Elara Caring - East Lansing

no support

My husband is currently in the hospice program. Our first week we were basically left to our own devices, No medications or supplies were ordered until our 2nd week when the nurse came in, I feel like we are some kind of inconvenience to them, I have been trying to get a hold of the the so called social worker for almost two weeks, When I call they say "I'll send and e-mail- " of course no results. I feel like I'm the only person who even cares, What's the point of even having hospice if they supply you with a bed and gloves and basically tell you they'll be in once a week to check on you, Our third week we actually finally had a bath aid twice a week, Of course they are pleasant but dismissive, You may as well keep your concerns to yourself,

Concerned family member and healthcare provider.

My mother was receiving hospice through Great Lakes Valley. My brother and I both live about 2 hours away from our mother and met with hospice once to determine my mother's care. My mother's nurses had to continually call hospice to come out and make her more comfortable. They did not come out on a regular basis as they told us they would. When my mother was actively dying, hospice had not called any family to tell us this. Her nurses were told they would but when no family were present, one nurse took the time to call us (again, we never got a call from hospice). Had this nurse not called, I would not have been there for her final moments. As it turned out, my brother got caught in traffic and he missed his final moments with his mother. Hospice at Great Lakes NEVER called. They never called to ask family how we were coping with a dying mother, never called to say she was actively dying, never called to provide updates, never called after she died. I had called several times to social work, case manager but they never connected me with a care provider who actually knew my mother. As a healthcare provider working for several hospital systems in Indianapolis, I have strongly encouraged our social workers, case managers, nursing staff to consider using other hospice providers as it seems Great Lakes truly is a business and less of a nurturing provider of end of life care as they claim. Research and reconsider alternative companies.

DeeMS

Great Lakes' provided services for my father for only a few days before he passed but I was impressed with how quickly they provided caregivers and additional support. Like every organization, it's the individual people who ultimately make a difference. While the first two caregivers that arrived were adequate, it was the overnight caregiver that made it a 5 star experience. Kershima immediately assessed my father's condition (which was declining quickly), and started to take action. She hunted down the facility nurse on staff, made calls to her supervisor for approval to increase his pain medication, changed his position to help with breathing, and trying to cool him down and make him more comfortable. She was professional, gentle, soft spoken and explained to us what was happening at every level. Even when we needed a few minutes alone with dad, She stayed right outside of his door and would quietly step back in to observe him and (I think count his breathes ?). The only reason I felt comfortable leaving dad's side to get some sleep was because I knew he was in the caring hands of Kershima. As she promised, she called in the middle of the night when his condition declined and we were able to say our last goodbyes. I felt that Kershima was one of God's Angels sent to us that night.

Greatlakes

Great Lakes has assisted with care of my aunt in Ann Arbor for nearly 8 months and every staff member has been wonderful. Every nurse, in particular Connie, has been kind, patient and professional with us at every visit. My aunt, who is not always thrilled to be poked at (who is?) Especially liked Connie, which is what matters most. Thanks every one of you for making a difference every day.

Ninabean

This company called to set up in home care for my mother. We ultimately went with another company. This did not stop GLC from continuing to call my phone and then my sister's to set up an initial meeting. They were told we went with another company yet again. Then a nurse showed up at my home 30 mins later. During a difficult time, I have had to decline services on several occasions and I do not like the thought that someone just shows up. I don't know how their nursing services are, but their customer service is highly unorganized.

Deona

We hired Great Lakes Caring Hospice for my dad before he passed away. They were excellent caregivers. They were there when we needed them. They always called us back when we gave them a call. They were excellent in every level. Every single one of them was all kind and compassionate. Even after my dad had passed away, they still call to check on us.

nanleeq

I have been using the agency for over six years to assist me in caring for my invalid mother, who is presently under their hospise care in home. I have found their staff to be excellent, extremely warm and caring, however often overworked. The company has expanded greatly the past few years through acquistion, and in consolidating, has eliminated some excellent people, leaving some areas understaffed. None the less, I highly recommend Great Lakes Caring based on the quality of the staff.