Molly Scott
Aug 2026
My father has dementia and lived at Hampton Manor of Wentzville for five months. During his initial assessment, we were told he was appropriate for Assisted Living and would receive the support he needed. The head nurse explained that Memory Care was primarily for residents who were an elopement risk.<br><br>I visited almost daily and was very involved in his care. Unfortunately, it quickly became apparent that Assisted Living functions more like Independent Living with very limited assistance, and staff did not appear adequately trained to support someone with dementia.<br><br>My father is kind, easy-going and compliant, but cognitively needs guidance and occasional hands-on assistance. Instead, he was frequently left alone in his room for long periods, often pacing in circles or sleeping. Even meal reminders were inconsistent. On a number of occasions, I had to intervene to prevent him from missing a meal.<br><br>I advocated for him repeatedly over five months, both verbally and in writing, including with director Shawn Baker and head nurse Jennifer Helms. In meetings, my concerns were often acknowledged and I was told changes would be made. Unfortunately, there was very little follow-through and change didn't occur. Written follow-ups were often met defensively or ignored.<br><br>One example involved activities. Because Assisted Living activities were generally too cognitively advanced for my father, I asked if he could occasionally participate in Memory Care activities. During an in-person meeting, both Shawn and Jennifer agreed this could be arranged. When it never happened, I followed up by email and Shawn refused, stating that my father's presence could disturb Memory Care residents and that their activities were "more impromptu," despite the facility publishing a monthly Memory Care activity calendar. The Assisted Living activities are beneficial for only a small group (maybe 5-6 residents) who are not cognitively impaired. The activities director, Shay, was not interested in facilitating activities to those with impaired cognition.<br><br>Two months before we moved him out, Hampton Manor reassessed my father and again determined that he did not need Memory Care. His updated written care plan included stand-by assistance with showers, hygiene and dressing, bedtime help, and inclusion in activities. However, in practice, nothing really changed. Assistance with dressing was occasional and inconsistent, and he was still frequently left to struggle on his own.<br><br>There were a couple of caregivers who were genuinely kind and attentive, and my father received noticeably better care during their shifts. Unfortunately, many other interactions felt rushed, and some staff communicated with him abruptly. People with dementia need patience, reassurance and time.<br><br>The building itself is attractive and the rooms are nice. The food is good, and the head chef, Shawn (not the director), clearly cares about the residents. Reception staff were also consistently kind and helpful. Holiday celebrations are nicely done, but families should understand that these events do not reflect the day-to-day experience.<br><br>I also found it difficult to escalate unresolved concerns beyond facility management. Shahid Imran is listed as the owner of the Hampton Manor communities, but during my father's five-month residency I never saw him at the Wentzville facility and was not provided a way to contact ownership.<br><br>I raised these concerns repeatedly while my father lived there because I genuinely wanted the placement to work. Unfortunately, the same issues continued and my father deteriorated significantly during his stay at Hampton Manor of Wentzville.<br><br>Based on our experience, I would strongly encourage families—particularly those seeking care for someone with dementia—to look beyond the building and promises made during assessment and carefully determine how much hands-on support is actually provided day to day. **Promises and assurances are easy to make; follow-through and actions are what matter.**
