Shepherd of the Valley-Boardman

Paula44

My mother was in Shepherd of the Valley at West Blvd for rehab last year from April to June. They had a few activities, and I just didn't think the care was quite as good. In looking around, the place was very nice and clean, but I didn't feel that I would ever want to put her there for long-term care. The staff was fairly good, but it seemed like they were short staffed. I was a little upset that they didn't get her more moving around on a walker. They said she was a fall risk, and I understand that, but then I got her on a rollator, and she did very well. It's very nice when you walk in, but it's not homey, and it was just a different atmosphere.

observe379

My mother is a life-long resident of Youngstown, Ohio. She is quite sharp mentally but has become frail over the past several years due to health issues commonly associated with advancing age. My mother came to need nursing care and assistance with independent living skills so she entered Shepherd of the Valley, Boardman, in 2013. It has been a very positive experience for both of us. When you walk into Shepherd of the Valley, Boardman, you don’t see a fancy chandelier and a baby grand piano in the lobby. The facility is clean but quite modest in its design and décor. During my initial visit, the staff noted that they focus their resources on patient care not fancy furnishings, and I believe this is true. At Shepherd of the Valley, Boardman they make sure each resident has a consistent group of caregivers and nurses that work with them daily. Consequently, when caregivers see the same residents each day, they are able to observe subtle changes in their health status and start treatment early before illnesses get a strong foothold. For example, my mother’s nurse called and said my mother seemed tired that particular day, her oxygen levels were low and further testing was ordered. Results indicated pneumonia in the very early stages. My mother was quickly treated such that the pneumonia had little effect on the quality of her life. I have been impressed on several occasions by this same pattern: subtle clinical observation based on patient familiarity, followed by testing and quick treatment. I believe my mother is getting excellent care at Shepherd of the Valley, Boardman and I appreciate that members of the nursing staff call anytime there is a change in my mother’s health status and whenever there is a change in her care plan. I am fortunate that my mother still has good communications skills and is very aware of her surroundings. She can very clearly relate to me “how well things are going.” When I call or visit my mother, she consistently says about Shepherd of the Valley, Boardman, “This is a really good place. You know I’d tell you if it weren't. They treat me very well here. Everyone is so nice. I have never heard an unkind word spoken by the staff. This is the place I want to be if I can’t be at home.” I feel very fortunate my mother is a resident of Shepherd of the Valley, Boardman and that she feels content there. I certainly would recommend it to anyone searching for this level of care for a loved one.

Caring95034850

The staff at Shepherd of the Valley has been trying to take good care of my mom. There have been a few problems here and there, but they have tried really hard to fix things. I would say all in all it's a good facility. The room that my mom is in is a private room and she really likes that, and that is one of the reasons that she decided not to change facilities.

owlscholar8

I thought the facility was very nice. The workers were very helpful in giving direction. The negative was that residents had to share rooms and had limited space. My aunt Anne had many crucifixes, and saints posted all over her wall. She only had one dresser and a shared TV. I thought though that even thought the workers were very attentive, there simply wasn't enough room. She was ninety when she passed and she didn't have any room. I did like that there was a nice community space with a piano , nice tables, and couches. They also served breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks. Some residents could take themselves to the dining hall, or others had to be wheeled, or have their food brought to them. I didn't like that some of the severe cases were on the same floors with some of the people that had minor imparities. I felt lonely as did some of the residents.