1. Facility Overview

Autumn Lake Healthcare at Crofton, located in Crofton, Maryland, is a skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility with over three decades of experience in providing senior care services. The facility is situated in a serene suburban environment, offering a blend of medical care and a home-like atmosphere.

Key Facility Information:

• Location: Crofton, Maryland
• Type: Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Facility
• Years in Operation: 30+
• Capacity: 242 certified beds

2. Services and Care Options

Autumn Lake Healthcare at Crofton offers a range of services tailored to meet various senior care needs:

Specialized Care Options:

• In-House Dialysis Unit: State-of-the-art facility for on-site hemodialysis treatment
• Pain Management Programs: Tailored approaches for chronic pain management
• Wound Care: Specialized treatment for complex wound management

3. Amenities and Daily Life

While specific details about amenities were limited in our research, here’s what we could gather:

• Clean and comfortable living spaces
• Dedicated rehabilitation areas
• Social gathering spaces
• Outdoor areas for resident use
• Dining services with special diet accommodations

Actionable Recommendation: During your facility tour, request a detailed weekly activities calendar and ask to observe ongoing activities. This will give you a clearer picture of the daily life and engagement opportunities for residents.

4. Staffing and Care Quality

Medicare Quality Ratings

Staffing Analysis

Daily nursing care hours per resident:

• Total nursing care: 3.3 hours
• Licensed nurses: 1.1 hours (RNs: 0.2 hours, LPNs: 0.9 hours)
• Nurse aides: 2.2 hours

Actionable Insight: The lower-than-average ratings and staffing hours indicate potential areas for improvement in care quality. When visiting the facility, pay close attention to staff-resident interactions and inquire about ongoing initiatives to enhance care standards and staffing levels. Specifically:

1. Ask about staff-to-resident ratios during different shifts
2. Inquire about staff retention rates and ongoing training programs
3. Observe staff responsiveness to resident needs during your visit
4. Request information on any quality improvement initiatives currently underway

5. Resident Experiences and Satisfaction

Based on limited reviews available, here’s a breakdown of resident satisfaction:

Notable Testimonials

Positive:

“In less than thirty days he went from cannot stand to can and able to come home.” – Family Member

This testimonial highlights the effectiveness of the rehabilitation services offered at Autumn Lake Healthcare at Crofton.

Negative:

“This is an absolutely horrible facility if you care about your family; do not send them there; it’s dirty, nursing care is nonexistent.” – Resident

This feedback raises concerns about cleanliness and care quality, which should be thoroughly investigated during your facility evaluation.

Actionable Recommendation: Given the mixed reviews, it’s crucial to:

1. Visit the facility multiple times at different hours to personally assess cleanliness, staff responsiveness, and overall atmosphere.
2. Speak with current residents and their families outside of scheduled tour times to get unfiltered feedback.
3. Ask the management about their response to negative feedback and any improvement plans in place.
4. Request to see recent state inspection reports and how any cited issues have been addressed.

6. Pricing and Financial Information

Payment Options

• Medicare Certified
• Medicaid Certified
• Private Pay Available

Actionable Recommendation: To ensure a comprehensive understanding of the financial aspects:

1. Request a detailed, itemized pricing sheet from Autumn Lake Healthcare at Crofton, including:
   • Base rate for skilled nursing care
   • Additional costs for specialized services (e.g., dialysis, rehabilitation)
   • Any one-time fees (e.g., admission fees, community fees)
   • Potential rate increase schedules
2. Inquire about financial assistance programs or sliding scale fees based on individual circumstances.
3. Discuss potential scenarios where care needs might change and how this would affect pricing.
4. Compare these costs with at least three other facilities in the area to ensure you’re getting a comprehensive view of the local market rates and value propositions.

7. Comparison with Local Competitors

To provide context, here’s how Autumn Lake Healthcare at Crofton compares to other highly-rated facilities in the area:

Key Differentiators of Autumn Lake Healthcare at Crofton:

1. Large-Scale Facility: With 242 certified beds, it potentially offers more resources and diverse social opportunities.
2. Comprehensive Care Continuum: Offers a full range of care options from short-term rehabilitation to long-term care.
3. Specialized Medical Services: In-house dialysis unit and focus on rehabilitation services set it apart from typical assisted living facilities.
4. Competitive Entry-Level Pricing: The starting price of $2,600/month is below the local average, potentially offering good value for basic care needs.

Actionable Recommendation: When comparing facilities, consider:

1. The specific care needs of your loved one and how they align with each facility’s strengths.
2. The potential for future care needs and whether the facility can accommodate changes without requiring a move.
3. The trade-offs between cost and services offered, particularly in light of Autumn Lake’s lower ratings but competitive pricing.
4. Visit each facility to compare:
   • Overall cleanliness and maintenance
   • Staff-resident interactions
   • Activity levels and engagement of residents
   • Dining experiences and food quality
   • Availability and qualifications of medical staff

8. Unique Features and Considerations

1. Scale of Operations: The large number of certified beds may allow for a wider range of services and social interactions.
2. Established Presence: Operating for over 30 years, the facility has long-standing experience in the industry.
3. Rehabilitation Focus: Strong emphasis on short-term rehabilitation services, which may be particularly beneficial for post-hospital recovery.
4. In-House Dialysis: On-site dialysis unit provides convenience for residents requiring regular treatments.

9. Areas for Improvement and Considerations

Based on the available data, here are key areas that warrant careful consideration:

1. Quality of Care: The low Medicare ratings for overall care, quality measures, and staffing indicate significant room for improvement.
2. Staffing Levels: The below-average staffing ratings suggest potential issues with care delivery and responsiveness.
3. Cleanliness and Maintenance: Some reviews have raised concerns about the facility’s cleanliness, which should be personally verified during visits.
4. Food Quality: The lower rating for food (2.8/5) indicates that meal quality and variety may be an issue for some residents.

10. Final Recommendations

1. Schedule Multiple Visits: Arrange tours at different times of day, including weekends and evenings, to get a comprehensive view of the facility’s operations and resident care.
2. Speak with Current Residents and Families: Try to arrange conversations with current residents or their family members outside of scheduled tour times to get unfiltered feedback on their experiences.
3. Review Recent Inspection Reports: Request and review the most recent state inspection reports to understand any ongoing issues and improvement plans.
4. Assess Staff Engagement: During your visit, observe staff interactions with residents and inquire about staff turnover rates and ongoing training programs.
5. Evaluate Care Transition Processes: Inquire about how the facility manages transitions between different levels of care, as this can be crucial for long-term planning.
6. Compare Rehabilitation Services: If rehabilitation is a priority, ask for success rates, average length of stay for short-term residents, and the qualifications of therapy staff.
7. Review Communication Protocols: Inquire about how the facility communicates with families, especially regarding health updates or care plan changes.
8. Consider Future Needs: Evaluate how Autumn Lake Healthcare at Crofton’s range of services aligns with potential future health needs, ensuring the facility can accommodate changing care requirements over time.

By thoroughly investigating these aspects, you’ll be better equipped to make an informed decision that ensures the best possible care and quality of life for your loved one. Remember, while Autumn Lake Healthcare at Crofton offers comprehensive services at competitive entry-level pricing, the lower quality ratings necessitate careful consideration and personal verification of care standards.