St Camillus Residential Health Care Facility

Pros

• The rehab staff, including physical and occupational therapists, received high praise for their dedication and skill in helping patients improve.
• Many family members appreciated the cleanliness of the facility and expressed gratitude for the hard work of certain staff members amidst difficulties.
• Patients were described as being determined to recover and actively engage in therapy sessions, showcasing their resilience.
• Some families noted that specific staff members took extra steps to ensure patient safety and well-being, demonstrating a commitment to care.
• Despite challenges faced by the facility, there were commendations for individuals who provided compassionate support to residents during difficult times.

Cons

• The staff often neglects residents, leaving them unattended for long periods and failing to respond promptly to call buttons.
• There are frequent instances of staff speaking rudely to patients, creating a hostile environment.
• Medical evaluations and care plans are poorly communicated among staff, leading to misinformation regarding patient treatment and status.
• Residents frequently experience unpleasant odors in their living areas due to inadequate cleanliness and hygiene practices.
• The facility is understaffed, resulting in long wait times for basic needs like bathroom assistance or medical attention.
• Family members report feeling dismissed when addressing concerns about their loved ones’ care.
• Activities and entertainment offerings are minimal, leading to patient boredom and dissatisfaction with their living conditions.
• There are serious concerns about the adequacy of medical oversight, as patients go without necessary treatments or check-ups.
• Staff members appear more focused on personal activities, such as using phones, rather than attending to patient needs.
• Concerns about safety arise when staff members knowingly come into contact with COVID-positive individuals without proper precautions.

Review

The experiences shared by former residents and their relatives regarding St. Camillus Rehabilitation and Nursing Center paint a troubling picture of the care provided at the facility. While some aspects, particularly rehabilitation services such as physical therapy (PT) and occupational therapy (OT), were praised for their dedication and effectiveness, the overall impression of medical care, staffing levels, and patient treatment was overwhelmingly negative.

A common thread throughout numerous reviews is the insufficient responsiveness of nursing staff to resident needs. Participants frequently reported alarmingly long wait times after pressing call buttons—sometimes exceeding 30 minutes before assistance arrived. This lack of timely support is particularly concerning given that many residents rely on staff for basic needs due to mobility limitations or cognitive impairments. Moreover, several reviewers noted instances where patients suffered from neglect, being left in bed for extended periods without help or interaction. For instance, one reviewer recounted how their relative was frequently left unattended in a wheelchair, often situated alongside other neglected residents.

The complaints did not stop with delayed responses; they highlighted significant issues with disrespectful interactions between staff members and patients. Reviewers mentioned overhearing derogatory comments made by caregivers towards those in their charge, which points to a troubling culture within the facility. The emotional and psychological well-being of residents could be adversely affected by this type of treatment, especially among individuals who cannot advocate for themselves due to health challenges.

In addition to interpersonal issues among caregivers and patients, there were serious criticisms regarding medical oversight at St. Camillus. Many respondents cited specific instances where doctors failed to listen or take appropriate action regarding evident medical concerns, leading to potentially severe complications—a situation exemplified by one patient whose pneumonia went unaddressed until it escalated under the watch of an attentive on-call doctor later that evening. Such negligence raises questions about staff training protocols and whether adequate oversight exists for healthcare professionals working within the facility.

Further compounding these issues were allegations surrounding insufficient communication between departments. One review revealed that crucial information related to patient conditions was not relayed effectively during shift changes; as a direct result, another reviewer’s family member received incorrect guidance during rehabilitation sessions—this led them into unnecessary discomfort because staff failed to recognize prior weight-bearing restrictions noted in hospital records.

Additionally troubling was the apparent understaffing across units within St. Camillus—reported figures indicated ratios as dire as 2 staff members managing 60 residents at certain times. This chronic shortage inevitably leads to burnout among existing employees while simultaneously compromising resident safety and comfort levels within the facility’s care structure.

When combined with reports of unpleasant living conditions—including persistent odors permeating rooms—and inadequate recreational activities available for residents during their stay, it becomes evident that many families view St. Camillus as ill-suited both for short-term rehabilitation goals and long-term residential solutions for loved ones requiring sustained care.

While some positive experiences exist predominantly in regards to rehab personnel's proficiency—these stories ultimately serve as stark contrasts against overwhelming evidence indicating systemic failings within administration protocols, staffing adequacy, communication channels among caregivers regarding each patient's specific needs—and most critically—the pervasive feeling among residents’ loved ones that quality-of-care standards remain far below acceptable levels associated with healthcare facilities charged with providing dignified living experiences for vulnerable populations seeking specialized support services daily.

Pharmacies

• Wegmans (0.6 miles)
• Wegmans (1.5 miles)
• Gifford & West Pharmacy (2.4 miles)
• Syracuse Community Pharmacy (2.7 miles)
• Walgreens (3.2 miles)
• Medicine Shoppe (3.4 miles)
• Walgreens (3.9 miles)

Restaurants

• McDonald's (0.6 miles)
• Little Caesars Pizza (0.6 miles)
• Burger King (0.7 miles)
• Taco Bell (0.7 miles)
• Coleman's Authentic Irish Pub (1.5 miles)
• McDonald's (1.6 miles)
• Five Guys Burgers & Fries (1.7 miles)

Places of Worship

• Apostolic Church (1 miles)
• St Elias Orthodox Church (1.4 miles)
• Islamic Society of Central New York Mosque (3.7 miles)

Physicians

• Onondaga Hearing Services (1 miles)
• Upstate University Hospital Community Campus (2.5 miles)
• DeRoberts Plastic Surgery (2.5 miles)
• Syracuse Community Health Center Incorporated, Infectious Diseases Department (2.7 miles)
• The Vision Center (2.7 miles)
• Titoff, Victoria Upstate Neurology Clinic (3.1 miles)
• Neurology Infusion Center (3.1 miles)

Parks

• Burnet Park (1.1 miles)
• Clinton Square (2.8 miles)
• Scenic Hills Park (3.5 miles)

Hospitals

• Upstate University Hospital (2.5 miles)
• Upstate Golisano After Hours Care (2.5 miles)
• University Hematology/Oncology (3.2 miles)
• Syracuse VA Medical Center (3.3 miles)
• Crouse Hospital: Human Resources (3.3 miles)
• Suny Upstate Medical University University Hospital (3.3 miles)
• Bio Essex & Humanities (3.3 miles)

Transportation

• Enterprise Rent-A-Car (2.5 miles)
• Centro Transit Hub (2.7 miles)
• Amtrak (3.5 miles)

Cafes

• Cafe Kubal (2.8 miles)
• Original Grain (2.8 miles)

Theaters

• Regal Destiny USA IMAX & RPX (2.9 miles)