Gentiva - Kissimmee

I don't typically write reviews, but because this has happened on more than one occasion, I feel compelled to share my experience. I have worked in the senior living industry since 2008, and being a resident advocate has always been my top priority. Unfortunately, I have had three residents receive what I would consider subpar care from Gentiva Hospice. While the staff members who came to the community were always kind and professional, the level of support provided was often inadequate. In my experience, crisis care, pain management, and end-of-life support were not treated with the urgency they deserved. One of my biggest concerns is how a resident nearing the end of life could be left without 24-hour bedside support when it was clearly needed. I also struggled to understand why it took so long to receive durable medical equipment and necessary supplies. I firmly believe that residents and families have the right to choose their healthcare providers. However, based on my experiences, I would not recommend Gentiva for my own family member. In one recent case, after changing hospice providers, the difference was immediate. Within hours, the resident received the appropriate level of support. Crisis care was put in place, his pain was addressed, and he was able to remain in a familiar environment surrounded by people who cared about him. Most importantly, he was able to pass with dignity and without suffering unnecessarily. Watching someone repeatedly ask for relief from pain is heartbreaking, especially when you have grown to care for them. In senior living, our residents become family. For that reason, I sincerely hope Gentiva takes a closer look at these concerns and works to improve the quality and timeliness of the care they provide during the most critical moments of a person's life.

My family is currently with this group. The only reason we stay with them is because the other Hospice Groups are unreliable. The positive about this group is their "at home staff". Very caring people! The negative about this group is the office staff. Unfortunately for the hospice families, the Mon - Fri office staff are in charge of processing supply orders, making appointments with outside medical teams, and anything else your loved one needs. Nurses put in the orders, and the office staff has to follow through to fulfill those requests. Days go by while you wait only to find out the office staff did not follow through. Gentiva keeps removing supplies your loved ones need and is entitled to, which, by the way, Medicare/Medicaid covers. They do not schedule outside medical visits because they forget. They blame the staff that come to the patients home when we know for a fact the problem stems with the office staff. We have heard complaints from other families with the same issue. Don't bother calling the office Mon - Fri because its always someone else's fault. No accountability. Very sad when someone is in need and is counting on the help! After hours/weekend staff is not like that, thankfully! They are very professional and quick to help you. Gentiva would get a better rating if it weren't for their office practices.

I would like to express my sincere appreciation for one of the team members in the Kissimmee area, CNA Vilma Rocen. Vilma has truly been the best within this company. Her dedication, professionalism, and most importantly, her kind heart make a huge difference in my mother’s life and in ours as a family. She consistently shows patience, respect, and a genuine passion for caring for others that is not easy to find. During such delicate times, having someone like her brings peace of mind and trust. She goes above and beyond her responsibilities and truly cares about the well-being of her patients. We are deeply grateful for her support and commitment. She is an exceptional person and a true example in her profession.