 |
| magnificent view from Gracedale's 10th floor |
When the door to the top suite opened, I was surprised to see nobody was there. No residents or staff. Despite having a commanding view, this floor is empty. It was clean and I noticed no unpleasant odors, but I could see that it could be ready to admit people very quickly. Unfortunately, all the rooms are for four residents, with a shared bathroom. That is less than ideal, at least in my view.
I decided to go down a flight on the steps but was unable to open the door to the stairwell. You have to enter a code, and I didn't have it. No problem. I'll just pop on the lift. But guess what. You need a code to summon the mechanical hoist, and I didn't have it.
I tried Lamont McClure's birthday, and it laughed. I tried Ron Angle's birthday, and a siren went off. I was stuck.
Fortunately, I had my phone and called the operator. She gave me the incorrect code but finally put me in touch with someone who had the right one.
So I was only imprisoned briefly.
On my way down, the door opened to a floor that appeared to have a full complement of residents. It looked quite busy, but I had no desire to bother residents.
I rode down with a pleasant young lady who held a small fan to her face with one hand and a water bottle with the other.
"Do you work here?" I asked.
She told me she's a housekeeper, believes she is paid well, and said that there are good days and stressful days.
She told me how to get to the cafeteria, and that is where I'll go and eavesdrop for my next visit.
If only you'd stayed long enough to get that desperately needed exorcism. Missed opportunity.
ReplyDeleteThe place is “immaculate.” It’s very well run, and ironically it is only politicized to the extent it is because of John Stoffa’s attempt to sell it. You were involved with that, right ?
ReplyDeleteVery much so. I fought the referendum as I don't think that emotional topics like the sale of a nursing home should be decided by direct democracy. But a court ruled that it could be and the people spoke rather loudly and I believe they were right, and I was wrong. Moreover, after the vote, I attended the annual volunteer appreciation day and was mystified by how employees care so deeply about residents. They take them shopping on their own dime, bring them home for the holidays and basically love them. That was a teachable moment for me. Are those kinds of employees still there post pandemic? That is what I wish to learn more than anything.
Delete4 elderly folk, one bathroom - not good
ReplyDelete
ReplyDeleteif you want to talk to government employees, go to the floors or Southeast and Southwest wards. If you want to talk to agency, go to the cafeteria. If you want to talk to reidents, walk through the arcade, the outside paths, or the billards room, or outside smoker's "lounge". That's where you'll get the real stories. I sure didn't see you, and those are my hangouts...
I'll be back.
DeleteHope that visit included you signing in at the “operator”with your name, date, time and reason for visit while obtaining a visitor’s badge. Curious that the sheriff and/or operator didn’t question that or you as an apparent newbie to Gracedale. Hmm. You could have been there for evil reasons and no one would have stopped you apparently. The fact that you “got trapped “ I’m sure was scary but it is probably humorous to
ReplyDeletesome readers. This is another example of how Gracedale is presently failing its residents and the taxpayers of Norco.
I did not do any of those things. I don't do it at hospitals either.
DeleteMy point is that you were allowed to “not” do it by the sheriff and the “operator “. The rules are apparently not enforced by those who are supposed to do that at Gracedale. Some good comments here apparently from those on the inside, Bernie. Maybe go back?
DeleteSounds like increasing costs ahead for Gracedale as they fund S.W.A.T. teams for your unannounced visits! 🙂
ReplyDeleteNext time you go , take a few Council people with you….they need to know how to get there and how 2 million a year gets used to help people.
ReplyDeleteBernie going to the top floor is not fittin with your destination. The lower level beneath the basement is more ffitting your destination and even futhure, did you have some water?
ReplyDelete