INDEPENDENCE HEALTH & REHABILITATION CENTER

Tonight I had the police called on me here. I've been coming in regularly (3 to 4 days each week) for almost 2 years to visit my bedridden father who is a Vietnam veteran and former Green Beret. Due to personal mental health issues, the time of day varies when I'm actually able to pull it together enough to be able to get in there. But I do my best to be there, even making him dinner and bringing it to him when I can. As well as shop for his creature comforts such as his Coca-Cola. Even though it's very difficult for me sometimes. I also communicate with other residents so they don't feel forgotten or unimportant in their old age. I'll let them talk and smile, while I just sit and listen and learn. One lady with dementia (Maureen) always wants a hugs, and she gets them. Sometimes, especially lately, my dad will have very difficult moments coming to terms with the fact that he is no longer able-bodied, and having to rely heavily on people. As well as coming to terms with the mistakes that he's made in his life and having to live with those regrets at 73 years old with no real time to try to fix some of them. I've never had an issue going to visit later in the evening until recently. Approximately 2 weeks ago when I tried to visit at approximately 11:00 p.m., the staff refused to let me in because apparently no one was supposed to visit after 8:00 p.m. They did end up letting me in but said I only had 20 minutes. Then tonight, again, they wouldn't let me in or even come to the door. So I was let in a different way by a resident. When staff discovered that I was there, they said that visitors weren't allowed after 10:00 p.m., then they called the police. I was there to visit with my dad and comfort him because he was having a very difficult moment and asked me to come. I brought him an old family album that he really wanted to see of his wedding with my mom, as well as baby pictures of me. Then I took him outside for some fresh air. Shortly after we got outside we were surrounded by approximately 8 to 10 police officers and flashing lights and told that they had just got a call saying that I broke into the facility, a felony burglary call. After I explained to the police what had happened as well as showing them the photo album and consenting to a search of my person and vehicle, the police said that I was free to go. They told me that the staff wanted to press charges for trespassing, but that they weren't going to enforce the facilities visitation policies. I hadn't committed any crimes. And I believe a jury would agree. The police agreed (informally) that an individual shouldn't have to sneak into a facility to visit his father who is ailing and is looking for mental health relief by having his son present in his moment of need. This incident only made matters much worse for my dad's mental health this evening and was traumatic for both of us to say the least. I don't feel comfortable or safe going there anymore even to visit, but I have to if I want to see my dad. But the Independence police were absolutely wonderful and handled things very professionally. Much respect and appreciation to them.🙏 So between this incident tonight, the neglect that I've seen for residents, and the fact that almost the entire staff has turned over since I've been coming to visit; your family would be much happier, healthier, and safer in a Russian gulag. This is not a good place in my opinion and if I had the means, I would get my dad out of there in a hurry. It's not the staff that are the issue, it's management. Please reconsider before putting your family in this facility.🙏 UPDATE... I spoke with Jacob Heiman the administrator today who was very understanding, accommodating, and professional and did what he could to make sure the situation doesn't ever happen again. Staff have been notified that visitors are allowed 24/7 but quiet time starts at 10:00 p.m. and the doors will be locked. There is a phone number on the front door that visitors can call after hours to be let in.🙏

I was in this place overnight, the first week of August 2025. I was in pain and needed help. I pressed the call button and YELLED for help for 75 minutes before anyone answered. It was from about 1:15 to 2:30 PM. Does that mean the two that answered were the only two on duty? There's no security on staff. I was transferred to Salem hospital that day, the following day my wife walked into Independence Health and Rehabilitation, she went in to my room, got all of my items and walked out, the only person she saw was serving meals. In the room I had was a rifled purse and a wet bed, but I didn't have a shared room.

The staff is very unorganized. The administration and CNAs are rude. They treat you like dirt. The pain was terrible for the first 2 days and they didn't get my medication to me. Then throughout my stay pain meds were 1 to 2 hours late when i asked for them. When i would push nurses light they either don't show up or it took a very long time. The room was either way too hot or way too cold. I had to sit on the commode for an hour and a half one time after my bowel movement. Nutritional value of their food is poor. They serve kool-aid; no juice. It basically feels like a prison. I think you get the idea. If you can deal with all of that then this is the place for you. There were some good parts. The therapists were friendly, professional, and knowledgeable. Some of the CNAs and nurses were very good at their job and kind. I was thankful and appreciative to have them care for me. One very important thing that people should know. I discharged myself last Saturday. Later that evening I started looking through my medications. I found 5 different medications that belonged to another resident from the facility! What if I had accidentally taken some of those pills!? I called and told them about it. That poor lady! I hope she somehow got her medications. HUGE RED FLAG on Independence rehabilitation!!!!!

Fortunately the care my sister receives there from the nursing aides is better than the facility. The facility inside looks old and uncared for. There is only one light in her room which does provide enough light to read by during the day. The rest of the room is very dark and unsafe. Her first day there she was still tired from her hospital stay so only asked for soup for lunch. Now that is all they bring her - no fruit or crackers to go with it. She was there 2 weeks when one of the nursing staff told her she could order from a menu - none had ever been offered. The room is cold; she cannot close the drapes because the room is so dark so privacy is an issue. Not a good place. Cheap furniture and no place for visitors to sit. NOT RECOMMENDED.

I've called 3x this week to schedule an appointment and been sent to voicemail with no call returned. Not sure how to rate a place that I can't even get started with 😅