care during a later medical transfer. The police took the writer to Burlington hospital so they could receive intravenous antibiotics multiple times daily. A nurse at a neighboring center reportedly spoke to the writer about a professional demeanor they observed, and another nurse witnessed the issue as well. The writer claims the medical supplies used for their wounds - Dakins solution, Silvasorb cream, gauze, ABD pads, and other dressings - were not only in short supply but also apparently diverted for facility use rather than being available for the patient who required them. The writer asserts that the nurse's behavior, along with the logistics of getting care, created a sense of being abandoned in the middle of a critical treatment plan. They describe a situation where, upon attempting to leave, they were told to finish paperwork and receive their "keys and property," but this turned out to be a false promise. By the time they were able to organize a way out, their car had to be retrieved by a cousin from a different county, leaving them stranded and with no means to continue essential IV treatments elsewhere.
The writer concludes with a pointed claim that the facility had violated residents' rights in meaningful ways and expresses hope that future residents will have better days. Even so, the document does not present the Donnellson Health Center in entirely one-dimensional terms. A separate portion of the material, seemingly authored by a different observer, offers a markedly positive view. This other perspective describes Donnellson Health Center as being in a small farming community, delivering very human, hands-on care in a setting that emphasizes one-on-one attention. It does not present the facility as fancy, but as accessible and well-suited for families and the people they care for. The staff and an activity director are praised for their excellent work, and the overall impression is of a well-run, community-oriented organization. This positive note contrasts sharply with the other account and raises questions about how experiences at the same facility can vary depending on circumstances, staff, and perhaps the particular needs and vulnerabilities of individual residents.
Taken together, the two perspectives paint a complex portrait of Donnellson Health Center. On the one hand, the personal account portrays serious failures in safety, dignity, and basic care - issues that would understandably provoke anger, fear, and a lasting sense of mistreatment. The writer emphasizes the emotional and physical toll of being abruptly isolated, deprived of essential supplies, and kept from moving freely in a way that jeopardized ongoing medical treatment and personal responsibilities. On the other hand, the contrasting positive view suggests that the facility can, in other contexts, provide compassionate, hands-on care in a tightly knit, supportive environment where staff members are highly engaged in residents' daily lives.
For families and individuals facing difficult health situations, the collection of experiences here underscores the importance of clear communication, patient rights, and reliable access to medical supplies and transportation. It also highlights how a single facility can be perceived so differently by different people, depending on the specifics of their medical needs, the particular staff they encounter, and the policies in place at the moment of care. The account ends with a straightforward plea for better treatment of residents and a cautious warning to others: if your loved one ends up in a setting like this, there are real, tangible concerns about how care is administered, how freedom is balanced with safety, and how basic comforts and resources are managed during a vulnerable time.
Donnellson Health Center is an assisted living community located in Donnellson, IA. Our facility offers a wide range of amenities to ensure that our residents have a comfortable and enjoyable living experience. These amenities include a beauty salon, cable or satellite TV in each room, community operated transportation for outings and appointments, a computer center for residents to stay connected with loved ones, a dining room for communal meals, a fitness room to promote physical well-being, fully furnished rooms for convenience, a gaming room for recreational activities, and a garden for residents to relax and enjoy nature.
In addition to these amenities, we also provide housekeeping services to ensure that our residents can maintain a clean and tidy living space. Each resident has their own private bathroom for added privacy and convenience. Our restaurant-style dining offers delicious meals that cater to special dietary restrictions, including diabetes diets. Wi-Fi/high-speed internet is available throughout the community so that residents can stay connected online.
At Donnellson Health Center, we prioritize the care and well-being of our residents. We offer 24-hour call system and supervision to ensure their safety at all times. Our dedicated staff provides assistance with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, and transfers. Medication management is also offered to help residents stay on track with their medications. We have a mental wellness program in place to support the emotional needs of our residents.
Our community focuses on providing engaging activities for our residents. We offer concierge services to assist them with any needs or requests they may have. Fitness programs are available to promote physical health and well-being. Planned day trips allow residents to explore new places and create lasting memories. Resident-run activities give them an opportunity to take part in hobbies or interests they enjoy. Scheduled daily activities keep our community vibrant and active.
Donnellson Health Center is conveniently located near parks and places of worship, allowing our residents easy access to explore the outdoors or attend religious services if desired. We strive to create a warm and welcoming environment where our residents can feel at home and receive the care they deserve.
Donnellson Health Center is located at 901 State Street, Donnellson, IA 52625 in Lee County, Iowa
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