Ballard Rehabilitation

Last year we had to place my father in the nursing center and we chose Ballard Respiratory and Rehab for physical therapy after a stay in the hospital. I would like to say that the care he received there was more than exceptional. The staff were professional, compassionate, respectful and friendly. The therapy department worked with him twice a day, seven days a week and were able to get him walking to the point where we were able to take him home before Thanksgiving… and he is still home today. The staff at the facility were attentive to his needs. and if they weren’t available at that moment they made sure to let my dad know that they would be there to assist him as soon as they were finished with another resident. He was never left there «wondering» if someone would show up to assist him with whatever he needed. The meals that they served were delicious and very well presented on his plate. He was constantly telling me that there just was too much food to eat! My mom visited him daily and I was there several times a week… and there was never a «nursing home» odor and everything was always clean and well lit and comforting. From the Administrator all the way down to the Housekeeping staff they were all exceptionally friendly and helpful; and would stop in his room quite often to make sure everything he needed he had, and if there was anything to address, they were there to do it. My father enjoyed sitting out on the patio listening to the music programs that they had out there or just watching the birds and enjoying the fresh air. My mother is still recommending the facility to her friends in case they have a need for therapy or more comprehensive care. And if the need comes again that we would have to look at a nursing center… we will be using Ballard again. Thank you to the staff for all that they did for my dad and what they do daily for everyone in their care.;

Very bad facilities, Billed for services not given, Food looked and tasted bad, over charged for meds, doctors and nurses with terriable attitudes, cramed 3 to a room

I can not stress enough how grateful we are for having the privilege of spending time at Ballard. They saved my mothers life today. We have been to every single facility in northern illinois and it was ALWAYS the same thing. Understaffed, over crowded, terrible nurses with horrible attitudes, doctors that dont listen or really care about the patients, and neglect in every aspect possible. Mom developed a massive wound that wasnt cared for properly at these other facilities. Eventually she became septic (we almost lost her) and now after 6 months of neglect we finally found a plastic surgeon that would debride the wound. She now has a 17in hole in her stomach that is open with no hope of ever closing. She was also at another facility that had a doctor tell me that he could see no evidence of a stroke while moms face was drooping, her words were slurred, amd she couldnt move her left side or follow simple directions. I had to DEMAND that she be transported because time is of the essence when it comes to a stroke. This particular doctor calls not 911 but their personal transport ambulance ro have her transported to their chicago facility for a ct scan. Thank goodness the paramedic took one look at mom and trumped the doctors orders. She RUSHED mom 5 minutes away to the nearest hospital. She had a permanent droop amd lost about 90 percent of function on her left side. Which brings me to BALLARD. This morning their incredible staff at 5 am noticed that mom was lethargic, and not acting very «normal» 911 was called and she was rushed to the er. The only symptom she had was lethargy and at 5 am its hard to diagnose whether this is normal or not. Dr. Shampf made an educated judgement call and had her rushed to lutheran general. Within minutes she was seen, and yes… she had a stroke. The nurses Nena and Rosalinda that were caring for her are angels and Dr. shampf well we are indebted to for life. They saved my moms life today. She wasnt just another bed filled. She wasnt just a paycheck to them. There are staff everywhere at all times checking on patients and making sure they are safe, happy and healthy. The staff are all courteous with warm smiles and the facility is clean and comforting. I truely believe that if mom were ANYWHERE else (we’ve been to all) she wouldnt be here with us. When she gets through this amd is ready for recovery, she will return to ballard where she is safe and cared for properly. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts… from the CLOSE family.

My mother in law lived there for 3 years, The under staffing is an issue in many nursing homes. It is an issue, they have done very well under difficult funding issues.