Mill Creek Alzheimer's Special Care Center

Allicent

We wanted to move our mother closer to where we live, so we went online and began reading reviews of all facilities. Our first choice was Mill Creek, and it was evident 5 minutes into the tour that we had found a safe, nurturing and stimulating environment for our mother. It is difficult to 'hand over' a loved one to complete strangers; however, Karen was direct and honest when answering our questions. We were grateful for the clean, attractive and overall appearance of every aspect of the facility. The rooms are bright and well cared for, no matter when we visit. There are numerous activities for the residents, but they have a choice whether or not to participate...no pressure. It has been six months, and the consistent, positive interactions between the staff and the residents is to be commended. All staff members are positive and respectful to all residents. Overall, that is a huge factor that allows us to leave after each visit knowing that our mom is in the best of hands...at all times. Making this decision was one of the most difficult we have had to make, but choosing Mill Creek was the best decision for our mother and our family.

Provider Response

harryjb

My mother has been at Mill Creek for nearly two years. This facility was recommended by a friend whose wife had lived there; he was very satisfied with the care his wife had received. When she moved to Springfield, my mother lived at an independent living facility. In the early years of her living there, she had done very well. She went for the congregate meals, participated in the organized activities, and even organized activities -- mostly card games -- herself. However, with the passage of time, her memory declined, the friends she'd made wither died or moved away, she became less and less able to handle her medications, other residents did not want to socialize with her, and she began having falls. After a severe fall, which resulted in a three week stay at a rehab hospital, it became evident that it was time for her to move to a more supportive environment, where the staff were trained to deal with memory disorders and the other residents would have a level of functioning similar to mother's. I feel very fortunate that our friend pointed us in the direction of Mill Creek. The staff is highly dedicated, knowledgeable, and patient with the residents. What's particularly impressive is that all the staff interact supportively with the residents -- even the office manager, the head of maintenance, and the chef. Although her memory has continued to decline, my mother's overall physical health has actually improved during the time she's been at Mill Creek, which I attribute to the emphasis put on nutrition and hydration, as well as more reliable administration of medications than we were able to achieve at the independent living facility. The activities staff at Mill Creek provides programs suitable for people with cognitive impairment and holidays are marked with lively and creative celebrations. My mother has had several falls while at the facility. However, I do not attribute that to negligence on the part of the staff. Each time, the nurse on duty responded conscientiously following the protocol for falls and got in touch with me as soon as possible. A lesson learned for me is that memory loss itself can contribute to falls, for example, by forgetting to use a walker (or, even, forgetting what a walker is for). My mother resides in a single room. An attempt at the outset to put her in a shared room did not work out. However, I've observed very successful examples of residents in shared rooms who quite clearly look after each other. You can tell from these comments that I highly recommend Mill Creek as a placement for people who need a supportive environment because of memory disorder.

Provider Response

Cherilyn

I toured several places and this was by far the friendliest staff out of all. I wasn’t sure at first my mom would like it because they have so many activities every day they encourage residents to participate in. To my surprise she participates in almost all of them which is essential to her care! They always greet her by name and even tho she introduces me several times they never seem to get frustrated. She wishes she had her own room but I think it turned out ok her sharing a room for the most part. Staff were also a lifesaver helping me admit her. I couldn’t have done it without their help.

Provider Response

Jocelyn

I like Mill Creek Alzheimer's Special Care Center. It was nice. But I didn't like the layout because you had to share a room. I didn't care for that part. They had single rooms, but they didn't have any available at the time. I saw the double room, and it wouldn't be for my situation right now. My mother wouldn't do well in a shared room. But the place was clean. It reminded me more of a nursing home than the other place did. The staff who took us around was very helpful and very attentive.

Provider Response

Tracey

My father stayed at Mill Creek Alzheimer's Special Care Center for respite care. It was fine when he was there, the staff was fine, and it was very clean. They were very helpful. He did not complain about the food. It's not outrageously expensive, and they were in the middle of remodelling.

Tom Erickson

My family and I have found Mill Creek to be a loving and caring facility not only for the resident with Alzheimer's but the caregivers as well. The staff all seem to have great attitudes in dealing with the residents. They offer lots of varied activities and gently encourage the residents to participate without forcing them. They bring in therapy animals and other types of entertainment to keep residents interest. The staff have also been very helpful in showing us new ways of coping with the stress of caregiving. Residents are offered opportunities to take trips outside the facility on Mill Creek's own bus. They have separate dining rooms so those who need help eating can get more attention. The food is excellent , all three meals and snacks are available each morning and afternoon. Our family also found Mill Creek to be the most economical of the facilities in Springfield.