★★★★★
6/29/30 Updates include:
My mother-in-law is currently at Fellowship Manor for rehab and physical therapy - not a full-time resident. We are knew to this experience, and as such, our expectations were high for the type of care she would receive.
Let me start with the positive: The staff members (nurses, speech therapist, activities person, etc.)—have been kind, attentive, and genuinely caring.
My concerns (which have since been discussed with Amanda, a Senior VP and COO of the organization), are as follows:
Room Size & Setup
The rooms are quite small and have up to two people sharing the space. Conversations aren't private, the TV "Volume Wars" are a thing, and the person furthest from the window doesn't get much sunlight. It is what it is.
Patients Left in Hallways
Nearly every time we visit, we see multiple patients sitting unattended in the hallway. Little to no interaction, no TV, no window—just alone in a corridor. When I asked why, I was told it’s “easier to keep an eye on them in the hall than in their rooms.”
I just don't like this, nor the reasoning. How long are people in the hallway? 10 minutes? 30? Hour? Longer? I don't know.
We have arrived to visit mom a few times now and there she was, in the hallway. When we asked her if she wanted that, her answer was 'No.' She likes her TV shows and would prefer being in the room.
Speaking with Amanda (Sr. VP), I learned and agree that some residents might like being in the hallway to see what's going on. If it is truly a CHOICE, I'm all about it. If it is 'to make things easier for the staff', I'm not ok with it.
6/29/25 Update: Over the last week, I have visited several times and varying times of the day and night. I haven't seen any patients sitting in the hallways. Coincidence, maybe? Either way - it is a welcome sight.
Lack of Bed Alert Systems
Beds don’t appear to have fall-alert systems. Some facilities have alerts that notify staff if a patient tries to get up without assistance. Here, patients are given a red call button—fine in theory, but many forget to use it, don’t think to use it, or try to manage on their own. This is a safety risk (in my opinion).
My mother-in-law needs an inhaler for her COPD. When she needs it, SHE NEEDS IT. If she is able to hit the red button - and then waits for 15 to 20 minutes - that is NOT ok.
Speaking with Amanda, she mentioned that regulations allow for the lack of bed alert systems - citing how the loud noises can startle other residents and possible lead to more dangerous situations. I understand this concern, but perhaps a 'silent alarm' system can be employed. Notify the nursing station that a resident is attempting to get out of bed.
6/29/25 Update: While visiting my mother-in-law, she needed assistance on two different occasions while I was there. Within 3 to 4 minutes, someone arrived after the button was pushed. Hopefully the duration from button-push to arrival continues to be on the shorter end.
I understand that assisted living is demanding work, and that staff are often underpaid and overworked. I appreciate those in the patient care industry who continue to do a stellar job with empathy and compassion, while doing their best to retain the dignity of their patients. I know it is sometimes (often) a thankless job. We see you, we appreciate you, and we thank you for caring for our loved ones.
★★★★★
I could not have asked for a better experience from Fellowship when we needed it the most. It does sometimes take a village, and this was the "village" that provided care on all the levels we needed during an extremely difficult life transition. I will always be grateful to the entire staff for their above-and-beyond care for my mom. It never feels like it's "just a job" with Fellowship staff, but more like it's a ministry and a pleasure for them to serve. Thank you is not enough!