500 Colonial Drive, Salem, SD 57058
For more information about senior living options: (844) 490-3973
What level of care are you interested in?

Assisted Living

Memory Care

Independent Living

Skilled Nursing Facility

Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC)CCRC

Other
A troubling pattern of dissatisfaction and alarm emerges in a set of firsthand accounts about a care facility. The narratives describe a pervasive sense that basic standards of cleanliness, responsiveness, and dignity were not met, leaving family members and patients feeling neglected and disempowered. Across multiple observations, the environment is portrayed as persistently uninhabitable to those in need of attentive care, with odors and a lack of sanitation cited as constant concerns that colored every interaction with staff and administrators.
Several reviewers focus on hydration and basic comfort as the most glaring failures. They report that a patient's need for water was neglected even after requests were made repeatedly, with water not provided for an extended period - told in one account as twelve hours after the request. This pattern of delayed or denied assistance with basic needs is described as occurring despite repeated attempts to obtain help, contributing to a sense of abandonment during times when the patient was least able to advocate for themselves.
Hygiene and personal care are described as another area where deterioration was evident. It is claimed that a shower was not provided when needed or requested, with several days reportedly passing without this essential personal care. The length of time described without adequate hygiene support goes beyond mere inconvenience and is portrayed as a failure to respect the patient's dignity and comfort, raising concerns about risk of skin issues, infections, and overall wellbeing.
In addition to concerns about the facility's routine care, there are serious allegations about how staff interacted with patients and family members. One account describes a nurse "picking up" a family member and throwing them into bed, which would be an alarming departure from professional standards of care and patient handling. Such a claim, if accurate, points to potential safety and abuse problems that would require immediate attention and independent review to determine what occurred and why it was allowed to happen.
Another critical issue raised concerns the handling of dentures. According to the accounts, housekeeping disposed of dentures belonging to a patient and the facility refused to cover the cost, arguing that the patient was "confused" at the time. Yet the same sources claim that the patient was described as "orientated" when plans were made for discharge, presenting a confusing inconsistency that undermines trust in the facility's assessments and reporting.
Discharge planning and safety at home are also highlighted as major areas of concern. Family members repeatedly express unease about discharging a patient who was described as a fall risk and who showed intermittent confusion. The core worry is that sending a physically vulnerable and cognitively fluctuating patient home alone could expose them to harm. This anxiety is underscored by the report that the patient did indeed experience a fall within 24 hours of returning home, necessitating readmission to the hospital. The sequence - requests for careful planning, concerns raised by family, and the subsequent adverse event - suggests a breakdown in communication, risk assessment, and continuity of care between the facility and home care or hospital services.
Taken together, these accounts paint a grave picture of multiple, interlocking problems within the facility's operations. The combination of persistent odors and cleanliness issues, unresponsive care for basic needs, concerning interactions between staff and patients, lost dentures with disputed accountability, and questionable discharge decisions all contribute to a narrative of compromised patient safety and substandard care. The stories reflect a deep sense of frustration among families who trusted the facility to provide a safe and respectful environment during a vulnerable period in their loved ones' lives.
Overall, the experiences described point to systemic concerns that go beyond isolated incidents. They raise urgent questions about staffing adequacy, training, and supervision; the reliability of patient assessments and documentation; and the quality controls governing discharge planning and home safety. While individual accounts vary in specifics, the recurring themes emphasize the need for thorough investigations, transparent communication, and meaningful reforms to protect residents and reassure families that their loved ones will be cared for with dignity, competence, and accountability.
Avantara Salem is an assisted living community located in Salem, SD. Our community offers a range of amenities to ensure the comfort and convenience of our residents. Each living space is fully furnished and equipped with cable or satellite TV, Wi-Fi/high-speed internet, and a telephone for communication needs. Residents can enjoy delicious meals in our restaurant-style dining area or take advantage of the kitchenette in their own living space.
We prioritize the well-being of our residents by providing 24-hour supervision and assistance with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, transfers, and medication management. We also offer specialized care for individuals with diabetes through tailored meal preparation and dietary restrictions.
Keeping our residents mentally engaged is important to us, which is why we have a mental wellness program in place. Additionally, our community encourages social interaction through resident-run activities and scheduled daily activities.
Avantara Salem is conveniently located near numerous amenities for the convenience of our residents. There are cafes, restaurants, and physicians nearby for easy access to healthcare services. We also have places of worship for those seeking spiritual fulfillment.
Overall, Avantara Salem offers a comfortable and supportive environment for our residents to enjoy their golden years while receiving top-quality care. Contact us today to learn more about our community and how we can meet your loved one's specific needs.
Avantara Salem is located at 500 Colonial Drive, Salem, SD 57058 in Miner County, South Dakota
Good Samaritan Society - Canistota
Canistota, SD
Clean, welcoming, home-like atmosphere with attentive staff and spacious, well-maintained apartments.
Good Samaritan Society - Canistota reviews
Good Samaritan Society - Canistota images
Dow Rummel Village
Sioux Falls, SD
Caring staff, clean, home-like environment with extensive activities and flexible care options.
Dow Rummel Village costs
Dow Rummel Village reviews
Dow Rummel Village images
A Detailed Examination of Nursing Home Costs Across the U.S.
Nursing home care costs in the U.S. vary significantly based on location, level of care, and amenities, with private room prices ranging from approximately $6,700 to over $30,000 monthly. Families need to explore various payment options and conduct thorough research to manage these expenses effectively.
Exploring Nonmedical Home Care: Understanding Services, Costs, and Financial Approaches
Nonmedical home care provides assistance with daily activities and companionship for individuals wishing to maintain independence and quality of life at home, without medical intervention. Its growing popularity is driven by an aging population, the need for supportive environments for recovery, and the emotional benefits of caregiver companionship, while costs vary based on service frequency and location.
Engaging Brain Games and Innovative Apps to Keep Senior Minds Active
Maintaining cognitive fitness through engaging in various brain games, both traditional and digital, is crucial for seniors as it enhances memory retention, problem-solving abilities, and emotional well-being while helping to protect against age-related decline. A holistic approach that includes diverse activities, physical exercise, a balanced diet, and social interaction further supports mental health and cognitive function.