Hadley at Elaine Care and Rehabilitation Cent

Pros

• The family was able to visit and find comfort in their father's presence during the short time he spent at Elaine Center.
• The sisters successfully took action to bring their father home safely after his experience at the facility.
• The family's proactive approach in seeking assistance from the primary care doctor demonstrates their dedication to his well-being.
• Despite the challenging circumstances, the father was able to walk out of Elaine Center under his own power, showing resilience.
• The family’s commitment to advocating for their father reflects a strong support system in place for him during this difficult time.

Cons

• The Elaine Center's treatment of the father was humiliating and uncaring.
• The facility lacks the trained staff to handle patients with known dementia.
• They informed the family without discussion that the father would be transferred against their wishes.
• The decision to move him was made in less than 24 hours of his admission, showing a lack of proper evaluation and care.
• They failed to provide adequate support for his catheter needs and bed sores.
• The experience at Elaine Center was described as inhumane by the family.
• The case worker's approach was dismissive, as they did not consider the family's concerns or preferences.
• The facility wrongly accused family members of lying about their policies regarding patient acceptance.
• They contacted Visiting Nurses to stay away from the father without consulting the family first, further complicating his care.
• Overall, there is a strong sense that Elaine Center does not prioritize patient well-being or family involvement in care decisions.

Review

A Disturbing Experience: The Treatment of Dementia Patients at Elaine Center

The experience that one family encountered at the Elaine Center highlights the deep concerns regarding how facilities handle patients with dementia, particularly those transitioning from hospital care. The situation began when a father, suffering from dementia and recently recuperated at Cooley Dickinson Hospital, was referred to the Elaine Center for further support. After less than 24 hours in their care, this patient faced not only confusion but also disorienting treatment that led to distress for both him and his family.

Upon arrival at the Elaine Center, the father was settled into what was hoped to be a compassionate environment. However, during the early morning hours following his admission, he awoke feeling frightened and disoriented. Nurses entered his room in an overwhelming manner—five nurses in total—which understandably triggered a fight or flight response in the already vulnerable patient. His family received a call for assistance to help calm him down, reflecting an alarming need for more tailored intervention given his cognitive state.

When the mother visited her husband later that morning, she found him still disoriented but quietly resting in a common area after being soothed by family presence. Yet this brief moment of peace shattered when a case worker bluntly informed her that her husband was "not welcome" at the center and would be transferred to a geriatric psychiatric unit located nearly an hour away—without any prior discussion or consultation with family members. This decision left the wife of 60 years devastated; she was already battling cancer and felt unable to navigate such a drastic change for her beloved spouse without support.

In response to this distressing news, the mother reached out to her children for help. Her plea was clear: she did not want her husband taken away from her when he needed care and familiarity during such trying times. One of her children promptly visited the facility, imploring staff not to transfer him while still recovering from acute medical issues like catheter management—a significant concern neglected by staff who stated they could no longer accommodate his needs. They firmly denied any responsibility towards proper catheter care as well.

As events unfolded rapidly throughout that day, tensions escalated within the center. Family members were forced into uncomfortable confrontations just to retrieve their loved one safely back home—with considerable resistance encountered as they sought reimbursement for prepaid respite charges despite reassurances originally made by staff about their father’s status. Eventually, with much effort and determination on behalf of his daughters, he returned home under his own power—a reality starkly different from what might have occurred had no one visited or intervened timely.

Back at home, bewilderment turned into frustration when they contacted his primary care physician seeking guidance on caring for both his catheter and bed sores—issues they assumed would be handled upon discharge from proper care facilities; however, they learned with shock that Elaine Center had proactively contacted Visiting Nurses instructing them not to attend to their father’s needs anymore while simultaneously planning surprise commitments behind their backs—demonstrating alarming miscommunication and disregard for patient welfare. Such actions raise critical questions regarding protocols followed by nursing centers tasked with providing adequate support for dementia patients.

This family's ordeal has branded Elaine Center's practices as uncaring and even dehumanizing toward an individual who required compassion based on careful assessment rather than arbitrary judgment calls made hastily due solely to perceived inconvenience caused by symptoms associated with dementia management challenges. Their experience serves as a cautionary tale about ensuring transparency among caregivers during vulnerable times where dialogue should have been prioritized over unilateral decisions affecting families facing emotional turmoil amidst health crises; ultimately leading them vowing never again recommending such facilities lacking empathy towards those entrusted within their walls.

Located in Hadley, Massachusetts, this area offers a convenient and varied range of amenities that cater to senior living. With a selection of popular restaurants such as Taco Bell, McDonald's, and Chipotle Mexican Grill within close proximity, dining options are easily accessible. Additionally, there are cafes like Starbucks and Panera Bread nearby for a casual meal or coffee outing. For medical needs, pharmacies such as Walmart Pharmacy and CVS Pharmacy are conveniently located. The Cinemark theater is available for entertainment, while parks like Groff Park and Puffer's Pond provide opportunities for outdoor recreation. Nearby hospitals and physicians' offices ensure access to healthcare services. Overall, this area offers a mix of practical conveniences and recreational options suitable for seniors looking for a comfortable living environment in Hadley.

Restaurants

• Taco Bell (0.2 miles)
• McDonald's (0.3 miles)
• Chipotle Mexican Grill (0.3 miles)
• Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen (0.4 miles)
• Stables Sandwich Shoppe (0.5 miles)
• Arizona Pizza Company (0.5 miles)
• Friendly's (0.8 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (0.3 miles)
• Panera Bread (0.5 miles)
• LimeRed Teahouse (2 miles)
• Procrastination Station (2.3 miles)
• People's Market (2.4 miles)
• Esselon Coffee Roasting Co. (2.7 miles)
• Cushman Market & Cafe (4.2 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walmart Pharmacy (0.5 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.1 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2 miles)
• Walgreens (4.6 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (4.9 miles)

Theaters

• Cinemark (0.5 miles)

Hospitals

• Kealy, John Medexpress Urgent Care (0.7 miles)
• Kittredge Surgery Center (5.5 miles)
• Cooley Dickinson Emergency Department (5.6 miles)
• Cooley Dickenson MRI Center (5.6 miles)
• VA Central Western Massachusetts Healthcare System (6.6 miles)

Physicians

• Women's Health Amherst (1.1 miles)
• Cooley Dickinson Medical Group Amherst Medical Associates (1.1 miles)
• Northampton Area Pediatrics (1.1 miles)
• Amherst Medical Associates (1.2 miles)
• Hadley Family Practice (1.4 miles)
• Amherst Laser & Skin Care Center (2 miles)
• Amherst Optical (2.1 miles)

Parks

• Groff Park (1.8 miles)
• Mill River Recreation Area (3.7 miles)
• Puffer's Pond (4.1 miles)
• Bare Mountain (4.1 miles)