Wendy Zwoboda
Jul 2026
My mother's stay at CareOne at Wayne was a mix of exceptional caregivers and deeply disappointing experiences. First, I want to recognize the staff members who truly made a difference. Dolly, one of the aides, consistently treated my mother with kindness, dignity, and compassion. She never made us feel like we were a burden, and her caring attitude was evident every time she interacted with my mother. Marisol, the nurse technician who distributed medications, stood out because she actually took the time to explain every medication she was giving and what it was for. While many others simply handed my mother pills and said, "Swallow these," Marisol understood that patients deserve to know what they are taking. Her professionalism and respect were greatly appreciated. Sylvester, another aide, was outstanding. He responded quickly whenever my mother needed assistance and always made her feel safe while transferring, repositioning, or cleaning her. His calm demeanor and reassuring manner helped ease her anxiety during a very vulnerable time. Unfortunately, these positive experiences were overshadowed by one of the worst admissions experiences I have ever witnessed. The intake nurse, Nelson, who admitted my mother around 9:00 p.m., displayed a shocking lack of compassion and professionalism. He largely ignored both my mother and me, directing only vague comments toward the ambulance crew that had transported her. He failed to introduce himself properly, failed to explain what was happening, and did nothing to reassure an elderly, frightened patient arriving at a rehabilitation facility. Instead of making my mother feel welcomed and safe, his behavior left her feeling insecure, anxious, and frightened. A patient's first interaction with a facility sets the tone for their entire stay, and he failed completely in that responsibility. Vulnerable patients deserve to be treated with empathy, respect, and clear communication—not indifference. CareOne should be proud to employ people like Dolly, Marisol, and Sylvester. They represent the level of care every patient deserves. At the same time, management should seriously evaluate how staff members like Nelson interact with patients during the admission process. No family should have to worry that their loved one is being made to feel ignored and unsafe during one of the most vulnerable moments of their care.
