Reformed Presbyterian Home

I am writing to formally express my serious concerns regarding the care my mother received during her recent one-week stay at your facility. Unfortunately, her experience fell significantly below the standard of professionalism, dignity, and compassion that patients and their families rightfully expect. On one occasion, when my mother requested assistance to use the restroom, an aide entered the room and handled the situation in a highly inappropriate and disrespectful manner. The aide forcefully moved her wheelchair and abruptly placed a bedside commode in front of her, creating an environment that felt both hostile and demeaning. My mother, who is fully alert and capable of advocating for herself, addressed the aide directly and expressed that such behavior was unacceptable. In another instance, a staff member brought her medication but dropped it on the floor. Despite this, the staff member attempted to administer the same medication, which my mother appropriately refused due to sanitary concerns. Incidents such as these are deeply troubling and raise serious questions about both staff training and adherence to basic care standards. While my mother reported these occurrences, it is concerning to consider how patients who are unable to advocate for themselves may be treated under similar circumstances. There should be zero tolerance for any behavior that compromises patient dignity, safety, or well-being—especially when caring for elderly or vulnerable individuals. Additionally, it was evident that the facility is frequently understaffed. Notably, staffing levels appeared to increase only during a county visit, suggesting a temporary adjustment rather than a consistent standard of care. This raises concerns about the authenticity of operational practices and overall accountability. It is imperative that the facility prioritizes hiring and retaining staff who demonstrate professionalism, compassion, and a genuine commitment to patient care. Individuals who lack these qualities not only negatively impact patients but also contribute to a difficult work environment for those staff members who are dedicated and competent. I am not seeking a generic response, but rather meaningful corrective action. Acknowledging these issues and implementing sustainable improvements is essential. The consistency of similar concerns reflected in other reviews indicates that these are not isolated incidents, but part of a broader pattern that must be addressed. Patients should feel safe, respected, and supported during their stay—especially when they are in a vulnerable state and in need of care. It is deeply disappointing that instead of focusing on recovery, patients may feel anxious about how they will be treated when requesting basic assistance. I strongly urge your leadership team to take immediate and decisive action to ensure that all patients receive the respectful, professional care they deserve.