The Gardens Court

Jo Loiacono

My experience at Gardens Court was horrific. The aides were rude and rough and spoke little English instead talking among themselves in Creole. The gave the bare minimum of care and even turned their name badges around so you couldn't see a name to report. The Nurse was uncaring and annoyed when I asked for anything. I was in excruciating pain and was not able to get my pain medicine when I needed it. I cried in pain most of the time. Bathing was sporadic and I was treated roughly and with no respect. I was there because of a total shoulder replacement and I had fallen on it and was in the most excruciating pain of my life. I met with the director twice who assured me he would talk with the staff and make sure I received my pain medicine in a timely manner. Nothing improved and I called a friend to come and get me out of there. The director told me I couldn't leave because it would take a few days to get my discharge papers ready. I told him I was leaving AMA if he didn't get the papers ready. Within an hour I got the discharge papers and left. I still have nightmares about being in Gardens Court. The only positive things about Gardens Court was that it was clean and the physical therapists were very kind. The physical therapists were aware of the poor/abusive treatment going on but couldn't do anything about it. I did report them and my case manager came to visit and was refused access to my chart. I know there are worse rehabilitation facilities than Gardens Court but for me it was a nightmare.