American Healthcare Management Group

My mother entered the canyons following the unexpected death of my father in the spring of 2020. Big mistake! We had recommendations from a Place for Mom and made visits to tour the facility. All seemed to check out. The marketing people there were very helpful as well as the Nursing Director and Wellness Director. But in less than a month in there, my mother fell twice. The first time she fell she needed emergency treatment for 5 sutures to her forehead and removal of glass, from her broken eyeglasses, in her wound. The second time she fell she was found in the hall outside of her room sitting on the floor for an undetermined amount of time found very anxious and upset. In just less than two months in there, Mom had a sudden urinary tract infection diagnosed with a culture found to have 9 different bacteria, all colonizing and needed treatment with antibiotics. At the same time, she had an abnormal EKG and had not had a history of UTI or cardiac abnormalities ever in the past. She also was having issues getting her showers which may have accounted for the bacteria overload. Staff told us that Mom was being difficult. We asked that they check her fluid intake and found that they were giving her as much coffee as she asked for and not enough water after we told them she easily becomes dehydrated. During the covid restrictions, family members were just allowed to see their loved ones through the glass door. Numerous times we have attempted to call the Canyons and cannot reach a person; just the voice mail. This made things difficult in keeping up with our mother. When family did see her at the door, we noticed Mom looking disheveled, sometimes not wearing her own clothes and without her new eyeglasses. She appeared with dark circles under her eyes and somewhat timid. The staff explained her dark circles in that she sometimes gets up to walk around before getting ready for bed. Not something she did in the past. Although we had conversations with the Canyons staff and they said they would look into things, irregularities and concerns persisted as well. By the end of her third month and into her forth month there, we discovered Mom was not wearing her wedding diamond, her band and her anniversary rings . Mom never, ever took these off in the five years before her entry into the Canyons. In fact, in all her 65 years of marriage, she never removed her rings on a daily basis. We don't know why this would happen. We heard there has been a number of staff changes. At this time, there may be thirty residents still there but we understand many families are concerned. We are alarmed with injuries and missing items and a change in Mom's demeanor. We would like to think the Canyons is offering reasonable care and yet it seems many basic activities of daily living are slipping through the cracks. We have heard recently, a resident was left outside in 103 degree temperature and luckily found by a hospice nurse just happening to be visiting. Since Mom is able to walk we hope she will maintain some independence and be able to stay healthy and not be left outside unattended. This is a big concern also. Although, they have a number of residents in wheelchairs who are about, we don't know how healthy they are and what level of infection control the community is adhering to. Covid has caused an additional, unrelenting burden upon families and facilities. We feel the state health governing boards should be on top of elderly communities and also help in providing the extra help needed when facilities like the Canyons are so short staffed. The financial arrangements in these facilities are ambiguous with fees ranging from $5000 and up if you prefer a private bathroom or shower. God help you if your loved one is non-ambulatory. Bottom line: it is a tremendous commitment to provide safe and proper care for the elderly especially with the current business models in use. However, they are one of our most precious living beings and among the most vulnerable in our respected members of society. What does this say about our culture? Neglect, improper hygienic conditions, lack of correct infection control, dehydration, missed medications or over medicating, ignored residents, medical issues not reported, under staffed, underpaid and disinterested staff, lost personal items, theft, poor communication systems, for profit facilities, questionable state and federal regulations and lack of proper covid testing with daily checks and prevention of those positive covid individuals from working or residing in facilities to prevent further injurious health issues to the elderly, is just the beginning. Covid has shown, we are in great need of expedient reforms ! Do not allow this to continue with your loved ones. Beware of facilities until proven to be safe and caring. Write to your state legislators and express our shared concerns!