Jocelyn Araujo
Jun 2026
Not even one star. But that’s not an option. As a CNA myself, I understand how demanding this job can be. I know staffing is difficult, and I know every shift has its challenges. But there is no excuse for what I witnessed during my visit with my aunt. We arrived during dinner and found my aunt sitting in a chair soaked in urine and feces, with a puddle underneath her chair. Seeing someone left in that condition was heartbreaking. No one deserves to have their dignity taken away like that. I even offered to do her evening care myself. I was told, “It’s too early.” I understand not putting residents to bed too early because of safety concerns if they tend to get up. However, changing someone out of soiled clothing and briefs, cleaning them properly, and putting them in clean pajamas after dinner is basic care. There is never a wrong time to provide someone with clean, compassionate care. The lack of compassion, dignity, and respect I witnessed was deeply upsetting. Our elderly loved ones deserve to be treated with kindness, dignity, and humanity not left sitting in their own waste. If I had the ability, I would remove my aunt from this facility immediately. No family should have to witness their loved one being treated this way. My heart broke walking out of there, and I hope serious changes are made so no other resident has to endure what I witnessed. UPDATE! After witnessing the situation, I looked for the nurse and then the supervisor. Since it was the weekend, I was told no supervisor was available. Instead of speaking directly with me the person who actually witnessed what happened and made the compliant. Paul contacted my aunt, who is my great-aunt’s power of attorney. I even asked why no one came directly to me to discuss my concerns. Paul later called me, and the conversation became argumentative. I chose to end it respectfully and thanked him for his time and he thanked for mine. From my perspective, the focus seemed to be on the Facebook review and the facility’s reputation rather than the concerns I raised about my great-aunt’s care. I wanted someone to address what I witnessed and explain how it would be corrected. Instead, I felt the conversation centered more on the review itself than on the well-being of my loved one. Later that same day, my mother and I returned during lunch and saw my great-uncle visiting. Neither he nor much of my family speaks English. Paul, along with two other individuals, asked my great-uncle to come into a room to speak with them. If my mother and I had not been there, who would have translated for him? My mother questioned why they were speaking with him instead of the power of attorney and whether anyone there spoke Portuguese or Spanish to ensure he fully understood the conversation. As my mother walked away, one of the individuals rolled his eyes behind her back. I witnessed it myself. That level of disrespect toward a concerned family member was unacceptable. I told my mother, “This is what happens when families speak up,” and I walked away upset. Families should never feel intimidated or dismissed for advocating for their loved ones. We are not the enemy—we are trying to ensure our family members receive the dignity, compassion, and quality of care they deserve. This review reflects my personal experience and what I personally witnessed. My hope is that concerns raised by families are met with professionalism, respect, and meaningful action rather than defensiveness.
