The Terraces at San Joaquin Gardens a CCRC
Edward Fernandez
"Disastrous Experience at Assisted Living Facility Alleges Negligence"
We moved my elderly father here when he was released from a Minneapolis hospital. I traveled with him myself. Our belief was that this facility was a premier establishment in the valley. It seemed to be the optimal form of care, in close proximity to our Clovis home. The enthusiastic Sales director offered reassuring words over the phone, affirming that they would deliver top-tier care, assess his needs, and decide whether assisted living or memory care would be a better fit. She boasted of their exquisite Michelin star inspired meals. This place seemed to be an all-inclusive solution. Our check-in time was at 9:35 PM on a certain day, when my father's weight was still 166 lbs, as confirmed during his discharge from the Minnesota hospital earlier in the day. The facility promised to keenly monitor his weight, alerting the doctor if he put on more than 2 lbs over 24 hours or showed a steady weekly increase close to 4 lbs. My father’s health depended on this, since he suffered from edema, chronic heart failure, and aortic valve narrowing. Otherwise, a hospital visit would be inevitable, with dangers of lung fluid buildup. They were also supposed to regularly elevate his legs and ensure he ate a low-salt diet. However, on the day we dined with him, the meal included ham and cheese sandwich, mashed potatoes with gravy, and carrots. Hardly a low-sodium menu! Amidst such shortcomings, it seemed like the carers were overstretched, with one person catering to 12 residents. On his fifth day there, my father's legs began swelling extensively up to his thighs. When we alerted the head nurse about our emergency room plans, she begged us not to, promising that the facility’s doctor would heighten his Lasix dosage. I held off on exercising my right to call an ambulance, fearing that this would lead to my dad being viewed as a liability and ultimately driven out of the facility. However, even with our cooperation, that’s exactly what happened. The Chief nurse insisted that they'd evaluated him and decided he didn't need their care. I received a call notifying me of a sudden surge in room demands, implying that they needed my dad's room. Even when I threatened legal action, the caller ended the conversation abruptly. Luckily, we found a more suitable, compassionate facility for him. It turned out that had we taken him to the ER earlier, an inquiry against the facility would have been triggered. That said, their blatant neglect became clear in the paperwork when we realized my father had gained a worrying 12 lbs, blatantly violating their weight gain rule. Consequently, upon admission to the new establishment, we rushed him to the ER due to fluid accumulation in his body, a clear indication of negligence. Post treatment, his weight dropped to 157 lbs at his discharge from the community hospital. Yet, terraces had the audacity to bill us for his 9-day stay. When I confronted the unit director about this, she brushed it off as a common occurrence in CHF patients. A home healthcare nurse disagreed profusely with her sentiment and promised to enlighten her. We are currently seeking legal counsel to explore initiating legal action for elder abuse. Neglecting an elderly person and allowing his health to deteriorate to near-fatal levels while prioritizing profits might qualify as negligence. Their biased preference for willing payers is disgraceful. In conclusion, avoid this facility. Don’t be swayed by glossy brochures, lofty promises, and attractive surroundings. Their lack of adequate staffing, substandard meals, and risk of eviction once you voice complaints do not bode well. Their personnel may be good at placating worried relatives, but the quality of care speaks for itself. I'll return with an update after winning our lawsuit for malpractice, negligence, and infliction of pain and suffering. Again, steer clear of this facility.
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Anonymous
"$200K Upfront, $8K a Month and No Tour Given!"
This place is too pricey! They told us we'd need to pay $200K upfront plus an extra $8000 every month. That's way beyond what my mom can afford. We didn't even get to see the inside because they didn't give us a tour. I can say though, the outside looks good.
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Anonymous
"Pricey assisted facility with no tour provided, just nice exterior"
My mom can't afford this place! They're asking for a whopping $200K upfront and $8000 every month. That's way beyond her means. They didn't even show us around the place, so I can't say much about the inside, but the exterior looked okay, I guess.
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Anonymous
"Wonderful decision to move here—friendly, fun, and beautiful!"
I’ve lived at the Terraces at San Joaquin Gardens for over a year, and moving here was one of my best decisions. Moving can be tough, but it’s totally worth it! Everyone is really friendly, there are tons of activities, and the food choices are great. Since it’s a non-profit continuing care community, I won’t have to move if my health changes. The buildings and grounds are beautiful.
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Barbara
"Too Big and Complicated; Found a Better All-In-One Place"
It was nice, but it was too big. My mom would have had to live in a separate building and walk outside just to get dinner. I couldn’t keep track of her, so I found a place where everything she needs is in one spot.
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Barbara
"Nice, but Too Spread Out for My Mom"
The place was nice, but it was too big. My mom would have been in a separate building and would need to walk outside for meals. I couldn’t keep track of her well enough, so I found a community where everything she needs is in one spot.
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