Berlin Health & Rehab Center

vtgirl

I have a family member there who has never had physical therapy (one thing that supposed to happen when he was sent there a few months ago). He's dressed and moved into another room, given horrible food and left alone except for meds and food. Recently I've learned that new patients are requesting to be removed from there just days after they arrive because of lack of care and rude staff. Employees are leaving for same reason. The place is in terrible shape, windows that don't close tightly, window screens missing or torn, chipping paint, etc. Cleaning is severely lacking there.

Kim_Vermont

The rooms are very tiny when trying to accommodate two patients and their needs. Some of the nursing staff is wonderful others are ridiculously horrible. The PT and OT staff that I've interacted with have been great. Trying to get someone on the phone or get them to return calls if absolutely impossible. Look elsewhere if you can.

Killed by COVID

My mother was killed by COVID-19, which burned through A-Wing nonstop starting in October 2021. The last three out of four times I was there, my temperature was not checked at the door. They may brag on the Internet today that they have cured their infection control issues, but keeping COVID-positives with a roomie who is not, is not appropriate airborne infection control. Nope, cannot lose that room rate! Besides in the pecking order, elders on Medicaid do not matter, not to the Health Care Ombudsman, not to DAIL, not to malpractice attorneys. However, my mother mattered to me and am convinced, Energizer Bunny that she was, she would have lived at least another six months had they followed COVID control protocols. The last month or so of my mother's life I spent trying to get her away from a the unvaccinated roommate that not only gave her COVID-19 because she was not quarantined, but blasted her TV so my mother could not hear the two streams she paid for above their Internet rate, so about $45 a month total. There was absolutely nothing else to do during COVID and in the months afterward. Plus I could hear J's program blasting through the phone, so it was difficult to have a conversation with my mother and am convinced it made her more confused. What is absolutely outrageous is no one told me my mother would likely die once she tested positive. I learned later they did in code. "Compassionate visit" has a medicallly defined meaning of life expectancy of approximately 30 days. When Janice called to tell me my mother tested positive, I asked, "Are you telling me for contact tracing?" and she said no. Even non-degreed staff picked up on the pattern that was shared with me almost too late, "Positives do not do well," which when I heard that, had me go up to see my mother the last time she was awake. Had I known, I would have stepped up my visits from once to three or four times a week before she was no longer like she was pre-COVID, heavily sleeping during one visit, in much pain the next two. Watch your loved one's Medicare claims, including Part D, because the opiate they claimed she was on, and was no longer working, was also not billed out to Part D for eight months prior to her death. There are some very curiously high charges under Parts A & B I am currently having investigated. My mother was in pain and I could not get anyone to listen in- or outside the facility. She received Tylenol and ibuprofen only. A dying pet would be treated better by a vet these days than my mother was. Matter of fact, withholding other opioids because of her low kidney function should have been an option and a choice after discussion, including with my mother: a few more days or weeks of excellent pain relief with a shorter life expectancy or continue the current pain regimen. I am pretty sure if my mother knew she had weeks left, she would have chosen a riskier medication to have the pain go away, or I would have in her stead as her agent. Additionally, I am missing two pieces of her property. One they admit they lost. The other they claimed belonged to someone else. However, I have a photo on an old phone with a timestamp pre-COVID with this item on her side of the room. It is expensive enough I am considering my options.

SaraLS

Room was spacious and clean with good lighting and private feel. My auntie was given enough freedom to feel happy but she was supervised enough to keep her safe. She loved some of the nurses and aides that worked with her. The staff were respectful and professional. Everyone was very friendly. I could rest at ease knowing I could always get a hold of staff and they acted with my Auntie's best interest in mind. Especially helpful was the resident social worker who made sure that her time their was fruitful, and that her discharge was well orchestrated. The food was good. Activities included PT and games with other residents and staff. It is a beautiful location with easy access to the highway.

RiverRunner

Father. Very difficult cranky personality. No speech paralyzed on right side of body. He is often frustrated and very hard to care for. Impulsive, confused, has an aging brain injury. He broke his paralyzed leg. And needed two months of sub acute care. Because he gets frustrated trying to reestablish communication with everchanging staff... many facilities kick him back to languish at the hospital. Berlin not only accepted him but they kept him safe from covid. They did not hold any of his issues against him. Each day was a new day, each moment a new moment. He was cared for in the memory care unit. They were very professional putting together a comprehensive communication plan to help him transition. Lots of the same folks so he did not have to reestablish relationships. They did lose some pants in housekeeping... which is a small thing but he is so hard to fit and homebound so was difficult when he was discharged. But the new management and the dedicated staff surprised me. I was ready for more resistance but received cooperation. I was literally terrified for him to go there. He ended up actually making some friends. If I could take them and move them closer to our family it would be the perfect place for him when the time comes. If MY dad who is not pleasant did well, I imagine these folks to be mavericks in post stroke and memory care.

wifewizard070816

EXTREME disappointment! This place is a complete nightmare. The FIRST night our grandfather dealt with humiliation, disrespect, he was severely under minded, and the staff had a complete disregard for his needs. The have a horrible attitude there. The only positive thing Is the nurse he had during the day. I cannot imagine what the people that cannot speak or have a physical disability, do not have an advocate, or cannot care for themselves go through on a daily basis in this facility. Our grandfather CAN speak for himself and care for himself and was treated so poorly. Im only thankful that he could tell us some of the things that were going on there and we could also speak on his behalf.