Northlake Gardens - Tucker, GA

I have been impressed with what I have seen. The facility is open and sunny and is well maintained. [Name removed] is always painting something to keep it nice. The only smells are good smells. All of the staff I have met or worked with have been helpful with great attitudes. There are some who are exceptional -- really outstanding, and to them, I say a special thank you! The activities are well-planned and easily available. They don't accommodate those with significant vision problems easily but the staff has offered to help with that as well. The food is outstanding and the aromas are enticing when you are there near mealtime. There is always water available in the public area downstairs, although getting seniors to drink sufficient water is a chore. Despite that, the offers are often made by the staff.

Yes, Northlake Gardens is dated and a bit shabby. However, that's not the worst thing. The worst thing is the quality of the care. While a few of the care givers do seem to really care about the residents, most don't seem to. They are rude, unfriendly and don't smile (maybe because they are under paid and under staffed). There have been many days where my mom was left wet in bed all day. There is high turnover at all levels of the staff: from the director to the nurse to the caregivers. Much of the time there was not a nurse on staff. The corporation that owns Northlake is cutting costs on all levels and does not have the best interests of the residents at heart. We are moving my mom.

We have had our mom at Northlake Gardens for only a few months but they have been difficult, stressful months. We were promised 24 hour care, in-room checks every 2 hours by a caregiver, prompt and efficient response to concerns, a caring and active community, and excellent food. I cannot complain about the food.

Our mom has complained of pain, asking for a Tylenol, for over 2 straight days and no relief was given, to the extent that she called 911, seeking relief from the local ER.

Last month she was prescribed a special creme to help control her eczema condition. Because the doctor prescribed the creme to be given "as needed", this creme was applied 3 times in 3 weeks, each time after I asked for it to be applied, each time finding Mom in her room, frantically scratching and uncomfortable. After 3 months it was finally explained to us that "as needed" means "when the resident asks for it". Mom has dementia and doesn't know to ask for many things she needs. She did ask for pain relief for 2 days and did not receive any, so that might be stuck in her mind. Her legs are inflamed & bumpy, and no creme was being applied because Mom didn't specifically ask for it.

We began noticing a musty, moldy smell in her room after a month and brought it immediately to the attention of the staff, including the maintenance and sales staff and finally the executive director. Some staff members attempt to cover up the smell with air freshener. It has been over 3 weeks since I brought the mold problem to their attention and this week the condition was checked upon and confirmed.

We do not have full knowledge of the day to day activities at Northlake Gardens but with the exception of one occasion when she was at a meal, every time I have visited Mom, she has been in her room, sitting in her chair.

Would we have moved Mom to Northlake Gardens, knowing then what we know now? Definitely not.