Middlebrook Farms at Trumbull

Summer Holodook

After two years, the only thing that has been accomplished in this establishment is successfully cashing our checks. I'd like to set the expectation that our move in process went extremely well, and we had a great experience with Kate, but after that, the administration and care is something to be extremely cautious of. Imagine going to visit your loved one for the first time, and walking in to actually observe the receptionist, Danielle, standing out in the open, discussing loudly and boisterously her dislike for residents, and catching her and the Administrator, Julia, speaking very ill of your family and loved one. And then, as you stand quietly in shock, they come to greet you with a big smile as if it were a non-issue. And as you stand there stunned and say, "I heard all of that," Julia just says, "That's Ok." And then, being told you can only visit for one hour, and outside in the rain in the middle of March. And as you wait in the lobby, CNA's come up and chat away with Danielle at the reception desk about the resident's medical conditions out in the open, because HIPAA doesn't matter, and people who are sick are apparently a laughing matter. If you rely on their transportation, don't. You can plan appointments weeks in advance, notify the front desk of the appointment time and destination, and then learned to call the day before because they never keep track, and she has missed and needed to reschedule appointments for their disorganization. The morning of a major heart surgery, it was guaranteed by the Director of Nursing that "they've got it" and would make sure your family member was dressed and ready at the front of the building on time. And then, only to have the CNA berate and torment her saying she "didn't know nothing" and is just going to do her other assignments. The distress this poor woman went through before a cardiac surgery for no good reason will never be acceptable. The front desk sending away an ambulance for your relative that was called 911 for an emergency because "the old people don't know what their doing and try to call rides to go places all the time..." instead of calling to find out yes, there is an emergency and now another ambulance needs to be dispatched further prolonging her ability to get urgent care while being unable to breathe. When they deliberately run out of a menu item, they just bring up whatever they decide, and have at times said "you get what you get, or you don't get nothing." With no supervision in the dining room, there have been fights amongst residents, people urinating on the table, residents stripping down and undressing for all to see when they should have memory care assistance. Be aware that if you utilize their recommended APRN, you'll never get a call, or a status report unless they need your payment authorization over the phone. Be aware that if you press your call button, it could be upwards of 45 minutes before anyone even pops their head in to say they'll "send someone else." This is especially wonderful when the resident is having an allergic reaction. And the list can go on, but most importantly know that they do not have the ability to properly staff or provide minimal care to residents.

Zenobia Bailey, MA

Middlebrook Farms @ Trumbull is the next best thing to Mom being home. When the time came for us to make the decision for around the clock care, I did not know if I'd be able to find a place that met my standards and expectations. As a few examples: If I walked in the reception area of a long term care facility and saw or smelled the slightest indication of less than sanitary and visually pleasant surroundings, I would walk right back out the front door. (Incidentally, over the years, preliminary and proactive searches found me doing exactly this). Obviously, the opposite was true of Middlebrook. In meeting with staff, I didn't just want to hear about how much they cared, I wanted to see it in action. So, I took great notice of the residents' grooming as well as their countenances and the manner in which the staff interacted with them, alongside of the general atmosphere, when visiting a community. Middlebrook past that window. Fast forward.... through COVID and more...almost 2 years later, I am eternally grateful that Middlebrook was selected and that the staff has met Mom's specific and particular needs as an individual and as a member of her community. Without a doubt, it is because of their programming and attention to details that Mom remains active and productive. Again, Middlebrook stood shoulders above the competition. They still do. THANK YOU Middlebrook and The Benchmark Communities, their parent company, from the bottom of my heart!

Mary Callaghan

From the first days of introduction and planning, through move-in and ongoing transition period in Harbor Memory Unit, my family member has been showered with care, understanding and warm welcome. The staff has experience and expertise, grace, grit and humor. I have been particularly impressed with how everyone at Middlebrook Farms values the dignity of each individual patient-resident--and the family members as well! The administration and staff have a deep sense of our shared humanity and the journey each of us is on. I am more thankful than I can find words for.

Mike Cusanelli

My father just moved in to this wonderful community. Everyone has been super helpful and supportive throughout the entire process. Everything is very clean and organized. Thanks so much!