Jay Siskin

Review of River Garden Hebrew Home

My ailing father landed at RG. I don't recall how ...

My ailing father landed at RG. I don't recall how or why, but I do remember distinctly their efforts to get rid of him. I use this language consciously. My father's social security and any funds I could provide did not meet the level of income required by RG. OK, I get that, but instead of addressing this issue directly, they dishonestly suggested that my father would be comfortable elsewhere, and attempted to dump him. An ombudsman helped us out. Although the next facility was not nearly as "elegant" as RG, it provided competent care. My father died with dignity, as befitted a WWII veteran. We were able to donate his organs to worthy causes.
As I contemplate my own mortality, I have stated in my advance directives that I wish to avoid at all costs any facility where residents are esteemed according to their ability to pay. I understand that advanced-care facilities are not charities. Personally, I would rather end up on the street than endure the humiliation that RG subjected upon my family.