TAMPA LAKES HEALTH AND REHABILITATION CENTER

PhoenixPalm

My husband was at Tampa Lakes for a month in December and January, for rehab after a hospitalization. Overall, it was a very good facility. They were short-staffed like all places now, yet this did not greatly impact my husband. He does need a fair amount of assistance, but he is partially self-care. There were some excellent CNAs on his unit - top notch, experienced and worked hard. We did have a problem with one CNA who was quite mean and unreasonable, and I found it impossible to even talk to her even though I was trying my best to be diplomatic. I did talk to administrators about this and she was not there afterwards, but I think I later saw her on another unit. My husband felt she should not have any job there that involves direct patient care, and he told that to administration. The nurse on his unit on nights, Meredith, was excellent , and I think she was also the Night Supervisor. She would solve any problem that came up, had good judgment, was kind and understanding even with the most difficult patients, and was pretty unflappable. The other nurses were good. The Unit Manager did upset me a great deal, though, when I brought up a minor problem - actually I was not even making a complaint, I was just asking a question, which was whether there was a set bedtime there. She went off on me and somehow thought I was making a complaint about one of the really good CNAs - she just reacted to her own thoughts and did not listen, and at the time I had no idea what she was talking about or upset about or how she got this erroneous idea. She just would not listen and jumped to conclusions, things that I hadn't even brought up. I later clarified things so she would not think I had made a complaint in any form about one of my husband's favorite CNAs. She was a handful! But later she changed her attitude and became more reasonable and helpful. I think there was some misunderstanding from administration or something. It did rattle me, and subsequently I avoided visiting during the day when I could. The PTs, OTs, and STs were great, and he made very good progress there. The dining arrangement was nice, and he liked the food. I wanted Rec Therapy to try and get him involved a bit more, because when he did go to their events/games he really enjoyed it. I did ask DON that he be urged to go to all events, but I don't think they did, or if they asked him he might not have understood what they were talking about, I don't know. But this is a man who loves games or anything, very motivated, he always joins in and he was starting to get very bored there, so he just read his book most of the time. I was disappointed with this, and I would have thought that the rec staff would know how to talk clearly and loud enough for him to hear about the activity. But I don't know exactly what happened with that. And that would be my main complaint, that he got very bored, and at that time I felt bad and wanted him to come home. And the mean CNA, but it is possible they took action on that. And staffing is a challenge everywhere now. I should add that his care by nurses at Tampa Lakes was far superior to the nursing care at 2 different acute care hospitals nearby. He has had 4 hospitalizations in the last few months and I have had many days of observation and nursing care at these hospitals was downright dangerous and most nurses in these settings had bad attitudes. So, in comparison, Tampa Lakes was far superior, actually excellent. I felt he was safe there. In the hospitals, he was definitely not safe and numerous medical mistakes were made, many of which caused significant harm.

Sheniah

I have a family member who has been a longtime resident. If you can find another facility for your loved one do not place them at Tampa Lakes! There are many issues at this nursing home. They are understaffed. Many times there is only 1 CNA for 30 patients. On a good day you'll find 2 CNAs. Some CNAs are very caring and work hard. Others would rather do their nails at the nurses station than do their job. There is only 1 RN for 30 patients. The food tastes terrible and unhealthy to the point where the residents do not want to eat at all. Now they are admitting mentally disturbed patients. These patients scream all day and night and disturb the other residents. The residents cannot rest or sleep. There is even a resident who is violent and punches other residents and nothing is being done about it. You should not fear for your loved one's safety. The administrative staff may or may not return phone calls or emails. The only thing that is right with this place is that it is kept clean and rarely smells badly.

Aggravated Sister

Giving one star b/c there is not an option to give no stars. If you are considering using Tampa Lakes, DON'T. My sister was sent there after extensive back surgery (so her mobility was extremely limited), and she was given no assistance with hygiene, bathroom trips, etc. NO ASSISTANCE. Thankfully her friend visited frequently and helped her get to the bathroom, groom, etc. As a result, my sister contracted an infection brought on by lying in her own waste overnight. She had to be readmitted to the hospital and put on i.v. antibiotics. Ironically, Tampa Lakes was recommended to her by the hospital staff, who were shocked to hear how deplorable the service was.

Dormoore

My mother is there and we go at least 2 times a week to visit and mom is always doing something. Also when I call the nurses they have all been very nice and everyone willing to assist. Mom has a private room and lots of room . She also receive therapy they have a gym on site and she loves going.

Pts are dehumanized

My mother who is totally disabled contacted me in obvious physical pain from having to hold a bowel movement for 3 hours and 18 minutes. This call was the 6thcall in 30 days. I drove to the facility ( Cabana Bay Unit) were both the nurse and the supervisor admitted my mom requested to go to the bathroom at 3pm but was told to wait till after dinner. I arrived at 7 30pm to a mother in such physical pain she had tears in her eyes. I asked " why didnt you take her to the bathroom, the nurse shrugged her shoulders and said it's the aids job, I told her twice". I see aids but they are generally sitting texting on their phones and watching Netflix while patients are waiting hours to get their basic needs met.

tampagrammy

My family transferred me to Tampa Lakes from another facility to continue my rehab for a broken neck and multiple thoracic fractures. I love it here. The facility is beautiful, clean, bright, and the rehab gym is out of this world. The staff to patient ratio is amazing. There is wifi so my family brought my iPad in so I can play games in my room. I am progressing more quickly here as I receive more attention and therapy work here than at the prior facility. My family loves visiting me here as wel and can enjoy eating meals here with me too as the food is that good.