Sunrise Hill Care Center

Pros

• The facility provided a lovely private room that was kept clean for residents.
• The meals were initially very good, showcasing the quality of food offered at the outset.
• Staff members demonstrated caring attitudes toward the residents, contributing to a decent overall experience.
• Activities held at the facility were inclusive of all residents, fostering a sense of community.
• Family members appreciated the accommodations suggested for visitation, even if they weren't implemented during challenging times.

Cons

• The quality of meals deteriorated significantly after a change in staff, leading to disappointment among visitors.
• Family members felt unwelcome during holiday meals, indicating poor guest accommodations.
• Frequent changes in administration created instability and frustration within the facility.
• COVID-19 restrictions resulted in a lack of communication and support for families, causing emotional distress.
• Suggestions for family visitation accommodations were ignored, demonstrating a lack of responsiveness from the facility.
• Residents were not encouraged to participate in activities, contributing to an overall feeling of neglect and depression.
• The overall condition of the rooms was unsatisfactory, impacting residents’ comfort and wellbeing.
• Staff interactions with residents were described as unpleasant, further diminishing the quality of care provided.

Review

Based on the experiences detailed by family members regarding the care provided at SHCC, it is clear that there has been a significant decline in both the quality of service and the emotional well-being of residents. Initially, the facility seemed to offer bright prospects, with residents enjoying lovely private rooms that were consistently kept clean. The meals served also started off positively, receiving compliments for their quality. However, as staff changes began to occur, particularly with new personnel coming in from staffing agencies and an overall shortage of employees, the standard of food and service noticeably fell. The meal menus became less appealing over time, culminating in a situation where visitors were unwelcome during holiday meals—a stark departure from what one would hope for in such a setting.

Despite these challenges concerning dining and overall satisfaction, there was praise for some aspects of caregiving. Staff members exhibited genuine care towards residents during their shifts; however, due to chronic understaffing and reliance on temporary workers from outside agencies, consistency in care was hard to maintain. On occasions when activities were organized for residents, they were reportedly inclusive and catered to all individuals within the facility—an aspect that brought joy amidst an otherwise discouraging atmosphere.

The landscape of care at SHCC further deteriorated following changes in administration. The frequent turnover among managerial staff seemed indicative of deeper systemic issues within the facility that needed urgent addressing. This instability coincided with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic which severely affected families' abilities to visit their loved ones. For many families, especially those who had invested substantial sums—approximately $250K for a three-year stay—the inability to connect with their loved ones was soul-crushing and left them feeling helpless during such unprecedented times.

Concerns about activity participation echoed throughout family discussions; requests made by families for residents to be included more frequently in such events were met with dismissal under misguided claims that "forcing activities" was illegal. This kind of communication not only demonstrated a lack of empathy but also reflected poorly on management's priority toward resident engagement. As suggested accommodations for visitation during stringent lockdowns went unimplemented—leaving families without support or closure—it became apparent that there was a serious disconnect between administrative policies and family expectations.

As time went by and the ramifications of isolation due to COVID-19 began to take their toll on mental health within SHCC, tragedy struck when several residents succumbed to illness—including beloved family members whose community support networks had been disrupted entirely without forewarning or adequate communication from management. In reflecting on this loss as well as how families received no condolence cards or acknowledgment from SHCC after these deaths raises questions about compassion within institutional care practices.

Ultimately frustrated by ongoing issues related to room conditions and staff demeanor—both contributing factors toward creating an environment perceived as depressing—families are now contemplating moving their loved ones elsewhere. They feel justified not only because of substantial financial contributions but also due to a growing sense of discontent regarding overall facility standards that fail to meet basic expectations for safety and comfort while ensuring dignity among vulnerable populations residing there. Given these circumstances, it is crucial that accountability measures are taken seriously by those overseeing operations at SHCC so improvements can implement lasting change conducive toward restoring its reputation—or face potential repercussions associated with losing valued patrons who seek better alternatives in elderly care services.

The town of Traer, Iowa, offers a tranquil and close-knit community perfect for senior living. With several places of worship nearby, including St Luke Evangelical Lutheran Church and Zion Lutheran Church Traer, seniors can easily maintain their spiritual practices. The town also boasts a variety of parks such as Taylor Park and T F Clark State Park, providing opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation. Additionally, there are reputable healthcare options in the area with Covenant Clinic and Gladbrook Family Health Center, ensuring access to quality medical services. For dining options, seniors can enjoy local favorites like Wind Up Lounge and Czech Point. Overall, Traer provides a peaceful and welcoming environment for seniors seeking to retire in a friendly Midwestern town.

Places of Worship

• St Luke Evangelical Lutheran Church (0.3 miles)
• Zion Lutheran Church Traer (0.4 miles)
• United Presbyterian Church (0.5 miles)
• St Paul Catholic Rectory (0.6 miles)
• Sacred Heart Parish (0.6 miles)
• Church of Promise (5.1 miles)
• Geneseo United Methodist Church (7.2 miles)

Parks

• Taylor Park (0.3 miles)
• T F Clark State Park (3.3 miles)
• Dysart Park Stand (7.9 miles)
• Hickory Hills State Park (9.5 miles)
• Otter Creek Lake & Park (10.3 miles)
• Elmwood Park (12 miles)
• Union Grove State Park (14.2 miles)

Restaurants

• Wind Up Lounge (0.5 miles)
• Baking Up Happiness by Heather (1.8 miles)
• Harper’s Public House (7.9 miles)
• Czech Point (8.1 miles)
• Maid-Rite Big T (8.8 miles)
• El Camino Taqueria and Breakfast (11.8 miles)
• Spanky's Restaurant & Catering (13.1 miles)

Physicians

• Covenant Clinic (0.6 miles)
• Dysart Clinic (8 miles)
• Total Health of Iowa (11.8 miles)
• Covenant Clinic (11.9 miles)
• Randolph Greg PA-C Dfaapa (13.2 miles)
• Covenant Clinic (13.2 miles)
• Eyecare Associates - Toledo (15.4 miles)

Hospitals

• Sunnycrest Nursing Center (7.8 miles)
• Gladbrook Family Health Center (13.1 miles)
• Westbrook Acres Nursing Home (13.4 miles)
• Grinnell Regional Medical Center (15.2 miles)
• Keystone Nursing Care Center (18.5 miles)
• Grundy Care Center (19.4 miles)

Pharmacies

• Phil's Pharmacy (11.8 miles)
• Reinbeck Pharmacy (11.8 miles)
• Gladbrook Family Pharmacy (13.2 miles)
• Medicap Pharmacy Toledo (15.4 miles)
• Shopko Pharmacy (15.4 miles)
• La Porte City Pharmacy (16.2 miles)
• Sac & Fox Pharmacy (16.9 miles)

Theaters

• Gladbrook Theater (13.1 miles)

Cafes

• Shoestring Garden All Iowa Creative Boutique & Coffee House (15.3 miles)