Chartwell Eau Claire Care Residence

I have my brother and sister in law Chartwell Eau Claire for almost 1 year now. The staff here are lovely and caring and respond to their needs. My brother says " can you believe how well we are taken care of". They definitely have all their needs met. The number of medical staff here is great and we are fortunate to have a family doctor here who visits every 2 weeks or more. They were really lucky to get a 2 bedroom and 2 bathroom apartment that is kept very clean. Their apartment is decorated nicely with all their things from their house. They have their laundry done here. So many excellent staff here to name. Alexa, Kanwal, Sylvia, Johti, Joyce, Josephine and evening and night staff my family has talked about also.

I have so many positive things to say about Elizabeth, the director of Care at Chartwell Eau Claire. Her role is filled with compassion and genuine kindness, which truly makes a difference. Elizabeth consistently goes above and beyond to ensure that every resident feels valued and well taken care of. She takes the time to get to know each person and understand their unique needs. Her warmth is only matched by her professionalism, making her an exceptional leader. She also serves as a source of comfort and encouragement for both residents and families. The Facility is truly blessed to have her presence and dedication. Thank you, Elizabeth, for everything you do!

Part 1- BEWARE- MEMORY CARE- Do NOT choose this facility! Our family moved our Mom into Memory Care in January of last year. As our moms care needs increased, we had to move to a LTC facility, and it turns out to be the best thing. Unfortunately, we feel awful for the residents remaining in Memory care at this facility. Our Mom was there for a full year. MOVING IN- The first case manager we had which was an AHS nurse- Talked the families nurse practitioner out of staying on. "Forcing" the in-house doctor on us. Unfortunately, at this time we were unaware that we had a choice. Then down the road when we parted ways with the doctor that we never wanted, management told us no other in-house doc was available and we could just bring our Mom to a clinic. (Clearly not understanding the care of our Mom and how unreasonable that would be as at this time it is almost impossible to take her out.) THE DOCTOR-Shortly after we had met Dr. Tapay (The in-house doc force on us) the family called for a follow up meeting as information was not being passed along. Example- Mom had a fall. In that meeting we are stunned regarding information provided and curious to how family is not kept informed. The case manager constantly providing us conflicting information. Dr. T insisted on changing her meds from the moment our mom moved in. This caused our Mom to have very off days. Family would show up to find her wondering the halls and would drastically be leaning to a side. Mom often found walking around with no walker. Family would have to advocate for hydromorphone. Dr T would constantly delay starting meds- Mom had ongoing toe infection. Staff would leave socks on for days, no one would look at foot. When LPN questioned, family was told they do not change socks every day. Toes were not being monitored, and treatment was delayed. Certain staff members would hand over duties to family/companions- example foot bath. (Or just not do it) Mom was starting to sleep all day- family contact’s doctor. Blood work and urine are to be collected. Urine was never attempted. 3-4 weeks later, urine was collected and UTI detected. Delay in antibiotics. *Both these issues were reoccurring and handled the same each time. MANAGEMENT- Unfriendly, Unwelcoming, Unprofessional and often just "pass the buck" and not take responsibility. Incompetent management who risk the well being/health of residents. Example 1- In the summer residents get "trapped" (many residents are no longer able to open anunlocked door) on the patio. When concern was addressed, manager (Loreli) emailed back that 24 degrees is fine for a resident to be outside. Unfortunately, even the good staff is so overwhelmed they have no time to check if anyone is on the patio and residents remain outside for literally hours. Example 2- When elevators are not working, there are signs directing to take the stairs. Get to the bottom of the stairs a code is needed to open the door. Our mom already struggled coming down the stairs and it made her exhausted. After calling and sending another to find the code we were told the door does not open and to just bring your mom back up the stairs. Our mom could hardly handle going down the stairs! The assistant manager (April) showed no compassion and said the code worked- yet 3 of her staff members told us otherwise. -Lack of staff. Change in the numbers of HCA’s and LPN’s have the staff unable to keep up with the demands of the unit. Evening staff has been seen to have gone on breaks together. Leaving no staff on unit. Families companion questioned the HCA, his response was ‘they are all sitting down, I am going on my break too.’ When family talked to Manager Loreli- was told she will look into it and then followed up with this did not happen. -Moving out- Assistant manager April, comes by to argue and be difficult once again, arguing the information provided to us in an email. Essentially causing extra work for the family, once again.

My mother is now living at the Chartwell Residence in Eau Claire. My mom needs memory care and that is why we chose this particular location. The staff have been amazing, team of nurses is great and there is always a fun activity for my mom to partipcate in. The location is great as a family, we can walk to local restaurants, Eau Claire or just along the river walk. I would remiss to not mention our first contact at the home, her name is Alexa Shaw and she has been fabulous from start to finish and continues to communicate with us daily and weekly.

Chartwell Eau Claire has been a very good choice for my friend. All the staff have been caring and helpful settling her into the facility. Alexa Shaw has been particularly helpful with the details about the move. My friend has felt comfortable at Chartwell especially because of Alexa.

I find it distressing to visit my friend at Chartwell Eau Claire, the furniture has been pushed into the walls for weeks and residents are not permitted to socialize or roam freely due to "covid" protocol, my heart breaks for the people stuck living in these conditions, especially those who don't have visitors. Not to mention my friend just received news that rent is due to increase (again), it costs thousands a month to be self incarcerated here where the quality of life has gone way down as costs go up. Shame.

My brother-in-law has been a resident at Chartwell Eau Claire for 10 months now and we are very pleased with the care he is getting. The staff are very friendly and professional. Easy to communicate with. The food must be good as he has added a few extra pounds since moving there. We love the downtown location with easy access to Bow River promenade or to the LRT. Being on west end of downtown easy access to Memorial Drive, Bow Trail and Crowchild. Parking is easy in the basement or on the street is free weekends and evenings. Definitely recommend Chartwell Eau Claire