HeartFields Assisted Living at Frederick

I would rate lower if I could. My mom entered the facility fully able to do all of her ADL's. 5 months later she was confined to a wheelchair, unable to do even one ADL on her own, and eventually ended up in the hospital, nearly comatose. Why? Because Heartfields decided to increase a medication (without consent) that has very dangerous side effects, including increased risk of stroke, agitation, weakness, shakiness, in addition to many more scary effects, including death. 


When my mom protested having her pants and Depends yanked down by over worked care givers, the executive director asked me if her behavior was due to prior sexual abuse! Um, no. Like most human beings, she just doesn't like her clothes removed without consent. 


Also, for those that aren't already aware (I sadly wasn't), Maryland doesn't require the caregivers (the front line staff that will predominantly be caring for your loved ones) to have ANY type of skilled training/certification and they are allowed to care for up to eighteen (18!!!) residents at a time. Heartfields confirms they are assigned 16-18 residents per shift. No wonder they are yanking off residents clothing, they don't have time before they have to move "on to the next one". Even though the state doesn't require it, Heartfields could train their staff better. In fact, therapy tries to provide guidance, but it falls on deaf ears. They run their facility more like a prison than a health care facility. The caregivers are also doing housekeeping in addition to caring for your family members, and unfortunately, many are just physically unable to do this demanding type of work.


I could go on about how they refused to meet with me for 4+ months about the $8,000+ overcharges they erroneously charged us (they eventually removed it), or how they continued to ignore our requests to remove feces covered wastebasket in my mother's bathroom for weeks until I physically had it thrown away, or how the staff stuffed my mother's clothing into a full size trashcan, despite her having a perfectly good clothes hamper and a laundry basket....but I think this is enough for you to get the gist. 


We reached out to the executive director, regional director, and filed a formal complaint. We were told an internal investigation would take place. Sadly, almost a month later, and still no one followed up even after reaching out multiple times for a status update. It seems leadership doesn't seem to care, and we doubt anything will change. 


Finally, when we moved my mom out yesterday, we were shocked and saddened to learn FOUR residents died last week. 4 out of approximately 30 residents, that's 13% of their population! Please let that sink in before moving your beloved family members here, and entrusting them to Heartfields staff. 


I'm happy to discuss concerns with anyone thinking about moving someone they love here. Please feel free to reach out to me directly.

This retirement community is simply wonderful! I highly recommend those looking for a lovely community for their loved ones to visit Heartfields at Frederick! No question about that!

Besides the home being filled with terrific residents, having a clean, cheerful and bright environment, the staff should be much praised! Let me share...For almost 20 years, I have visited Heartfields Frederick to sing for the residents. I do this for many communities and this particular community has really touched my heart in a deep way. The Activities Coordinator, Melissa Hanshew, who has been an employee there for over 22 years (the longest employed worker there! She started when the building opened! ), is simply amazing! I see her genuine love for her "extended family"! I observe Melissa's passion to serve the community residents and as a result, these people's smiles are always ignited like the sun! They are always happy! Frankly, it's beautiful to watch every time I visit! They love this woman and they are genuinely happy!

When I come to Heartfields, I can't wait to just observe that special connection that Melissa has with her residents! As she encourages people to attend the event, I notice how attentive the people are to her. They respect this recreational coordinator, they trust her with their lives and yes... I see that they love her as she clearly loves each and every one of her residents as like with her personal family!

Melissa makes each person feel a part of the community circle. She is always attending to their needs and making them feel comfortable and appreciated!

I love the decorations that adorn the activity room and other places throughout the building to make the place pop with energy and vibrant life all about! Melissa and her staff always make the community happy and festive throughout the year from what I observe!

There is diversity and creativity with each program that I have been a part of and I am extremely impressed. I truly get the impression that Ms. Hanshew is using her activities skills and budget in the most wisest of ways to facilitate establishing the highest level of morale and happiness that a community could ever experience!

I see how Melissa is so hospitable in the way that she personally serves each resident and or instructs assistants to help with the tasks, as well.

I am also very impressed with how her "family" treats Melissa like their very own daughter! They love her! Everyone does! I also see how well she gets along with other staff members. She's easy-going and you feel so at peace when you talk with her. You feel accepted and not judged. She's a true kind and compassionate human being in the finest way!

The residents excitedly make their way and joyfully take their seats every time! They have this look on their face when Ms. Hanshew communicates with the people. It really warms my heart.

Lastly, I have noticed how well organized the activities coordinator is. The calendar is always filled with fun events, projects etc.. And it appears that everything is very organized and well orchestrated every time I am present!

So, I could keep going on and on about Melissa and her excellent staff but that would take an entire day to do so. The long and short of it is that your loved one will be extremely happy and fulfilled at Heartfields and especially because of the way that they will be cared for in the Activities Department! No question, they will receive much wonderful stimulation and fulfillment with what's going on under Melissa Hanshew's leadership! My hat goes off to her and her long tenure at this community!

Congratulations Heartfields!