Michaele Vardy
Mar 2026
Our loved family member was a resident at Oak Ridge Alzheimer’s Special Care Center, and our experience raised serious concerns. Prescribed medication critical to managing his Alzheimer’s symptoms was reportedly not administered for approximately three weeks. During that time his condition worsened, and he suffered a fall requiring an emergency room visit and stitches. Further, the facility required us to hire private sitters at our own expense while they were “adjusting” the medication that they reportedly failed to administer. Despite a physician’s order and repeated reminders, the facility failed to consistently provide a soft diet. I also frequently found him in wet bedding and soiled clothing. I was informed he was left unclothed and shivering because he was “refusing” care. Our expectation of a memory care facility, specifically marketing themselves as an “Alzheimer’s Special Care Center,” would have staff who are trained and able to redirect and assist cognitively impaired residents, not leaving them vulnerable and suffering. Families should carefully evaluate staffing, training, and medication management here.
