Daughon Langner, Psy.D., BCN
Aug 2025
Our experience with Alden Lincoln Park has been mixed. My father has lived there for almost 6 months. Most of the staff are incredible and what you would hope of people devoting their lives to help vulnerable people in need. The social worker has been extremely caring since the beginning, wanting to take the extra time to inform us of all the strengths and weaknesses of the program so that we could make informed decisions. The local administrator at the building, although very busy, seems kind and eager to help when he’s available. My father‘s direct care nursing staff and CNAs are very kind and take the time to get to know his unique needs and personality. Often it feels like they are thoughtfully caring for family members while I watch them work. I genuinely enjoy watching them work and bringing my children there to learn from them about what a kind work place can look like. The dietary staff in the kitchen have been very conscientious, helping my father‘s unique diet and checking in with me to make sure we’re on the right track for his best health. One thing that sticks out is the Director of Nursing. Several times during the past months I have seen her talking in a derogatory manner towards the staff. Patients overhearing these interactions would become agitated and anxious. I assumed I kept catching her on bad days. Recently, I personally had several negative interactions where she cornered me, brought in her staff to watch, and talked to me in a shaming, bullying, and emotionally abusive tone until I was in tears. My father who witnessed this incident was also in tears. I am still shocked that she would talk like that to anyone while at work in a position of authority, in front of staff and patients. I leave my father at Alden, trusting that he will be in safe hands. It’s frightening that somebody in authority would behave that way and treat direct care workers, family of patients, and likely patients in such an abusive way. Patients in facilities are more likely to experience abuse when supervisors are demeaning and emotionally abusive to their staff. It all runs downstream. I think with some changes, Alden Lincoln Park could be a truly peaceful and healing community.
