Rochester Presbyterian Home Cottage Grove

My mother has been here for several months after an extended stay at another very similar facility so I have a basis of comparison. 1) The cottages: very clean and cozy. 2) Food: my mother LOVES the food. She's gained necessary weight. 3) While I understand reviewers' critique of non-existent activities and staff there are unique circumstances to these homes and have heard similar stories at EVERY PLACE. HOWEVER, Cottage Grove really fails in relationships with FAMILIES. 1) Medical: I didn't even meet a nurse or NP until mom was there for 7 months. At her other place, soon after mom moved in, we had a "team meeting" with medical and daily care supervisors, It was beneficial and something I would suggest. Maybe make it an annual event. Also, RPH has no relationship to other medical professions such as dentists. They should try to offer recommendations to out of town families. When mom had an emergency visit to a local hospital, the ER doctor gave instructions for follow-up care. We didn't even know who to give those instructions to at Cottage Grove! (Fortunately, she was fine) Still, these events shouldn't be so casual. 2) Family Events. Families are welcome at all events but events billed as family events should be special. I went to a Valentine's party and they had dollar store cookies and kool-aid. We never got to meet the other families. It was really low-class. At her prior home, at Christmas, for example they had a really NICE party with a catered meal and a harpist followed by family photos in front to the Christmas tree. No need for a meal, RPH, but a formal holiday event would be appropriate. Another place in Buffalo had a family barbecue every summer. 3) Personal supplies. Families are expected to supply supply SOAP and other toiletries. I got a call at 8:10 one night telling me my mother ran out of SOAP in her bathroom. REALLY? Even Motel 6 provides a bar of soap. Geez.... I would suggest that you buy some nice bins with residents' names on them and TELL families to fill them from a checklist. Give them a list of supplies--like camps do! Otherwise, there is no designated place for these supplies and they tend to "disappear." Also, I bought mom nice sheets that they NEVER use (they're still folded in her closet!) (This is a management issue, not an issue with any of the daily support staff) Overall, though, mom likes it and spends very little time in her room--which is good. The Facebook page is updated frequently and I do appreciate that. I often spy mom in the group photos! So even though I have concerns, I'd still give Cottage Grove high marks. Mom is safe and content.

Poor communications from former and current staff. First example: one staff member was not providing mom with washcloth to cover eyes nor privacy or towel for mom’s modesty when bathing. Complaint made with improvement. Second example: new staff members not informed about specific things about mom IE her being a heavy sleeper. Staff called 911 claiming she was not responsive. EMT comments that she was sleeping. Mom’s room and bathroom are dusty and the floor is often dirty. Carpet appears dusty. Mom has allergies and this is not helpful. Common areas seem to be clean and dust free. Several of the staff are unfriendly toward one of the residents daughters. Some improvement after multiple complaints. Staff at times seem to come across rude/unfriendly when trying to get mom to complete a task. Mom constantly asks them to be kind (which they don’t like). One daughter washes moms hair weekly since the staff claim they cannot get mom to let them wash it. Her diet is lactose free and they don’t always have it on hand during ice cream socials. Complaints improved this. It always smells amazing when the staff is cooking! Unfortunately, mom has become a picky eater and eats peanut butter and jelly at least twice a day. Activities were absent or limited for months with loss of staff. Common sense is lacking in some staff; we must let them know some basic needs need to be addressed. For the price per month that mom pays, I would think that body soap and depends would be supplied. We are constantly sending follow up reminders on questions that we have emailed to the staff.