BENEATH THE VEIL PART 5
It is once again time to start a new part because of time lag. We'll see how Part 5 goes and consider whether it is still a viable or time to call a halt.
Your Story?
http://blog.dlcharles.com
Your Story?: BENEATH THE VEIL PART 5
To those who have initiated any type of actions or have had some type of settlements of their "disagreements" with Holiday Retirement we are interested in updates. Once again let me state that I do not believe anyone wants the company to lose in any way. What I have intended from the beginning is simply to make Holiday aware of a problem needing attention with the hope it would be addressed in a positive manner by the company. And so we dream. IF this blog reaches the point where it is time to stop then the blog itself will remain as a site on the internet for people to have access to as a source of information. It will not be removed from publication. Well, maybe for a price it might be considered. (Humor here, folks.)
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i know this is a random thought but scharfenberg stepped down wholly s@#$ there is a god!!!!! that guy ruined the western region what a joke ive never worked for a guy so quick to stab u in the back!
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Hahaha! He is a great example of what is wrong with this company. Although, there are more like him out there unfortunately. The company couldn't make a decent person do what he did, he was already of that breed. Good riddance!
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yeah i know it takes a rare breed to be that person people may disagree but i wish bobby reed would be back to run the region its funny to see how many good people risked alot and jumped ship from the company to avoid his reign of terror i remeber a time when we had new managers who asked him if we could do a memorial for one of the most beloveded residents in the community who passed and he said we should not and instead focus on getting her room filled HOLIDAY TOUCH at its finest huh
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Wow, can't say I'm surprised about the Memorial story. It's pretty typical and must be said that these things aren't happening in a vacume - this comes from the top and trickles down. They don't "accidentally" hire people like this, they seek them out. It would seem that even the "gentleman" in question couldn't take it anymore... maybe even he couldn't look himself in the mirror anymore and had to leave.
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I will say this...when there were different COs, My Aunt, a retired Deacon with the Episcopal church, was giving memorial services at o ne of the facilities. She did this until she moved in with me. I have seen none since.
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We had one resident who left a Hershey Kiss at each residents place at lunchtime on her dogs' birthday. Wonder what HRC would think of that.
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well i don't think he 'stepped down' he was forced to resign due to the fact he did not meet his quota. this company does not care about anything but move ins and the benjamins.......not residents, not employees, not building upkeep, not ANYTHING........except money and going public. if you are on this blog and are thinking about working here.....RUN do not walk to the next place of employment!!!!
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I agree completely BUT let me change the message a little bit... while you are running, scream and wave your hands like you're on fire. Because only that will truly depict how it feels to get away from this horrible company. So glad I'm gone and yes, there is life after Holiday - you won't believe the tremendous relief that you feel once away.
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You are doing a good thing and I am proud to be able to state my opinion as an outside party. I will keep you updated and whether it goes with the flow or against, I will update. This is a good thing to have so someone can vent. HRC does not understand the problems at facilities!!!
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Okay after all these blogs part one to now lets call it like it is. Holiday overworks and underpays us as managers. We get sucked in becuase we care (well most of us do). We are paid less then minimum wage (oh don't forget that awesome apartment we have and the great food for 3.34 a day) we are bullied into putting through sales that don't really exist so that occupancy looks better then it is. The rules change daily, at least in Canada and there is only one word to discribe what happens. corrupt... why do they still exist, cause they can. Is everyone bad? no... but everyone I know that has done this job will agree. I am not speaking alone. sorry people... nothing is going to change. do not take this job!
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PJ, you speak the truth. It's the same in the US as well.
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I always thought it was better in Canada but this sure sounds just like it is here. Has it always been that bad there or has it just started going downhill the last few years.
We had a resident several years ago from British Columbia in the states on the holiday vacation plan while they were visiting relatives. They had been to I think Iowa, Mississippi and were heading to Florida. Really great people, she was in a motorized wheelchair. A few of Our terribly rude residents had a fit when they sat at their table, they said it was the same at where they were at also. I sure hated it.
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Well we have been away from Holiday for 8 months... Glad to be gone... Miss the residence but not the turmoil. We are with another retirement community that is a mirror image of Holiday in the way that it is run the same way as Holiday except that corporate really does seem to care...
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Wow how bout that Mark the artist formerly known as Prince has anyone worked for he and Andy Blaylock what a bunch of idiots, I have to say the worst I have ever seen or been a part of. This company is on its way down. You cant have a business plan abusing the Aide and Attendance program to fill your buildings. You cant treat people badly and neglect residents as they do in this industry. They are trying to repair a plane in the air and they dont know how nor do they care. I have over 10 years of experience in senior living and sales and marketing and no one wanted to even hear any ideas to get move ins they never even asked. I have never been treated so badly by a company. They are the worst and Im sure they are breaking labor laws with CSL's and Managers. Im gald Im out of that hell.
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I hope you do not have to shut down. Good to see you have humor. Maybe a "hefty" sum will appear. I wish you the best and thank you for allowing us to vent and then re-think our moves. I was running scared and you were here for me to vent and then get a second wind and see how I was being manipulated. Thanks and have a great day!!
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No,there are no intentions to "shut down". I was referring to a possible point in time when comments become merely rehashes of priors or when people just stop posting comments. It could occur eventually.
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Eventually???
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@dlcharles..I found Mr. Ramos. I will keep you updated. Privately. I was told the comments on here can NOT be used against me for returning to my patients! Maybe the madness will end and I can see my patients again. Keeping my fingers crossed!
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The monsters have left the building,caregivers, managers and co managers past.Enjoy your pitiful life DL Charles
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"Don't cry because we will still be here telling our stories! it's not over!, smile because it happened you showed your true self.
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We have moved. It took Holiday From June 9 to last Monday--July 25 to return our security deposit. We moved to be about an hour closer to our grandson.
We also moved because we were becoming very tired of pasta and rice and chicken, of helping people get their walkers /power chairs, and of talking with people who belonged in a memory unit. We also like being able to eat only some of our meals here.
We didn't realize that we would get our own washer/dryer; complete kitchen; underground garage, and personal response button--for about $600 dollars a month less! No buss here--but fare to Medical cinic is $7.50 roundtrip and we are the only passengers. Bus here goes shopping twice a week and once a week to some special place.
Science Teacher
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Consider yourself luckyyou got it back. I gave a $300. deposit to the prev oweners (The Chateau, Mckinney,TX) and before signing the lease or the move in Holiday bought it. No way could I afford their prices & I didnt want meals/transportion etc. They promised it back. That was June 2011 it's now Nov. and calls don't get returned, mail doesn't get answered. I consider them thieves and crooks.
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We moved to a Presbyterian sponsored facility thwat was constructed for Indepent living to Hospice care. Very well planned and makes a big difference in our lives.
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Thanks for updating us as I have often wondered about you and how things were. I am so glad you are pleased.
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@Action Jackson...I, finally, got an attorney today. Things are starting to get out of hand. I have been exonerated and can practice caregiving again. I cannot get permission to go on HRC property, but I have an email sent to my aunt that if I produce a letter stating I can come back, I will be allowed back. This blog is a hindrance, but I am still going to keep in touch with you. I am, still, moving my Aunt. That will be completed by the weekend. Thanks for helping me and thanks to Mr. Charles, again!! You, two, are wonderful and give people faith in the right powering over the wrong!!!!
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caregivingservice, I'm so glad that you got an attorney. There's so much there that needs to be sorted out and Holiday shouldn't be able to get away with it. The really important thing is that you're moving your Aunt. she needs to be in a place that's healthy - she shouldn't be spending her final years in a community like you outlined, no one deserves that.
It sounds like you've been very much harmed by Holiday and if there's anything the attorney can do to get some justice, more power to you. Hang in there and be strong. More power to you and I hope that all is corrected to YOUR satisfaction.
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Scratch the lawyer. I have too many out of pocket expenses to start. I have been out of work for over a month. I cannot afford anything now. I feel sorry for any current employee of HRC if they find out you are on here. They print and use all comments made here. These are just personal opinions, until HRC gets them. They are investigating my case and others, though. One of the COs that is being investigated, went to the hospital with an anxiety attack. If she is out of work for 5 days, she is eligible for workmen's comp. They cannot fire her then. The Co is very intelligent. I have never doubted her brain.So far, she has been off for 3 working days. 2 more and she qualifies.....
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OK, Jackson...The CO got out of the hospital the next afternoon and is, supposedly, out of town. I change my last comment to, "Is the CO in rehab?" I have a complaint about HRC after 22 years and being treated like I just entered the building. I do not think they are justly treating me because of these COs. I don't think they have changed their plans, but I am tired of the stress. My firend's house has a fire less than a football field heading toward it and I was worried about being able to take care of my patients. I helped her evacuate and had my car loaded as I was out of town for a couple of days. I will air my complaints about the way they handle the only COs to ever complain about me, but I am leaving the rest alone. I do not and have not liked the way I am being treated for standing up for myself. I feel as if I have been chastised to sticking to my guns and trying to right a wrong. As of now, I have a home to go to every night and my friend, a patient's daughter, is trying to figure out what to do when she is about to lose everything. I feel small right now.
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The Co is probably in rehab. If you outed her here (I'm assuming it's the same person who tried to get you to provide drugs) and they read the blog, no doubt she was given an ultimatum. I'm surprised that they didn't just fire them both since people seem to be fired for no or little reason otherwise. Then again, this is the end of the month and those Managers and Co-Managers are probably getting beat all to hell about their move ins or lack thereof, that's enough to make anyone an addict or alcoholic.
Sorry about your friend and hope that all works out for them. Hopefully they had insurance.
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There is more to it than that. The CO is the same one I have been writing about. Residents call me and tell me what is going on and ask me to come back and help them. They always live like the COs are God and they are not heard. The last call said she is out of town. They do not believe it and neither do I. I cannot believe my comments make this much of a difference to the corp. office. i am entitled to my opinion and I cannot see how they are able to use it against me, especially since I am not employed by them. Managers come and go, and I have been the steady. I tried to help with the transition, as I was asked to do. It is not my fault everything crumbled. It seems to me that they are trying to place blame everywhere except where it needs to go. The residents stand by me. They cannot understand how this happened. They have contacted so many other facilities in this area. Not just here in town, but wlsewhere. They want me to know where they are going.
My friend's house is saved for now. If the wind changes again, however, she may not so lucky. There are more thunder and lightening storms on their way again tomorrow.
By the way, the CO entered the facility that way. Addicted.
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I should clarify one comment...state plans for assistance is for people who cannot afford to pay more. They wanted to know if they could get assistance to move. There is nothing being offered in any state offices. Medicaid will pay for some, but they do not qualify.
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Oh all you fools, to believe in this crap!!! If any was true why can't they put a stop to this so called monster, Holiday? At the end, You and all the other liars will burn in HELL!!!!!!
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From what bowels of humanity did that remark come from?
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Maybe that is her!?
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Your wrote my very own thought far before my mind could form it. I'm still laughing - well said
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Thank you!
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I just have to keep stopping at this point in the blog and re-reading - gotta admit it makes me giggle. Anynomous must have been having one of those "Special" days. I think he/she is back on their happy meds now.
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Anonymous was back on meds and is now coming apart again.
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Oh - Oh - call the doctor!
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HRC buys 'The Chateau', a 202-unit Class A senior living community in the Dallas area.
http://www.bizjournals.com/dallas/news/2011/07/27/mckinney-senior-living-community-sold.html
Looks to be pretty much high-end stuff -- heated pool, etc.
Any bets how long it'll take before it's no longer 'Class A' or do you think they'll shuttle the operational funds from other 'more efficient' facilities into this one?
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Hunter Interests is a partner and investor in the acquisition of The Chateau, a 202 unit active community for seniors, 55 and older located in Collin County, McKinney, Texas, north of Dallas. The project was built in 2006 offering over 182,000 square feet of rentable area featuring six different floor plans with 1 bedroom, 1 bath units and 2 bedroom, 2 bath units. The project was built using stone and stucco exterior facade in three, 3-story buildings with direct access garages, detached garages and individual carports. Individual amenities offered the tenants are catered dining facilities, a fitness center, salt water pool and spa, arts and crafts, beauty salon, billards and a state of the art movie theatre. The project has an in house activities director and marketing director.
HRC has already made the original Chateau URL default to HRC's. But I found this through some archival search in a July 13th Google cache:
"Current renovations include an expanded kitchen, fitness center and surround theatre plus a re-modeled dining facility, lobby, bistro, arts and crafts center and extensive re-developed landscaping."
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Interesting information about FIG.
According to Market Watch:
Earnings: -1.85
Cash Flow: -$1.97
Operating Margin: -58.00%
Profit margin: -71.60%
Net Income: -781.69m
If you compare them to like business they are on of the worst. SCARY
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Making money in leaps and bounds. Ha Ha.
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How do you know if upper management is effective? Here is a clue. The previous several years of fourth quarter expense crunch has now moved to July. Management in this company has paid little attention to any of the operations in a community except to focus on move ins. It’s all about move ins. We don’t care that someone moved in for $99 for three months, but we are surprised when they move out. Really??? But it made a lot of money for a lot of people, yet no real revenue for the company. Hmm – wonder how that affects expenses?
Then we have RD’s, RSL’s, AMD’s, Reg. Chefs all traveling from one end of the country to the other (in some cases literally). They fly much of the time, they stay in Hotels (our guest rooms aren’t good enough?), they won’t eat in our communities, but go out to eat. In some cases they go right by a building they aren’t responsible for to get to one they are. I have a suggestion: Fix up our guest rooms so even corporate executives would stay there. Oh, do keep an accounting of what is in there so unscrupulous managers will leave it there. If the community food program is so bad corporate management won’t eat there – fix the program. That might increase resident referrals. Oh yes, home office staff won’t stay in our buildings either. I wonder how that affects the bottom line?
No overtime. It doesn’t matter what the circumstances are – no overtime. Sure, up front we explain that someone is going on vacation and get the verbal okay to use overtime. But at the end of the pay period we get chastised for using overtime. RD’s tend to conveniently forget they okayed the overtime when challenged by their manager to explain why there is overtime. A clue for Holiday Retirement senior management : Sometimes it’s necessary to keep your community running by having people working. Our residents expect no less when they are paying several thousands of dollars a month to live here.
So back to the question - Is upper management effective? Expense crunch months early, no move ins without outrageous give aways, inefficient territory alignments, everybody gets bonus on 0 revenue transactions, poor at best food program, terrible guest rooms at many locations, buildings with worn out furniture and carpeting, community management turnover at 60% plus, communities that look like nursing homes to name a few. I think I know the answer. Would you invest in this company, want to work for this company , or trust your loved ones to live here?
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You are 100% right on. If managers were payed a decent wage and shown some respect Holiday would not experience such a turnover in management at the community level. The cost of training new managers has got to be overwhelming. This is not rocket science folks.
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This is so true on all accounts. We have been in communities in the past who had corporate apartments setup for stays. The reg chef when they came through held the kitchen to higher standards, rd's visited with the residents instead of hiding. They need to get back to the basics and cut the fluff jobs and put money back into the communities where each manager and co- manager should know how and where to spend the money to help attract residents, this may mean money spent for outings occasionally, more than just to eat or shop. And of course the money could be added to the food budget for better cuts of meat, or a little more variety.
Corporate should know that overtime is hard to avoid when short handed. The kitchen could do better if they had more help to draw off of, the timelines are for 20 years ago when no food choices were included, thus less time taken to fill the tables order. If more people were in the kitchen the managers would not have to kill themselves filling in for missing dishwashers, work I didn't do 28 yrs ago, and sure not needed to be done now at our age and health not including the time it takes up doing so.
Buildings have been neglected and the work not done on them by managers who liked the big bonus at the end of the year for the money they saved by not spending it, now the buildings look their age. Our biggest fight in one building was the fixing up of apartments which were time worn and looked it, crumbling Formica, doors hanging on cabinets which could not be reattached. If my mom or mother in-law wouldn't live there, why would anyone else. Corporate is reaping what they have sowed and the competition maybe gaining by leaps and bounds.
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Been away from Holiday for over a year. Still getting calls about Overbearing Management, Assisted living that is clearly nursing home mentality, and blatant disregard for care providers that are administering meds without proper license. Wish I knew how many residents have died as a result of mismanaged credentialing of the care providers that are hired by the families of the residents. But, can only pray that HRC is following up on policies that were in place before Fortress took over because a simple audit would put them out of business from what I am hearing. WOW! Not sure I can watch this anymore. My heart hurts for the residents of HRC and the true reason they moved in. To live independently having a beautiful community with good food, friends and healthy environment. What a mockery!
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I was a caregiver at an HRC facility. I have never had a complaint about my care. There have been others and HRC had their hands tied. There are state laws and without evidence, they are allowed to practice. Most of the residents affected by one such caregiver, cannot remember clearly what had happened. It went to the legal department and nothing could be done. I, still, have my complaints about one CO team, but I have not seen where HRC has been able to do anything. CO team, after CO team tried to get it rectified and nothing worked. On a lie, I was taken out of HRC. This is not a good thing. The caregiver I am talking about has been turned in to Elder Protective and the DA's office, and the Sheriff's office. With these people in charge, nothing could be done to her. She is, still, practicing and I am out of work.
Due to a fire, I could not move my Aunt out all the way today. I have to request entrance, angain, next weekend to remove 5 items left behind and clean the apartment. I hope I am allowed to get her final things. Her move out date is the 8th.I will not change my statements about this couple, but..I included an RD that is following laws and rules and I did not mean for her to be dragged into this mess. I will continue haunting this team. I understand HRC is in high demand to acquire new COs. I feel for the residents having to put up with this. I was asked by a few (8), how they could get out and if the state had any plans for assistance for them. I told them there are no programs set up and they are where they are. They cannot afford to move and there is nothing that can be done for them. This all boils down to resident treatment and options. They are the real ones losing. It is a terrible situation.
There was no rehab or workmen's comp. She was back to work today. I tried and will continue trying to change the way the residents have to live. This is the only team I have ever had conflict with.
My friend's house is safe and she had the job of cleaning up and making sure she can breathe in her home. The fire is still burning, but moved south. She has asthma and is having a hard time breathing. I told her she and her husband were welcome here. well, 'til later.
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Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire! Get use to the heat, HELL for YOU is very hot HA!HA!HA!
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You are crazy!!!
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LOL, I have to agree. It appears that "anonymous" has completely lost their mind... but then again, working for HRC can do that to a weak-minded person.
I am done indulging myself with response to the likes of "anonymous" and would like to thank dlcharles for prividing something very valuable here. I am glad he has chosen to continue this vital service.
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Notice no more annonymous...
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Wow, you've got a pretty convincing argument there, Anonymous.
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@Anonymous! Just by reading the last few comments you have made....I pray that your not one of 4 that is responsible for the Residents.... Now Play Nice and Get off the Merry-Go-Around, stop sucking your thumb and change your Diaper you will feel much better!
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Has anyone worked the community in Shrevport, LA???????
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Is it still rudderless.
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Don't feed the trolls and they will go away.
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Just so everyone understands what all the complaining is about. There once was a shining city on a hill called Holiday Retirement. It treated its managers and associates great, and its senior residents even better -- with respect, dignity, and top quality service. Then the dark time came. Now Holiday is just another poorly run, low quality senior housing provider -- the kind of company that keeps 60 Minutes on the air. We are disappointed because we have seen what it was and what it could be without Fortress. We were here then and we know it can be done right (again!).
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Very well put.
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Very well put!!!
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I have never been prouded of this organization!!! Check this out...
To: Holiday World
Date: August 4, 2011
From: Jack R. Callison, Jr.
Re: The Power of the Holiday Touch!!!
Greetings Holiday! I just received a very touching letter from Daneal Hawkins, the daughter of one of our residents at The Stratford in North Carolina, and felt compelled to share it with the broader organization. In her letter, Daneal very eloquently writes:
“My Mother, Helen Widener, is a resident at The Stratford in High Point, North Carolina. She has been there since April 10, 2011. I wish to write and let you know about her happiness and contentment at being in this retirement community. She and my Dad were married for 63 years when my Dad passed away. They had never been apart for more than one or two nights in their whole married life. She lived by herself for two years and then decided to move to The Stratford so she could be around other people. I was not sure initially if the move would be a good thing as she is a very shy person and has always stayed to herself or with my Dad.
I made an appointment and Julia Davis gave us a wonderful tour. By the time we were back home my mother was ready to “move in.” Mel and Julia Davis always try to make each and every resident feel included and special! Mother just loves the food, exercise classes, the Worship Service and other special activities they provide.
Last Friday, July 21, Julia, Patricia and the Stratford team planned a big party for all the ladies at 2 p.m. to make them feel very special. There was a drawing for five beautiful gift baskets, hair styled by the hair stylist from upstairs, manicures, Mary-Kay Make-Up makeovers and a free photograph taken of each lady! I witnessed each and every lady feel so good about themselves and they all had a wonderful time being pampered and coddled. Julia and the staff worked so very hard to pull this together and it was a great success!
My family is very happy to have my mother as a resident at The Stratford and we attribute a lot of the success to Mel and Julia Davis’ hard work and kindness.”
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I was surprised but pleased to learn Mel and Julia were still around. It would appear they have been left alone to do it right.
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It stands to reason that the one & only letter they want to offer is about a couple from the OLD Holiday! Mel & Julia are doning business the way it used to be.I am surprised they are still with Holiday. They are stronger then most of us. Good Job Mel & Julia show them how it should be done!
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When you hear testimonials like this, it’s easy to understand why Holiday is thriving as an organization. Mel and Julia Davis, along with Patricia and the other Stratford team members obviously understand the true meaning of the Holiday Touch. They, in turn, are regarded by those beyond The Stratford’s doors with fondness, appreciation and admiration. Insight into our communities like this also sheds some light on why we have been so successful in not only getting our communities to near full occupancy, but also radically reducing the level of incentives and discounts we need to give to generate move-ins. We take great comfort in knowing that our product (our wonderful communities) and our service offering (the Holiday Touch) provides tremendous value to residents, which is why we don’t have to accept below market “deals” to generate move-ins. We have pride in ourselves, our communities and our residents – and it shows!
Another recent example of a tremendous success story just occurred today at the New England Club in Cincinnati, Ohio. This community team just closed a new move at a $100/month premium (which is a negative discount) and only two weeks of incentives on a unit type that was at 93% occupancy. The reason the New England Club team didn’t have to offer discounts or excessive incentives just to generate a move-in was because they believe in the true value of what they do for their residents each and every day ….they care for their residents, they nurture their residents and they make their residents' comfort and happiness a top priority. Now that is the Holiday Touch is action! Kudos to both The Stratford and the New England Club teams – we so appreciate the wonderful job you do caring for your residents while also making very smart business decisions for the organization.
So on to our full company results for July! I am thrilled to inform you that we shared the Holiday Touch with 1,716 new residents and grew our Holiday family by another 646 net residents last month!!! This represents the best July on record in the company’s 40-year history!!!
Please join us in congratulating the following teams for recording the highest number of gross and/or net move-ins ever in a single month:
Most Gross MIs Ever Recorded Most Net MIs Ever Recorded
West District 325 Midwest District 171
East District 238 West District 141
Canada District 147 East District 96
Luyt Region 105 Voss Region 40
Au Region 74 Au Region 36
Blum Region 71 Young Region 35
Voss Region 68 Boje Region 34
Boje Region 67 Hebenstreit Region 27
Knaggs Region 64
Nidd Region 49
Hebenstreit Region 44
We also want to celebrate with the following teams, which set records for the most gross and/or net move-ins ever recorded during the month of July:
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Most July Gross MIs Ever Recorded Most July Net MIs Ever Recorded
South District 558 South District 183
Midwest District 439 Midwest District 171
West District 325 West District 141
East District 238 East District 96
Canada District 147 Canada District 41
Luyt Region 105 Voss Region 40
Fair Region 82 Fair Region 39
Au Region 74 Mischak Region 37
Young Region 74 Au Region 36
Myers Region 72 Luyt Region 35
Blum Region 71 Young Region 35
Collingwood Region 70 Boje Region 34
Mahen Region 68 Blum Region 33
Voss Region 68 Mahen Region 31
Yensen Region 68 Hebenstreit Region 27
Boje Region 67 Scharfenberg Region 25
Reed Region 65 Myers Region 24
Ransone Region 65 Knaggs Region 22
Knaggs Region 64 Eliscu Region 21
Mischak Region 61 Brown Region 20
Brown Region 54 Nidd Region 19
Quintero Region 53 Ransone Region 16
Scharfenberg Region 50
Nidd Region 49
Eliscu Region 49
Hebenstreit Region 44
Daley Region 42
Mccracken Region 42
The following communities contributed the highest total number of gross and net move-ins during the month of July. Please join us in congratulating these teams for the tremendous job they did sharing the Holiday Touch with new seniors this month!
Most Gross MIs This Month Most Net MIs This Month
Hawaii Kai Honolulu, HI 21 Willow Park Evansville, IN 13
Willow Park Evansville, IN 17 Olympus Ranch Murray, UT 11
Yosemite Gardens Clovis, CA 14 Yosemite Gardens Clovis, CA 10
Olympus Ranch Murray, UT 13 Shasta Estates Redding, CA 10
Rosewood Estates Tyler, TX 13 Vineyard Place Milwaukie, OR 10
Shasta Estates Redding, CA 13 Chateau Ridgeland Ridgeland, MS 10
Rio Norte El Paso, TX 12 Oakwood Hills Eau Claire, WI 10
Vista Del Rio Peoria, AZ 12 Hawaii Kai Honolulu, HI 9
Regency Residence Port Richey, FL 12 Bluebird Estates East Longmeadow, MA 9
Sugar Valley Estates Loveland, CO 12 Glen Eagle Traverse City, MI 9
Vineyard Place Milwaukie, OR 12 Longmont Regent Longmont, CO 9
Chateau Ridgeland Ridgeland, MS 12
Oakwood Hills Eau Claire, WI 12
And finally, we would like to celebrate with the following communities that have achieved 95% or higher occupancy. The list now literally takes a full page!!!
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I see they left Eliscu in...
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Nice that a corporate hack gets a woodie over 'negative discount', gouging a resident.
Holiday Retirement would NEVER have done something like this.
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95% Occupancy or Higher
Oakwood Hills Eau Claire, WI Marquette East Lansing, MI
Grasslands Estates Wichita, KS Cherry Laurel Tallahassee, FL
University Pines Pensacola, FL Harvard Park Spokane, WA
Okanagan Chateau Kelowna, BC Park Plaza Walla Walla, WA
Gardens At Arkanshire Springdale, AR Silver Arrow Estates Broken Arrow, OK
Greenwood Terrace Lenexa, KS Fleming Point Greece, NY
Burlington Gardens Burlington, ON Parkwood Meadows Round Rock, TX
Churchill Manor Edmonton, AB Diamond Ridge Troy, NY
Masonville Manor London, ON Chateau De Champlain St. John, NB
Bear Canyon Estates Albuquerque, NM Haywood Estates Greenville, SC
Oakmont Chico, CA Springs Of Napa Napa, CA
Cottonwood Estates Plano, TX Greeley Place Greeley, CO
Lodge At Wake Forest Wake Forest, NC Carson Plaza Carson City, NV
Briarcrest Estates Ballwin, MO Englewood Estates Austin, TX
Bay Park Pinole, CA Vista De La Montana Surprise, AZ
Fairwinds Lodge Sarnia, ON Fox Run Estates Arlington, TX
Willow Grove Matthews, NC Washington Commons Evans, GA
Venetian Gardens Venice, FL Crescent Heights Concord, NC
Hilltop Estates Redding, CA Lodge At White Bear White Bear Lake, MN
Rogue Valley Grants Pass, OR Pinewood Hills Flower Mound, TX
Bonaventure Ventura, CA Westhaven Winnipeg, MB
Birch Heights Derry, NH Vineyard Commons Santa Rosa, CA
Arbour Lake Calgary, AB Desoto Beach Club Sarasota, FL
Highland Estates Cedar Park, TX Ste. Anne'S Court Fredericton, NB
Azalea Park Lakeland, FL Iris Place Athens, GA
Queen Victoria Estates Regina, SK Belleair Towers Clearwater, FL
Steger, La Residence Saint-Laurent, QC Sheldon Oaks Eugene, OR
Woods At Canco Portland, ME Whealdon Estates Baton Rouge, LA
Polo Park Estates Midland, TX Madison Meadows Phoenix, AZ
Carlyle Lees Summit, MO Court At Laurelwood Waterloo, ON
White Oaks Manchester, CT Court At Pringle Creek Whitby, ON
Canyon Meadows Calgary, AB Shads Landing Charlotte, NC
Ventura Place Lubbock, TX Pinegate Macon, GA
Copperfield Estates Houston, TX Woods At Holly Tree Wilmington, NC
Manor At Steeplechase Franklin, TN South Colleyvine Ranch Grapevine, TX
Mulberry Estates Moose Jaw, SK Lincoln Square Grand Rapids, MI
Butterfield Place Fort Smith, AR New England Club Cincinnati, OH
South Wind Heights Jonesboro, AR
Parkway Chateau Bellingham, WA
As we continue to approach full occupancy at so many of our communities, I would love to continue hearing your success stories not only on move-ins, but also your success stories on full market rate move-ins with limited incentives like the one I recognized earlier at the New England Club. Seriously…don’t be bashful…please email me your success stories as I’d love to recognize you and celebrate with you.
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are they really at 95 % or do they have "move ins that are 95%"
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Finally, because of the tremendous success we have had in increasing our occupancy at an unprecedented rate while simultaneously limiting our use of discounts and incentives over the past year, we were able to use a portion of the cash flow you generated to acquire a brand new community recently. It is my privilege to formally welcome all of our new associates and residents at The Chateau in McKinney, Texas to the Holiday Retirement family. Team Chateau, we’re thrilled to have you join our organization – welcome aboard! The Chateau is just the first of many more acquisitions to come over the next couple of years thanks to how well Holiday Retirement is doing. Holiday – we are officially in growth mode in a very meaningful way. Thank you again for your past, current and future hard work and dedication. It’s all paying off as you can see.
Keep up the fantastic work Holiday…I am so proud of you all.
All my best,
Jack
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Lier, lier, pants on fire!!!
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Learn to spell
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Why are you "Anonymous"?
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has anyone seen this new acquisition yet? how does it look?
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Hey Crazy Larry,
The Chateau in McKinney TX has a Facebook photo page: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.379698481447.161489.273190546447
You can also Google "the Chateau McKinney". Just be sure to click on the Google 'cached' links for their homepage to see some of the original pages before HRC had the URL go straight to the HRC template.
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wow, this chateau is unreal...thanks for the link. that place is huge - 200+ units? looks brand new
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Another diatribe from the trolls from home office trying to nullify the reality that FIG runs a greedy, money-grubbing, operation that doesn't care about the residents. Sorry, but one letter from one building in NC doesn't get rid of the fact that you are operating at a huge deficit, can't keep managers and you're one step away from federal investigations about your misuse of the VA Aid and Attendance program -- if it's not already underway. So take your email from Jack and see it for what it is -- a massive rat you-know-what. Sorry, but this really pisses me off.
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Co-signed.
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Preach On!! So true, So true.
Anonymous is such a bought and paid for mouthpiece...
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1st half numbers for FIG
Net Income (loss) June 2010 ($512,513)
June 2011 ($501,296)
How can this company continue to operate like this? Their stocks are trading at 3.72 per share. They may have 48.3 million assets under management but I would say that they are handling it very poorly.
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Come on Jack, tell us really how these great numbers are achieved! You send in your henchmen called RDs to brow beat the managers. Verbal threats, email threats, etc., etc. If you really think that a positive work environment is achieved by always making threats you are sadly mistaken. What is your current turn over rate for managers and co-managers? This is the REAL picture of how this company is managed. I can't wait until someone turns this company into the Fair Housing Commission, different rent for different folks ... this is illegal, and then, Jack, you have the nerve to ask (oops tell) all of us to participate in this illegal activity. I think NOT! I personally won't do it!
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Here is a good one for you all: I potential resident put a deposit down in my community after they tried to put down a deposit in one of the 2 Holiday communities in this city but was told they could not take it as the managers were not there today. Thank you Holiday.
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No CSL?
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@Jackson...a marketer signed my Aunt's lease as the manager. Anonymous is going to strike after tonight. I have kept my mouth shut and now I am speaking. Be ready!!! I love Action Jackson, at your service!!!! LOL
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You go girl!
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Where were the co managers at ??, they should be able to take a deposit.
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My memory might be getting a little fuzzy lately, but it seems like we all had to go through training on fair housing. We then signed a "contract" with Holiday that we new the fair housing rules and agreed to abide by them. Seems like one of the rules was you can't offer the same apartment to two different people at different rates.
I wonder if that $100 over market rate had been shown to someone else recently and quoted at market rate. Seems like that would violate the fair housing law.
Hmmm, Holiday treading on thin ice again.
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I asked an RSL about this once and she said that it was ok to offer the same apartment at different rates. I was incredulous and just decided to let it go. Make no mistake. If there's a problem and it's looked into, we will get thrown to the wolves in a second. Follow the law and maybe you won't get as many move ins, then get beaten up about that. They create an environment for people to break the law... imagine if you were to bring this up during your next conference call. Yikes!
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It is okay to offer the same apartment floorplan at different rates if you are pre-leasing. One apartment available at this rental rate for move-in in 30 days. The same apartment available at a different rental rate for move-in in 45 days. This is merely a prompting tactic and totally fine with Fair Housing and RSL.
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Where about was this if I may so boldly ask. I was wondering...it appears that they are hiring or have Co-manager ads placed someplace or another for just about every Holiday community on this continent-- truly amazing. Just playing the odds, I was thinking there most probably were some managerless communities out there. Wonder how that is working out for the MDs RDs and RSLs? How do you browbeat when you are the last one standing? ... Activity Director and Chef perhaps...?
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I was wondering the exact same thing. We all know that the RD and RSL won't go in there and fill in. Funny thing is that I always wished that they'd come in and show us how it's done... being that it was so damn easy to fill up building. These people talk as if it's the easiest thing on earth but I never once saw them actually show us how it's done. All talk, that's it. They wouldn't know how to fill up or manage a building and they certainly wouldn't do better after being browbeaten about it.
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I am hearing rumors from various communities that a “general walk-off the job” by managers, co-managers, Chef’s and housekeeping, sometime this month or early next month depending how many communities in the country can be organized to do so. The goal seems to be to shut down all communities on the same day and keep it closed until the senior management of Holiday has resigned. Has anyone else heard this as well?
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Seriously now, all of this talk is cheap. Anybody who is unhappy should just go find another job and quit. If you don't like the hand that is feeding you, go eat someplace else. If you're unwilling to do that, you owe it to your company to give it your best and be a TEAM player.
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john
lol are you serious holiday great place to work huh... i was keeping my mouth shut... but you holiday brown nosers asked for it... i remeber a couple stories yeah story time... it was reported to a set of community managers that used drug paraphenellia was found in a house keeping room it was reported and later admitted to by the associate that it was there fired???..... nope actually promoted to head housekeeper... story number 2 male community manager got frustrated with teenage female server grabbed her out of anger by the arm and yanked her into a room by themselves and scolded then felt guilty new they had wronged and had a midnight run out of the community (not my idea of holiday touch) fired.... nope in fact begged to return by rd and moved to there dream community to continue to manage... story #3 my community managers were approached by our rd and because there numbers were low were told an option you can resign, transfer, or take a write up they chose write up because they could improve one week later rd brought other managers around and offered them the building while managers were still there instead of coaching for success its a setup for failure... trust me some of us did move on to bigger and better things in fact it was nice to have my new company get rated as one of the top 10 companys to work for in 2011... which row was holiday in at that reward presentation i must have missed you guys lets get real when we try to kiss butt about how great holiday is and lets come to earth and realize its a job nothing more
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I recall no such "rule" or having signed anything like that.
Sounds more like it may be a State regulation rather than corporate.
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While I tend to agree with the sentiment -and the objective- such an action would not serve one person or group's best interest.
The residents would suffer the most.
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I feel the same. I would hate to see the residents suffer. It is bad enough not being able to see my patients (residents), let alone, having them be completely abandoned. That would be self-destructive. I hope they find a better way, for the residents' sakes.
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Agreed. Harming the residents does NO ONE any good.
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Employers are known to use bait-and-switch tactics by advertising a job opening in a way that gives a misleading impression of likely working conditions or compensation packages.
This was listed in Wikipedia under "Bait and Switch". Sounds like Holiday since nothing they advertise is what it really is for employees, just think the luxury apartments.
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This company does it all the time. Set up a Google alert for Holiday and you'll receive an email each day with links to anything on the net that mentions them. There are multiple ads every day and most of them have different titles... office manager, manager and many others. Then when you click to the site, it's the same ad for Managers and Cos.
THAT is how desperate this company is and even though they don't all post, you better believe that job seekers are googling the company itself and finding this site. No doubt about that.
I'd sure like to know how many communities are limping along on anything less that two management teams. I know how difficult it is with two, can you imagine how hard a single couple works to keep things going? Do you think that they have any less pressure to rent apartments, work YGL and get their PDRs and other events in. Poor people, I have nothing but compassion for them. Now that it seems the floater position compensation will be changed, I don't suppose they are going to get much help from that option.
We all know that those apartments aren't luxury apartments and if you are lucky you've got a decent one bedroom with a full kitchen and washer/dryer but if you are a Co, you are in a small place with no kitchen and have to eat their under $4. per day menu. I wonder how many people are getting sick on that food.
Combine overwork, stress and bad food, you've got a recipe for disaster. The money this company pays is not worth it and I encourage anyone suffering like this to get the hell out while you can, do it before they fire you because explaining that to a new employer is going to be difficult to spin.
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While I do understand "SOME" have a few legitimate complaints most of what I read here is Sour Grapes. I have friends who are employee by holiday retirement as managers and they love it. They say the hours are very long but the fact they never have to cook, do laundry, clean their apt pay a mortgage or drive to work it works for them. For all the negatives anyone can throw out here on this blog we can also throw out some positives. I told them about this blog and they haven't had too much time to read alot of it but they said it sounds like this was a blog for the HR use to be's. I know they work long hours but they seem happy with their job as managers. They get along with their assistant managers and other staff. I have joined them for dinner on several occasions and it just seems like one big family. My friends love HR. I guess you have to be a special type person to make this situation work. I mean honestly how many people can say they could work day in and day out with theri spouse or better half? I think it's more theat than anything else. If you can't get along and work wit your spouse don't blame HR look in the mirror and face the music you were never cut out for this type of job to begin with
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Well said Chandra!! My wife and I are managers at Holiday, do and excellent job, are rewarded accordingly, and treated well by all of our bosses. Anybody who is unhappy should just leave. No more excuses; you control your own destiny. And happiness. And state of mind. Make it happen or go someplace else.
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Two more home office lemmings heard from...
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Really, just because someone gets on here and has something positive to say it is automatically assumed that they are from the Home Office. My wife and I have been with Holiday for some time now and are loving it. While no job is perfect, this one has been very good to us. Sorry to rain on your parade, but not everybody is as unhappy as you want others on this blog to believe.
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Ok, admittedly, we've been gone from HRC for a full three years -- this month -- and may not be as 'with it' as we once were, but have been participating in this forum since almost day one.
The disappointment with HRC has remained pretty consistent over-time but the vindictive remarks, in my view, seem to have increased geometrically.
While direction at the top has changed, I cannot imagine there are no longer some consistently well-run communities with happy residents and staff, surely reflecting effective community management teams and some solid management at the middle levels (RDs etc.) and a stable census is probably essential.
We can only hope the well-run community with happy residents is not now an anomaly.
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@Chandra, John and Bill. There is absolutely nothing wrong with positive comment on this blog. In fact I think most of the posters here love to see more and more positive comments on the blog. It means that there are communities out there where the residents are happy, employees are happy and get along. Nothing wrong with that. I just hope that all of the communities currently feel the same way. I do doubt this but glad to know some communities are still giving “The Touch”.
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Very well said, Achmed.
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@Action Jackson..I wish I could give you my email address. Maybe if you asked dl, he would give it to you. I told him it was okay.
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And to properly welcome The
Chateau residents into Holiday
Retirement, the biggest lairs and
thieves were made managers there.
They go from property to property
with a trailer, in which they keep
things they steal from Holiday, before
they can sell the stuff on ebay.
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You really shouldn't call people theives and liars without proof it's so silly and childish. These people cannot defend themselves and others may know whom you are speaking of. Lets grow up, breath deep before posting little nasties about other people.
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Oh, but I can prove it.
But you already knew this, didn't you?
Come to Texas. I have pictures and
testimonials from many people
proving what I said is true.
But you knew that already, didn't you?
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I meant LIARS...lol.
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Figs Street Rating
D (Weak) - The stock has underperformed the universe of other funds given the level of risk in its underlying investments, resulting in a weak risk-adjusted performance. Thus, its investment strategy and/or management has not been attuned to capitalize on the recent economic environment. While the risk-adjusted performance of any stock is subject to change, we believe that this fund has proven to be a bad investment over the recent past.
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From Jack,
It is my distinct pleasure to announce yet another series of internal senior management promotions and increased responsibilities. Roger Aufieri, Managing Director - South District, is being promoted to President - U.S. Operations and will continue to serve as Chairman of Holiday's Operating Committee. In addition to continuing to manage the South District, Roger will have strategic oversight responsibility for all aspects of our U.S. based community operations (including the South, Midwest, West and East districts).
Congrats Roger!
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Here's the problem, by not qualifying residents as to their ability to live in an independent care facility, those residents that need "assisted care" suck up the resources that should be available to those who don't need assisted care. In effect, those needing "assisted care" and those who are capable of "independent living" are not served well. The health, and safety of both are jeopardized. If it wasn't for residents helping those who can't help themselves, this place would be a disaster zone. I really fear for some of the residents well being.
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This is why I liked the setup that Chateau Ridgeland in Ridgeland, MS by Stay Home Services who were in the building 24hrs a day. They were a wonderful group of ladies when we were there several years ago and had a great program director (Gina Trulock) who did the evaluations for us, esp if there was any doubt of the persons ability. The family had a choice of providing sufficient care expense for the resident or they had to either find somewhere else (more expensive in most cases) or move the resident if they already were at the facility.
We had one resident who was totally paralyzed from a stroke. She had a sitter during the day hours and Stay Home checked in on her throughout the night. She did not have bedsores, she had to have her food pureed by the kitchen and her sitter fed her two meals a day in the diningroom, breakfast was given her in her room. She lived this way for over 12 yrs before she died.
Stay Home was our right arm and helped out on many occasions when we were shorthanded even. Most of the ladies then had been there over 11 yrs.
I heard when the facility had a license in the past for an assisted facility, it had been closed down at least twice because of kitchen violations by the health dept. With a stand alone group renting and working in the building, the violations if any are found do not effect the services by this group to operate, only Holiday itself can be shutdown I believe. Of course with the lax standards and dirty kitchens, coolers, etc that are being allowed now, it is a wonder some have not been shutdown.
I think that both assisted and independant can live together as long as the family or resident is not trying to save money by being too cheap to pay for the services. The oldest resident died at 107. This is where management has to be on the same page when it comes to the standards of care and enforce the right to evict if those standards of care are not met. The safety of all residents has to be taken into consideration and having 24hr in the building group helps immensely. We all tried to inform each other on any problems going on with a resident or concerns that may have needed to be addressed. I know the families felt a lot safer with our setup and care and concern.
I have seen at another facility a lady who had been turned into protective services because she looked like a skeleton among being left in bed from 7 pm to 9am and unable to attend to her own needs. The claim did not get anywhere because of supposed care given by outside sitters and the family. She was finally moved to a nursing home 3 or 4 months later after she had lost all abilities of a life. This caregiver also had another lady they watched Ha, Ham she too started losing weight and was moved later on. This is one occasion I think the management should have forced the issue, but with the warm body with a breath idea I guess the managers couldn't see past an empty apartment.
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Hi DC--I really like part 5 because I get the comments as written each day or week--whatever. Reading all of them at one time becomes exhausting. We went back to visit--and we'rd glad we are out! (So is our bank account)
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Sorry--half of my comment didn't make it. Remainder of comment is that we think the present managers are doing a good job and it was really fun to see our old friends.
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And you had no problems getting in to visit?
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all this mindless drivel from four years ago has gotten very boring...blah blah blah...who will win the straw poll in iowa this weekend? what will bernanke do next? syria...how does that play out? palin, is she in or out? any takers? please?????????????
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When there is something on the television I don't care to watch I simply change channels or turn it off. A "niche" blog is geared to a particular audience, not a generalized cross section of topics. Sorry the subject matter bores you, Larry - you could always "change channels" and find numerous options to converse on the subjects you mentioned. We'd all miss your input, I'm sure, but we would struggle on somehow.
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Larry,
I'd be delighted to engage you in any of these topics -- but NOT here....
[aside to DL: Plese let Larry have my e-dress if he asks for it.]
Thx,NMRN
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Larry..This blog helps people get back to normal and live after HRC. I am still in limbo and I do not and have not worked for FIG. One day you will wish different and you burned it...do not take it to heart. this is just opinion and comment. I do see your's and will heed it! Thank you.
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i truly dont mean this to sound harsh, but if you still haven't found a job after all this time, maybe its because you spend so much of your time lamenting the past on this blog when instead you could be using that precious time out in the world doing something to bettter yourself like taking a computer class or foreign language class or accounting class to improve your marketability and enhance your resume. i say this with the purest of hearts and would just encourage you to think about this...thats all. i was laid off in a previous life as well and after i sick and tired of laying around and feeling sorry for myself, i went back to school and earned my associates degree and found a job right after graduation. best thing i did for myself and just felt complelled to share my personal story. i know not everyone falls into the same camp but if my story can just make a difference in just one person's life and change their outlook, give them hope, then it was sorth opeing up and sharing my story - even if at the risk of being publicly ridiculed here. be positive - it's a mindset you have to wake up with every day. there's so much bad in the global world- why not focus on the positives - like our grandchildren, our democracy and freedom, ability to choose our own destiny in life....we have much to proud of and happy about if we just wake up every day and make that our mindset rather than tearing people down. there's already enough of that in the world out there. peace out.
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Larry..I have a job. I do home health care, but want my patients back that I have had. They are living in a facility and HRC refuses to allow me to see them. This is in violation of their rights given to them by the fed. gov't. It has been 6 weeks since my nightmare world started.
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Larry, you intimate this blog is too negative. Then remove your negative comments about those who use this blog as a means of venting and sharing (whether you found it negative or otherwise) and we will have added one positive thing to this sight today.
You really should look up the meaning of blog. It's a place to share thoughts, express personal feelings and discuss like things with like people. I can assure you, no one person here is just laying around feeling sorry for themselves. As I've said on many occasions, wake up and watch the news. There are no jobs out there, at least ones worth having. Two, we love who we work with and what we do. We just don't enjoy the horrible politics and daily garb handed down from the upper crust. We would be happy to take it if we didn't give a crap about how people are treated - especially our residents. But the truth is, we do care. So we stay and do the best we can for our senior and use this BLOG to vent, release, share and support one another.
If you don't like what is written, don't read it, don't comment and frankly, take your positive little rearend and leave.
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The more things change, the more they don't!!!!
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I am really disgusted with the policies of Holiday Retirement Corporation and the reflections they have on the local community management.I am not a community manager, I am a resident with a business management background. I feel sorry for those managers who have "sold their souls to Holiday are still working and expressing their gratitude to Holiday and Fortress. I know, you are going to tell me to move but I can't as for over 3 years I have been writing "THE SAGA of ???????" and I can only leave when the SAGA is completed.
P.S. One of these days I may send a copy to DL
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Always a pleasure to read a comment from you, Pericles. I would be delighted to receive such a copy.
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I left Holiday 8 months ago, and haven't visited this blog since. Now reading, I can't believe I worked for 3 years for this company!! The only good memories I have are of the residents.
Shame on FIG for ruining what was once considered the best of the best.
The only good thing about my job was being with the residents and the long standing chef, housekeepers (most of them!) and some Managers. As an EC, I saw my fair share of management sets come and go, and they apparently would hire you as long as you had a heartbeat. It was downright shameful some of the sets that were hired to run these buildings; smell of alcohol all day? hired. missing half of your teeth and don't shower? hired. don't appreciate long standing staff and treat them like they're below you when they offer advice? hired.
When you pay low wage for a high responsibility job, expect low work ethic, attire, attitude; it doesn't take a genius to figure that out.
I have lived in my community for my entire life, and have many connections and friends; and every single one of them knows NOT to even tour a Holiday facility.
There is life after Holiday! I quit to take a new job that pays me over double, pension plan, benefits and actually appreciates things I do. Get out NOW!!
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Wow, this sounds almost just like me! I left 6 months ago. I still really miss my residents. Since I live in the area, I occasionally bump into some of them at WalMart & other public places, but there are others I would love to see again. The facility where I worked should have had a revolving door; in less than 3 years there were 7 sets of managers, 7 sets of co-managers (not counting the 3-4 months managers worked without co-managers), 5 exec. chefs, 5 sous chefs, 5 maintenance men.
My hours were cut 20%, but instead of removing job responsibilities more were added on a regular basis. Yes, there is life after Holiday!!
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WOW! Holiday did us such a favor by letting us go. We were one of the "good" management teams who loved, and were loved by, residents and staff, increased census, worked like mules. .. Everything ran smoothly and we all enjoyed coming to work, (except for Holiday's idiots constantly badgering us, making ridiculous demands). Our kitchen staff sang as they prepared meals, housekeeping started smiling and telling us they felt as if they had been let out of prison! Residents told us the same thing and began blossoming; taking part in activities, coming to the dining room and enjoying their home.
Enter Holiday's newly-hired hit squad, who can't handle a well-run community without their input. Definitely can't have managers who get things done and refuse to allow residents to live in an unsafe building. That means spending money that goes into corporate's pockets and we certainly can't have that.
They questioned staff and residents but apparently couldn't stand being unable to find "dirt" on us, so fabricated a ridiculous story and the ax hit.
We so miss our residents but we do NOT miss that slave-driving clueless bunch running Holiday. What a relief!
I'm going to work for a much better,
far more stable company very shortly. So, for all of us who have been victims of Holiday's ruthless tactics, keep your chin up; it does get better. At least the experience gained there helps prepare us for our next adventure.
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Who was your RD, is it one that is no longer with the company here lately I wonder. Sounds like the same mo pulled on us.
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Would love to hear more details.... We share in a similar plight--almost....
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Man this could be us writing. It sounds just like our story.
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I would love to hear more. It sounds like an interesting topic. The blog has been dead for far too long...
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Is it because all of the disgruntled, complaining, ex-employees are finished crying about their termination or resignation. It's about time they are gone from this site. I was tired of listening to their poor me stories. Good riddence. Believe it or not, there are a lot of good things happening in this company.I am sure you all are going to call me a troll or Home Office employee. If that makes you feel good, go for it. I am just a long time Employee who enjoy's my job. I suggest you find a job that you enjoy and quit complaining about the past. Just my opinion.
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I'm glad that you feel so secure with FIG at the helm. I'd watch my back if I were you. They have no loyalty, and no scruples.
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Disgruntled? Complaining? Ex-employees? Crying about their termination or resignation?
My goodness, I certainly hope those kind of people don't find this blog and start writing on here. I much prefer the ones we presently have - the caring, experienced, loving people who have worked the jobs and are trying to offer positive solutions to a serious problem.
No, you are not a troll or Home Office whatsit. There are many good hardworking people just like you still quietly doing their jobs. Let's hope their days are not numbered.
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Thanks DL for your understanding that there are people that still care and want to make Senior's lives the best that it can be,. But, you know that there are post's on this forum that are not complimentary to the current management. It's what YOU make of it. If you are in it for the money, find another vocation. If you enjoy making Seniors feel special, Welcome Home.
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dl.... i wouldnt say disgruntled complaining ex employees what i would say is human beings who want whats best for our elders.... a community i worked for rented to a resident who was extreamly diabetic overweight and 100% wheelchair bound... are we providing excellent care and service with our busses with no wheelchair lifts to help take her on outings... not only should we have reccomended assited living but we gave up the farm to get her in the pressure to have rooms full no matter what cost is too much for some people who arnt brainwashed to think the touch still exists
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Bob, the lack of lifts are a really big deal. Even Seniors who aren't overweight and use a walker or cane sometimes need to have a lift. I've had several people not move in because of it but can't say that I pushed them either because I didn't want to have to see them try and hurt themselves. How many of our drivers push the limits in helping these folks get on the bus... I imagine that it's more than a few and if something happens, the company will NOT support them at all.
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jackson
its more then the lift at issue its more then the memorial in the previous comment its about how this company claims the "touch" but yet well being an independence of our seniors gets pushed aside for real estate and filling apartments... maybe im just old school holiday and miss the days when the touch actually ment something... the shady illeagle activitys and stories i have about this company will make your head spin im glad some of you are gung ho about holiday but trust me theres a world outside of this hole that actually cares for there employees and residents
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We worked at a community which had the bus with a wheelchair or even a people standing lift. I guarantee you it was a lot more enjoyable and easy for a lot of residents who would not even be able to get up the stairs on the usual bus.
We had no problems with it being used. A lot more residents were able to go out to dr appointments or outings.
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Do not ever think that people who have been writing on this blog are away. We are watching it every day. I wish you good luck. I am glad you are a "happy" employee. I hope your residents are also all happy with everything Holiday has to offer. I really mean this in a positive way because afterall, it is not about you and how happy YOU are but all about the residents.
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I'm with you, Achmed. I don't think any of us "alumni" wouldn't love to see the current HRC suddenly have facilities 'full' of healthy, happy residents.
I remain truly hopeful, but not really optimistic.
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Don't be too hard on ILOVEMYJOB. He is the kind of person FIG is trying to get run their communities. I envy you ILOVEMYJOB. Some days it is very difficult to look yourself in the mirror because you are ashamed of the uncaring leadership and the things they ask you to do. I agree with you that those of us who wish for a return to the caring days of pre-FIG Holiday or desire better service for our residents, should either quit, swallow hard and do what we are told, or try to make things better in spite of FIG Holiday. It would be simple if we didn't care.
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Riddle me this Batman:
When is a vacation not a vacation???
Answer:
When you work for Holiday Retirement, Robin.
No Floaters no help. so now we "owe" the days we were away. Go figure...
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My wife and I have been looking into working for Holiday as co-managers but can't get any information on what the salary is. Can someone give us a range?
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I think the pay is about $26,000 each on gross. They consider apt and food as pay, but it is not taxable to my knowledge. Depending on what ins. etc you opt for you bring home about $1600. each per month.
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Linny answered above but you can also go to www.frontdoor dot com and see salary information as well as reviews. As the job requires you to live on site and essentially give up any life you currently enjoy, I'd recommend that you read that site and as much of this as you can and know that these aren't just the random experience of employees, they are the norm. Good luck to you and your wife.
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You can, also, go to pleasemessupmylifequickly.com. Beats all other sites. HRC is very good at that!!!
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To: I LOVE MY JOB - I picture you standing in front of a mirror repeating that, so that you believe it. (think of the commerical ad where the girl is getting the dog to say "love my bank" LOL LOL LOL - ok it must just be me.
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I am sooooooo sick of the micro-managing
what the hell, we need more calls, more reports???? Who is going to take care of the residents? We have no time now, who cares that we stay in the office till 9 or 10 PM just to get it all done. FIG - I think not - time is growing so short for us - I see the end of the rope and there is no
knot to hold onto.
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I just did a look up on the Daniel Mudd that is in with Fortress that was interesting since he was CEO of Fannie Mae. He is the son of Roger Mudd the news reporter. He is also listed in Wikipedia.
I find it interesting the people we have at the helm who have been brought in to run Holiday. Chasing straws and rainbows.
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Well....I have beensilent for quite awhile! I have been trying my best to get back to my patients. I am awaiting a letter stating why I cannot return. HRC has been in the facility for the past couple of days and minor changes have ocurred. Nothing to write home about. The main person is still sitting there and enjoying thier place at the helm. Not a CO or coCO. They will kill me after 22 years and do not care. I am ging to tell my patients that call me all the time that they need to move to see me. I plan on starting that Sunday. They will not look over the weekend so I know my patients will be safe and talk to me. They have been told it is illegal to talk to me on the phone. How can you justify telling the elderly they can and can't talk to someone!?!?!?
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To all who live in Irene's path today please stay safe. We're outside of DC and will most likely lose power.
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I hope all are safe today from Irene. It is supposed to be a bad storm. Take care and many prayers for you and loved ones!!
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Feeling very depressed and defeated. You just cannot work hard enough for these people, they want more and more. Maybe after life with Holiday this will pass
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Sorry Linny
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hey Holiday
i missed you guys at the 2011 puget sound business journals best companys to work for celebration in fact ive missed you guys at all the best companys to work for presentations maybe next year huh???
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Oh, BTW. When you log on to any conference calls that are supposed to only have a few people on, pay attention to how many the system says are on-line. Almost always, there are other people on listening... so cloak and dagger.
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You might want to keep your own personal log in to conferance calls also with the date and time and what was main subjects discussed. I must admit we might have missed one because of it being on a Friday and a resident fell outside on a curb so we were busy with 911 that time, and then there were the ones where we had Saturday off because we worked for the managers, or were at a different facility after our vacation was cut short to fill in for the managers and whoever he was. Yes they use lies too to get rid of you.
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@action Jackson...In certain states, they record telephone conversations. I am not stating HRC, but calls in certain states is totally against the law. For anyone that wants to know...California, Florida, Maryland, Nevada, New Hampshire, and Washington State. I know this because of something else and never knew I was recorded. Now, I get $100 for the illegal recordings. My dilemma with HRC is coming to a close soon.
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Before FIG -and for a time after we got figged- HO would enlist 'secret shoppers' to call a community to assess the phone manner and salesmanship of whoever answered. Later we'd receive a copy of the recording and a critique.
It happened to me twice. As I recall, I scored rather well both times. The first one occurred was when I was only a few months on board and may have been the beginning of the undoing of a certain less-than-savory region manager.
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XL also used the secret shoppers with the tape recordings and would send a $25.00 gift card from Walmart most generally. Yes sometimes the critique covered things you forgot to ask or mention. It did keep you on your toes. Sometimes I think the managers would generate these calls also complete with the mailing address for the packet to be mailed to.
It most likely was not legal I bet, but no one thought about complaining I think about it at that time..
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I don't know what could be illegal about taping the secret shopper calls. The exercises were random, served as a form of training and not an invasion of anyone's privacy.
In retrospect, I found the critque very helpful as did others on our management team(s).
I guess the only uncomfortable aspect is hearing your own recorded voice, but even that is only momentary once it occurs to you that it's exactly how you sound to others anyway.
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@notmyrealname..Point is..It is 'illegal' in certain states, no matter why it is done. It is to protect you and others. No sides are drawn as to when it is or isn't ok to tape.
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Googled my way to this interesting website citing the illegal vs legal states when it comes to recording conversations.
http://www.pimall.com/nais/n.recordlaw.html
Assuming this is accurate, it would appear that of the two secret shopper sessions where I was the 'unwitting trainee', only one was legal.
I had forgotten all about the now legendary Linda Trip - Monica Lewinsky legal SNAFU.
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I meant $1000...
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Do you believe in Life after Holiday Say yes Say hell yes...After one door closes another opens..There are still some good jobs out there, you just have to stop dwelling on that door you just closed. I hate the way things have turned out with Holiday I loved my 3 years with the residents,staff and We would probably still be there if Fortress hadn't taken over.!!! I didn't mind the hard work and it really was hard working without help for months 2,5,and the last one 6 months,but you just did it. We just lost some brain cells, moved a little slower,and when we made it to the Apt. we fell in to bed to tried to change our clothes... What was BAD WAS THE NON-Caring,I need this and that you need to have at least 5 move ins this week.. I'm missing your P-Card receipts! Well sorry but I know they are in the packet that went in first before invoices...Oh Please if just one would come walk 3 days in any of our shoes do about 3 night calls,serve, wash dishes, set tables and housekeeping. oh no! they would never admit they were tried. They just don't understand how tried and how hard we work, they tell you they have and can work months without help.... . Not once when someone from Home Office called, like a few Top Dogs, HR, RD MD,and ER-humor! never once did they offer to send us some a help or say TY for our hard work. Oh wait that's right HR came to see us, just to put us through hell...For something that was so off the wall... So HR over reacted not once but twice and both times found nothing wrong and THAT was what made me enjoy eating my last Grill Cheese...and planing my e-mail to my RD...Sweet Short and to the point. No more! that was it for me... We the employees are-were the heart and soul of Holiday. We worked our butts off and without people like us no one would get a paycheck. Respect is not in their Vocabulary.. So yes there is life after HOLIDAY!!!! Love my Holidays with my family.....
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You are right - I have to stop being frozen with fear about being unemployed. The real thing that stops me is THERE WILL BE BOTH OF US UNEMPLOYED! I still feel it will look and be far better for future jobs to resign than be fired. I hate to be a quitter but this is just too much and I am losing my joy for life, not when with the residents, they are one of the reasons we are still there. We also have some wonderful wonderful staff members.
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Both of us were without work for a month.
Workingcouples.com is a great place to start get on there and send your resume out, there are jobs on there just for couples. I can tell you we found a job working together making more and the apartment is twice as big as the manager apt, we had at Holiday. You can do it....
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@dlcharles...I would like to comment and thank you for giving my email to a person here. I cannot believe the kindness this individual showed me. I was offered a job on the east coast, but I live on the west. It was the best gesture I have ever had. These past 2 months, I have been through hell and the human kindness I was shown goes to show their are, actually, good and gracious people on this blog!!Thank you to my new friend! I would, also, like to state that a couple of the assisted living facilities offered to allow me to transport residents when they have no driver available or room for the resident on board. I cannot believe the generosity of total strangers towards me. More than HRC pays attention to this blog, so it IS a good place to be!!
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Consider making the move. It would be very hard to find a more caring individual to work with. And you are most welcome!
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*there
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I'm almost at the end of my rope. The food here is nothing but pure garbage. I've lost 15+ ponds and I along with others have been diagnosed as malnourished. Today, they served as an alternate meal a fajita. We were told that there was no sour cream, guacamole, or tortillas. What we were served was thin strips of what looked like cut up baloney cooked with green peppers and onions in a dish along with rice and corn. Then we watched as the managers ate their fajita's with tortillas. What the Hell!!! I'm declaring war on this place. I'll pass out leaflets to prospective residents and walk a picket line with a placard stating how rotten this place is. They got me in here as a veteran under false pretenses and I can't leave before the VA turns me down, otherwise I'll owe Holiday/Fortress a lot of money. The question is will I last that long?
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I'm so sorry, that's horrible. If people have been diagnosed with malnourishment, it seems to me that this is elder abuse and they should be reported to the proper authorities in your area. NO senior should be treated like this, EVER. I would hope that your local media would be interesed as well. It would be very easy for them to get an invite in for a meal, that's for sure... hell, they are constantly pushing to get people in and then they could see what the food is like, ask questions, etc.
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We have something in common. I'm interested in your VA story. Maybe in the same boat. Are there other horror stories involving VA promises?
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@jontquill..you can leave before the VA gets approved. You need to check with AMVETS and they will tell you, you can. You will owe when it gets approved. The food..no comment. Loaded with sodium and very little nutrients!
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We were lured into Holiday by the come on of VA Benefits for my parents. Up to $1800
per month. The Rep showing the apartment said it was practically a slam dunk. Only 3 requirements. Vet during wartime with an honorable discharge. After six months of paperwork (one inch thick binder), getting copies of marriage certificate with a laundry list of other hoops to jump through. my Dad was denied because his income was over 15k. A catch 22 if you consider the $3200 monthly rent on their apt. Bait and Switch? I noticed they no longer have a welcome Vets Sign in front. Do we have any recourse?
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I am not sure what all you had claimed against the income you say your parents were receiving, but the rent should have been taken into consideration for the full amount for 2 people living in the apartment, any doctor expenses that occured on a regular basis that were not reimbursed, med ins premiums, supplies if any like for diabetics. Also a person would have to have an outside expense paid for on a monthly basis like for help bathing, or medication management. Are you sure things were claimed the right way. The $3200.00 x 12 mo = $38400.00 The amount of money going out should be more than what is coming in or real close to it.
I don't know myself of any recourse because I am sure the move in paperwork should say if they are denied then they will have to pay the full amount monthly owed or move. The 6 mo they lived there with the discount should be excused I think. But I am no longer with Holiday so they may have changed in the last 4 mo. But then again I think a lot of people are unsure of what the process is for this benefit. I would get their contract out and re-read it. There should be a page about the VA amount that is being reduced during the 6 mo period, you will be paying the difference between the 2 amounts. Also you do not mention if the 15K is what is net after all rents are paid and any care services, medical, etc are paid, that would make a lot of difference and perhaps would put you over the amount they figure you should have. Basically they would have to be almost broke to qualify.
Let us know how things turn out. This is one of the most heartbreaking things that could happen if they do have to move since I know there are so many elders who cannot live on their own and are a lot safer being around other people. Even the residents if they are close will have a fit if someone doesn't turn up for a meal that should have. We have spent many a time hunting down a person to find out they went out with a family member, but better safe than sorry.
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Wow, I haven't read in here for a while. Looks like it's still a lot of the same. Since my husband & I left the ranks of Holiday back in Feb. we have not missed the drama that most of you are unfortunately still facing. We have heard that the Managers who gave us the most grief at The Pearl were fired. I wonder if the regional there now understands that what I was telling him I had just cause to be complaining about. Caregivingservice, I wish we were still there to help you with your dilema. You know if we were still there you'd have a fighting chance. But then again, we weren't treated fairly in the end there either. We felt we were forced to quit and that they wanted us out for some reason. I still like those Managers though as people, we were just done wrong in our eyes but that was company business. Good luck to those of you who continually give your best for the sake of the residents. They are the ones who make it all worth it. Stay strong. You who are strong will prevail and the residents will love you & be loyal to you for showing the Holiday Touch that you show them and that they all so much deserve.
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WOW..............so glad I stumbled on this blog, I was terminated as a Co-manager here in Tennessee. As it was written, I was subtenant. The REAL reason, I confronted a member of the kitchen staff informing them that they could not serve the residents moldy salad ! Hopefully the news will break on this corporation someday.
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My husband and I just had an interview with Holiday for region South 2 - The Denver and Kansas City Areas. We were told that region may not be a good idea. Could anyone comment on that or feel there would be a better region? Our 1st choice is in Michigan, but we are told there are no openings.
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Rookie; Good luck finding a good building. As of Feb when my husband & I quit the Great Lakes Region which is mostly michigan & Ohio there were at least 5-6 opening for either Co's or Managers. All but one of the buildings we were in up there were great, and as I mentioned in an earlier blog those managers are now fired. We hear things are going wonderful again and both residents & staff are very happy again. As for us, we have decided we will not work for Holiday again because they have a tendency to not support the Co's like they should if a problem arises between Managers & Co's. It's automatically the Co's to be the problem. So it's the Co's who end up getting written up, fired or whatever course they choose to take against them. Co's are not treated fairly and if you ask any other Co's I'm positive you will get the same answer from lots of them. We had managers when we were floaters tell us they had no read the Guidelines AT ALL and had no idea what was in them. When I pointed this out to the regional he wanted no part of anything I had to say. We were accused of trying to find fault and not keeping an open mind. And that is so not true. But those particular managers had been in 2 of the buildings we were in and they as Co's before they were promoted and had been written up several times and had numerous reports to the regional about their excessive days off and her not assisting ever in the mornings with breakfast coffee and in fact never came out of her apartment until after 11:30am EVER!! Yet they were promoted. Makes ya wonder who is really running the show and what kind of operation they are really running. The corporate headquarters sure dont give a damn about the residents. It's move 'em in & forget 'em!!! So Good luck and I hope you find a good place to call home and have better luck than we had. Don't give up!!!
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Dottie, if you were with HRC PRE FIG then you must have know Russell Kaufmann as well, right?
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Dottie...I am so very sorry for what happened to you and your husband. The two of you were on the short list of good co-managers I have had the pleasure to work with! I, sincerely, hope your lives get to turn around for the better soon. You got railroaded by the COs and RD and had no one on your side. Comments made to the two of you about leaving were just to let you know the writing on the wall!! Talk to you soon!!
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We spent 8 months in Longmont, Co the RD was Kevin Boje He was terrible to us. Two rd ask for us to go back to Fla where we were from and Kevin refused. I would not ever work for him.
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Hello.. my wife and i got promoted to managers of a building, (won't give name of building) but it is in Pueblo, Colorado. The aforementioned RD (AKA Boje) had sent a set of co managers to this community. They came in with "guns ablazing". When they were given input, they always went a calling Mr. Boje. Since they had a whopping 1.5 months with the company, he would always take their side. Some how we ended up with emails that was sent to one particular "co-manager" telling them that they did not have to listen to the managers but to call him instead. there was other items that he discussed with them that totally underminded the managers of the community. Dont worry there is a letter being constructed to send up to the big wigs, We don't know what good this will do but hopefully this might keep his rail roading techniques from happening to many times more employees. we will keep all posted.. Good luck..
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You just gave yourself away and will be gone soon. Good luck!! I keep telling everyone they watch this blog, print comments and use them against you. There is no free speech at HRC/FIG!!!!
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we left on our own pretence 2 weeks ago, both have moved onto bigger and better jobs...there is life after HOLIDAY!!!
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This sounds like what happened to my husband and I. Seems like our Co's were sent to spy on our every move we made then encouraged to report back to RD. HOW do you MANAGE when the Co's have a hotline that goes above your head? Result is Co's have no respect for you the Manager.
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@ Herkman, Are you still with the company and did you ever get a reply to your letter?
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I have been coming here for about 9 months and have read just about every post and put up many of my own. I would say that the vast majority of experiences related here are negative in relation to the way the current Holiday Retirement relates with and deals with it's employees. There are some positive comments here but usually juxtaposed with some kind of condemnation of those who have had their life turned upside down by working at Holiday and had the unmitigated gall to actually write about it... put it out on the internet as a warning for all to see.
I'm not calling anyone out in particular but how in the world can we see ANY posts from potential employees coming here and wondering what it would be like to work for Holiday? For pete's sakes, READ the thousands of posts here and see what it will be like - you will be no different!
Don't you think that turning your whole life upside down, giving up your home, signing on to work 60+ hours a week and having corporate thugs so far up your hind end pressuring you for move ins is worth taking the hours that it will take to read all of this here?
I don't get it. Read all of this blog and make your decision but don't say that you weren't warned. Go in with your eyes wide open so at least you can see the pitfalls as they arise.
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Ihave been coming on here for the past coupleof months and I can tell by the comments just how horrible HRC is to employees, residents, and anyone who dare confront their lies!!! I have been burned and will post more after tomorrow. Once again, Jackson, you speak my views also!!!!
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Thanks anon. It's important that we speak our truths. Being able to put my experience here has helped me to heal from my tenure with this company and would venture to say that others feel the same way.
Yes, if you feel comfortable, do put your experiences down as well. It's important, it matters and perhaps we can spare someone else from having to go through it.
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Thanks, Action!! I look forward to keeping you posted. You have helped me out so much with my feelings and the anger and frustration towards HRC. I am lucky to have you for a friend!
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Subscribing.
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Can this blog really be used against you?? I mean, legally?!
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I am by no means an attorney but I am sure that it would depend upon who "you" is in the question.
The host (dl charles)
The employee/resident posting
The ex-employee/ex-resident posting
The employee/apologist for Holiday
They could send dlcharles a cease and desist letter but then they'd have to prove that what is written here is untrue. I for one would be more than happy to sign an affidavit to all that I went through and witnessed and imagine that there's more here that would as well. Many of us have proof and documentation as well.
Does Holiday really really want to go there? I think not.
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I have proof also. Now have more. The who is me. Not an employee, action. I need to email dl about this one. I know they dom't want to go there...they'll be sorry!
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It's next to impossible to tell who is actually the author of any comment here, unless, of course, DL offers up the e-mail address associated with a comment.
But even that could be faked. The only other way would be to trace an IP address and I can't imagine anyone going to the trouble of even trying to secure a court order to seize the server where DL's web page provider keeps this blog. Come to think of it, it may be just unconstitutional anyway.
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How can being on this blog hurt you??? Our privacy is supposed to be kept just that - private and protected. Anyway change is coming very soon for us. I sure hope it is the light at the end of the tunnel...
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Light at the end of what tunnel?? I hope it is you leaving HRC if you haven't...also, this is private except when HRC says 'you' are this blogger.
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not light got the company - light for me I am am am going to get out soon
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I cannot begin to tell you the harassment from HRC. They say someone is me and now say I told them. They pick and choose and everyone is to bow down and hang their head and agree. Even if it was me, they cannot use it. I talked to Sweeney in Montana and, unless, they get DL, they cannot do anything. They have to have proof that what is written is a lie, and everyone is entitled to an opinion. That is 1st amendment. free speech. I am going this alone with aid from an attorney and if I get further, he will take me free...
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There's really no need to worry, people writing here is one thing and the damage is mitigated. Go further and it shines a much brighter light on their practices. As a company that is supposedly dedicated to providing a safe and healthy home to peoples parents and grandparents, they don't want the bad publicity.
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I do not believe they care about the publicity at all. They have one person thatis very, very detrimental to the well being of the entire facility and do not care. This person is very protected by HRC. I am so depressed and disgusted with the way this 'new' company operates that I have a hard time dealing with things. I have a reputation and they are trying to marr it by attacking me publicly and I am told to shut my mouth and fingers and take it! They have allowed lies to be told about me and I am not allowed to say or do anything to get the truth across to people. I continually get threatened by the 'powers that be' to keep myself silent. I have been physically and professionally attacked. They have no sense of moral or obligation to anyone, but the almighty dollar. I have records and got a very good present in the mail today! This is what Sweeney, my attorney form yearas ago, said I needed. I will phone him Tuesday and let him know they did what he said they did not have the nerve to do. I faxed it already. I will do the work and he will assist until the proper time. I was his first case 30 years ago when he got out of law school. We have remained friends and he always aids me. I had forgotten him until I had to scramble to save my reputation. At least, I am able to move about freely and am not in some hospital!!!!!!
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Let me remind everyone once again: I cannot control the wording of your comments. I do not moderate the postings. What I do is everything I am capable of to protect the anonymity and confidentiality of those who write on here. I remove any email address you use, remove URLs, and attempt to regularly caution anyone from divulging "giveaway information" in the comments. No matter how many times I post these cautions there are those who continue to give specifics. I am unable to reword the postings unless I take the responsibility of editing each comment - and this I will not do. Each of you write your own thoughts and experiences, which give the collective a common pattern.
Someone once told me that the bravest sound in the world is a puppy's bark -- from under the safety of the porch. This holds true with most things in life. It is easy to be a "arm chair quarterback" regarding the problems experienced , but there is always the possibility that a time will come when it boils down to standing up for what we believe whatever it costs or quietly fading into the background. Each individual has to find their own point and make a decision.
On another note: Attorney Ramos's website shows no listings of any class action information anymore. I am ignorant as to what has happened to the suits he was claiming to be involved in. I would suggest that any complaints first be filed with the respective local, state, and federal agencies responsibile for such.
No one knows how this blog will end up or what its final service will entail. Only time will tell.
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Mr. Ramos is with an estate firm and is finishing up on the class action suits. He has phoned me, but we never got very far. One of his partners said that I have a good case. I no longer care if HRC knows who I am. I have other patients and will be busy with my Aunt for the next few years. I will explore other options when she is no longer here. I cannot abandon her now. I thank you DL for having this site and I started out not being afraid, but the bullying from HRC is enough to make people cow down and try to appease them. I do not care about HRC, except to keep people informed about the truth. I tell everyone to stay away from their facility and pass it on on my online friends and family from coast to coast. They are trouble and underhanded and we need to keep everyone informed. Word of mouth is the best way. I am going to continue my journey to rid the elders of such a company that is only interested in their almighty dollar. They could care less about the residents and only listen for the cha-ching!!! I will not use 'giveaway information' unless it cannot be helped. I know of nothing that is confidential as I am told by residents and the detrimental person.
I hope people looking for employment with HRC truly read and understand what they are getting into. Heartless company and heartless employees that follow orders. Not all, mind you. But some will jump off a cliff to please HRC and then only to be slaughtered at the bottom!!!
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the class action suit is still on i talk to mr ramos frequently he is with a new firm thats why its not on there currently
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john
lol are you serious holiday great place to work huh... i was keeping my mouth shut... but you holiday brown nosers asked for it... i remeber a couple stories yeah story time... it was reported to a set of community managers that used drug paraphenellia was found in a house keeping room it was reported and later admitted to by the associate that it was there fired???..... nope actually promoted to head housekeeper... story number 2 male community manager got frustrated with teenage female server grabbed her out of anger by the arm and yanked her into a room by themselves and scolded then felt guilty new they had wronged and had a midnight run out of the community (not my idea of holiday touch) fired.... nope in fact begged to return by rd and moved to there dream community to continue to manage... story #3 my community managers were approached by our rd and because there numbers were low were told an option you can resign, transfer, or take a write up they chose write up because they could improve one week later rd brought other managers around and offered them the building while managers were still there instead of coaching for success its a setup for failure... trust me some of us did move on to bigger and better things in fact it was nice to have my new company get rated as one of the top 10 companys to work for in 2011... which row was holiday in at that reward presentation i must have missed you guys lets get real when we try to kiss butt about how great holiday is and lets come to earth and realize its a job nothing more
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Really,just because you are not happy and John gets on here and says something against what most on this blog say he is somehow a brown noser. You really a something. I try daily to live my life on a positive note in spite of things that I don't agree with. I am in control of my life and the one thing I have learned is that I am not responsible to try to change this or any company. If I don't agree with what is going on I just leave. You can tell these stories and IF they are true there are legal recourse's to help with that. I'm happy that you are working for a good company. I suggest that you focus on your new career and stop calling people names when you don't anything about our situation. If people are actually working and making a difference than let them do it. My wife and I enjoy very much what we are doing, even though we don't always agree with everything, we do are best. I guarantee that if are HONEST you don't agree with everything the company you are working is doing either. I know that because you are such a negative person you will attack me.
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attack no back no im just a realest if you guys want to have blinders on and continue thats fine in fact i was responding to an ATTACK from your boy earlyer in the post take a deep breath and do all your reaserch before you try to play hero im actually a very positive person thats why i have about 14 holiday employees call me daily from the communitys you guys manage begging to come work for me because i was the best manager they ever had its funny you get angry with me for saying brown noser but yet still stand by and have nothing to say about a community manager who assults a server you can love what you do thats good but nothing you said defended holiday i actually am pretty sure i know you and your wife in fact im pretty sure ive worked with you and if you are who i think you are then im really happy for you too and do agree you are awesome managers....you can love what you do but lets remeber johns post John wrote:
Seriously now, all of this talk is cheap. Anybody who is unhappy should just go find another job and quit. If you don't like the hand that is feeding you, go eat someplace else. If you're unwilling to do that, you owe it to your company to give it your best and be a TEAM player.
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i felt attacked by him first he is unaware of my situation as well and lets see the negative people have been called disgruntled cussed at and told we are in the wrong for pointing out the reality of holiday and the only comment you make is twoards me for pointing out REAL HONEST holiday retirement stories i never lie thats why i chose to work for a company with strong religious roots and a good game plan unfortunatly thats all changed and i feel sorry for the numerous employees from holiday that beg me for a way out constantly and the numerous residents who get neglected and deprived daily
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Huh?
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this was a responce to a post earlyer on i dont know why it doubled up
here this should remind you
John wrote:
Seriously now, all of this talk is cheap. Anybody who is unhappy should just go find another job and quit. If you don't like the hand that is feeding you, go eat someplace else. If you're unwilling to do that, you owe it to your company to give it your best and be a TEAM player.
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Hey John, how about you go out and try to find a job??? You think it is that easy in this economy? Wake up and smell the coffee.
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Seriously! Since there are over 14million unemployed, it's not looking real good out there. The company can plow through employee after employee and there some poor desperate couple out there ready to plug in. We can only hope that this site will at least serve as a warning and save others the horrifying experience of working for holiday.
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I cannot believe all the sites where Holiday is constantly complained about! I have never seen such a hated company! Hated is harsh..disliked!!
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One more thing I would like to add: all of you community managers have one of the most difficult and demanding jobs I have ever seen. This makes for an excellent resume. Quality managers who can run a business and efficiently multi-task are in demand in many other fields. A true manager of people can be effective in many different types of sectors. Re-write your resume, check your attitude, and get out there and fight for the job of your dreams.
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And if they do choose to work for Holiday, make sure they only take with them what they can move in 48 hrs when the marching papers are presented.
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There are something like 2.5 million over 55 across the nation on the latest report. I doubt if most will be able to find any well paying job, so Walmart greeter and burger flip is a choice.
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With all due respect to all of you; excuses are excuses are excuses. I hear the things that all of you are saying, but it appears that most all of you enjoy complaining about your job rather than going out and changing your circumstances. YOU control your own life! YOU and ONLY YOU can make the changes necessary to improve your situation. We are all responsible for our own actions and do have the choice to go find something else. Yes, unemployment is ridiculously high and jobs are very hard to come by; but they are out there. Not to sound argumentative, but if all of you "Holiday Haters" spent half as much time looking to improve or change your situation than you do complaining on this blog, you could probably have a job that is better suited to your liking. Take responsibility for your life and do something to make it better!
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With all due respect, John....I do NOT and have NOT worked for Holiday. My life and business is together. I worry about the residents that Holiday, continually, harm. Not physically, but just the same harm. After living to your 'golden' years, it is shameful to have to live in fear of being evicted or told that your rent will be raised if you go against the COs. That is what was told to the residents who tried to file a group complaint. With this kind of bullying, how do you expect them to react to what's happening? HRC (FIG) doesn't care about the residents, they care only about the size of the wallet. You need to step back and look at the whole picture!!! I am not being argumentative or mean, but I feel sorry for the number of residents and employees that live everyday and wonder what will change tomorrow. The residents are on tranquilizers to get through living the 'Holiday Touch'! I hope you do not feel the 'touch' yourself. You may be the exception to the rule. That would be nice.
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WOW for someone who has never experienced what we experience you sure run your month a lot. Show the prof. In our region this is not happening. You don't grow to over 95% by treating residents like that. You should not speak unless you have the EXPERIENCE to back it up. My wife and I have been doing this over 1 1/2 years.
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I agree
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i wounder what we are going to do when holiday goes to the one manager program you know there pioliting that in several communitys if we go to that the unemployment line will be longer no matter what percent we are
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Holiday has been working toward this for the last 2 1/2 years, but how they plan for it to work is a mystery. Are they going to let the health care providers chase and take care of residents all day, are they going to ban those less than fully independent unless they have a 24 hr caregiver. Fortress has tried to reinvent the wheel and it isn't working yet.
Wait till one manager hits and is there what 9-5 and then off, fill-in help on the weekend from locals. In the office all, is the chef going to be over the kitchen staff and servers totally and totally responsible for those who don't show up at the drop of a hat. The wheel has been broken already with all their idiocy, when will they learn that the model worked before they arrived.
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u know im not all tha familer with the setup what i know is that what u to be the csl will be the primary manger and then on set of managers will be on call and fill in i know the community im referring to the old csl is now holding the reigns i just get frustrated with everyone saying im so great my numbers are x ammount when in reality the company is looking at going a different direction and are actually pioliting it i also remeber 2 years ago when they talked about it and hired the CSL's under the preminition that they will be managers got hired and put into place and learned they actually have no managment power... something needs to happen the system now is also broken (and before you "95%" people get defencive realize im not talking to everyone here... as a holiday peeon heres the frustration we feel from the current setup... you have husband and wife managers and co-managers and an executive chef as the 5 member managment team as a dishwasher we are told by the exec chef hey i want this done then on the chefs days off the co's say what they want then the managers come and overrule everything then the regional team comes in and tells everyone the focus is marketing and do something else... we get confused and frustrated we just want to come to work and do a good job theres all to many times ive seen a chef or comanager play marriage counselor because the managment team cant figure out whos in charge... then you get the megalomaniac managers who feel they should be supream ruler and co managers and employees are willing to risk reputationsand carrers to run from the building without notice... then theres finger pointing it wasnt me it was the cos... it wasnt me it was the managers... it wasnt me it was the chef... with one manager its pretty easy to see where the shoe fits... now granted i have met some awesome manager and worked with some of the best im speaking for my fellow little people when i say lets figure out what the other hand wants and stop micro managing
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Again speaking without any experience. The CSL is NOT in management at all. They did try a a short lived program that was like a GM position but that was ended quickly. If you never worked like we have and do than I don't understand why you keep saying things that aren't true. You have already admitted that you have never worked for Holiday so why hide your name? You are not helping.
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again really i know your smart enough to realize there may be more then one anon on here i promise you i have not admitted i diddnt work for the company i do actually i work in the western division i work in washington state if your so sure of your self come to olympia washington and see for yourself god ignorance of some people! i do understand the csl is not in manamgment what i said is many CSL's were hired under the impression that they would be GM's and it wasnt delivered as promised what was also said is the csl in the aformentioned community is now the pilot GM keep up bill
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im sorry not western division that would make sence im in washington part of the south while oregon and cali are part of the west ahhhhh the genius of holiday put the most northwest state part of the south division
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heres another one i typed in holiday retirement and looks what comes up dont have to look hard huh???
Copperfield Estates" in Houston, Texas, is one of the of Holiday Retirement Residences and is a farce and ripoff !!!!!
My aunt moved into this so-called "luxury retirement residence" about 8 months ago. She is paying an unbelievably high rent, and when she initially moved in, after her doing much research on these types of residences, everything was fine. They advertise "fine dining" and "resident-friendly" 24/7 managers on site.
Since her initial move-in, things have gone down-hill and no-one seems to care that the residents are extremely dissatisfied.
The food is awful (I have eaten there myself), even though the kitchen seems to have the 'latest' equipment and fresh food is delivered there once a week. After that, what the 'chefs ???' do with it, is unknown, but it turns out to be an 'uneatable mess' with a fancy name! You sit down at the table expecting 'rigatoni' and what you get is congealed spaghetti.
The resident managers, initially so kind and congenial, have left. The new manager issues "edicts" to all the residents without consulting them beforehand. He seems to feel that they are 'children' and need to be lead around! These residents are clear-headed, and have been responsible citizens all their lives! They certainly don't like being told what they can and cannot do (especially when it is 'socially acceptable' and hurts no one!)
So the residents have taken their complaints to the 'Corporate Level' after getting no-where voicing them to management.
Even though many residents have called the corporate level on many occasions to voice their dissatisfaction, they always get "voice mail", and though they leave their name and telephone #, no-one EVER gets back to them!
It seems that Holiday Retirement Residences wants your $$, but is very unwilling to be responsive!!!!!!!! What a Ripoff !!!!!!!
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Holiday does NOT ever respond to residents, or even family members. They want your money and then they want you to shut up and take what they feed..ie.,food or bull. They do not care about the residents unless they are running out of money and then they have to move penniless and nothing to show but heartache for living the 'holiday' way. I, personally, know of an employee stealing food and taking it home to their own children. Yes, a single parent, but the residents pay for the food and this employee was stealing it. The managers, at the time, let the employee go with a verbal warning due to a one-parent household. That person should have been fired on the spot and charged with theft. 20/20 hindsight says I should have said something. I let it go and wish I would've chosen otherwise!
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If you want to make Holiday Retirement and its upper management more skittish post a review on glassdoor.com
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Thank you, Raggedy Ann...
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It sure would be nice if everyone here did so. Maybe it will save some other unsuspecting potential employees the horror of working for this company.
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I say "Go for it!!"
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maybe things are differnt where you are at but stay out of the west! well actually it might get better now that scharfy is gone
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Please do not use any descriptive vulgarity in a personal attack against any individual. It is uncalled for and will be removed.
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I hope that I did not offend you. That is not my purpose!
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It wasn't you. You're doing just fine.
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dlcharles, yes I know it was my comment and honestly, I had to moderate it a bit... what I was going to write was far far worse. I respect your position and won't "go there" but just know that this particular individual has made many peoples work life a living hell and for that, there is more such sentiment from the market in which he oversaw. It's only understandable that people would rejoice in his absense but unfortunately, the company plugs other such people into their place.
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This is starting to get humorous, but no, Jackson, it wasn't you either. I do admire your admirable restraint, though.
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LOL, I'm probably thinking of a different response that I made at the same indiviual but honestly, it wasn't anything too over the top and certainly not vulgar. Thanks for the response, I was here feeling bad for nothing
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Not to worry, Action! I ws the first to think I said something wrong!
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REALLY RDs and MDs, if you think it is so easy to book 2 tours a day .... here is the phone, you show us all how it is done. You are all talk and no action. Write me up!
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Good challenge but they will never do it for fear they might fail. I have put that same challenge on this blog when this blog was started and when most of the RD's were the Blue Light Specials. My RD was a BLS and I chellenged him in his face as well as during the weekly conference calls. He never did it, not once. You all need to keep challenge them.
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They should be REQUIRED to walk a mile in our shoes BEFORE being hired.
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Yes Achmed, at one building we were told if the census did not improve FIG was bringing in the BIG BOYS to show us all how to. What a joke, of course, they never showed up nor did the census improve. I have never worked for a company that threatens its employees on a daily basis.
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Some where on the site I said we had visited the Apartment building to talk to the people we knew about the middle of August, (We moved out June 9 because i) we were closer to our grandson, 2) the food budget had evidently been cut and, while the cooks were good, there is only so much you can do with chicken! and 3) the rent increase had been at a to 5% increase each year. (Note--we did not always pay that much--one can sometimes get results with well presented letters to the administration.) I looked up the Fortress reports for the last year and it did not appear that they were going to be getting out of the debt hole they were in. So we moved. Our new rent increase came the other day--1% on the rent for the next year--about 5% on the food but--we do not have to buy three meals a day--and the main meal is a whoppin $9.75 per meal. Big advantage is that our menus are planned by the chef here--so he caters to our northern mid-west preference for potatoes instead of rice and tacos. Also he can purchase vegetables in season from local producers.
Personally I felt very sorry for one set of managers who moved in with four bookcases and settled in to stay instead of trying it out for a few months. (They lasted only two months, nice people and could have been turned into good managers with a bit of helpful training! Rather like the teacher who has good potential but gets off on the wrong track and there is no older teacher who takes time (or is encouraged by the administration) to befriend the young one.
We had a year of the "Holiday Touch" before it was sold--and it was a lovely idea .
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Yes Holiday was a lovely idea in days of yorn, but alas it has been led astray with the idea of it just being like a hotel that most of the uppercut now comes from instead of the idea of an older generation retiring and being looked out for. The old plans led to a a closer knit community with structure. Now you have people who hire in with no idea what they are doing. They have changed midstream too many times chasing their tail when one plan after another has failed.
The economy has taken a lot of the funds that retired folks had to live on and Holiday/Fortress thinks it is still out there to be had, you're supposed to wring it out of the residents when they don't have it anymore. I am not sure there is a cure all for this since it is hard to cut things out when there isn't that much to work with anyway. Housekeepers have very little time to keep up with what they have to do already, the food budget has to be really watched, and there are definitely no extra folks in the kitchen that can be cut out unless they want to try and have the managers do that also, servers are already helped in the evening in most communities by the managers just because there are not enough hours to really get the job done the way it should be. Gone are the days of building a relationship with a prospective resident and their family, now the same set most likely won't even be there the next month.
Managers before never thought of moving in with just the bare bones attitude now. I know we had half our house it seemed like carted to our first community, it did have 2 bedrooms and had enough rooms for kids or grandkids to come and stay instead of having to use a vacant apartment to camp out in. It is just too bad now because this could be a good career, but now after 2yrs you are burned out and worn out. Holiday use to be built more on the mentor idea with managers training co's. Even though that may not have always worked since some managers then weren't that great either, but at least co's weren't just thrown in as managers with very little training like they are now. No structure.
It is great that you have found a community with what you needed and with the kitchen and washing machine and dryer that is great. Times have changed since the 1st Holiday and there is more competition now luckily. The main meal sounds rather high, but they are getting the labor wages in it also and dishwashing that has to be done and the utilities.
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hahahaha.......well, you were sold a line there sweetie, as are all residents. the food budget is 3.67 per day per resident.....that is it!
Regarding rent increases, all you have to do is say no, not paying it, they will deduct from your rental amount...trust me on this one, especially if they have a low census community. the holiday touch is gone, what it is now, is the holiday sucker punch! may you have a long life living in a place that values you........
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I really think a better management model would be to have 3 sets of manager teams per community. That third couple could help do it all, no CSL needed, maybe even no EC, it could make for a much more doable schedule for everyone.
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Linny this maybe a great idea and cut the hours where you had to work only 4 days a week. I don't think anyone but someone who has worked for Holiday would know how tiring and exhausting the work is, after 2yrs I think everyone is burned out since it is hard to take vacation time, days off you spend half a day recouping lost sleep before you feel like leaving the apartment. We would go home, about a 5 1/2 drive inorder to see the grandkids so they would at least see us every now and then.
But with all the distrust and managers who have egos that have to be the it guy, I don't know if this will work or not, equalness in thought is the only way it could and each others weaknesses and strengths should be utilized, alas oh well.
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That is one of the BIG problems - BIG EGO's Co-Managers have almost no respect or reguard. Communication is the key in any operation, but we do not have regular staff meetings so that everyone is on the same page. Managers work when they want and in our case only one of them really does anything. He just struts his stuff, does a tour now and then and brings in the vets, it is the only way he knows how to sell. The RD's need to wake up and figure out a better plan.
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i am going to interview for an executive chef position in a midwest location. the regional guy i am interviewing with is chef dan. anyone have any input they can give me beforehand? ive read nearly all the comments and this whole blog (had to find caches for part 2/3/4 cuz they dont appear otherwise?). i am starting to wonder what i may be getting myself into if i am offered a job. i do the right thing at work, which is why every i have worked has made money (all restaurants) and employees are always happy as well as customers. i bust my ass, especially when i set foot in a place that is being mismanaged or jsut run to poor standards, and definitely know how to cut food costs while maintaining better quality food with sexier looking plating than most upscale eateries. from what i can guesstimate (holy crap that word actually wasnt flagged as a typo!) i would require about $4 to $5 per day per resident budget to do high quality fresh food... everything else is a matter of training others, which i know i can do.
im kinda babbling out info just becuz i have no idea what im asking for... just any sort of comments i guess aside from "DONT WORK HERE" lol id love to get in actually just becuz i already feel for this work community and know that i would be a great asset to "the light side" if you will accept a star wars reference in regards to all of you who care so much about making this cmopany nice again for residents as well as more enjoyable for employees, and hey to be honest plain and simple to help make things make money since this afterall is a business structure not a NPO.
any input is greatly appreciated, ive already gleaned quite a bit from the comments on the blog as is, so any extra is just wonderful. thanks in advance and if no one replies and/or i dont get the job then either way best of luck to all of you on getting this place whipped into shape. nothing worse than poorly run customer service, especially when it affects somebodys mom/dad/grandma/grandpa !!
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I do know one Chef Dan but he was last in TN, but here is some info you might consider. Holiday cooking is by menus from Holiday. They have alternate selection available at dinner and supper and is only x amt made, let's say 20 meals versus 100, this may be chicken on Friday and alternate veg instead of catfish. There is also the expanded menu, this is on a rotation with such titles as "From the Garden", "From the Pot" and it gives a chef a way to incorporate favorite regional items such as red beans and rice, roasted seasonal vegetables, etc. It is a cross between a buffet type cooking to hamburger stand speed. Plating meals is kinda like a Luby's or Picadilly except not near as many choices. Tables have 4 residents, each is served by the server. Budget is $3.65 per day each resident. Sick trays are plated and sent out before meal service starts. OOps I forgot to call it in
You should have a Cleveland Steamer for vegetables and even dumplings. 2 ovens, a griddle top for ordered eggs in the morning daily and for other things. Possibly a grill,a deep fryer.
You also have to wash your own pots & pans unless you are in a very large facility. You will open most generally Sunday, Monday, and I believe Wednesday,you are a working manager. Paperwork day is Thursday and possibly conference hour day, you may also have cooking duties that day also. Day off should be Friday and Saturday.
You will make sure items are ordered per Holiday vendors once to 2x per week, sometimes if you have a good Sous Chef they will help with this. Who puts up the order is another problem.
The worst thing I have seen is the standards in the kitchen not being up to snuff. Storage of items opened and put in another container not labeled, food in coolers not dated and labeled. Roasts not prepared properly. Leave it for the next person to do attitude.
Also you may have to deal with the clique of employees who have been there forever and know better but act plain stupid. Read All Holiday guidelines and timelines. Most kitchens are set up to where the chef is over the kitchen staff, but the manager does have a right to complain or even write up according to the event. Co-managers are usually the ones who have to deal with items that are not in stock for the meal, esp on Friday and Saturday at the last minute, missing employees, you or management teams get to fill in then. Everyone needs to be on the same page, if your expectations are not there, then the same old same old goes on. I don't like to be bluffed by employees who know better.
Servers are most generally hired and scheduled by the managers or co-managers and overseen by them, when they are in the kitchen though the cooks can remind them to button up, wash hands etc. They can not tell them to do work behind the lines that belongs to the kitchen. Even the dishwashers have setups to be done daily. Once again find out how your lines are run and who is responsible for what, overtime i
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asthanks very much for the detailed info.
chef dan seemed like an alright guy, struck me as a hard working individual
who takes pride in doing things right and in his position, so from my small
interaction with him didnt see him as being one of the 'part of the problem'
guys at holiday.
i think my interview went okay, just okay though. i woke up an hour earlier
than usual, so was feel groggy, and then when i made it there on time i had
to sit and wait for 45 minutes which really wore on the level of energy and
enthusiasm i was able to muster up as is. given a couple cups of coffee and
a little extra wake up time id have be great im sure. well see what comes of
it.. will certainly post back in a week to spin some closure onto my comment.
all in all i was not impressed with the place however. the steamer was broken
down, the a/c was broken down, it looked fairly dirty as well. all things i am
positive i can alleviate if i get the job of course, but still may reflect on the
level of care the rest of the staff/managers have about things.
the job was presented as a scratch kitchen, and im sorry, but any place that
orders nearly everything from sysco is not a scratch kitchen. you dont have
10# cans of things in a scratch kitchen aside from maybe, MAYBE, some
beans or some stewed tomatoes for backups. i definitely feel overqualified in
regards to cooking ability and knowledge, but my passion lies most in
making food cost work, making and teaching employees how to work, catching
up to date and then further updating the kitchen facility on cleanliness and
anything else that budget may allow. that sort of thing is what i thrive best
at, above anyone else ive met in my short amount of years in the restaurant
business. if i could run a kitchen consulting thing, that would be ideal for me,
but i am waiting on that until i have a strong business degree under my belt.
which is part of why i would love the job if the pay is nice - to save up for a
couple years and get back to school.
anyhow thanks again for the info, i was checking my email for a reply to my
comment like every hour since i posted it!! lol
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I think you have at least gotten an eyeshot of what life will be. As far as scratch goes meals are prepared from fresh produce, the meat is frozen, but is not supposed to be any preprocessed meats like chicken steaks, etc. We had to cook one night when the sous did not make it in and I did not have a recipe for french onion soup, pulled up one on the internet and didn't really have all the right ingredients, it will never be copied or duplicated, I used vinegar and pancake syrup: it turned out pretty good. Usually can goods are not the norm except for the items you mentioned, tomatoes are most generally pureed for sauces from fresh produce so as to keep the salt content down. And there should be a certain amount of canned soups in stock in case the electric ever goes out such as hurricane Katrina.
I think any experience you can garner is great but it is not a truly restaurant experience since it is having to be mass produced at one time. The expanded meals do give you a certain amount of leeway to show off a specialty, but that is all.
Hot kitchens are the norm it seems like which I don't see the sense in. Try a kitchen full of chefs on one of the enclaves with substandard air. The Cleveland I don't know how they get by without.
I hope you will be considered, just know what you are getting into is all and hopefully if you get on you will have a good set of managers and co's.
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yeah, totally not scratch but whatever. i can deal with that if the pay is right.
french onion soup without wine is a sin btw, but nice try fixing it with syrup and vinegar.
i have plenty of experience, but am looking more for the money sadly.. along with another managerial position to slap on my resume.
hot kitchens do happen... ive been pampered the last handful of years though so that may take some getting used to if i end up working there and it is 90 degrees everyday.
and thanks, i hope im considered as well.. had a sub-par interview like i said, so im not entirely confident about it but i dont think it was a total fail of an interview. i try to be realistic. at least i have a job in the meantime, even though i want to get out of it lol
thanks again for input, much appreciated
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Nighthmareworld -- Indeed you pretty much nailed the job -- however, if I may add a few things: Not only do you have to deal with the conflicts, perceptions and varying standards of the management team when they are not aligned and one or the other is not there. There used to be some good, caring, high-quality Regional Chefs out there that would support you if putting forth the effort, but most of them if still "hanging-on" have caved into the politics of Home Office and The Office of the Master Menu. You will also have a good handful + of residents that you will never be able to satisfy and will have regular meltdowns at the monthly Chef meetings and frequently in-between the meetings-- because they are not getting what they think they are entitled to. (95% of the time they are correct most of the time or have been greatly mislead by the marketing shenanigans and non-stop dissembling of Holiday and the management team that is in a virtual pressure cooker to step up the occupancy for job security purposes. Also you will get the unannounced County Food Service Inspections -- that you must pass with an 80% or you will be red-tagged. Problem is that some localites are using this as a method of income generation -- it don't matter how good you are you will fail the first time then have to "pay" for the re inspection. As much as we tried over & over and put forth an extreme amount of a unified, combined effort with the Management Teams, the Chef along with the Food Service Team-- Resident Satisfaction of the Dining Room Operations was a very difficult mission to sustain day-in-and-day-out. We would would have a few short term victories but most of the time -- it felt like the definition of insanity -- we kept doing the same thing over and over again expecting a different result. If you can truly find a way to master and sustain the Holiday Dining Program that keeps Holiday Corporate happy (stay under budget w/ no complaints)and the residents happy you have the foundation for a successful community. happiness is through the residents' stomachs. There is no doubt that the old Holiday under Colson's understood that-- just didn't see much of it under the Fortress leadership model.
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Yes I only hit on a small tip of the iceberg, not including managers who want to control the whole ship. The hourly employees now know more than the managers because of all the turnover that is going on. I know that we had employees who thought we were brand new when we were transferred and tried to get away with murder.
I can't say our residents were starved, most usually would have 3 salads at a meal to get the green in, a cooked fruit and then jello or cottage cheese on top of the main meal. I do not know how the chef kept the budget and then to add to it the expanded meals. This age group has a lot of residents who cannot taste anything anymore though and liberally apply the salt shaker, one community uses pepper sauces like another food group. And a lot of times they are the ones who complain the greatest and they are believed by Home Office. You figure 365 x 3 meals a day, you know you aren't going to please everyone.
At one community we did great on inspections, as long as the item was pointed out the inspector would not write it down if it was corrected before they left. I think the kitchens should require all staff to read the Serve Safe books, it would be an eye opener to the germs and how they spread, etc.
There are so many things which need to be changed, this is not the same kitchen as 20 yrs ago, but staffing and timelines continue on the same line overworking the employees who do try to do a good job.
Our Reg Chef a long time ago was Luise Elliot, a tough German lady, but like you say she would help you if you were trying, she was a terror to a kitchen if it were not cleaned. I have seen her line up the buckets of hot water and cleaning cloths and the day started early to get it done before cooking could be done.
And perhaps the dining room could stand some remodeling, perhaps some music would tame the beasties.
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I wanted to ask people here what they think of the bucket chairs in the dining rooms. They really need to come up with something different IMO and I can't tell you how many Seniors have a really hard time getting up. Anyone else have issues with the chairs?
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The chairs have got to be changed. People struggle to get out of them all the time and have for 20 years. I admit that they look good, but are a hazzard. So many residents need asistance or have fallen trying to get up. Some have learned to back the chair against a pole or have something behind them to stand up. One woman gets to use a dining chair from the private dining room to sit in. That is a very difficult thing to address. Do you stay with looks or try to address practicallity. (sp) Hard thing to do.
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The chairs do look nice but need to go. Maybe when residents were mire fit, it was ok but with the pressure to get move ins...even those that should be in assisted living, its an increasing problem. Much like the buses that don't have a lift. Can't tell you how many times these were issues when I got someone in for lunch and a tour.
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What has happened with Kai? I never hear any discussion surrounding him and he is the architect of the entire program you're seeing.
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He wasn't farmed out was he. The chairs are hard to get out of for some, but then is there any type that they can get out of I wonder.
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The captain's chair with the 2 armrests on them. Can you imagine how much room they would take up?? They do work great, tho.
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I started working for Holiday over 4 years ago and in that time I don't know if I'm coming or going they change as we go I see more me in team than baseball has innings I went to work there because I have worked with elderly most my life I'm there for the residents and the sooner HRC realized they are the people paying our wages and Their high cost of living. I stay because of my residents. I have yet to see where any of my residents are living on a cruise ship.....lol
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Corporate isn't worried about the residents if they were they would have more server hours and more servers to get them served easier and the cleanup done.
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I would like to know how many former employees of Holiday Retirement Corp. have knowledge of discrimination (race,gender etc) also how many where told to use the Veterans Aid and Attendance special benefit program to lure our senior citizens veterans into their communities in order to increase the occupancy of that community. We are also looking for anyone that was required or ordered to manipulate or give misleading information in order to secure rental agreements with Holiday retirement. We are in the process of filing a Federal compliant against Holiday and it's partners or owners and we are looking fo any questionable acts comitted by Holiday Retirement. People we need to stop this abuse of our senior citizens by a company that only cares about the dollar bill. People are dying because of the lies and treatment that they are receiving from Holiday Retirement. Please don't let these people suffer anymore we can exposed these people with your help.
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Not an employee, but have info. Will not state particulars here. Ask DL for my email and reference this. Thank you.
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Honorable Eric Holder Jr.
Sir, I am writing this letter to you to bring to your attention to the recent tragedy that occurred at Holiday Retirement, Whealdon Estates, located at 8680 Jefferson Hwy, Baton Rouge Louisiana. A resident of this community committed suicide on August 5, 2011. The person that committed suicide was a Mr. Fred Hughes a veteran of World War II. During my employment at Whealdon Estates i was blessed to have the opportunity to know Mr. Hughes. Mr. Hughes suffered from dementia he was taking medication and he often became very confused and frustrated because he could not maintain his train of thought.
In April of 2011 there were several situations that have occurred that lead me to bring up serious questions. On April 2, 2011 at 10:38 p.m. Mr. Jessie Culbertson fell in his apartment. Mr. Culbertson was also a veteran, whileawaiting his benefits to be approved, the community Sales Leader contacted Mr. Culbertson family member who held the power of attorney for Mr. Culbertson, and required them to sign the documentation to use the in house Health Care Services that was set up at the Holiday Retirement, Whealdon Estates community. This Health Care Service was responsible for delivering Mr. Culbertson medication, on this day the Health Care Service representative did not administer his medication at the appropriate time, when she arrived at a later time to Mr. Culbertson's room she found him on the floor, unconscious. The Health Care employee did not call 911 Emergency but called the owner of the Health Care Services then she proceeded to the Manager's apartment and informed the manager that she found Mr. Culbertson unconscious and not breathing. The manager did not respond but the Community Sales Representative whom refused to enter Mr. Culbertson's room, knocked on our apartment door (Co-Managers) and told us to go to Mr. Culbertson's room to handle the situation. I then asked the Community Sales Representative what was Mr. Culbertson's condition and the Community Sales Representative responded, "Go check and see if he is dead or not, I can't go in there." As me and my wife where handling the situation with Mr. Culbertson, we received an E-call alert for apartment room 109 (Manager's Apartment), my wife followed prodedure and went to the room when the Manager answered the door she told my wife that she believed that the Community Sales Representative was having chest pains. My wife immediately called 911 and had Emergency Medical Services and the Fire Department to respond to this medical emergency. Once the Ambulance arrived and informed my wife that they would be transporting the Community Sales Representative, the Manager then approached my wife and stated to her, "I'm going to have to ride in the ambulance with my husband because we have both been drinking and I can't drive."
It was over thirty minutes from the time Mr. Culbertson was found on his apartment
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That is truly heartbreaking and never had to happen. That poor poor man... I just don't know what else to say but this is criminal.
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I know of several that were not checked on and passed, also. DL, please give my email to this man. I cannot say a thing on here without being watched and printed. Thank you.
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floor by the Health Care Services employee. The employee was not a Register Nurse or a Licensed Practicing Nurse but she was delivering precription medications to the Residents of Whealdon Estates. The Employee did not know CPR and did not have a First Aid Kit. The Fire Department tried to revive Mr. Culbertson but their attempts were unsuccessful.
Between the dates of April 2, 2011 to August 7, 2011 there have been a total of six deaths at Whealdon Estates; Mr. Jessie Culbertson (Apt. 103), Mrs. Ruth Hampton (Apt. 312), Mr. Silas Barker (Apt. 311) Mr. Don Emerson (Apt. 323), and Mr. Fred Hughes (Apt. 121). There is also one Resident whom is also a Veteran that complained to the Community Sales Leader at Whealdon Estates that the Health Care employee gave him the wrong medication; Mr. Willis Wood (Apt.223). He was hospitalized and now required to use a wheel chair. Mrs. Mable Fontenot was left alone in her apartment by the Health Care Service employee and she fell and fractured her hip, she was paying for 24-hour Home Health Care Services when the incident occurred on April 7, 2011.
Sir, I am asking you to lease investigate the illegal acts being committed by Holiday Retirement Company and their partners. Also investigate the numerous deaths of Senior citizens in this one community in the last four months and the number of times that Ambulances and the Fire Department have had to respond to emergencies at this location. This in itself will be a clear indicator that Holiday Retirement is running an unlicensed assisted living facility. It also should be a major concern that Holiday Retirement, their partners, and employees are operating in an unlicensed Assisted Living facility in order to increase their revenue at the expense of our Veterans and the widows of our Veterans. These are clear violations of the rules established for the Veterans Administration, Veterans Aid, and Attendance Special Pension Program.
Mr. Holder, if these are the standard policies and procedures that is held by all of Holiday Retirement and their Partners similar to the Whealdon Estates Property in Baton Rouge, Louisiana to knowingly misrepresent and mislead our Senior Military Veterans that Holiday Retirement and its Partners facilities met the requirements of the Veterans Administration Aid and Attendance program for Veterans which clearly states Assisted Living facilities. I have estimated that now it's at least 20% of the apartments in this facility are now leased to veterans that have been approved or is waiting on approval from the Veterans Administration. If this is only one property then how many of the other three hundred plus properties Holiday Retirement own are illegally manipulating Federal funds that are provided to our Senior Citizens Veterans and their Widows are being scammed into moving into these facilities that do not meet the requirements of Assisted living Facility (My Right to Freedom of Speech)
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Sir, please call adult protective services as well as the police and let them know what is going on. Other Seniors need to be protected - this is very very wrong.
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As of this September 14, 2011 two more residents have died at Holiday Retirement Whealdon Estate Property in Baton Rouge La. the last person had been dead several days. these people are so safe that a newly purchased 60 inch flat screen TV was stolen one day after it was purchased from the Dinning Room area. The reports that we have received is that their have been numerous compliants of health care workers stealing money from the senior citizens that reside at Whealdon Estates in Baton Rouge La. We need all of your help to stop this type of treatment of senior citizens. Whealdon Estates and Holiday Retirement are having more deaths in a independantliving facility than most funeral homes! Help us stop this, Please provide us with the statements and documentation to hold this company accountable for their actions against senior citizens. (I utilize my right to Freedom of Speech)
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Mr. Davis..I am so sorry for the hell you had had to endure. I will start my campaign against Holiday again. This time, I will state things that are so unheard of, that HRC will wish they had taken time away from the dollar. I have names and dates to offer and I will do what you did. As one, we have nothing. But..together, we have the best!! I hope all of you that have been hurt by HRC will pool together and contact judges, DAs, aging services, and do not forget Chamber of Commerce and the BBB. Together, we can get our point across!! With this horrific news, someone has got to listen. We can email the President in numbers and he will have to check into it!! I, only, ask that people pull together and try to make it better!! I am starting tonight!
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We filled in at this community for about 3 days and I would say that this is one of the models for the one manager concept.
The age and health of a lot of the residents was perhaps the same as most areas, one shoe waiting for the banana peel, there were a lot there who were in really bad health, so I do not know if this is a high number of deaths or not. I hate to say but if you have 1 die expect 2 more soon, it is superstitious but seems to have really happened on a lot of occasions, esp around the holidays, the Lord calling them home.
It sounds like a lot of things were dropped the ball on here. We did not like some of the stuff that was going on when we were there, but it was not our community and who were you going to tell. The caregivers were a little noisy in the dining room and sitting around too much in there in my opinion.
It is always hard to prove theft unless you catch someone red handed and hopefully a person is hired who has a great reputation. In some cases it turns out that the resident finds whatever item is missing where they put it themselves. And in a lot of cases they are double dipping their own meds and having memory problems.
But on some points stated by Mr Davis why in the world did the manager not call 911 herself if her husband was in dire straits. Most generally whoever is on call for the evening should have been the one called for the emergency, but it sounds like if they were having a health issue also, then the next in line would be the co's if they were in the building. I don't know how most community's handle fire alarms going off, but even in the old days the co's and managers were equal on duty as needed if they were in the building at the time, each couple including staff had duties to do.
As far as Holiday overall, I have never been told to move someone in even if they didn't qualify for VA Aid & Attend. The area we were at inherited a lot of problems with too many manager changes and paperwork not being done to begin with. Also heard of one case that the rep wanted the couple to invest money with his group first, but I couldn't prove it now since we are not with Holiday any longer.
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As a former Co-Manager and Floating Manager, my husband & I were in a few buildings where the previous Co-Managers,(who were eventually promoted to managers despite write ups & contant complaints about them) were telling people they qualififed for the Veterans program even before being approved or any information verified. There were several who after time had to move out because they DID NOT qualify & clearly could not afford Holiday's rates, and some who were told that they could pay their rent with a credit card. These Co-Managers/Managers were eventually fired. They were never properly trained as Co's let along Mgrs. They had no idea what was even in the Guidelines. They left many problems in the buildings they were in previous to being promoted and given a building of their own. They were trying to force residents out the stood up to them, while trying to get residents who clearly belonged in a higher level of care facility by promising their families things that could not be delivered. The families quickly found out how badly they were lied to and moved out within 30 days of moving in. This was at The Pearl Crossing. That building has since had new Managers come in and the building is now a happy place for both residents and staff. Thank goodness and Bless the Managers who came back. They had been there as Managers previously so the entire building was overjoyed when they returned to them again. But yes, these bad practices of getting people in just to fill the building and up their census has got to be stopped. These Seniors deserve much more respect than to be lied to..
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Thanks, Dottie. I see you got my message. I think of the people that died here and were left unnoticed for days. Ones that went to a certain meal religiously and were not checked on, only to be found deceased. The suicide, among other problems that Holiday refuses to acknowledge.
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The Community Sales Leader at Whealdon Estates told veterans the he could help them hide their property in order for them to be eligible for the Veterans Aid and Assistance Program also the veterans that did move in were required to sign a special contract stating that once they qualified for the Veterans program that they would pay the back rent owed on their lease. These veterans were told that Holiday could provide them with a health care service to assets them on their medical needs. This property as with 98% of Holiday Retirement Property is licensedd as Independent Living Communities and are not Licensed as Assist Living Facilities. Holiday Retirement is manipulating the Veteran Aid and Attendance Special Benefit Program in order to illegally get the United States Veterans Administration to fill the vacancies in their facilities of 300 plus communities. Holiday Retirement will use our wartime veterans to make millions of dollars on rental of properties that does not meet or is licensed to house assisted living veterans. Everyone of us should stand up and expose the truth about Holiday Retirement and I am asking each of you to let at many people know about what is going on before other wartime veterans are used to make Holiday Retirement rich. We owe them the right to live the rest of their life with respect and honor that they earn for protecting us.
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This addendum to the contract is where Holiday is waiving a agreed upon portion of the rent till such time as the resident is qualified for the VA aid & attend. This amount maybe the whole amount for one person, or 2, or a portion if the amount figured is lower. The waived amount is still owed Holiday and the VA aid & attend is retroactive back to the time they receive the paperwork and start processing it. I believe the amount is excused if the resident turns out not to qualify for the amount waived, but they will then be responsible for the whole amount of the rent if they are totally turned down. If the resident decides to not pursue the benefit after moving in and does not turn in the required paperwork to the VA, then they are responsible for the full amount of the rent. I don't believe that this would be found to be illegal.
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The Veteran's Aid & Attendance program is a wonderful program for those that are qualified and need it. It's not that Holiday has decided to find Veterans who may be eligible but it's the abuse of it; honestly, I can't believe that this isn't already being investigated for misrepresenting the program. I do not believe all locations are doing this because I know that I did not and am sure that there are other people that despite the immense pressure for move ins, chose to be honorable and honest about it. The pressure cooker created by the RD and RSL create an environment for the community Managers and CSL to become desperate and make some very bad choices. SHAME on Holiday.
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Jackson, Holiday Retirement Property, Whealdon Estates in Baton Rouge La. We held special programs for Veterans that could be eligible for the Veterans Aid and Attendance program. We were required to call veterans under Holiday YGL program (You Got Leads)asking them if they were members of the military and if they were they could get additional benefits and that even the widows could also receive benefits if their spouse was veterans. We were required, let me say this again we were required to call these veterans in order to get them to come into the community and tour so that we could get them to move-in. We played the role of sponsoring health fairs at Whealdon Estates, Free Lunches, Veteran Seminars to get veterans to come in for the Community Sales Leader to promise that he had contacts with people in the Veterans administration and he could walk their applications through the system. The Community Sales Leader even selected his own personal Home Health Care company and gave them free office space so that he could use this as a selling point that Whealdon Estates could help them with their medical needs such as sitter service, nursing, medication. The problem was that the people that were hired were not certified or train professionals but they were good at not giving residents their medication on time, stealing, and mistreating residents.
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Charles, indeed we ALL were. This may be the one thing that I regret... not that I brought people in to learn of this valuable program but that so many people who truly needed financial help but didn't qualify got their hopes up. I never told them that they'd qualify and never presented myself as an expert on the program either. Again, I can see where some would cross the line because I was also subject to the pressure to get move ins and understand what that did to all of us.
That there was an agency that didn't fulfill their contract to care for Seniors is no surprise and I doubt that the situation at Whealdon is an isolated incidence. There are many honorable people working for Holiday and there are many honorable caregivers but when the almighty dollar is your only goal, there are some who will do anything it takes to attain it.
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I listened in and took notes on the one seminar to find out how they figured out who did or did not qualify. It did make it easier to give a person a basis to see if they did indeed qualify maybe or not. I would say most generally most of the residents that we did have qualify did need some type of help either in bathing assists or medication, when you get up in the 80 plus age group there are not many who do not need some help.
I have also heard that a vet can apply for a different program if they are still at home and need assistance with meds, bathing, shopping, etc, so really Holiday is not unlike being at home with the added cooked meals, housekeeping and linens washed. I do believe the resident even with the extra care services they may need would be coming out cheaper in the long run than going to an assisted facility.
As far as care services go, even in an assisted facility the person does not get 24 hr round the clock care like as with a personal sitter. People still fall no matter what, even in the company of their own family members. Unless you tied them to a bed or chair there is no way to be 100 % guaranteed a person will not fall.
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They did the seminars here in Nevada, also. I haven't seen or heard of anymore seminars in quite awhile. They must've given up. AMVETS states that HRC is independent living and if you give care to a vet and then they drop you after they have been approved, you must notify them and they re-evluate the monies provided to the vet. You can get charged with fraud if they do not have you employed and they are receiving the benefits, and you fail to notify AMVETS. I, personally, know this to be a fact.
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They are still going on and many (not all) are advertised here:
http://elder-care-community.aplaceformom.com/forums/83.aspx
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I was shocked to see this, Action. I believed they stopped doing the seminars. I do not know how the upper crust of HRC can face themselves in the mirror every morning knowing what they are doing to the elderly.
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Well, after a whopping 9 months working for this horrible company, we got fired today, by someone we have met once! This company has no moral compass and doesn't know the first thing about how to have a successful business that involves caring for seniors. All of you hotel people, get a clue and get out of the senior housing industry!! You have no experience and should not be in charge of anything with the possible exception of cleaning out animal cages....when they are not around, as I suspect you would not treat animals well either! I will tell anyone reading this blog this......If are thinking of working for this company DON'T DO IT. If you work for this company GET OUT AND AS SOON AS YOU CAN..... If you have worked for this company, I completely sympathize and may you find happiness soon! And finally, for all of you that are seeking a way to stop this company, think....There is a way, I know if you think long and hard you will realize what I did...there is a way. I am getting an attorney as soon as I get moved outta this hell hole and I will keep you all posted, I believe this could knock them down, nationwide....and I am not talking about the VA, or what is going on in other parts of the country, this is bigger than that, and can be easily proved.....I will keep you all posted, wish me luck!
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I have written emails last night and today and have covered it locally and nationwide. I have my business and it is looking good, again. I will continue to haunt HRC and am going to keep my promise to my residents that they do not have to worry, I will still look out for them!!! Good luck to all and we need to stick together as a group. As One we are nothing, as a Group, we can bring it to fruition!!! Good Luck, once again!!!!
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I'll bet it is a RD who thinks that you were not selling enough, and not enough curb appeal. Just guessing.
Good luck and I hope better things are on your horizon. Let us know what all goes on.
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i talked to Barron Ramos yesterday there getting narrowed in on the case contact him
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I am absolutely sorry that you were fired rather than able to leave on your own accord. How they expect people to pack everything up, secure a new home and move in 48 hours is absolutely beyond me... yet, if you gave notice, it's expected that that be a two week notice.
Get that Attorney and go for it!! The more people that shed light on this rats nest, the better.
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Horrified,
I FEEL your pain.. DO NOT feel bad at all about what you said... IT IS VERY true and I wish you had an attorney... I myself got fired and was asked to leave in 48 hours too... I hope you are onto bigger and better things. I know I sure am! I am back on my feel and dong great! You rock horrified!
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Allow me to remind everyone of a few things.
First: Free Speech isn't actually free! It is one thing to say, "in my opinion xyz company treated me wrong" or to state that "Joe Blow has been charged with allegedly robbing a store". It is quite another thing to plainly state something derogatory, either orally or in writing, about a person or business without having the documentation to stand up in a court of law. This falls under libel and/or slander - and is possible cause for legal actions of the parties so accused. Please keep this in mind when you post your comments.
Second: This blog is not about striving to destroy a company. It is about trying to make a company aware of problems and hoping for a realization of such, along with solutions which help to make a better and more profitable viability. Holiday Retirement is still a good company with some fantastic people manning a lot of the communities. I feel the new owners strayed from the things which built such a company into the number one position it held. But it still has the potential to become a GREAT company once again.
Mr. Davis: I am leaving your comments for now. I emailed you a few days ago inquiring whether you had "actually" mailed your letter to Mr. Holder - or were "planning" to mail it. So far I have not received your response. I am comfortable with your comments remaining online as long as you verify to me that you actually sent the letter. This then allows the protection of having a copied posting of an official public document. With all due respect, sir, some serious allegations have been raised in your comments and the Attorney General's receipt of your letter could have the potential for an investigation. Please so advise via email to me or the comments will be deleted.
I intend to keep this blog viable for some time. In order to accomplish this I must dot every i and cross every t. I stress again that I remove information which could betray confidentiality, but I cannot prevent the actual wording of a comment without becoming an editorial moderator. I cannot place myself into your individual mindframes or experiences and "rewrite" the comments. I must depend upon each of you to exercise some self restraint and common sense in how you word things. I walk a fine line as the owner of the blog and have the mandated disclaimers in place, but I also must listen to my personal sense of fairness. I hope everyone understands.
I notice the blog is being printed by someone at an increased number of late and would remind that it is permissible only as long as it is not for a "commercial" use.
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dlcharles,
you are so right and thank you for your reminder. i will say that what i posted was only my opinion, and in fact it was my opinion when i was extremely emotional. i have no intention of doing anything against this company. i was just very upset. things here have been really bad for us for a while now, but it was the lack of respect,and the daily grinding that took 2 normal people to question their sanity. i don't want any trouble. I want peace, I want to experience joy again and live life. We just didn't fit in with this group....I wish all of you well!
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Very well written and so true. No one want this company to fail but drastic improvement must be made by Corp. people who need to start learning that you can not intimidate emplyees.
Keep it up DL, many of us read this blog on a daily basis.
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Thanks, DL. Will keep this in mind for future postings. I have documentation and HRC has some of the same.
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Yes Holiday now only knows how to market to veterans. We host at least two seminars a month. How nice the old days were when we actually had a budget and hosted at least a quarterly function. They were exhausting but fun, both in marketing to prospects and they were something that the residents enjoyed. I wish the VA could step in and put a stop to the trageting of veterans. They absolutly deserve the benefits, but they do not have to be spent at a Holiday community.
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Linny, I understand what your saying and as a Veteran I don't have a problem with it. I know that at our community we don't just market to just veterans we also have a open house once a month and other events that are not directed towards veterans and these are promoted by HRC. BTY it is against the law to tell a company not to market a certain group of people. I guess that you don't work for holiday and if you do than I guess you have a problem with veterans living in your community. To say that veterans don't have to live in a Holiday community is correct but our competition is doing it why can't we?
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No what I am saying is let's mix it up a little. Veterans deserve all we can give them and so much more! Our ommunity manager does not seem to know how to market except to veterans. Two VAA seminars per month is too often in my opinion. They do not do other events, except the lame things on the post cards that corp demands and sends out to bad address, we can't be the only place that gets gobs of them back. This is a wast of advertising dollars that are charged to the community budget. Most of the time no oe calls or shows up for the Ice Cream Socials ect.
I think most of the long time residents do not like the age and medical conditions of the veterans/spouses being moved in - we are only a hair away from being assisted living, and far from the Holiday Lifestyle being advertised and publized.
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We had a lady and her daughter come by and one of the housekeepers overheard them talking about the smell coming from a resident who had incontinence and they did not even make it to the office for a tour,turned around and left. Of coarse this is just life anywhere, but it doesn't bode well for sells.
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As a veteran and a resident of the local Holiday retirement Community, I am appalled at the blatant use of the unethical business practices to increase the census/bottom line.I have attended every VA Seminar held in the community in which I live since August 2010. The lst one held on Tuesday September 13, 2011 topped all of the previous seminars in that regard. There were about 25 individuals in attendance and visually it did not appear that any would physically qualify for this pension. The qualifications for the A&A Pension Funding was presented, then the video with General Shelton making the pitch for HRC was shown. At the conclusion of the video, local management took over and extended a personal invitation to tour the local building. There was no further mention of the veterans pension fund which leads me to believe that these seminars are for nothing more than a chance to increase the census of the local community.
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dlCharles, I could be wrong but I don't think that people here want the company to fail but rather the company culture and current practices since FIG took over. Maybe it's hard to relay everytime... especially when you are disgusted by some fresh insult coming out of upper management. The bottom line is that much of what is written here is not necessarily something that can be acted upon legally. However, it can serve as a warning to potential and current employees. Potential = go somewhere else or dive in with you eyes wide open. Current = document, document, document, keep honest, always look out for the residents and have a "plan B" based upon the possibility of getting a 3-day notice to vacate.
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Also I think you can add the idea that Fig has been trying to force the older employees out for the last 2 1/2yrs, esp if you tried to follow the old regimen and keep the residents happy vs what is going on now.
Also they have too many RD's that have no clue what they are doing in the type business that Holiday is, they discriminate against you along with the CSL's. They need to quit trying to make Holiday a hotel business, it won't work.
They also need to realize that just because you have the party going on, it may take a couple years of courting an actual move in.
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It never ceased to amaze me how the RD thought you could get someone in for a meal/tour and they'd sign a contract the same day or next. Good grief! These people are rarely in a position to move right away and many of there are mostly just curious and have no desire to move at all. Most of them are coming in for the free meal and entertainment and have no intention of moving in. They tell all their friends and you may have a lot of folks coming in, updating YGL and nothing, zip, nada in terms of move ins.
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It may sometimes take a couple of years before a person is ready to move in, I would keep in contact with them but it wasn't like every week where they didn't feel harassed. I had also started my own computer data base where I could isolate zip codes in the same area, the home visits or whatever could be done once every 6 mo or more often if it were really a good one, a lot less confusing I think and less time consuming on the computer I would mail out invites that I made to events we would have and like you say some do come for the free meal, or even if you have a resident who invites friends it is still the same, they are not interested in moving, just enjoying a free meal.
What really hurts is when you have a person who is supposed to be the VA specialist handling the the process and you cannot even get them to book time to see either the resident or prospect, this person wanted them to call and make a telephone appointment which took over a month to complete. I pretty much told the son what I had garnered off the seminar myself and thought that his dad would qualify for the full amount if his resources were as stated by him but he would have to have some time of care help on a permanent basis. We lost one lady we might could have gotten if you had someone around who was not long distance to consult with. So much for all the tophats we had to wear and juggle.
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Yes, RD's do not even know what is in the manager or community guidelines and rules. Let alone the resident agreement. It is not often that a potential resident is ready to move in immediately. If they are beware - they may have ISSUES that you will be left to deal with. Usually it is about building a relationship with that person and or their families. When I am shopping I don't like being given the hard sell rush - why would these potential residents? But alas, as long as you are getting move ins keeping the budget in line and kissing corprorate butt you are in like Flint.
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I worked for Scott I am so glad he is gone I would love to ask him how he like getting fried I wish I was there to see it
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What do u know about Chelmsford now??? I know that they had some turn over just recently.
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I must tell you all that even though I seem like one of the few pro-Holiday posters here, I DO, as jackson stated, "have a "plan B" based upon the possibility of getting a 3-day notice to vacate."
I do like Holiday, but I know they're psychotic and schizophrenic...I know the RD's are morons.
My advice is to have fun, work hard and go with it or don't.
We are just using Holiday as a pitstop to resupply ourselves before our next adventure.
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It's a 2 day notice, they would already have plans for your replacement to maybe be there.
For those who do get the notice Budget online has discounts most generally that will help out. so far we have not had any problems with the Budget line, it just does not have a power tailgate.
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As I have said before it does not matter what notice you are given, if you refused to vacate, Holiday would have to go through the same legal channels in the courts as everyone else to have you evicted, that takes time. Tell them you will leave when you are ready “if you want me out sooner, pay up!!!” Those 2, 3, and 10 day notices to comply are mostly bluff. We use them knowing full well if someone does not comply we will have to start the legal process, It usually takes us about 20 days to evict someone.
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Very wise, Alias!
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Please help,
I was a former employee of the Holiday Retirement Company who operated Seniors Citizen Independent Community in over three hundred locations. I would like to address what I as a former employee of Holiday Retirement Community/ Whealdon Estates located in Baton Rouge personally witness during my tenure at this facility. Listed below are just some of the issues I personally witness and complained to management which they ignored:
Rats in Kitchen and Dining Room Area, Manager let her dog go in Kitchen to help catch Rats. Rat dropping in food pantry, (Picture taken)
Large infestation of Roaches in resident room, infestation spread to other resident apartments, Dining Area and Laundry room, and treatment was done after I purchased foggers to kill roaches and after repeat complaints by staff, took Pest control three sprayings to get problem under control. (Picture taken).
Community hallways reeked with strong odor of urine.
Community single elevator defective oil leaking from hydraulic line, female resident trapped in elevator having panic attack and hyper ventilating manager did not call 911, I came on scene and released door locking mechanism to free resident.
Resident who reside at Whealdon Estate Estates Independent Living Community went and sit in car and became disoriented, she pushed emergency call button she wore on her neck. The Emergency button only provides her apartment number not location, I conducted search of all common areas and found her in vehicle and help her get out. The outside temperature was 93 degrees.
Severe thunderstorms cause power failure at Whealdon Estates, only one manager on duty the other manager was not required to live at community as were we. Community had no flashlights, emergency generators did not operate, no emergency lighting. Resident located on second and third floors could not evacuate or use emergency stairways because they were confined to mobile wheel chairs. These residents could not be evacuated to first floor they were trapped on upper floors.
Resident cannot locate her apartment very confused and disoriented she was looking for her husband who had die years earlier.
Resident in mobile wheel chair advised he was going to church. Resident had suit coat, shirt and tie on wearing pajama pants. Time of incident 12:35 am resident committed suicide when co-manager gave him his keys to his car where he had a gun stored.
Resident brought down to sit in lobby of community he was left there for extended time where he urinated on himself.
Kitchen personal has to serve an average of 12 residents their meals 3 time per day due to the fact that they are unable to come eat in the dining area due to medical conditions, age, and physical limitations.
Several residents had very serious hygiene issues due to problems with memory and limited range of motion to adequately maintain proper hygiene and clothing themselves.
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I can well believe that all those things happened as you say they did. I'm wondering if you've reported this to the proper authorities? The Health Department, Elder Abuse hotline? If they are not recorded, they will continue. Even if nothing is specifically done, having a file started and a pattern documented will be necessary to actually do something concrete. The whole thing just makes me so very sad and disgusted.... these poor Seniors
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Holiday Retirement is licensed as a “SENIOR CITIZENS INDEPENDENT LIVING” and is not licensed to operate an Assisted Living Facility. Holiday Retirement intentionally conspired to illegally manipulate the Veterans Aid and Attendance Special Benefit program with full knowledge that their sole purpose to manipulate the system in order for Holiday Retirement could gain a financial windfall at the expense of Senior Veterans and their widows. The facts are very clear and shameful the average age of the residents currently staying in Holiday Retirement facilities is eighty (80) years old. Holiday Retirement use their advance age to manipulate them by using their dedication to our country to get them to move into their properties. Holiday Retirement use the fears of being without companionship, no family, loneliness to manipulate them into moving into their facilities when they knew that the majority of these senior citizens required assisted living facilities.
I am begging all governmental agencies to please investigate Holiday Retirement and to protect our Veterans and their widows. It’s a shame that after all the sacrifice our Veterans and their widows have made to our Country that now that since they are old and cannot take of themselves that our Country will allow Holiday Retirement to take advantage of them. I am asking that Holiday Retirement be forced to reimburse all Veterans and widows that of any and all rents and deposits of all Veterans and widows that currently are receiving Aid and Attendance Benefits. All contracts that Holiday Retirement required Veterans and or their widows sign as an additional contract are voided. Any and all Employees, managers, directors, CEO’s which would include Board of Directors and Stock Holders should be criminal prosecuted.
Holiday Retirement is preying on our Veterans and their Widows because they are old and defenseless. Holiday Retirement is neglecting that these Veterans and Widows need specials medical and assistance to maintain their quality of life. Holiday Retirement is getting rich knowing that they have not and would not provide adequate medical and assistance to our Veterans and their widows. Holiday Retirement knew that they did not have nursing services in their facilities and they also knew that they did not train their employees to assist or provide medical care to the residents in order to comply with the Veterans Administration Aid and Attendance Special Pension Benefits.
Holiday Retirement knows that their intentional neglect of the obvious medical an assistance that the Veterans and their widows needed to provide them with a chance to improve their quality of life is in itself mental and physical abuse of our senior Citizens. Veterans and their widows are continuing to suffer from lack of proper care at Holiday Retirement which might be an explanation of the large number of deaths at Holiday Retirement Property Whealdon Estates in Baton Rouge La.
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If it was you father, mother, sister or brother would you allow Holiday Retirement treat your family this way? Is this how we treat our Veterans just because they are old? Are you going to allow this to continue?
Charles A. Davis
tdjs@bellsouth.net
There are people out there that know that I am telling the truth and that our Veterans and their widows deserve better. It's time to stand up and not be scared or neutral because people are suffering and dying all because of the greed of Holiday Retirement. Help me help them and all people that might suffer in the future.
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If you know of any agencies that I need to submitt my documentation too then please provide me their e-mail address as soon as possible!
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Call your local VA and contact the Division of Aging-Elder Abuse. If you phone Div. of Aging, they will connect you elder protective services. The more states that complain the better. The more cities in a state, the better!!!! Truthfully!! I spoke and nothing but my vengence is documented. As I have said, I am one!
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Mr. Davis: I find it interesting that you have not verified your letter addressed to the Attorney General Holden as requested. You note that I removed the postings because of such failure. Now you post the same allegations as in the purported letter. You place me in a rather awkward position, Mr. Davis.
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Certified Mail Receipt: 7002-0460-0002-2092-5157
E-MAILED: AskDOJ@usdoj.gov.
United States Attorney General
Honorable Eric Holder Jr.
U.S. Department of Justice
950 Pennsylvania, NW
Washington, DC 20530-0001
Charles A. Davis
4459 Tank Road
Terry, Mississippi 39170
E-Mail: tbaildav@bellsouth.net
Cell: 601.506.7709
Honorable Eric Holder Jr.
Sir, I am seeking your help into investigating the false and illegal acts being committed against our Senior Military Veterans who are requesting Veterans Administration Aid and Attendance special pensions. The greed of these companies in using our aging Military Veterans who advance age is being manipulated so that these companies can rent their apartments in order to make money from the Veterans Administrations when they knew in advance that they did not meet the criteria to house our Senior Military Veterans. I would have filed a complaint to the State of Louisiana Veteran Administration but I have some concerns which I have listed below.
I am a former employee of Holiday Retirement Corporation. My wife and I were assigned to the Holiday Retirement Senior Citizen Independent Community, in Baton Rouge Louisiana. The property name was Whealdon Estates located at 8680 Jefferson Hwy. We were hired as co-managers of this community and started our position on March 7, 2011 and we were forced out of our positions on April 21, 2011 due to what we believed were numerous illegal acts by the Community Manager, Community Sales Leader and the Regional Manager. As co-manager we were required to make calls in order to have Retired Veterans to move into our community. This is where we felt that illegal tactics and false information was being used in the recruitment of Retired Military Veterans in order for Holiday Retirement Corporation to fill all the apartment vacancies in their Community/properties.
Certified Mail Receipt: 7002-0460-0002-2092-5157
Once a month under the disguised of a Free Community Health and Wellness Health Fair and Aid and Attendance Seminars which Holiday Retirement hosted for Senior Citizens from the communities of Baton Rouge. The real issue was not the Health and Wellness Seminar but for our Whealdon Estate Community Sales Leader would give a lecture on how Veterans could claim their special pensions under the Veterans Administrations Aid and Attendance for Veterans. This is where the illegal and questionable acts occurred.
1. The Community Sales leader advised the attending veterans that he had a source at the Veteran Administration Office in Baton Rouge Louisiana where he could walk their application through in order to reduce qualification time; if there was a small fee for this I could not verify because all of the information was placed in a special file where we were not given access.
2. The Community Sales Leader publicly explained that if they did qualify due to their income that he would show them how to hide their assets so that they coul
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Certified Mail Receipt: 7002-0460-0002-2092-55164
E-MAILED: AskDOJ@usdoj.gov.
United States Attorney General
Honorable Eric Holder Jr.
U.S. Department of Justice
950 Pennsylvania, NW
Washington, DC 20530-0001
Charles A. Davis
4459 Tank Road
Terry, Mississippi 39170
E-Mail: tbaildav@bellsouth.net
Cell: 601.506.7709
Honorable Eric Holder Jr.
Sir, I am writing this letter to you to bring to your attention to the recent tragedy that occurred at Holiday Retirement, Whealdon Estates, located at 8680 Jefferson Hwy, Baton Rouge Louisiana. A resident of this community committed suicide on August 5, 2011. The person that committed suicide was a Mr. Fred Hughes a Veteran of World War II. During my employment at Whealdon Estates I was blessed to have the opportunity to know Mr. Hughes. Mr. Hughes suffered from dementia he was taking medication and he often became very confused and frustrated because he could not maintain his train of thought.
In April of 2011 there were several situations that have occurred that lead me to bring up serious questions. On April 2, 2011 at 10:38 p.m. Mr. Jessie Culbertson fell in his apartment. Mr. Culbertson was also a Veteran, while awaiting his benefits to be approved, the Community Sales Leader contacted Mr. Culbertson family member who held the power of attorney for Mr. Culbertson, and required them to sign the documentation to use the in house Health Care Services that was set up at the Holiday Retirement , Whealdon Estates community. This Health Care Service was responsible for delivering Mr. Culbertson medication, on this day the Health Care Service representative did not administer his medication at the appropriate time, when she arrived at a later time to Mr. Culbertson’s room she found him on the floor, unconscious. The Health Care employee did not call 911 Emergency but called the owner of the Health Care Services then she proceeded to the Managers apartment and informed them
Certified Mail Receipt: 7002-0460-0002-2092-55164
that she found Mr. Culbertson unconscious and not breathing. The Manger did not respond but the Community Sales Representative whom refused to enter Mr. Culbertson’s room, knocked on our apartment door (Co-Managers) and told us to go to Mr. Culbertson’s room to handle the situation. I then asked the Community Sales Representative what was Mr. Culbertson’s condition and the Community Sales Representative responded, “Go check and see if he is dead or not, I can’t go in there.” As me and my wife where handling the situation with Mr. Culbertson, we received an E-call alert for apartment room 109 (Manager’s Apartment), my wife followed procedure and went to the room when the Manager answered the door she told my wife that she believed that the Community Sales Representative was having chest pains. My wife immediately called 911 and had Emergency Medical Services and the Fire Department to respond to this medical emergency. Once the Ambulance arrived a
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I have provide you with the exact letters that I have sent the Attorney Generals Office with the Registerd Mail Certifications number. I have recieved a letter from the Attorney General Office advising that they have sent a copy of my letters to the Veterans Administration. I understand this is you blog but I am using my real name and my address can be verify through google. I hope this is adequate documentation. I am providing the fact and I am exercising my Right to Freedom of Speech. I have no problem if you would like to even provide you with my contact phone numbers if you would like o discuss these issues with me personally. Just send me a e-mail you have all my e-mail adresses.
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Mr Davis, Do you know if the building was having problems with what I call ghost
e-calls going off for now reason in this building.
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Thank you so very much, Mr. Davis! A reply via email would have been fine, but I like the reply you gave.
In all fair honesty I wish everyone to know that I telephoned the community he speaks of. The manager revealed only that they are floaters and was very polite. I introduced myself, gave the reason for my call, and requested he contact corporate about my call in order to hopefully have a response.
I have just spoken on the telephone with Mr. Davis - and I am most impressed! He speaks with the forthrightness of conviction and his courage is obvious. This is what has always made a difference in things - the courage of someone who just keeps on coming. I have no problem now with what he writes as he is standing up for his words. He is aware that he will be castigated at every turn and most probably noted a "disgruntled ex-employee", yet is willing to subject himself and his wife to whatever he must for the better care of the seniors. I applaud a fighter, especially an underdog against large odds.
I have reposted your previous comments verbatim, sir.
I wonder what would happen if the Attorney General received a large number of inquiries, or the VA?
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There are and have been cockroaches and bedbugs in Carson City, NV. No matter what they did they still had them. I was phoned several times by residents to see if I knew what they could do. This is documented by Catseye..exterminator company contracted!!!!
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Happens all the time in the building I had patients in...
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Just wondered, I know electrical charges from lightening caused problems in another building. But in this particular building there were a set of co's a couple of years ago fired for supposedly not answering e-call's, don't know if they were guilty or not I don't think they were the type to be negligent in doing their work, but then this opens the door for if the e-call does not go off either.
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Oh the building I am talking about is Whealdon Estates.
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Did I miss September's post about the company's record breaking number of move-ins last month? It usually is posted around the 4th of each month, but not this month.
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LOL
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DL- after 12 months of record breaking move-ins, it is obvious to me that they are at 100% occupancy, therefore did not have enough vacant units to reach recoed breaking numbers.
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ROFL, good one
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Yes there were what seem like hundreds of ghost e-calls that usually started in the evening and weekends. We had to get up at night get dress and walk to the console which was moved from it's orginal location to a room further down the hallway. We hardly ever got a good night rest.
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Mr Davis, Do you know if the doors to the apartments had been rekeyed or new knobs installed where the master key actually opened the door to the apartment. This was the problem we had the 3 days we were there. The e-call goes off and the keys don't work, then you would have to go back to the office and get the main extra key and see if it would work, sometimes it didn't even work either. The frontdoor was to also to be replaced because it could not be kept locked either.
These situations were reported in
February.
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Not to my knowledge, we had two different Master Keys. The problem we had the Community Sales Leader had the entrance door rekeyed and then he pass out keys to any and everyone including homecare personel and their family members. The manager and the Community sales leader gave master keys to the homecare employees and the next thing I heard was that these people were going into resident rooms and stealing money, medications and checks. It doesn't matter what you do at Holiday retirement just get those move in and increase the census!!!!!
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Well, that's bizarre. This isn't at all anything that a CSL should be involved in.
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On the front door most communities do give out a front door key to a family member, or if active the resident, and caregivers, even our newspaper lady had a key: this key would be for only the front door.
On master keys been there, done that where the caregivers had a master key. This was changed to where they only had the key to the apartment they were taking care of instead of a master. This was changed from a master key to apartment key after a resident apartment # was given out wrong and the resident was awakened by caregiver in the wee hours of the morning and scared her. This limits what apartments the people have access to.
Sometimes you end up with bad apples, we had more problems with our own employees I think, esp in the days before the background checks were done.
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At the HRC I worked at, none of the caregivers was given a pass key. We had keys to the front doors in case a patient needed something at night. We had a key to their apartment that was signed out, only on family or resident approval. It was returned when the resident moved or passed. Why they would ever give a pass key to a caregiver is beyond me. As far as background checks go, it only means they have not been caught and convicted. They look for convictions, not arrests. I had a caregiver that I worked with years ago that I was giving her name out. Turned out she was arrested, but not convicted on numerous charges, and I was looking at years before and nothing on the nursing board as we both had state Certified Nursing Assistance licenses at that time. No conviction, no record!!
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Took the words right out of my mind!!! I did that to you once!
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The CSL was the husband of the Manager and he ran everything. He even called the Sheriff dept. on me saying I threaten him and that he had fired me. This fool forgot that all 911 call are recorded and the deputy told the CSL that he heard all the conversation and that he was lying. The CSL then threaten physical harm to me when he told me " you don't know who you are messing with I will take you out" then the little punk ran back into the building. He told all the resident that they didn't need our type of people referring to our race as African Americans. I was placed on Admin. Lv and later terminated the CSL is still employed.
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overworked & underpaid! Managers are treated like second class citezens. It is sad and disgusting.
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The very first thing you are going to hear when you mention to an RD or anyone in corporate health problems a resident may have or services they may need is "this IS independent living you know."
That's their catchall phrase meaning "Not our problem."
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I wonder if this is why Jeff Roderick is not in HRC now. He would advise and even see that the letter was correctly drafted in the case of a resident who had stepped over all lines of being a resident and was getting to be a nuisance. And if the resident did not change, they could be evicted. I am not talking about for just minor instances or problems, but of a more serious nature.
I don't know whatever happened to the power of a manager/co-manager to hold the resident or family members accountable for dangerous behavior such as a resident that has Alzheimer's and wanders the building and the ability to have them evicted if need be. We have had one family have to make sure a care service was in charge of one residents meds because she did not take them or took the wrong ones at the wrong time and her antics in the diningroom were upsetting the other residents. It's apples to oranges, either comply by providing the service or come and make sure on a daily basis mom or dad takes the meds or you cannot have them continue in the community.
In a lot of cases the families of residents are just making sure they don't have a lot of money having to go out each month for care if they can get by with it so they will have more money in their pockets when they die.
It also helped in one of our communities to have a well structured care service who had a program director and was able to evaluate a potential resident for any problems if we had any doubts. I don't know how many times we have had residents snuck in by knowing family members who are skirting having to pay for extra services and know that they are not telling the truth and then we are stuck with them because of the warm body breathing idea for filling a building. In the old days this would not have happened, services would have had to be provided or they just did not move in. This is because we are independent, not a nursing home or assisted that we provide services and I think we should be able to retain the right of a move-in if not truly independant, or after the fact down the road so as to insure the safest living for the resident even if it means they have to move. I did not like for a resident to have to leave for a higher level of care and leave their home, but safety is an issue for all. Just think of stoves, thank God some communities don't have them or the ones that do in some cases can have the stoves turned off totally, this would be the "we're independent" so why worry about it, but... where is the answer on this one according to HRC now I wonder.
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I was told that I did NOT know who I was messing with and she tried to deswtroy my reputation. Truth is...I have it covered and have told many many places and offices to beware!!!! HRC rules and tries to hide everything. I have had the chance to meet with insurance companies that have problems with their clients and told them to warn their clients of the HRC problems and gave them this site for reference!!! They get rid of us, meaning anyone who is actually helping the residents, but forget we have contacts. I want to see Holiday go back to the way it was. FIG has got to go and give back to the people who pay their wages!!!!
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Make no mistake... the entire industry and competition knows full well the issues with Holiday. How do they think that anyone is going to refer people to the communities when they know that the the turnover is far far over the industry standard and all the things that go on. Do they really think that no one knows about all this? Sadly, the people working in the Holiday communities are tryin to rent those apartment the best they can, the pressure to do so is very great but they are really swimming up stream.
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Dear FIG, Let me make this very simple. If you take care of your residents, provide them with superior service, be resident focused in every aspect of your business -- including sales and marketing -- YOU WILL SUCCEED. The communities will have solid census. Happy residents are the key to HRC's success.
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As a co- manager when I was on call I patrol the area every night outside and especially when I heard cars come in late at night. Since our apartment was right next to the front door. I watch as some of the health care employees family memebers and friends had key to the front door. I really thought that this was improper but I was told that the CSL and Manager gave them the keys they also make me aware that some if not all of them had master keys. We put a chair up a our door at night.
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Was anyone ever able to locate a copy of the employee handbook? Currently in need of one, or would be curious to know what the policy reads regarding disciplinary action and termination. Offer letters clearly state Holiday employs "at-will" (what a shocker), but it seems that there must be some policies for discipline. Any help is greatly appreciated.
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I have a copy...would be happy to photo copy it and send it to you.
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Are you going to send it to yourself? Get a life and quit trying to make people think you are an employee.
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I have a handbook in my office but that's like 30 feet away and it is too late to leave my cozy apartment.
If you want to meet up sometime here on this forum we can discuss it, or throw your questions out and I can answer them when I get the chance.
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Most communities will give out the front door key to members of the family if they come and go a lot and also the resident, we didn't give them to everyone as a lot wouldn't be out late at night and didn't need it; the newspaper person, and the chef and sous. These were not master keys though.
Sta-Home Services a care group at Chateau Ridgeland had the front door key also and also master key to the apartments, they took care of the e-calls at night after the building closed. They were trust worthy and had been in the building for years. We were in another building that had a group also, but they were not there 24 hrs yet so they didn't need a key. We would have most likely given them one though as the need arose in the future, they were background checked and bonded.
But with every other caregiver the only key they needed was the key to the residents apartment.
The manager and co-manager apartment should have had a separate lock that was not keyed to a master key. Our manager had to crawl through the window when they would lock themselves out, luckily one was open, otherwise a locksmith would have had to be called. We had an extra key to ours in the office.
I know it is terrible to feel unsafe like that so I don't know how your apartment was set-up or why if a master did open it.
What I got a kick out of was the way some of the residents would open the closet door and then the bathroom door in front of the front door where if the alarm went off it was really hard to get in. There burglar proofing was something else. I hate to say with the electrical storms causing our system to go off all over the place, we'd be sneaking into apartments resetting the wall pull in apartments all over the building and most generally no one ever woke up, I know that would be really bad if there ever was a real burglar in their house.
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One of my personal daily tasks was to walk the exterior of the building each evening, whether I was on duty or not. It was common to find various doors around the building held open by rocks or sticks which gave access to anyone. The door to the activity room was also often left unlocked of an evening by someone going out and wanting return access. Caregivers did this to allow family and friends to visit without being noticed. Sometimes a resident would go out a hall door to walk their pet and block the door open.
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We had this happen too all the time with the doors being blocked. The residents would find one open and blame the housekeepers for doing it, this time it was during lunch and they were serving, it was a caregiver. We had discussed putting a buzzer on the door that would alarm if the door was left open. We did post a nicely worded reminder to keep the door closed because of safety issues.
My husband walked the building also at night checking doors and keeping an eye out on the parking lots too. We also had a volunteer resident who stayed up till 11pm who would check them also. Even with this it was hard to guarantee they would stay closed. We also enforced the front door being locked according to the season where it was not being left open till 10 or 11 at night. We didn't feel that there was any reason for it to be open when the office wasn't open. Some of the residents didn't like it at first, but after a while they thought it was a good idea and if they were the ones who did leave and stay out late or had a relative to come in often, we made sure they had the front door key. I guess you can say we tried to keep tight rein on the building as we could, safety is the best course. Frankly we never really locked our door on the apartment that much unless we were away from the building for the day, I suppose this was just chancing luck but we never felt unsafe.
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We had a manager at one point that would let any shady person in on a 3-day stay and I was always really concerned about it. There is a responsibility to keep residents safe and letting people in who are sketchy, on the off chance they will move in is really really wrong. I'm know that most managers are like this but we had two at one time that just didn't care about the residents at all.
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Well, that turned out wrong. I meant to say that I know that most managers ARE NOT like this. BTW, I also brought this to the attention of the RD and RSL and they didn't care in the least. This person was NEVER going to move in but the goal was to be able to put the three day stay into YGL. It's all just a show for the lazy upper managers who only look at YGL to see what's going on, as if what's in there is the entire job.
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Awhile back they had a few scams going on where I know one guy stayed the comp stay of 3 days, yada yada, and then went on to the next community. They had a picture of him at one building with his plate loaded down with food.
There was also a women, I think it was somewhere around, NC, SC, or FL who flaunted the fact that she was not going to move in and what were they going to do about it. Great vacation plans I think everyone.
There are some legitimate move ins I am sure from these comp stays, but to tell you the truth even with all the mailing comp coupons, and calling we really never had any success with getting anyone to stay this way, if they were interested in moving, they moved, if not they didn't.
Usually most move-ins occured after some major event happened to the person, a heart attack, death of a spouse, or forced by family tired of having to cook and keep up with parents and their own family, and in some instances because the resident was scared to death to live where they lived because of the crime and break in rate by criminals. We had one lady who hadn't slept in a week, her five daughters had her moved in and setup in 2 days, we are the ones who sold her the building, not all the yin yang that goes on now,back to the Holiday Touch, not the party hearty attitude that goes on now that residents hate.
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I'm looking for the handbook specifically to see if they've outlined a disciplinary action policy or guidelines around termination. (I doubt it, but would like to know.) If you're able to send any information via email, you can use itsjustme320@gmail.com. If you can only send a hard copy, I'll have to establish a PO Box or something. Thanks in advance.
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I have a copy being delivered in the morning. I will scan and email all of the important things you are asking for.
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Does anyone know what this is about?
http://dockets.justia.com/docket/louisiana/laedce/2:2011cv02369/147762/
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Looks like the Kenner or Baton Rouge property didn't like one of their employees having jury duty...
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Good grief!
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I know who it is we worked there, but I doubt if this is about jury duty is it. I will have to look up more info on the link, it requires registering for a Pacer account.
Been gone for over a year so I don't know what happened. He was a fairly decent worker, tried hard.
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Can someone post the details? Can't get into the case summary.
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Wow! How'd you find that Jackson?? Someone is fighting the good fight. I hope HRC doesn't bury him in legal costs. They are good at that!
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Hi Anon
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Thanks, Action!! Will do today. Got the weekend off!
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Thank you for assisting with the handbook - it is greatly appreciated.
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No problem. I have not even worked for them and I have things that would rock their world!!1
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MEMO
To: Holiday World (US)
Date: September 23, 2011
From: Jack R. Callison, Jr. and Mark Prince
Re: Company-Wide Fundraiser Supporting Outward Bound for Veterans
As members of the Holiday community, we all share mutual admiration for the more than 8,000 veterans who live in our Communities across North America. As citizens of the United States, we all share a tremendous amount of gratitude and respect for those men and women who continue to serve in the armed forces, defending our country and our freedom. Today, we are humbled to share with you an exciting new fundraising endeavor that we will embark on together during the next two months to raise funds in support of the brave men and women who have sacrificed so much for our nation.
Returning from battle lines is frequently perceived as a joyous moment for soldiers. Forgotten is that thousands of veterans, hardened by the realities of war, regularly struggle to readjust to civilian life.
They often face mental illness, drug and alcohol abuse, failed personal relationships and unemployment. Our veterans need our support more than ever as they transition back home and we know Holiday can help.
Our fundraising campaign, taking place October 1 through November 30, is in support of Outward Bound for Veterans, which provides challenging wilderness expeditions for returning wartime soldiers. Led by fellow veterans, these courses physically, mentally and emotionally challenge participants in order to build self-confidence, pride, and trust. The program greatly helps veterans overcome combat-related illnesses including Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and enables them to successfully return to their families, employers, and communities after wartime service.
The cost for one veteran to participate in an Outward Bound course is $2,000, and there is currently a great need for additional funding to meet the needs of returning service men and women. Outward Bound for Veterans is not subsidized by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or any other military-affiliated organizations. The program is privately funded, relying solely on charitable donations from sources like Holiday Retirement.
Holiday’s goal is to raise at least $1.2 million through fundraising efforts at our Communities, equaling roughly $4,000 per Community. To further this fundraising initiative, Holiday Retirement is matching dollar-for-dollar every donation made to Outward Bound for Veterans as part of our Communities’ fundraising efforts. We are thrilled to bring attention to this meaningful organization that changes the lives of so many returning wartime veterans and know that with your determination, support, and efforts, we will be able to not only reach this fundraising goal, but exceed it!
We have so much faith in our teams that we have raised the bar. The Community with the highest dollar amount raised at the end of the fundr
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That's funny...I was at the VA today with patients and there was a vet asking for assistance to get out of the mess he is in with HRC....glad to hear the other side of your sad story!!!!
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LOL, yeah it's all about damage control. They get some good PR and can point to this effort when the VAA comes knocking to find out about their devious practices. Oh, and they may also get a tax write-off as well. They aren't fooling anyone.
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Are they going to use the money to pay back all the money they stole from the vets? Why doesn't the VA investigate FIG for fraud? And why doesn't the national media pick up on this crap? FIG must own stock in the companies or something. Jeez
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I wouldn't at all be surprised if they are being investigated. I know of several seniors who have complained and the fact that the program went from being barely known about to applications flooding the VAA, well they'll pay attention.
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Really I don't think Holiday has been stealing money from the vets, they are rented apartments for the same rate as other individuals who rent, just the aid and attend if they qualify kicks in what ever amount they are issued as a benefit and they then owe the balance of the rent. All medical expenses not reimbursed are considered and all money and assets are looked at for the qualifying amount to be determined by the VA, the amounts are different for each situation, married, spouses, etc. If the person qualifies fine, if not they would have to pay out of pocket or move to lower income places.
I know there are a lot of residents who qualifed just because they were getting close to being destitute, they either lost income from lost money on cd', housing sells, etc because of the economy. If not for the aid and attend they would have ended up in a nursing home, having the program through the VA now allows many of them to continue at their home until such time they are beyond the health care they can pay for.
If the vet was not told misinformation to begin with, or decided not to pursue the process there is not anyway they should have been cheated out of money. The one problem I heard was that one of the reps Holiday was using had his own investment company and was not wanting to handle claims unless a person was investing money with his group, this particular person did not have money to invest and the ball was dropped because no paperwork had been submitted, another family member was going to try and take care of getting things filed, but this was way after 6 mo or more of living at Holiday at the reduced rate. The managers did not keep up with whether the paperwork was submitted or not either, then they left. Census was all that was in the mind then, the more the better and everyone else was left to deal with it.
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They are given a discount and do not pay the full amount. They do not have to reimburse, as far as I know. But, they are assured they qualify and only AMVETS knows after viewing the app. Destitute does not automatically qualify. They have to have a lower amount of money, but not needing assistance, or spending medical out of pocket counts. I was told to contact AMVETS if I was let go because of qualifying because of my assistance. HRC is shady and that is all I am going to say without giving myself away!
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I always made sure I told a person that they could not drive and later on I found out that they were having to have an ALD also so that went into the spiel about that. Most of the residents who qualified really were low on funds and did need the extra help by a caregiver because of age and health reasons, we're not usually seeing a really young older person, it is most generally 70plus in bad health.
The discount was only the amount that they were supposed to be able to get on the VA Aid & Attend and that amount is retroactive back to the time the VA starts processing the paperwork: if awarded they are paid the amount for how ever months it takes for VA to approve and this is then paid back to Holiday, the resident then gets their monthly amount and pays it with the difference to Holiday. The resident is in essence responsible for the full apartment rent, including the 6 mo or so that the discount is given while the approval process is being completed. If for some reason the person does not qualify the amount was supposed to be excused and they would have to either move, or pay the full amount of rent after that themselves. I hope that there were none moved in that would have to move-out later, but I know for one reason or another we had a couple move out because of higher level of care needed afterward, and one who may have not qualified because of VA findings. The community will most likely never recover this money, but then that is like trying to get rent from a resident who has passed, I had one HRC tell me that they would bill the estate: okay, how many have an estate in these days, most are living on nickels and dimes.
The formula if someone does not have a lot of assets but has a lot of medical going out that is not covered by insurance vs what they have in savings accounts and monies paid by pensions, social security, etc. shouldn't be that hard to figure really, esp if the rental of an apartment is at least $1875.00 per month plus any caregiver ALD's a month. I know I had one prospect that had a $5000.00 mo military pension that he had to split with his ex-wife, it would not have benefited him going on VA aid and attend I don't think, he still drove also.
Also if a resident drops services, or is getting more money coming in, this is supposed to be reported to the VA, they do a review each year. This would be the time that rent increases could be reported also. Failure to do so could result in the benefit being denied and possibly having to be paid back by the resident. So I hope everyone is keeping their claims legit and keeping all paperwork and expense receipts and records if they are investigated.
I myself would never have wanted anyone to move in that might not qualify in the end, it would be too traumatic to them and to us, but I am sure that there are a lot of cracks around with someone stuffed in it.
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As I stated before, I have spoken to an employee of AMVETS, and she stated to me that HRC/FIG is being looked into. She does the program and refuses to enter Holiday property. The VA is not to be messed with!!
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Anon, thanks for the information. Actually, it's a great program for those who need it and our Vets deserve nothing less. Even if someone utilizes the program and lives in a Holiday community, there's nothing wrong with that but the company is downright predatory about it and if some people are bowing to the pressure of move-ins and lying to the vets, well that's so wrong. Hopefully they will get to the bottom of it and no vets suffer because of it.
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I hope they look into WHY Holiday is trying to make every community an AMVET Post. As I stated before the residents are not happy about it. The AMVET members are to be given the same privledges as residents.
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Do you realize that with the Vets to qualify for Aid and Attendance they do have to have a service provided by a caregiver as an ALD or they would not be able to get the benefit. Holiday provides the cooking, cleaning, linen service and driving (even if Holiday has to pay for a taxi for transport) which also counts.
I am not saying that there are not a lot of other residents who do not need these services esp at the age that are mostly living in the communities now, definitely not the 55 age group, but I do know a lot of the residents resent the handicapped look a lot of the communities now portray. 7 years ago a walker was very unusual, 2 years later there were a handful, now they have sometimes 2 to 3 at a table and several wheelchairs and motorized scooters floating around. The image is not 55 active anymore. 20-30 years ago you figure there was nothing for the elderly except for a nursing home and Holiday was premier living, now there are places of one type and price range all over. Holiday could have done better I think, but chose to get out and now I am sure with the financing rates incurred since the sellout FIG would cut their nose to spite their face, the VETS are a godsend to them they think. Now managers and co's may have to put up with all the bad health, psychosis of every type (how many of you have had tales of elephants out on the balcony partying, of course regular residents do this also, we had one lady who said young girls were putting mice in her apartment).
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The vets are not allowed to drive and HRC is listed as an independent living facility. I took care of people that lived there, but they did NOT drive and needed aid that most do not need. They tell them they pre-qualify and sign on a caregiver, whether it's an independent, or service. They, also, tell them they cannot move until the filing process is over. That is a direct lie!! HRC has the regular handout sheet that every vet gets when attempting to apply. HRC, also, makes them sign a privacy release so they can monitor the progress. They are to disregard the fees if they are not qualified. I do not know if they do that, but one woman had to move because she never qualified living in an independent environment. She moved to assisted and qualified. Why HRC does not tell them this is beyond me. They need to know that living in the HRC environment, driving and not needing assistance is going to get them denied. HRC does not tell them this.
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Lets talk about black mold...
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Slamdunk: unless you have awful good housekeepers who let you know if they see any you may not know right away that there is any in a building, the best thing if you have time is to inspect each apartment yourself.
In some areas of the country the humidity is really bad and water seepage when it rains to the extant that floors are damp. It is a constant battle. Then you have residents who will never leave the a/c on to help get rid of any humidity either, so that doesn't help.
Bathrooms also have a problem of some type of red colored mold. Bleach is the most effective way to keep it under control, but so many residents can't tolerate the fumes. Of course there probably is something out there the residents could use to spray in the shower, but the sentimentality is that we are responsible for everything no matter what.
I doubt if HRC will ever plan on any fixes except for bandaids.
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Well we used to get the Vets qualified with the 4 Eliments:
1.) 3 Meals per Day
2.) House Keeping
3.) Transportation
4.) Ecall in every room/24 hour Managers
Now the 5th Element is necessary -
5.) Home Health Care of some kind.
Holiday is scrambling to get people hooked up with home health - whether they need it or not.
How long before they have a FIG arm of the company in house to offer that?? Look out companies who are in the buildings right now, my prediction - your time is limited. In the meantime they will continie to target/market to vets.
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Why is everybody so against helping someone who made it possible for you to speak your mind on this forum. This benefit, if qualified, is a life changing event for those Seniors who need it. Without their sacrifice and courage, the world would be a different place now. I feel EVERY Veteran has earned the RIGHT to be compensated in their latter years, no matter what their financial, mental, or living conditions are. They EARNED it. What is your problem helping them receive it?
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Absolutely no problem with it at all. They should get whatever they are entitled to and I was happy to get the word out about this valuable program. What people have a problem with is when it becomes predatory and when Vets are told that they can get it when they clearly don't qualify. People move in on a deferrment and after the 6-9 months it takes to process are turned down and they have to move away from what they've made their home. THAT is disgusting! With the tremendous pressure that the RD and RSL puts on the Managers and CSL, this makes it ripe for some shady shady stuff to go on.
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This is getting old making false claims. If a Manager (not fig) is telling a vet then can get the benefit just to get a move-in then they are the problem and need to be fired. I'm am sick and tired of people getting on here and running there months under stupid names, not their own (cowards), about things that they can't prove. I can assure you that this practice is NOT I reat NOT going on in our region. I challange everyone on here if so confident in what you are saying that state your name and come clean, It must be nice to complain when you can hide behind an anonymous name where there is no accountablity. You are like the momday morning quaterback that thinks they know just how to win the game. I AM A VET AND VERY PROUD TO HAVE HELPED SO MANY BE ABLE TO LIVE IN MY BUILDING.
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@Linny..It is happening at HRC communities with home health care. They want certain ones in the facility that will play ball, so to speak. Some Vets need assistance and I believe they have it. Others..for profit to FIG are being made to hire or write on paper they have care.
@lovemyjob....They deserve to be treated with respect and honor as they have served the same. FIG is taking advantage of the situation for more dollars. The residents/vets that don't need the aid should be told to hire someone to cheat the system. You would prefer that??
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I myself really did not see that many vets who applied that did not nee the extra help from a caregiver, either in bathing, or just keeping up with meds. Most are not footloose and fancy free when they come to Holiday.
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They are telling vets and widows they qualify with homecare. They, also, omit the driver's license. I know for a fact the AMVETS pulled out of one HRC community because she was made aware of the shady dealings. She reported it herself. Do not come on and start the bullying. I have had enough from from HRC. I know 2 people that moved. One failed to qualify and kept moving down in apt. size. One, never should have been allowed in. This is the truth no matter what name appears!!!!!
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I think one thing that is missed on this too is that the applicant is to be basically homebound and not driving, the spouse can drive though.
I do know of one who did not qualify and who moved before they were officially turned down and did have about 7-8 months in. He was not homebound. He was also receiving a military disability .
I know for a fact that a person that was helping a vet rep did not know that the applicants could not be driving to qualify.
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OMG PEOPLE, let us stop the attacks! It is about FIG/HOLIDAY, no one dislikes the Veterans, actually it is the opposite. We do not want to see them targeted. If you are now working in a community, you know that there is a newer veterans form that has to go to corp for approval (not that I am sure exactly what they look at to approve it) The NEW deal is: They want these Veterans approved on their "now" income. The company does not want to give deferrals anymore - they lost a bundle of money in having to write off all those lost months that the vets ended up not qualifying for. Most communities that really sold the vets have a mess of record keeping to clean up, the AR's are in a real mess. Pressure is on to get them cleaned up! FIG can no longer afford to show the big losses in order to look good to investors. Many communities have excellent managers that are ethical, some may not. It is the pressure from RD's and above that are pushing the VAA thing in order to grow the census, they see it as an easy marketing tool (dare I say ploy?) If times were good economically, they might be pursuing other avenues of marketing, like the lifestyle of Holiday etc. That LIFESTYLE, the RETIREMENT DREAM is for now out the window with Holiday, you just can not attract those people to a community that looks like a nursing home when they walk in to tour. Those with the bucks will go find a more suitable place. For those who cannot REALLY afford the (Now not so upscale)Holiday LifeStyle, buildings that are not 100% will, give discounts, incentives, rent freezes and so on - to MAKE it affordable for them. All with the approval from above, of course. Think of it as a game, if you will. Just a sad game that involves the LIVES of seniors. Some and their families will JUST be happy that they found a place and can live with the NOW Holiday Lifestyle, it is very different from 4 or 5 years ago and it most likely will NEVER be the same! So WE have to move on, either stay with Holiday and make the best of it, or we can get out. It is most of the time a very hard decision to make, too many dynamics involved. Let's just be glad to have this forum as an avenue to share, commiserate, bloviate,orate and so on...
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You are right that no one wants to see the vets mistreated. I am one who is really happy that this program went into effect, back in 2006 or so our communities did not qualify for the rental part being considered the only thing which would have counted was any outside or in house caregiving; and vets in most cases did not have the money to pay the rates. Holiday I am sure beats the VA nursing homes or low income apartments that a lot of veterans are having to live in. That and they are being fed a decent meal (somedays may not have been great but I really never lost any weight) that they do not have to worry about cooking, shopping or cleaning up the mess afterward. The only place we really fail is the transportation, just going up stairs is not possible for some. They can associate with other people if they wish or not if they don't want to. I think if I ever had to go anywhere the model of Holiday past would be the place to go. Of course there are much newer, nicer places now with a lot more choices available, but I don't think they have the care and concern of 2 sets of managers like Holiday past. Most establishments I have been in were either assisted with not much better care than ours with a good service provider, residents came and went on their own with really no contact with the management, sorta like separation of church and state, I doubt if some of these types of businesses knew more about the resident than the family like we knew sometimes.. But then Holiday is trying the one manager concept, I think that this is going to lead to more burnout in the long run and certainly less keeping track of the residents, look at Whealdon Estates for instance.
I saw a program on TV the other day, it was mentioned that Waveland, MS lost 1/3 of its' residents after hurricane Katrina, they never moved back. Some of Holiday RD's have never wanted to hear about the loss of revenue because the people we target have moved and are never coming back in the southern areas. The insist on raising the prices up higher and higher and the people base just is not there anymore. We also had more mom's having to move back in with the kids because they were either going broke, or the kids were out of work and could combine parents income and make it, just think how far $1800. - $3200. can go if you don't have income coming in.
Unfortunately the employees are suffering with the Holiday/FIG plan of having mangers work themselves to death running a building and then all the marketing and YGL and to top it off all the conference calls that just waste time and break your day up where you can't get nothing done. I loved home visits, and even professional visits, but it is hard to run, run, run. Hope someday HRC figures this out.
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For the anonymous user who agreed to send information from the employee handbook - if you emailed it, I have not yet received. Thanks again.
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I haven't emailed it.
I just got it here.
What was the question?
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@anonymous..I have the things you requested and need your email addy again. I have been waiting for weeks to hear from you again. Thank you.
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@anonymous...The couple just got back to town last night and are dropping off the handbook this afternoon on way to work. Sorry, should've kept you updated!
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What happens in these building that 100% occupied? Do they get a larger budget? or do they try to see where they can save money by making cut-backs in those filled buildings?
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To the best of my memory once a building is 100% you do not get an increased budget because of being filled. It is a good idea to use most of whatever money is budgeted for each category, now if you don't use the money it does not carry over. Budgets are usually done up in the fall for the next year and it is based on what you spent in the previous year and what the projected census they think will be, so if you had a maintenance budget of $1000.00 a month (I wish:} and only spent on average $500.00, you may end up with a new budget of $500.00 the next year. I know the RD we had was trying to save money on things like the resident budgeted entertainment, her communities were told to cut out money on paid entertainment and of course they like any type of free included in the word so if you can get volunteer groups and save money that is great. Anther place that is usually hit is the bus hours and miles but this doesn't make happy residents either, I figure the more people see a bus out and about the better, free advertising.
I'd say good luck and wisely categorize money spent in the right category, esp for all these VA events, etc so that it goes against marketing instead of the building and the residents welfare.
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It is easy to make statements here when you hide behind a your anonymous name. You can say what you want with no responsiblily or accountability. Whether your statments are truth or lies is not important because there is very little creditbility in statements made by people who don't use their real name. I don't want to hear that you are afriad of recourse. If what you are saying has any merit then you would not have any problem with letting people know who are. I have been reading this blog for almost two years and always been interested in why people say what they say here without using their name and actually think that you are going to be taken seriously. I have no problem saying what I need to say without hiding who I am. I am not going to say that I agree with everything that goes on with HRC, but I can either do my job as best I can or I can quit. I have found much of what I read here to be false in the almost 2 years that I have been here I have not seen any of what is said here to be happening, now I am not naive, this is a large company so it is posible,just like with any large company, that there will unethical managers.
To Anon are you kidding me, you oviously have very little managment experience. Yes you get a larger budget, but like any good manager you want to be wise with how you spend the budget.
Honesty, Ethics, and Integrity are very important to me, so hiding behind a phoney name is just wrong no matter how you slice it.
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Bill, Be real here. People use ficticious names to keep from POSSIBLY being fired. Big Brother at FIG watches everything. I am sure they monitor this site, but then if they did, they should be HEARING the out cries and do some changing.
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How so we know you are using YOUR real name?
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One way to tell is to send an email to him.
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Bill, if you really don’t understand why people use anon names, let me help explain. In less than 10 minutes, I know what community you co at in OHIO, when you were born, raised, went to school and what you are currently doing. Who you wife is, parents, children, nieces and nephews inlaws and your genealogy back several generations, credit and criminal history, what books , movies, sports, and news channels you watch. You seem like a sincere guy, I don’t know what Holiday is like in your region but I can assure you there are good reasons why people don’t want to use their real names not to mention the above. Oh BTW, we may be related!!!!
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HRC does riead this blog and uses it to their advantage. They use it against anyone who dares speak (write) ill of them. If you are an employee, consider yourself fired. You can write on the blog with your real name, and if they like it, fine. But, you will be notified if they don't, including firing!!!
Still..was not nor am employed by HRC or any of their affiliates!!! They hit me, what's to stop them from taking out their own????
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Since I am not at any property anymore I don't care if they know who I am or not. What I do care is how they can hire RD's who are puffed up, don't have a clue what they are talking about and who can pull the stunts they have knowingly. And along with the RD's are their little sidekicks who also propagate the lies with no proof. I think this is what the public needs to know and any unsuspecting future employee. Discrimination is among some of the ills. There is no recourse, no one from corporate calls to find out what is going on, you are just gone. But that is ok they reap what they sow.
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I know about the lies as I have seen employees make false statements to look 'good' to corporate office. One employee sways day to day and manipulates arguments and hard feelings between managers and co-managers. She, then, switches sides and keeps the war going and whichever side looks like it is going to win..she takes their side, only to stab them later. She has been doing this for over 3 years and hasn't blown her game, yet. Staff and residents know about it and refuse to go against her so they do not end up on her hit list. I feel sorry for the people who got zipped by HRC. those of you working for them, I wish you the best, but just keep your eyes open. What's good today, can be rotten tomorrow. Just take care, document and make copies....Good Luck!!
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HRC is a running a dictorship with teir rd and rsl. The Managers and Cos can are constantly getting emails, calls on conference calls 4 time a week, end of day reports, required to constantly call past inquiries to schedule 4-5 tours Thurs-Sun. The rsl even calls before the tour is done to see how it went and make sure you get a mi like a hotel. From past experience it takes at least 3-4 visits for people to make a decision to find a new home. A community is not a hotel its a home but they do not realize that. FIG should come and visit buildings to see how hard management teams work. A & A is a problem and paper work is not completed and people get upset and move in with their family. One gentleman I know paid $4,000 to have one Co do his paper work and that was a couple of months ago and he still hasn't heard from them or got notice he was going to receive A & A. If they spent half the $ improving the food budget and showing a little appreciation to the MG Teams things would improve. The rents are outragious and keep going up at least 5%. The residents are not making that much on their savings. FIG and HRC why don't you wake up and look at how it this business was built by the Colesons and try to do what is right for the people involved with your company.
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I don't care if you think you know me and BTY we are Managers not CO's. I still say that you people have not made me think any different about HRC because I base what I believe on what I see not hear. Most of you have provied very little proof of what you say.
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Bill, forgive the typo, I meant where you co’d at. I do understand your not letting others opinions sway your thinking about Holiday, they shouldn’t. I can tell you are not swayed by others opinions because you like the Detroit Lions . I liked them back when Alex Karras played for them.
(I worked on a movie with Alex many years ago…another story) When my wife and I went to work for Holiday it would not have mattered what others were saying but we found many of the things posted here were true, that is why we quit. I’m thankful things are different for you. Best Wishes!
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Just looking for specifics (if any) on disciplinary action policy/procedure. Thanks much.
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Bill, your snide comments make me think you probably fit right in at Holiday. Best of luck.
People on this blog are only trying to protect themselves; do you honestly believe that every anonymous poster here is making up these awful stories for fun? Perhaps if only one or two folks had visited this site I could understand, but former and current employees and residents who have something to say about the way Holiday handles their business are visiting the site in droves. When you think of all of the (supposedly crooked) major corporations in America , how many do you know of that actually have blogs established to allow the masses of people who feel wronged by said companies?? That says something about HRC, in my opinion. And it ain't pretty.
FYI - getting fired from HRC is highly likely, regardless of whether you post here or not. The members of leadership I've been exposed to are fearful of anyone who challenges the status quo or tries to expose flaws in the system.
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Well Bill is a manager and a Veteran and I am proud for him. He loves helping Veterans and he loves Holiday Retirement why because he get a bonus at the end of the year? What about the $400 dollars moving in bonus? As a Veteran he knows that HRC is not licensed as assisted living facilities? Let's get real Veterans are being used to make money there's no loyaty or real appreciation for our Veterans it's about running a con on senior citizens and the Federal Government. Bill I know for a fact that I have seen the abuse of Veterans and their spouses the difference between us is that there is no amount of money that you are anyone else can pay me to disrespected or use our wartime veterans when they deserve so much more for all they have done for our country. You claimed you are helping them then tell me how many rent discounts you have given Veterans? Bill you are just a manager and not the the Boss and you can't do anything unless someone above you tell you what and when to do and say anything. I have seen the mistreatment of our veterans and I am speaking out and exposing HRC and I am not going to stop until they are exposed! By the way Bill, I am using my own name and I have the documentation to prove any and everything I say can you? If so then put out here so you can prove that your employer is doing a great job we are all waiting to see your proof and not more lip service!
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That's great that you are using your name this brings creditability to what you are saying. I delivery on what I say every day in my building. I operate ethically and none of what you state has happened here. I'm not what move-in bonus you are refering to but you are incorect it is $100. I am not disputing what you are saying I'm just spaeking to the facat that it has not happened here. We have not any problems here because we follow the actually VA APPROVED PROGRAM. I REFUSE TO DO ANYTHING THAT GOES AGAINS MY ETHICS AND VALUES. I have never been told to do anything unethical or illegal. Managers and above in other builds and areas that are will be found out and should be FIRED. I AM BERY PROUND TO HAVE SERVED MY COUNTRY, AND NOT ONLY DO I LOVE HELPING VETERANS BUT I ALSO LOVE SERVING ALL SENIORS. Sorry that you have had a bad experience with HRC, but this does not mean that this is going on everywhere.
This company, like any large company, deal with unethical behavior everyday, but that does not mean that the whole company is unehtical.
You can twist this how ever you want to fit what you believe. I speak from experience on lip servce.
I will continue to provide my residents and staff the best I can give for as long as I can.
I have learned that I am only responsible for my behavior not anyone elses. I can not or am not going to try to convince this or any compnay that I know more then them or that they need to be doing business the way I think they should. If I am that samrt then I will go out and start my own business and run it the way I want.
I am not a COWARD, so bring on the attacks from people with no names and in my opnion very little creditability.
I BELIEVE WITH MY WHOLE HEAR THAT I AM PROVIDING THE HOLIDAY TOUCH EVERYDAY TO ME RESIDENTS. SO I SUGGEST THAT IF YOU ARE STILL WOKING FOR HRC THEN SPEND LESS TIME COMPLAING ON THIS BLOG AND MORE TIME PROVIDING THE TOUCH TO YOUR RESIDENTS.
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Makes me wonder which region Bill is from.....
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Bill is at The Worthington, Gahanna ohio
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Yes and we have a great team. Tell me who you are.
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Let's get real for a moument? If you all really think that you are safe on this Blog then think again. There are pople out there that can find out anything they want about everyone on this blog. ID Theft is the number one crime in the world. People can be found out about no matter how protected you think you are. Wether it is your finances, driver'e licence, medical or criminal record. You think you are safe but your not, I'm saying this scare you but pointing out the reality that you are not as safe as you think you are.
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Opps I meant to say I'm not saying this to scare you
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I am a retired Firefighter withover 30 years of service. I worked at Whealdon Estates in Baton Rouge La. for Holiday Retirement. The CSL who also was a veteran was misleading the Veterans and expected us to support his lies. This man who was allowing his father to stay in the community Guest room free of charge was months was telling the Veterans that he would sho them how to hid their property in order to qualify for the Veterans Aid and Attendance program. He and the Manager who was his wife concern was how much money they were going to make off the veterans move in's. My wife and I even heard this man say that we should put someone down in order to get the $1,500.00 referral fee. which we would never participate or condone. I report the illegal activities to HRC and they placed me on Admin Lv. because I was exposing the illegal procedures and the lies being used to manipulate veterans into moving into their facility. When we wouldn't supported them they started using the race game to harass and try to intimidate us into a confrontation. It's really sad when a Company like Holiday will still hire and support people who will discriminate against a person just because of the color of their skin!! If you need to know anything else about me then I have posted all my contact information on this blog. I am waiting on you to do the same. Provide us with your facts and your documentation as I have and let's let the readers of this blog to see who is telling the truth!!!!
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And how much input did the ex RD have on this information.
I do not know the details of the dad, but he was there in Feb, possibly staying with another resident?. Was left in the dining room quite a long time after the meal service, or in the lobby, we had no idea who he was or what apartment he belonged in.
Do not know any of their sale tactics.
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Everyone has a different experience or perspective regarding Holiday Retirement. Each relates as to their particular.
This does not make one experience better or worse than another. My wife and I experienced numerous factors we could not feel comfortable with, so we separated from the company on very good mutual terms.
Please do not allow yourselves to react as if a personal affront simply because one feels primarily positive or negative and another feels different.
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We arrived in March and we were told that the CSL father had been staying since January of this year. My wife was required to verify that all rents that were due were collected and recorded that when we realize that there was no file or contract in the files for his father. The apartment he was staying in was listed as a guest room but he was living in a fully furnish apartment and recieving free health care services from the company that the CSL approved to be the only one to work in there community. The incident in the dining area was true and it's sad to say that his father was left on the couch unattended and he wet on himself. I had to be the one to clean it up. The CSL, Manager,RCSL and the RD when this fact was brought out decide to manipulate into getting us terminated and to escalate their acts of discrimination against us in order to provoke me into what the RD said was being insubordinate which was also a lie. When this didn't work the CSL called the Sheriff Dept. and while his call was being recorded he claim that I was threatening him. He then got up in my face and told me that I didn't know who I was messing with and that he would take me out. When the deputy arrived on the scene he told the CSL that they listened to the recording and all that they heard was that he had terminated me and that they did not hear me make any threats and that all the individuals that were around us at the time the CSL claimed I made these bogus threats. What funny is he still there and we were terminated. In fact it's my understanding that he now also working in the Kenner La. property. He's helping with getting move-in's. I hope he sober over there!!!
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Wow, Mr. Davis. I was not even an employee and I got written up for insubordination. Makes me laugh now. They played every game with me and, finally, used this blog and care giver rules that I did not break, except for shorts that are allowed in nursing. To three inches only above the knee in hot weather. They practice bullying as most practice brushing their teeth. This is just my opinion.
Good luck to you and keep your cool. They want you to go off and then they look good.
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Sincew I have not been employed by Holiday Retirement I have been able to go to different areas where Holiday Retirement has property and also meeting with other former employee's that have witness or has had the same or similiar problems that we have had with HRC. People you would be shocked! These are not isolated incidentsin just a few communities but a planned and manipulated act to defraud the Veterans Administration and the Wartime Veterans. I also have talked to several attorneys in several states and there is a strong possiblity that litigation will be filed against Holiday Retirement on possible violation of the Federal Wage and Labor Law. It's was and still is a policy of Holiday Retirement that is requiring managers and co-managers to work excessive hours which when you divide the hours to the salaries of the employee is below the minimum wages of $7.25 per hour. The reason for this action will be that the employees and the advertisment by Holiday Retirement stated that managers and co-managers benefits was free rent and free meals but on the employee bi-weekly checks Holiday clearly place a fee for rent and meals in order to justify that this was a part of the employee salary and was not a violation of the Federal Wage and Labor Law. It is also clear that Holiday Retirement false advertisment was used as an enticement to lure people to come work for their company and when they were hired under these false claims and promises.
By the way, I did anticipated that Holiday Retirement would attack my credibility but there's a old saying when you wrongly point the finger at someone you always have four fingers pointing back at the liar!!!!!
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They are not allowed to pay like that. I can't remember the chef, but he was in California...won a case against HRC for working hours as the reg chefs. An executive Chef, I should clarify. You get paid, no matter what HRC tells you. You need to check it out with your local employment agency and find out the state laws about salary and hourly wage. There is a limit on hours.
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I believe the loop hole on this is that is as long as they are paying you minimum wage when salaried it doesn't necessarily mean how many hours they pay you for.
Also in other situations where the housing is provided for as a salary, you have to pay taxes on it as a salary: the reason you don't have to pay taxes on the amount with HRC is because you are on call and have to stay on the property with the possibility of no sleep. I know my brother and his wife managed a trailer park years ago and the office, the office phone service and electric was considered part of the company, therefore no taxes charged. The rest of the trailer they lived in was considered part of the salary and was taxable as income.
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They still have labor laws. You need to check them out. I swear that some things are wrong and HRC will bully you into not complaining or lie when you do!
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We have had family use a guest apartment when they were visiting, but it was not a forever time like it sounds like the CSL'S dad was, then the lack of respect of not even letting us know he was on the property and here you have this very lost person and no way of figuring where he belonged, had to call them to find out this info.
I know there were some pretty rough characters at this location esp in the LA area, and when we were there it was to fill in so the manager and csl could have a couple of days off. The building had been in lockdown since the previous Saturday I believe and by the time we got there the residents were ready to mutiny anyway. We know they had complaints but were not going to let them abuse us over the deal. Disposable dishes and silverware were having to be used and the coffeepots were not able to be put out, oh boy that was terrible. During dining room service since sugar and creamers had to be given out to each resident by hand, along with the coffee and water,etc, so it was taking a lot longer because of this. I know there was one lady who just could not understand why there wasn't a table menu out and she got really irate over it and complained about us. There was the menu written on the menu board is what we went by for the meal. There was nothing else going on in the building as far as activities because of the lockdown.
I can imagine some of the tactics used since the lack of knowledge by the new managers we had was manifested by some of the same methods. Was this the new plan to get people to quit.
The CSL being in Kenner is I am sure just going to be running back and forth between the properties, trying to sell to a dead economy and high monthly rates. He may be beating a dead horse to death
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Well, we were told that they had some type outbreak and they had to close the community down and feed the people with paper plates. This was done right before we arrived at this location and when we got there there were so many rats running around in the kitchen and food storage areas that you could see the rat dropping in the rice and other dry foods and you could smell the rat urine in these areas. Instead of getting a professinal exterminator that had the maintenace man buy rat posion and the rats where dead in the walls of the community and we had to suffer through the smell for over two weeks in our apartment. We complianted but we could'nt use the guest room because the csl father was living free in that unit. The roaches was so bad that on numerous occassions we found roaches in the plates and cups on the dining room tables. How's that for the Great Holiday Way of life for senir citizens?
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I didn't pay a lot of attention to the back of the kitchen the days we were there so I can not post on the storage, it does seem like the floors were a little messy and scattered. The storage areas were a little rinky and not well organized I don't believe. What I did not like was the bathroom door that did not have a doorknob and had a towel stuffed in the hole on the door. And why I wonder did they not take steps to keep the exterminator notified of these problems,it was so easy to cure. I think that all communities at one time or another have had roaches or mice move in according to the weather, it is life in the south esp, but it needs to be addressed quickly. Also the Kenner Hrc has had major problems with fleas, too many cats around outside and the muscovey ducks that are free roaming in the area.
I hate to say the mentality of HR is attributing to the lack of structure, rules and organization. All they are intersted in is the fluff going on, the VA events to attract new move-ins, pyramid schemes to get new move-ins in. In most cases who is scared of the big bad wolf if they are in with the higher ups. Personally I have no respect for the RD"s they are bringing in, they have no respect for anyone at all is what I have found. Ringling Bros might be better off running the business now.
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They had or have bedbugs and cockroaches in the facility here. I was getting phone calls, but the residents were told they could not talk to me. I am going to lunch with one this weekend and will find out more. We are in the west in desert country. They have kept the 'bug' incidents underwraps. I think I will call if the problem still exists. One good turn deserves another. DL, I hope this does not overstep the bounds of your site.
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I think it would be better to have roaches instead of the bedbugs. Bedbugs are a lot harder to get rid of I think. The way some of the residents packrat food and hoard things in some cases doesn't help with the roach situation either.
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They had new managers broken in by the noro virus here. That really was a bad time for the residents and managers. I do not know how they made it through. HRC got a step ahead of the health dept. because of suggestions. Again, I screwed myself. If you take steps to remedy, the health dept. does nothing. When they had their final inspection, the Executive Chef did not mention that their was a BBQ going on in the back of the facility. Knowing what I know today, when I hear anything now, I will let all depts. know. They did not get the okay for the BBQ until it was half over. Health dept. never did know. They conspire to hide everything from every agency they can. This is a fact!!
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I agree with much of what Bill says. As I've stated here before, it is what you make of it. Just dont be surprised to have it all taken away for no reason.
It is what it is.
Meanwhile, my wife and I are trying to rent out the guest room(which isn't on the inventory) on a cash paying only basis for an absurdly low price.
Part of the nest egg if you will.
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Are you 100% rented not counting the guest apartment. It use to count as inventory and you would only be about 99% occupied. Good luck hope you get it rented.
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And now HRC knows. I swear to God that they monitor this blog all the time...Please be safe and keep quiet about this. They will check ocean to ocean....watch for spies, also!
The one faciliry here, or maybe both in Northern Nevada, are talking again (and again and again) about having a company come in and set up an office in the building. The company brags on god employees, but I know of one that got charged and had charges dropped for stealing from a patient!! Guess they took a page out of HRC's handbook....LOL
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how long is this company going to go without enough co managers to cover the positions??? There are just areas of the country and or older buildings that people do not want to go to. Then add in the hours and working conditions... If you were or are a manager - how long are you willing to carry the full load without help???
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I hate that there are buildings without the co's, but I wonder how many people have now read this website and decided not to work for Holiday. I would say for most people who would want to give up everything including family and then be a work horse for people who have no clue. Why waste a year or two of your life. We had worked for a short period of time in the building when the managers were forced out on the first cut and carried on with life, we had experience though and that helped and we did have to change up how things were done a little in order to not work ourselves to death but I wouldn't like to do it forever that way.
What has happened to the abbreviated classes they were having I wonder, it sounded like some of the classes they had ended up with too many flu outbreaks going on and quarantined students, no wonder no one knows what to do. Have they gotten the new training computer that they were trying to figure out where to put a few months ago, another idea I guess.
Frankly who wants to be a co under some of the managers they have gotten.
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For the short time we worked for holiday as cos we had 4 different sets of managers. Only ones set appeared to have their act together.
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Did you quit or did they get rid of you. I forgot how many sets of managers the residents said they had had over a 4 yr period but it was quite a few. The residents do not like the constant change of faces it takes anywhere from 3 to 6 mo for them to get use to you and trust you and then they have to go through the whole routine again.
And I miss the residents too and wonder how they all are doing. There were several who went to assisted living or cheaper places after we left. It breaks my heart the things that HRC has pulled.
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I tried counting for the past 8 years and have given up. I watched my patients go through serparation anxiety and then try not to care for the new ones because they would not be around for any great length. I think they are more afraid of getting attached to the co-managers, than the managers. Cos just pass too quickly. Hearts can only take so much breaking. If mangers feel threatened by the Cos, they find any reason, made up or real, to get rid of them. HRC doesn't seem to mind. Alot of good quality Cos went by the wayside because the managers wanted to be THE ones. Very few Cos had the chance to unpack, let alone know the residents. Some were afraid because of past stories. Enrichment coordinators get to play both sides against the middle too. One has no fear of any retaliation because she has used her technique time and again and made it work.
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I know that this is what happens and have heard it from residents. It is funny it seems to run along the same lines with the managers in most cases, I wonder is this is because they are of a different personality than the co's. It seems like all the managers we have met are of the same cloth, and sometimes on the fine line of being crazy if you ask me. They like to keep you in the dark and not knowing anything because of whatever fear. Yes and most EC's seem to know which side of the fence line to be on. Of course I know they get a lot a bull too and things dumped on them that was not their responsibility in the past. It is just too bad that we all had to work and put up with all of this attitude, once upon a time I thought HRC had tried to do away somewhat of the Manager, Co-Manager attitude and had management teams on a more equal basis. But that seems to have disappeared in the last couple of years.
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Hit the nail on the head!!!!
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I can tell you that even tho they like to use the term "Management Team" there is no team. As Co's you do what the managers want, do most of their work, put in the longer hours. They don't care about your opinion, staff meetings are rare, so communications are usually very poor. They change the office and pretty much everything in the community to be just like "where they came from." Even though you knew where everything was - now you can't find a thing. They set their own hours, walk around like little Hitlers, scream at staff members, tell residents who complain that "if you don't like it you can move." BUT if they fill apartments RD's and higher could care less what goes on. Co's are expendable, when we first started we actually thought they were going to mentor us so that we could step up and manage a community. Yea, we have experienced a lot, all of the guys had gigantic egos, one set the wife did ALL of the work, another set the wife did not even know how to check her email. yet another set she does all of the work and he tries to take over the CSL's job, or just disappears all of the time. Oh, and it really frosts them if the residents like you better than them. I could go on with a few more couples issues, but most of you have been there too. It is just part of what makes the job too hard to stick with, at least for us and the hundreds of other couples who have thrown in the towel.
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Linny - I had this blog brought to my attention from the daughter of a resident, about 6 months ago. I am now posting to reply your comment. I read this to my husband and we both agreed, it could have been written by me! You hit the nail on the head. There IS NO TEAM for a lot of us and we are no exception. The new Com. Managers are a nightmare. She is a flaming narcissist and he wants to be the not the CSL, but the enrichment coordinator. The residents mock her and distrust both of them. The RD is catering to her and ignoring the red flags. You are absolutely correct, there is no communication. Meetings are useless - it is her agenda and the rest of the staff input is ignored. Her so-called equal is only allowed to speak when he can take his (pardon the wording) balls out of her purse.
Indeed, the job is what you make of it. We loved it before they got here and yes, the thought of breaking our beloved residents hearts when we leave will weigh upon us heavily. But it boils down to that our our mental well being and sanity.
Thanks Linny - I have admired your comments and insight and mirror them.
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Deflated: That is why I was wondering why it seems like the managers follow the type mindset of your managers, I hate to say it is always the women who most generally have been the worst I think. I'm not saying that all co's may get along better as husband and wife but it just seems, I'm sure that there are some that are as bad as the managers, esp if these are promoted. It appears most managers work on an egotistical mentality. It's like they don't want to
share their toys.
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Nightmareworld: I believe before anyone is hired in the position of a manager, there should be some type of personality test given. I have had prior jobs working with money where the companies had a test in place to see how you responded. Some questions were re-worded to trip you up, but if you answered honestly and consistently, no problem. If you failed you were not hired. Seems to me this could weed out the crazies before they ever waltzed in the door. I don't necessarily think it is women who are the worst or co's who get promoted, more than it is people who lie, manipulate, embelish and fake their way into a company that supposedly puts the elderly and the holiday touch first.
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While it's a great idea, they don't have the luxury. The way they plow through managers and cos, they've got to cast a wide net. Too bad, really. Our Seniors deserve better.
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To Jackson: I just got off of the phone with co's who are experiencing the unmitigated joy (kidding, dripping in sarcasm) of dealing with managers (transferred to their community a few months ago)who have been with the company over 5 years. (I am told) He is creepy, he cheats on his wife, made a pass at a resident's daughter, oh yeah, he is a former pastor! She likes to hide out in their apartment and do nothing, no coffee pouring, no nothing. She doesn't know the names of the residents! SOMETHING needs to be done. Somethings gotta give. This company should find 20 minutes in the hiring process to do this, so that our seniors and good/normal associates can avoid years of hell with circus freaks who never should have been hired in the first place.
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@deflated...I think they enjoy the show! They keep letting one come back and then in a few weeks or 2 months, gone again. Never ceases to amaze me.
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To Anonymous - Just another reason why I chose the screen name I use.....you very well may be right. sick
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Wow, to say that is sad is only the beginning of what that is. I only worked for the company for 6 months and saw more crazy than I've seen in 20 years of working. The people who should have been supported were thrown under the bus and the ones that should have been let go were kept on for some inexplicable reason. That's not to say that there aren't some good people there but the fact that there's so many bad, really speaks to the culture of HRC.
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Hey, Action!! Sure wish HRC wasn't wtching this so closely...I have a great one, but it will lead to me, so I cannot write it. I am sure you remember what I have been writing about. This is #3 for the year for her....
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Hi Anon
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It is the truth..everything is great with me and business is growing! To the manager..I know you are on call 24/7. I have seen great managers for HRC and I hope they see you as good and do not get rid of you. The residents deserve managers such as yourselves!
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Anon, thanks for your kind words, they are appreciated. I don't work for HRC anymore... was fired on BS made up reasons but the bottom line is that I didn't have the move ins that I needed. I wasn't a manager or co, I was a CSL. I think that a lot of people think I was a manager because I never said otherwise and have a real respect for those good managers that try their best to make the job work, no matter what comes their way. I'm working in a new job that is completely out of the profession but do miss the residents quite a bit. Don't miss anything about the job or being harrassed and threatened on a daily basis by the RD and RSL - both of which were the two most useless people I've ever had the "pleasure" to work with.
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I would never have guessed sales. You are very confident and have a way of being a leader. Then, again, you had me sold right after I started talking to you on here!! Very glad to have you as a friend and happy you are well after hell!!
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Deflated: YOu are probably right. I can't say that we even knew what we were getting into when we first started, but it goes with responsibility for being there for the residents in all ways as needed. This included fire alarms going off on our days off even. There is one test I ran across Meyers-Briggs and maybe that would be a good idea. The best one is what do you think of being woke up in the wee hours with a resident who just wants to talk, settle her down and then an hour later she starts in again. This of course is on your long day. Then add in missing employees that you have to wash dishes for 2x that day, etc. Then the fight in the diningroom over seating. Don't forget the conference call at 1:30pm before you have the diningroom cleared out or even eaten. There has been so many other funny things too. The worst is staying with family or notifying them of the death of a loved one, but I would rather they heard it from us since we adopted their family as ours.
My husband has always been an "A" type personality pretty much, he expects it to be done the right way the first time but he also has to consider the age and abilities of residents and employees. He enjoyed mentoring the servers, the problems going on with staff in the kitchen even though on that he was ready to strangle a few. I am more of the pushover and would like to make sure if an employee wasn't doing something right, they would have a chance to correct it. But then my buttons could only be pushed so far too. I don't usually smart back at people, but on a couple of occasions the fuse was lit, on both occasions I was right, once with a manager and then a RD. And one thing I would never do would be to cut my husband down like I have seen some wives do. We may have our differences and have to agree on something, but not like I have seen some do in public, I think it is a lack of respect for each other perhaps.
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I believe you should have worked with elderly be for hired on. I'm no collage grad but I'm smart enough to know the residents are the marketers. Keep the ones you have happy they will tell there friend's
and there is no I in team.
T= together
E= everyone
A= achieves
M= more
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Please be careful using a general statement--not ALL managers are horrid. I can tell you that my spouse & I put in double the hours of our co-mgrs. Not because my co's aren't good--but because we are the managers & it is our job. Yes, co's have 4 of 7 nights in the week...but every manager I know is still working on their days/nights off. Our co's take their days off w/o worrying about how the building is running. As mgrs. we are having to buy supplies, answer questions from co's & other staff & RD's, etc. on our days off. If there is a problem, the manager has to answer for it. Please don't lump us all together as the "evil" managers...for every comment you make about managers, it can go to describe many co-managers. There are many, many good managers AND co-managers out there. Unless you have met each of us personally, don't use "they" as if it was everyone. Until someone has actually had a manager's job, it is hard to say what they are going through. Many don't burden their co-mgrs with all the issues. It is a hard job & very, very difficult for both sets of the team. Guess the old addage, "walk a mile in my shoes" should be applied before saying "all the guys had gigantic egos" or "it really frosts them"...seriously!!
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Don't Categorize Me: You are right we shouldn't say that all managers or co's are bad and I truly would have liked to have a great one to work under who did not want to take all the credit for themselves, but in 2 out of 3 this is the way it went. And yes it is hard for the manager because it does roll down hill and it hits your heads first, but I always felt it was an equal deal when that happened we were all responsible for any problems. We walked on eggshells not knowing which way to go most of the time because one day it was to be this way and the next day it was it wasn't done right.
We always liked our hours and the days off. We could leave out Sunday morning and go home, sneak back in the wee hours of Tues morning, get a little sleep and be back on the job at 11:30 am. It felt like being a teen sometimes and sneaking back in. But if our manager needed the extra day off to take care of business or whatever, we would go ahead and work it for them and then they would work for us the next week. It usually balanced out ok. Of course you know the holidays were not really worth taking off. I would just as well prefer eating and making the residents happy on those days and we did have fun with it most of the time.
I really think some of the problem lies with the RD's though not knowing what is going on or what to look for and the managers who have been causing the problems just carry on and no one knows the difference.
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To Nightmareworld: Your last paragraph touches a nerve with me. A LOT of the problem lies with the RD. They are solely focused on sales to the exclusion of everything else. If they are aware, and mine is, then the blanket solution is a flyer in the weekly sales conference call. Read it. Follow it. They don't care about the conflict or how it affects residents, and yes I am using the word THEY on this one because we all know when they get together for their group powwow they get their heinies spanked and come back ready to spew. Sales culture baby! It does not matter one iota that managers and co's are sinking because of the bad apples. The only way it gets fixed is when THE GOOD PEOPLE LEAVE.
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To Don't Categorize: You clearly are a person who is the opposite of what I deal with. She is a narcissist. Look it up, it explains her to a T. He is useless and I mean you can hear the empty in his head. Quiet, except for the occasional chirping sounds. From what I am understanding, you 4 are a TEAM. Lack of team from what Linny wrote was what got me on this blog. It is critical to be a TEAM - not exclude. The residents come to my husband and myself, why, because they know what the managers are doing (and not doing) and don't trust them. Those managers out there that are "good" need to utilize and depend upon their co's. Communicate. If you have that with your co's and have a team, then you truly get it and I wish we had you instead of the pathetic excuses that we do have. Unfortunately for those that use the word THEY, maybe that is all they have experienced?? And yes, it goes both ways with the co's! This really shouldn't be so difficult should it???
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You know we were always happy just being a co, we enjoyed the days off we had and the the sh## always rolls down hill from the uppers, but it gets to a point where it is better to be a manager than the co then (of course we didn't have to worry about that happening, the previous manager who was a crook took care of that with the lies to the RD) and when you know more than the ones they are bringing in and you don't want to subject your residents to more bull again. It did use to be a mentoring program, they didn't bring in managers off the street who had never worked there before and you might as well have figured on working 6 mos to a year before even thinking about being promoted, but that is not the way it is now. With just 2 weeks training the new managers know it all, the new set we had didn't have a clue about Kronos which you think would be one main thing they would be taught. Frankly when ours showed their butt is when I decided that it was not a good thing to have to train them with things they should have learned already, I didn't get teaching pay. If they needed help and were there fine and dandy, but I was not taking my free time to do it or come in on days off.
We always tried to play fair to the residents and employees complaints if it was something that could be resolved, you know there are issues that can't always be addressed. The worst things were the squabbles that went on in the dining room and having to settle who sits where, and what server is going to serve you (had a couple of brain dead ones that we were trying to work with, and the best ones were the fights over live music going on where bingo couldn't be played, you might as well have been dealing with 5 yr olds in a sandbox. But like you say the lack of communication, lack of meetings between staff and residents closes off a great tool even if it drives you crazy on some of them. Some days we felt like we were going around in a twilight zone not having a clue what was going on till it was already over.
I really miss all the moms and dads and family members we made but I enjoy having the grandkids once again where I can see them regularly.
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8 yrs as a veteran chef and run off by managers that been there for two.I have resigned effective oct 15th .never been so harrassed by managers in my life never had problems with managers with holiday retirement.Holiday retirement has been good to me as i have been very successful with the company although i did have some food cost issues trying to keep on 1 $3.66 per RESIDENT PER DAY IS ABSOULTE CHEAP WERE THELOWEST IN THE REGION.AND THE REGIONAL CHEF TREAT YOU LIKE YOU HAVE NEVER BEEN IN A KITCHEN WHY THEY HAVE THEM I DONT NEVER DOEN ANYTHING FOR ME THEY COME AROUND EVERY THREE MONTHS CHEW YOUR ASS THEN LEAVE.NO MOTIVATION WHAT SO EVER.JUST WORK TIL YOUR FEET FALL OFF OR DIE OF A HEART ATTACK.OUR RESIDENTS DONT GET WHAT THEY DESERVE AT ALL FOR WHAT THEY PAY IT IS TO BAD NOT LIKE IT WAS WHEN THE COLSONS HAD IT.I,AM VERY SAD THAT I HAD TO LEAVE BUT WHEN YOU SEE A MANAGER GET INTO A RESIDENTS FACE AND TELL THEM THEY ARE NOT WORTH ANYTHING THATS DRAWS THE LINE BECAUSE THE REGIONAL DIRECTOR DOES NOT WANT TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT BE CAUSE HE HAS NO BALLS.
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Ran off: This really sounds like a winner for a boss to pull something like that and so lowdown to treat a resident that way. I know there are some that will cause you to grit your teeth, I am sure you have had some of those who have bugged you to death.
What makes it hard now is that the newbies really have no clue what the guidelines say and we have been in kitchens where the employees would try to pan their work off on someone else all the time. Potatoes wouldn't be peeled, roasts not pulled, all the usual stuff I guess they can find to not do. We lost one good chef years ago because the trouble making dishwasher said he was trying to run the kitchen like a drill Sargent when chef enforced the kitchen and coolers to be cleaned up, also the manager did not like him either among others she didn't like and was able to fire him with no recourse.
I really would not want to be a chef, we had filled in on occasions when the sous or night cook was sick, and it would usually take 5 or more of us to do so. We had fun but it is a very hard job, and if you have had some of the employees like a couple of the communities we were at I would just say let them run it and get out. Gosh all the cut-throat stuff that goes on and backstabbing.
I hope you find a better job that you will enjoy and have a good time (if cooking all day can be fun) maybe you won't have to wash a bunch of pots and pans in the deal. And it will sure be a lot less hassle and heartache.
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Unbelievable. I am sad for you and horrified for your residents. I hope you make it clear what goes on around there to someone other than the RD before you leave. Best of luck to you Chef.
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The RD's HAVE NO BALLS. No there is a NEWSFLASH.
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Seems we all have such similar horror stories, wish there was something that could be done, but FIG has it all figured out it and has us over a barrel. Other industries would never get away with the things that they do. No crystal balls or great ideas here, just hanging on one day at a time. I know there are so many of you doing the same thing.
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To: Ran Off - Where I come from our chef is treated like freakin rock star. Every new set of managers say that "you have no idea how it is when you have a bad chef." Now I will say that this guy tries to follow the Holiday Guidelines, but it is the mind set and the attitude that are so hard to deal with. It is all about what the other 4 members of management can do for him - not being part of a team. Makes policy changes with out letting everyone know = so who is caught in the middle??? The severs and the duty managers - plus the residents. I got over him really fast. as before I will give him his due - the kitchen is clean, most of the food is good. he tries. BUT here is the kicker - he has seen so many manger and co manager sets come thru - he has no respect for you. You will be gone for whatever reason and he will still be there.
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http://www.louisianarecord.com/news/238659-cook-sues-after-losing-job-for-reporting-to-jury-duty
Nice work HRC!
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Simon Says: Pay Up Holiday!!
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I phoned the attorney and he will take cases in Louisiana for wrongful termination. Charles Davis, you need to contact him. I gave him this blog. I hope they really check it out! Thanks, MoBettah!! Louisiana has hope!!
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Ok so here is the deal, Holiday is one of the worst places I have ever stepped into. I know my senior housing and TRUST me I am not just mad because I got fired.... This company does not know how to run a senior living community. I ran one in seattle area for almost 2 years and looking back it it was the WORST thing I ever did in my life. SO SO SO SO glad sherfenberg is gone!
For all of you wanting to join HRC, RUN RUN RUN far far away...............
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David Scharfenberg
Regional Director at Holiday Retirement
Location
Greater Seattle Area
Industry
Real Estate
David Scharfenberg's Overview
Current •Regional Director at Holiday Retirement
Past •Regional Manager at Oakwood Worldwide
•Guest Service Manager at The Garden City Hotel
•Hotel Assistant Manager at Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts
Education •University of Nevada-Las Vegas
•Northwest College
Connections 341 connections
Websites•Company Website
David Scharfenberg's Summary
SpecialtiesCustomer focused Team Building, Sales Strategy, ROI expense management, Revenue Growth, Team Development, Corporate Housing, Luxury Hotel Management, Senior Living, Due Diligence, Negotiation, Process Improvement, Human Resource Management, Recruiting, Purchasing, Work Extremely Hard but remember to have some fun and treat people right...
David Scharfenberg's Experience
Regional Director Holiday Retirement
Privately Held; Hospitality industry
August 2009 – Present (2 years 3 months) Greater Seattle Area
Regional Manager Oakwood Worldwide
Privately Held; Hospitality industry
September 2000 – August 2009 (9 years)
Managed for Oakwood in the following Multi-Family Housing markets: Chicago, Washington DC, Seattle, Bellevue, San Jose, Los Angeles, Walnut Creek, Portland, San Francisco, Mountain View, and Falls Church
Guest Service Manager The Garden City Hotel
Privately Held; 51-200 employees; Hospitality industry
June 2000 – September 2000 (4 months)
Hotel Assistant Manager Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts
Privately Held; Hospitality industry
1998 – 2000 (2 years)
Managerial responsibilties in various areas of this luxury hotel including but not limited to Front Office, Room Service, Fine Dining Restaurant, and Guest Services
David Scharfenberg's Skills
Financial Analysis Sales Management Operations Management David Scharfenberg's Education
University of Nevada-Las Vegas Bachelor of Science, Hotel Administration
1995 – 1998
Northwest College Business Management
1994 – 1996
THIS GUY? THE ONE WHO "TREATS PEOPLE RIGHT"??
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I hear that his replacement is even worse. Holiday just keeps topping themselves, that's for sure.
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I sincerely hope that he doesn't get a job in management because that guy shouldn't be allowed to have any authority over work lives of human beings.
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Clearly they aren't being given any "psych" tests either are they?
These drones must be plucked off assembly lines.....
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I agree that it is all about the RD’s. They either make or break you. When my wife and I were hired, we had a great “set” of Rd’s. Yes it was old Holiday and it was a husband and wife “team” who were the RD’s. If you were willing to listen and learn from them, they would do everything in their power to help you and making sure you building would be 100% occupied. The one layer of management (RD’s) was eliminated and it only was 1 person. In our case, our RD ran 19 buildings in his region. His wife became regional sales. At that time there was no VA benefit program at all and you were not able to give away the farm, so to speak. Yet, Holiday had well over 100 communities that were 100% occupied and one of them even 101%. Can Holiday say the same thing these days? Don’t think for one minute that the old Holiday was perfect either but there was friendship amongst managers and co-managers in the region. The RD would make sure he (or she) would take the time to talk to the co-managers as well and as co-manager you were able to call him/her and express your concerns if there were any. You always, and I mean ALWAYS included your Executive Chef. As managers you made sure your Chef would earn his/her bonus as well. You worked as a team and your residents got what they paid for. Obviously, residents in those days always complained about the food. That goes without question and that still hold true today. We did not have these stupid regional conference calls. In fact that was started when the “Blue Light Specials” came onboard. Once a week, every Thursday afternoon at 2 PM there was the regional conference call and how we hated it that time. A lot is BS was spoken and none of these “Blue Light Specials” had a clue how to run a building so we all took it with a grain of salt. Many of times we challenged these people to do our job if they felt they could do better. Challenged them to make DI calls but they never did.
It is unbelievable to me that Fortress does not see that their motto is not working. They paid 6.8 Billion for a company that had an average national occupancy of 94% and the company was making money. Old Holiday was “The Premier” company in senior retirement. We were the envy in the industry. These days Holiday is the laughing stock of the industry and what a shame it really is if you think about it. A complete mismanaged company being sued by resident families, employees and whoever else is suing this company. How in the world can a company keep a CEO and pay him millions of dollars yet the company goes down the drain. I don’t get it.
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Achmed: you are so right this was the way it was when we first hired on. Of course there was still a lot of backstabbing going on, one place had a clique going on where the new manager was the bus driver and then this person had to have a friend to help, this person was totally useless in this type work, and the new manager was the "I" and "Me" person. This person even had to make sure, when out on professional visits, that they knew that this person was the boss of the underling who went also, this was something I could not figure out why it was even important for a dr's office and personnel to even have to know. This person, at a major meeting out of town, also took credit for a spend-down report that I had worked up off a template that had started floating around a few months before, it was color coded to groups etc, and I was the only one who paid the bills then. This was back in the days when you still had to go through the P & L and make sure bills were payed that belonged to you or were missing, etc. This was just one more of the egotistical managers. This person was let go 6 months after going through 2 sets of co's after we left.
I don't know what everyone else thinks, esp if you were let go and you were one of the good ones, but if I had my 2 nd chance I think I would have made life a bitch in corporate with some of the stuff that went on, there is definitely no loyalty given to you so why return the favor.
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This is just an update! We know have confirmation that attorneys in the States of Louisana, Mississippi, Texas, Colorado, Nevada, California, New York and Arizona. I don't know exactly how they are going to approach wronful termination, wag and labor and age and race discrimination while the Federal Government investigate them. I hope that the US Justice department will continue to monitor and investigate other possible illegal activities of HRC.
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Do we know who these attorneys are?
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To: Holiday World
Date: October 5, 2011
From: Jack R. Callison, Jr.
Re: The Holiday Touch in Action!
Greetings Holiday! Each month, we receive numerous letters from new residents sharing personal testimonials about what a wonderful impact we have made in their lives at Holiday Retirement. This month, I would like to share with you an excerpt of a recent letter from Virginia Brown, one of our wonderful residents at Niagara Village in Erie, PA. As you will see below, Virginia shares how moving into Niagara Village provided the energizing and nurturing environment she needed to not only become more outgoing socially, but how living with us has also positively impacted her mobility and physical health. In her own words:
“…Before moving to Niagara Village, I fell at home and hit my head. From then on vertigo was a way of life. At first it was constant and I knew I couldn’t live alone anymore (now it is only occasional).
When I talked about it at Bible study, an Elder offered to bring me over to Niagara Village to look at apartments. He has a brother-in-law who lives here. He felt it was a good fit for me.
Once I moved in, I always stayed in my apartment except at mealtimes. One wonderful woman talked me into joining some activities and that is all I needed. I went from being a caterpillar to a butterfly!
By the time I was here three months I was very active in 3 daily activities; in fact, I didn’t even need the braces on my wrists and knee anymore. I made so many friends who are now family! I volunteer for a lot of things; I call bingo, knit hats and emcee Wheel of Fortune, all the time.
Niagara Village has given me a life better than I could have ever dreamed of. Not just me! I see it happen to other reclusive people too. One lady in particular comes to mind. Her family told us to be gentle with her at first as she was timid, anxious and afraid of new people and experiences. When she first moved in she couldn’t even sit at a meal past salad or soup. She’d hop up and run to her apartment. However, in just three months, she too, is now a part of our family; volunteering, helping others and participating in activities. There are just so many stories like this here!”
~Virginia Brown - Niagara Village, Erie, PA
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Wait for it, wait for it....Then she felt the 'touch' only Holiday can deliver!!!
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Virginia’s testimony reminds us all of the incredible power of the Holiday Touch. It’s why we all do what we do, each and every day. The Holiday Touch is a one-of-a-kind value proposition that only we can provide….it uniquely distinguishes us from our competition and it’s why new residents continue to select Holiday over our competition in droves each month. We all know seniors aren’t just looking for an apartment, they are looking for a warm and loving “home”…they are looking for the Holiday Touch! As I have shared with you before, I continue to believe that testimonials like Virginia’s validates that yes, we can “do good and do well” at the same time. Keep up the excellent work!
Turning to our September performance, I pleased to share that we extended the Holiday Touch with yet another 1,257 new residents in the month of September which means that we have now posted 19 consecutive months of uninterrupted occupancy gains. We continue to do a tremendous job cultivating meaningful relationships with prospective residents and their influencers by embracing each of the critical Touch Points in our unique approach to value selling. Your hard work is making a world of difference - thank you!!!
I also want to celebrate with the following teams, which set records for the most gross and/or net move-ins ever recorded during the month of September:
Most Gross MIs Ever Recorded Most Net MIs Ever Recorded
West District 256 Blum Region 31
Voss Region 52 Yensen Region 14
Blum Region 50
Reed Region 49
Yensen Region 49
Crowel Region 43
Au Region 42
Nidd Region 29
Hart Region 29
Daley Region 27
The following communities contributed the highest total number of gross and net move-ins during the month of September. Please join us in congratulating these teams for the tremendous job they did sharing the Holiday Touch with new seniors this month!
Most Gross MIs Ever Recorded Most Net MIs Ever Recorded
Madison, The Sun City West, AZ 14 Bridge Park Seattle, WA 9
Windlands East Madison, TN 13 Parkrose Chateau Portland, OR 9
Isles Of Vero Beach Vero Beach, FL 11 Ponder Creek Estates Louisville, KY 8
Ormond In The Pines Ormond Beach, FL 11 Vineyard Place Milwaukie, OR 8
Bridge Park Seattle, WA 11 Ormond In The Pines Ormond Beach, FL 7
Ponder Creek Estates Louisville, KY 11 Evergreen Place Renton, WA 7
Atrium At Gainesville Gainesville, FL 10 Kamlu Retirement Inn Vancouver, WA 7
Smoky Springs Gainesville, GA 10 Bluebird Estates East Longmeadow, MA 7
Evergreen Place Renton, WA 10 Isles Of Vero Beach Vero Beach, FL 6
Paradise Springs Spring, TX 10 Smoky Springs Gainesville, GA 6
Vineyard Place Milwaukie, OR 10 Paradise Springs Spring, TX 6
Willow Park Evansville, IN 10 Deepwood Estates Lexington, SC 6
Bethel Park Bethel Park, PA 6
Grizzly Peak Missoula, MT 6
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And finally, we would like to celebrate with the 78 following communities that have achieved 95% or higher occupancy. Congratulations teams!
95% Occupancy or Higher
Churchill Manor Edmonton, AB
Masonville Manor London, ON
Birch Heights Derry, NH
White Oaks Manchester, CT
Copperfield Estates Houston, TX
Bear Canyon Estates Albuquerque, NM
Okanagan Chateau Kelowna, BC
Oakwood Hills Eau Claire, WI
Lodge At White Bear White Bear Lake, MN
Grasslands Estates Wichita, KS
Greenwood Terrace Lenexa, KS
Bonaventure Ventura, CA
Briarcrest Estates Ballwin, MO
Willow Grove Matthews, NC
Lodge At Wake Forest Wake Forest, NC
Queen Victoria Estates Regina, SK
Steger, La Residence Saint-Laurent, QC
Willow Gardens Puyallup, WA
Ventura Place Lubbock, TX
Silver Arrow Estates Broken Arrow, OK
Bethel Park Bethel Park, PA
Polo Park Estates Midland, TX
Azalea Park Lakeland, FL
Chateau De Champlain St. John, NB
Holiday Hills Estates Rapid City, SD
Cottonwood Estates Plano, TX
Harvard Park Spokane, WA
Greeley Place Greeley, CO
Fox Run Estates Arlington, TX
Canyon Meadows Calgary, AB
Oakmont, The Chico, CA
Rogue Valley Grants Pass, OR
Englewood Estates Austin, TX
Woods At Canco Portland, ME
Curtis Creek Quincy, IL
Highland Estates Cedar Park, TX
South Colleyvine Ranch Grapevine, TX
Cherry Laurel Tallahassee, FL
Belleair Towers Clearwater, FL
Fairwinds Lodge Sarnia, ON
Nouveau Marc Kenner, LA
University Pines Pensacola, FL
Springs Of Napa Napa, CA
Park Plaza Walla Walla, WA
Bay Park Pinole, CA
Clairmont Amarillo, TX
Burlington Gardens Burlington, ON
Gardens At Arkanshire Springdale, AR
Montvale Estates Springfield, IL
Fleming Point Greece, NY
Diamond Ridge Troy, NY
Sheldon Oaks Eugene, OR
Chateau Mckinney, TX
Paradise Springs Spring, TX
Carlyle Lees Summit, MO
Charbonneau Kennewick, WA
Valencia Commons Rancho Cucamonga, CA
Desoto Beach Club Sarasota, FL
Marquette East Lansing, MI
South Wind Heights Jonesboro, AR
Westhaven Winnipeg, MB
Willow Park Evansville, IN
Mesa View Grand Junction, CO
Whealdon Estates Baton Rouge, LA
Redwood Retirement Residence Napa, CA
Ponder Creek Estates Louisville, KY
Vista Del Rio Peoria, AZ
Court At Laurelwood Waterloo, ON
Apple Blossom Rogers, AR
Riverheights Terrace Brandon, MB
Stratford, The High Point, NC
Maple Suites Dover, NH
Woods At Holly Tree Wilmington, NC
Lincoln Square Grand Rapids, MI
Butterfield Place Fort Smith, AR
Ste. Anne'S Court Fredericton, NB
Country Squire St Joseph, MO
Iris Place Athens, GA
We sincerely appreciate all you do for your residents and our organization…thank you again. October has historically been an incredibly strong month for us over the past several years and I have no doubt that will be the case again in 2011. Let’s continue to keep the Holiday Touch out front and center in everything we do as it’s what makes us “uniquely us”! Happy leasing Holiday!
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Oopsie - He means HAPPY SELLING. We are a SALES CULTURE.
BTW - who is the Nimrod who keeps posting these????
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Nimrod is the Ramrod CEO's brown noser, I believe!!!
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OMG - thanks, I am still laughing!!!
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I know a few of them but not all of them some of them dealt with other similar cases and won their case really big. The other's I really don't know nor have I met them but I have talked to them on a conference call. They are now working on establishing a media campaign in order to notify all former and current employees of HRC to contact them. I will let everyone know when it's will be posted to the public. I heard that several of them worked on cases such as Pfizer, Bank America, Walmart and others that all I have heard so far. I have several attorneys in our family that will also be helping and I was told by them that all the attorneys in question where excellent litigators.
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Thanks, Mr. Davis. Did you see the post about the attorney Williams in LA? The link to the case was posted here and he is wrongful termination in the state of LA.
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No I haven't seen this post can you find it and re-post it in order for me to contact him?
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http://www.louisianarecord.com/news/238659-cook-sues-after-losing-job-for-reporting-to-jury-duty
There you go, if it works! It was posted by MoBetah.
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And so we start in earnest Holiday's new "Outward Bound"
Aren't we excited? We all believe it is a way for Holiday to recoup their VA losses by begging current residents and vendors for money.
All properties must have an "Outward Bound" event on October 22! In other words it is just another something for the RDs to judge you on and waste your time on and another reason to have 1 hour long conference calls every day.
And another reason to fire you. Each property must get $2000 A MONTH in donations!
Seriously, this is what Holiday has come down to.......managers must now beg for money or as Yovan says, "get the $2000 a month or else"
Or else. The title of Holiday's new biography. Ignore the residents and focus on move in.....or else. Beg for money from already overburdened residents.......or else. Have 8 PDRs a week.....or else.Have at least 5 tours a weekend.....or else.
So yeah, we have an interview we got from Workingcouples.com in 2 weeks.
Wish us luck!
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Good grief, it's never enough... no matter what you do and how hard you work, they always want more. Funny, the pay doesn't seem to get any better, does it. Good luck on your interview - life after Holiday is a flippin vacation in comparison.
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lease remind us again what this "donaton" is for? I tried to find it in a previous message but can not find it.
Also, any clue what the rent increases are going to be for 2012?
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To Alias: I agree, we have plenty to do and not enough funds but it is a worthwhile cause. I didn't hear about getting fired if you don't get that amount....is that some sort of twisted pep talk from your superiors??
We too are looking and I know of 5 people as well looking at other opportunities. Two of them are IN.
I wish you luck and when I am in your enviable position of saying I have an interview, I'll ask for the request to be returned.
Again: Good Luck
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So long as they keep an eye on the EC and one manager..oops, not there for now.
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I am curious if there is any info on VA kickbacks or mirepresentation of funds?
I have read tidbits about an investigation by the justice department.
Names of contact attorneys and persons of interest would be appreciated
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Lets Talk about black mold
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Lets Talk about black mold
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To Alias: I hope you find something good. We too keep an eye on Workingcouples.com. Just be careful - Holiday has ads on there too. LOL I have heard that Yovan is a real hard ass. I have never met him. Hope not to. We have some irons in the fire also and are hoping for a break through any time now. Do you have any insight into how much better if any it would be if one was to become FLOATERS???? I keep trying to find out how that works. I would think that if the company is short some 80 co manager couples - you could keep quite busy and without all of the drama. Have heard about managers being left alone to run properties for months at a time with no help.
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If you would like this information then provide your contact number or address so that theycan provide you with your information.
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To Gonechef: Outward Bound relies solely on charitable donations. It has no affiliation with the Veterans Administration or other affiliates.
It is a worthwhile undertaking in my opionion, however we are up against a wall with the lack of "operating expense". I am going to call this a Creative Exercise.
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Can anyone give me any info on Steve Mueller, a former RD in the midwest?
Thanks very much.
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Anyone? Thumbs up or down?
Any answers will reflect heavily upon a decision we are making regarding another oportunity.
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I can't vouch for him specifically but he is one of those former "blue light special" folks that are often mentioned here.
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Deflated: Just remember it may only be a matter of time before the chopping block comes out, there is no loyalty to keep you. All the hard work you and your spouse does will not count for anything. Only the loyalty to your residents. I would say if you have a very good opportunity to get out and have a new position, I would say take it while it is here. Just make sure it is viable.
Good luck.
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To Jackson and Nightmareworld: Thanks very much for your responses, very much appreciated. Instinct is pretty much telling me to welcome the new opportunity should it be presented to us. Because of what I have said about our current Managers, not only is this opportunity is a possibility for us, but very viable for another team member we now work with, and reality for another Co couple in another community. If everything works out, we all hope to work together and let me tell you this would be a DREAM TEAM.
As to the blue light special - there is always going to be "something" but I will take that mentality over the Mental cases here.
Thanks for the Good Luck wishes. In approx. 10 minutes we are getting a phone call!
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Steve is now with Sunshine Retirement out of Portland Ore.
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To Nacho Libre: Portland - thanks.
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To Alias: How much has this Yovan collected in donations? Sounds like she (he) is all talk.
I hope you keep copies of emails from this person, you never know when they could come in handy.
Threats are SO motivating!
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Loved Holiday's latest attempt to keep themselves out of the lime light with VA. Our latest instruction, re. Veterans Pension Benefits Letter.
We are no longer to use Holiday's name, nor our community logo, or community telephone number .... but they are OK with us signing our names. WOW, Holiday why don't you just throw us all under the bus!
I have a grand idea; JACK you sign them.
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This doesn't surprise me in the least. They are ALL about putting immense pressure to get move ins at all cost and then when some people bow to the pressure and do something unscrupulous, they will throw them under the bus every time. Of course every person has to decide for themselves how far they will go and take responsibility for their choices but to create such a climate for this, HRC indirectly begs people to do things that are immoral and possibly illegal. When you don't and your move ins are down, you all know that it's only a matter of time when the RD or RSL shows up to can you once and for all. In these difficult times of soaring unemployment, one can only guess as to how many people may choose to do whatever it takes to keep their job... even a monumentally underpaid and overworked one like this.
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It would be interesting to know specifically what the perception is from the competition. Towards the end of my employment with HRC, I heard all sorts of things about the company and how others find it to have become a joke of the profession of serving Seniors. If you are still employed with HRC, ask around... you know those contacts that you are supposed to make every week? All the professionals you are supposed to connect with and schmooze, just ask them and ask for an honest answer. Just the turnover alone was alarming to them, can you imagine how disturbing it is to those residents that have bonded with and grown to feel as if you are part of their family? It's just incredibly sad what this company has become - shame on them.
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Sounds like FIG is circling the wagons because of pending fraud investigations on the corporate level. You probably can't be held liable if you were ordered to commit fraud or be fired: save everything sent from FIG
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@never..You can be held liable if they chose to hold you. You had or have an obligation to report offenses. I was told this about the facility where I live. They probably won't hold you accountable, because they are going after administration, not underlings, as the wording goes...
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FIG will absolutely throw the community managers under the bus by saying that any deals made or any deviance from the law was done on their own without any direction from the company. That is why it is important to have a paper trail of everything that was sent by FIG printed out and saved somewhere other than the community. CYA, people because FIG won't.
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Sign your name and after it write: With express consent and directive from HRC.
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And now comes mounting evidence that Alzheimers may be caused by a virus and may be contagious.
That would explain a lot!
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Can anyone have a history on any of the following Holiday Retirement employees, Gerry Degruiter, Fay Degruiter, Mike Champange, Nancy Spoltore? The Degruiters have worked in Miss. and now are in Baton Rouge. Mike Champange worked as a Regional Sale leader out of New Orleans, Nancy Spoltore worked as a Regional Manager out of Houston Texas. I also need info on the following coporate staff members, Heather Bowers, Bryon Shinkle, Scott Woods. I want to make sure that they don't slip through the cracks when they investigate Whealdon Estates in Baton Rouge.
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Can't really tell you much more than what you already know since few facts about anyone is ever told and you really are not around any of them except the once in a blue by RD's and Rsl's. As to what was ever passed onto Heather Bowers or Bryon Shinkle or Scott Woods would most likely be only what you conveyed to them. I doubt if the others even consulted with them. I think Nancy Spoltore did as she pleased, but who knows for sure.
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I know about Heather and Byron...Have DL give you my email addy and we can discuss off this blog. Heather watches and prints everything...
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Anonymus my e-mail address is tbaildav @bellsouth.net I am on facebook under Tony Davis please contact me so that we can talk
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I would like to recommend to anyone that was involved in the VA veterans Aid and Attendance scheme should sent a certified letter to the US Attorney Gerals Office and the Veterans Administration and let them know the extend of your involvement who order you to do these illegal acts and let them know the names of the Veterans that were mislead, mistreated when they moved into your communities. I would also recommend that if you knew that these Veterans could not quailified for a Senior Citizens "Independant" Living facility and were told to hire the communities home health care services for an additional fee would be imporrtant information that te US Attorney office and the Veterans Administration will be looking into. Please people, this is not going away it's only the tip of the iceberg!!! You better cover your own butt before you find yourself standing in front of a Sentencing Judge. HRC and it's administration will sell you out in a minute.
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Ok Folks here we go, Ive been watching this for some time and feel its time to tell my story regarding my experience with Holiday FIG, this will be a work in progress and I will open up every can of worms I can think of. Before I rock on here I would be appreciative of any information out there regarding lawsuits and the numbers therein,I am also interested in anything relating to illegal activities involving the Veterans Administration and Holiday/FIG.
I have an attorney already deep in the whistleblowing arena so Im not blowing smoke here...I have contacts with the local news media who are chomping at the bit to run a story about a greedy corporation using senior citizens and Vets to line it pockets, The political climate is right and to be honest I believe this could go nuclear for the company. I will begin my story this evening and run till Im done. Info can be sent to smackdaddy4664@yahoo.com
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Endgame2011, caution please - and remember Ender's Game. I do all I can to protect, but I can do only so much. Please be certain your attorney approves first so his hands do not become tied by actions beyond his control. Thanks and good luck - I look forward to your writings.
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Hey Smack daddy contact me at tbaildav @bellsouth.net so that we can work out a transfer of doumentations so that we both have a complete file. I have not scan all my documents because it was so many of them but I am in the process of scanning now. I try to copy some of my documents on this site but I don't know have to or if I can attach the documents to this blog for all members to view. Let me know how you want to handle this!!!!
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I appreciate the forewarning, What I say here will not be slanderous nor will I name names. I think in short order the little pencilwhippers at homeoffice can figure out who I am.
I am a classically trained Chef with 25+ years of experience in the foodservice industry primarily restaurants, but have dabbled in many things including ownership. I was hired in 2009 as a sous chef for the community that is local to me. I was very excited and had high hopes that after so many years in the cutthroat restaurant business I might have found a calling, maybe I could use my talents to put a smile on someones face instead of being focused on taking someones $$$
RUDE AWAKENING! From the beginning it was put to me under no uncertain terms that I was hired to run off and replace the existing Executive Chef who was of African American decent.I short order(like Day 1) It was apparent what was afoot in the kitchen and the community.
First off was an overall feeling of bad mojo in this place, bad attitudes, direspectful and lazy employees on all levels Starting with the Chef who was admittedly not qualified to do the job and one of the laziest people I had ever met in foodservice,this same man had hired his cousins and friends of family in the kitchen so there was no structure as far as who was in charge. Needless to say with the Chef hiring his family I was outnumbered...Drastically. I was told up front that they had gone through six sous chefs in the past year and much doubt was cast on my survival.
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And so the journey into the worst job I ever had began. A filthy kitchen ( I thought the grout was supposed to be gray)A lazy unqualified Chef and the lunatics running the asylum...Not to mention a total managerial change which I will elaborate on shortly. So right out of the gate Im thrown to the wolves which is no big deal I can cook circles around most and keep up with the best.
Again in short order I am noticing things like the night cook CANT COOK SOUP Im like youre kidding me how does that work? Seniors love soup. So I found out that this person was a former housekeeper with a viper mouth and alley cat attitude, Totally disruptive, dishonest and God only knows what. As the days progress I am feeling weird about this place, something is wrong here Im not recieving any training beyond that worthless collection of recipes that they insist on...I couldnt even follow the recipes because half of the ingredients werent even in the building, Then came the budget talk, $3.55 per person per day? My jaw hit the floor, What is this a prison? Do the residents have to do chores as well?
Gracious Retirement Eh? So after some conversations with the residents (and some tongue lashings) Im beginning to see the picture come together.
More to come
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Does anyone know if Lee Young is still a Regional Director in the company? One of the worst.
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Yes he is
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Spill what you know about Lee Young please.
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Can anyone tell me what the interview process is now for co managers??? I think it changes every couple of years.
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Interview:
HRC Recruiter: Can you fog a mirror?
Prospective Co: Yes
HRC Recruit