Washington Veterans Home

Linda M.

My family member lived here for about 10 months. Any time a request was made, for anything, it was met with buck-passing, excuses, and always delays. When the director sent an email to all families regarding a change in health care protocol, I responded with a few questions. I received a defensive, almost ranting, email in response talking about the state of health care in this country today! Suffice it to say, I never contacted that person again. Be aware that residents can not even receive personal mail at the home; other arrangements will need to be made for their mail. Well, our veteran died a few days before Christmas. I was informed of the death by the night nurse on duty and told the funeral home had been contacted. I have never spoken to, or heard from, anyone from the WVA again. No condolences, no instructions, no death report. Nothing. Once it's over, they're done, I guess. The takeaway for my family is, if the veteran's board and care is fully paid for by the VA, you get what you pay for, in our opinion. If the veteran has the means to private pay, or receives Medicaid benefits, it might be better to look for a community-based facility with fewer residents and more available, involved staff.

Amy Vigil

Went in here 12/17/21 because I was told my grandfather was put on comfort care that it would be best to go see him before anything happened, called twice & was told that anyone was welcomed was never given a limit of people allowed. Was told children under 3 was not allowed which was okay we were just going to take turns leaving them in the car(which what makes a difference if 1.were with them all the time or 2.if we went into the facility we later would come in contact with them also it wouldn’t make a difference if they went in or not) but we had family member who was already there tell us that an employee said it would be okay if we sat in the waiting room to visit. We were visiting with my grandfather having a good time not making it negative that the reason we are even there is to say goodbye in the possibility he will pass away no one else was around us it was just the little bit of family trying to enjoy each other. A woman who we never got her name but she was wearing a hideous Dallas cowboys shirt walked by us multiple times until about the 5th time because we were having to much of a good time basically told us we were not allowed to be in the waiting room that only 4 people were allowed in his room(which we were not told this with almost all of us calling to ask multiple times was told anyone could come) she than told us the children were not allowed inside that they needed & everyone else needed to sit outside in 40° weather where it almost felt like it could snow at any moment. She than went to two different people for validation one who was the mask police telling us how to wear our mask when there were countless people I saw walking around not wearing their mask properly they both felt they needed to try to show their power struggle & make it seem they had authority of some sort the second person she needed validation from came to tell us that she told us on the phone the kids under 3 were not allowed but she also didn’t talk about how she said anyone could come in but she didn’t even remember who she spoke to because she said daughter when it was me the granddaughter so I’m not sure if she can remember accurately what she even said. Either way I’m disappointed we didn’t get any names because you women should be ashamed of yourselves for instead of thinking you were doing the right thing because of Covid you instead showed how small you were with your power struggle by ruining what could be the last time any of us saw our family member alive.

Sarah D

My dad just entered facility 5 days ago . its during the pandemic they say that residents have not seen or been in contact with yhier families for 2 months .just phone calls.. I understand that although the staff is sayn that they wont have visitors til sept possibly nov 2020. Thats insane !!?? My dad is gettibg the firat signs of dementia and is forgetting things .. I feel i need to be able to see him in person so he remembers me .. By using ppe attire and if need be no contact put up a platic barrier... But to not see a fam member for 2 and even 4 months is rediculous.. Does any one feel the same???

D. Marie

My dad is a resident here. I am so pleased with his care! He was in one that just wreaked of urine and same with my dad! I have always showed up and he is shaved and smells good! I li e the fact they shave him. He likes that a lot. He is happy and for the first time I feel comforleaving him when I visit!! Thank you Retsil's staff! You're amazing!!