Lutheran Home At Hollidaysburg

Pros

• Residents enjoyed holiday gatherings and visits from children in the community.
• The dining facility was clean and well-decorated, contributing to a pleasant dining experience.
• Lutheran Home staff were described as very nice and supportive.
• Residents had access to various activities, including card games, exercise classes, church services, and birthday parties.
• Each apartment was equipped with a call button for residents to get help when needed, enhancing their sense of safety and support.
• The upgraded rooms provided a comfortable living environment for residents.

Cons

• The beds in the nursing home are uncomfortable, particularly for elderly residents, due to thin rubber mattresses.
• The facility is understaffed, especially during the night shift, leading to inadequate care for residents.
• A resident fell and suffered a fatal injury because no staff were available to assist her when needed.
• The nursing team failed to recognize and address serious health issues such as a UTI and pneumonia in a resident.
• The on-site doctor only visits monthly to sign paperwork without providing proper patient examinations.
• Staffing levels are insufficient to meet the needs of all residents when the home is at full capacity.
• Regulations governing staffing requirements in nursing homes need to change to ensure safety for elderly patients.

Review

The quality of care in nursing homes can vary greatly, as exemplified by two contrasting experiences shared by families regarding facilities they encountered. The first account highlights the dire circumstances at a particular nursing home, where inadequate staffing and substandard living conditions contributed to a tragic outcome for an elderly resident. The second review presents a much more favorable impression of another facility, emphasizing its positive environment and attentive services for residents.

In the unfortunate case of the first nursing home, significant concerns were raised about both the physical infrastructure and the level of care provided to residents. Although the rooms themselves were described as spacious enough for two occupants, the comfort of their sleeping arrangements fell drastically short; the thin rubber mattresses were deemed unsuitable for elderly individuals who require more support for optimal rest. This lack of comfort is crucial when considering the well-being of aged residents, who may already be dealing with underlying health issues that necessitate adequate rest.

Moreover, staffing issues plagued this facility, especially during night shifts when only one nurse and one aide were assigned to tend to 44 residents on each floor. The review detailed a harrowing incident where a relative was left unattended while trying to access the bathroom. Left sitting in her wheelchair in front of the nursing station at 5:30 AM without assistance, she tragically fell and suffered severe injuries that ultimately led to her passing. This alarming event underscores not only the risks associated with understaffing but also raises serious questions about patient monitoring and safety protocols within nursing homes.

Additionally, it was revealed that this resident had been suffering from a urinary tract infection (UTI) and pneumonia—conditions that went unnoticed by staff at a time when timely intervention could have made all the difference. The doctor affiliated with this nursing home appeared negligent; he reportedly visited merely once a month solely to sign paperwork and never conducted actual examinations of patients while still billing Medicare for purported consultations. This alarming practice reflects systemic issues within profit-driven healthcare facilities where patient care can be deprioritized in favor of financial gain.

On a brighter note, another review offered an entirely different perspective on life in a nursing home environment. Lutheran Home received high praise from family members who appreciated not only the polished appearance of its upgraded rooms but also their cleanliness and decorum. Residents thrived in this nurturing setting where engagement was encouraged through various activities such as card games, exercise classes, church services, and festive birthday parties. Such programming fosters social connections among residents—a vital component of mental well-being in eldercare.

A standout feature noted was how every apartment came equipped with call buttons allowing residents to summon help whenever necessary—a reassurance often lacking in other institutions highlighted earlier. Besides individual apartments boasting hotel-like amenities, there was an inviting main meeting room designed specifically for group activities that fostered community spirit among residents.

These juxtaposed reviews underscore critical disparities within long-term care environments: on one side stands neglect leading to catastrophic outcomes linked directly to insufficient staffing levels; on the other shines a beacon of hope at places like Lutheran Home—where attention to detail and resident engagement signifies prioritization over profit alone. It is evident that urgent reforms are required across many institutions operating under eldercare regulations; ensuring adequate staffing levels will be paramount as we strive towards providing dignified care capable of preventing further tragedies amongst our vulnerable populations.

Restaurants

• Allegheny Creamery and Crepes (0.4 miles)
• The Dream Restaurant (0.4 miles)
• Main Moon (0.6 miles)
• Original Italian Pizza (0.6 miles)
• Domino's Pizza (1.3 miles)
• The Meadows Original Frozen Custard (1.3 miles)
• Marzoni's Brick Oven & Brewing (1.4 miles)

Places of Worship

• Crossroads Community Church (0.4 miles)
• Frankstown Park Missionary Church (1.7 miles)
• Westminster Orthodox Presbyterian Church (2 miles)
• St Catherine of Siena (3.2 miles)
• Evangelical Independent Methodist Church (4.8 miles)
• Altoona Apostolic Church (5.3 miles)

Pharmacies

• Rite Aid (0.4 miles)
• Thompson Pharmacy (0.5 miles)
• Martin's Pharmacy (1.2 miles)
• Value Specialty Pharmacy (1.4 miles)
• Duncansville Pharmacy (2.6 miles)
• Value Drug Company (3 miles)
• Cambria Medical Supply Co. (3 miles)

Physicians

• Roland Crevecoeur Jr MD (0.7 miles)
• Blair Medical Associates (0.7 miles)
• Hollidaysburg Pediatric Association (1.1 miles)
• Southern Cove Medical Associates (1.2 miles)
• Remcare Anesthesia Solutions (1.2 miles)
• Oral Surgery Associates of Central PA (1.3 miles)
• Dr Centar and Imler (1.4 miles)

Parks

• Chimney Rocks Park (1.1 miles)
• Canterberry Canine Recreation Area (2 miles)
• Mansion Park (4.1 miles)
• Central Blair Recreation Commn (4.9 miles)
• Garfield Park (5.2 miles)

Theaters

• AMC CLASSIC Altoona 12 (1.4 miles)

Transportation

• Wye Switches (1.6 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (2.6 miles)
• Starbucks (2.8 miles)
• Panera Bread (3.6 miles)