Helen Porter Rehabilitation & Nursing, UVM Health - Porter Medical Center

Amanda Leigh

May 2026

via Google ↗

My father was here for a few months in one of the ARCH suites for end of life care. My father had been an extremely difficult person his entire life; to say the least. In his final months/weeks of life he became substantially more difficult to deal with. I was so impressed with not only how staff handled him, but how they understood and respected the complex family dynamic that he and I had. I cannot imagine a better hospice facility than one of the ARCH units. It was huge and private. Each member of the care team was excellent. The social workers, doctors and NP’s, nurses and LNAs and the Chaplin. What a blessing to once in my life feel the burden of being solely responsible for my father lifted by these wonderful people. They even had volunteers sitting with him in his final days so he wouldn’t be alone.

Ashley DeGray

Feb 2026

via Google ↗

A truly wonderful, one of a kind father/grandfather/brother/friend passed away unattended and alone on the nursing unit, which he adamantly refused to be moved to, at Helen Porter on 9/14/25.💔 He was well known to the rehab unit and staff (shout out to you guys, he adored you). He loved being able to participate in activities, socialize with fellow residents and staff, and absolutely loved the view from his room. Unfortunately, he had unforseen circumstances arise and was in and out of the rehab facility. He finally chose, towards the end of his life, to spend his final days at Helen Porter on the rehab unit. This is ultimately not what he received. Which is why the attached picture cuts so deep, as they continue to use his smiling face on their website under a false narrative. Due to the negligence of nursing staff and upper management, his last week of life was spent suffering in a shared room they placed him in with a roommate who chose to yell and scream at him, his visitors, as well as the care aides when they would seldomly try to intervene. I cannot count how many times that week we asked, BEGGED for them to move him into one of the private family rooms, as promised in the beginning. Despite one being completely empty and ready for move in, the nurses and upper management refused on multiple occasions. Despite myself (15+ years of experience caregiving for those with Dementia and Alzheimer's as well as death and dying) coming in the day prior to his death and pointing out signs of imminent death (mottling, labored breathing, etc), the nurse ignored my assessment and said, "oh he still has a week left in him." No one received a call that the time was near, the only call that was received was a notice of him being put on O2 at 2am. When asked if family should come, staff once again stated that it was "not time yet. " In the early morning hours, we received the call that they "found him," he was already deceased. For our family, I cannot express the devastation we felt that morning hurrying to say goodbye to our loved one who had already passed on. To add insult to injury, a kitchen staff member who alleged to be a "friend of the family" had the audacity to come up to us as we were leaving to say, "don't worry, I already told so-and-so." Not only that, she proceeded to argue with one of our family members and follow us out to the parking lot, stating "I don't care if you report me I'm quitting anyway." To my knowledge, nothing has been done about this HIPAA breach as by the time the state became involved, there was "nothing reported. " In fact, not a single solitary request or note was found in regards to our family's pleas/requests. Strange, in an environment where documentation is everything. I'll finish by saying-I wish I could give negative stars. Be very, very careful where you're placing your loved ones. The good care staff are far and few between these days. I hope this encourages others to come forward with their stories about Helen Porter as well-I have no doubt there are more as I have heard firsthand. Just because it's not "documented" doesn't mean it didn't happen.💡

Mariah Johnston

Jul 2025

via Google ↗

What a wonder facility Helen Porter is! I had the honor of getting a tour of the facility by the director of nursing and the staff are all wicked friendly and always have smiles on their faces. The residents were happily doing art projects and getting to socialize together! The connection the residents have with the nurses is beautiful and seeing the residents light up when telling their stories is heart warming!

Francie Denno

Jul 2025

via Google ↗

The staff are friendly and caring.many have been here over a decade.They took amazing care of my Dad who was more than a difficult patient! Their memory care unit is one of the best activities and music tailored to their needs! Beautiful courtyard.

Karen Russell

Feb 2025

via Google ↗

You can't imagine the relief I feel to have my mother at Helen Porter. I used to wait for the phone to ring signaling another trip to the hospital. I feel she is safe now. The care and teamwork are great. Staff are compassionate and fun. I say this as a daughter and a longtime staff member of 30 years. Thank you all for taking such great care of my mom.