American Cancer Society - Hope Lodge - New York — Local services in New York

The Hope Lodge is a great idea, and I've stayed at lodges that were welcoming, inclusive and run well. I found it extremely difficult to work with the staff at NY Hope Lodge. Particularly, Gloria. I came to New York for a double mastectomy and reconstruction. When I called a few months in advance, it took a dozen calls just to get a call back from her. I was told I would have to go on a 'waitlist' through the hospital social worker. I did, but apparently because my cancer didn't involve chemo at this particular stage, it wasn't a priority. I was cleared for 'most' of my dates at the last minute, but despite my social worker requesting an extension at the time I accepted the reservation, I was in essence kicked to the curb. They had no record of my social worker's request, but they knew when they confirmed my reservation that I needed another 3-5 days. On the day prior to my checkout, I was surprised to learn that not only had I NOT been considered for an extension, I would also NOT be granted one. So with surgical drains still in place and wounds that were still very fresh, I packed and checked out of the Hope Lodge with no assistance and no support. I left the lodge at least one week prior to what my surgeon was recommending. There was no concern from the staff. There was no empathy. In fact, Gloria, who was the woman I had the most contact with, could not have been less interested in my plight. She couldn't have cared less. Part of managing a lodge of this nature involves careful reviews of patient's needs. They did not meet my needs. I stayed at the Hope Lodge in South Carolina a few years ago and the experience was drastically different. They kept up with the development of my disease, and were able to make adjustments accordingly. They were concerned about ME, the person. I wasn't just a reservation to them. They didn't force me to go through a social worker, I was able to call and speak directly to the folks at the Lodge. At the time, the intervention was surgical but I was treated as well as any patient who was undergoing chemotherapy or some other treatment. My level of illness was not at issue. I think the staff at the NY Hope Lodge thinks they're doing a good job. I think they try. But when you put people out who are clearly not medically stable, you're not managing your rooms well. Furthermore, when you do this AND patients are left with the impression that they don't matter, you're not managing your business well. It is my hope that the American Cancer Society will review the procedures in place at the NYC Hope Lodge and make adjustments...

Great place for recovery. My relative is here for at least 8-9 weeks and it has been a Godsend. GENERAL: The place is set up to be as clean and as quiet as possible. It is Midtown Manhattan, so noise and some fumes are inevitable, but once you're inside it is OK. The staff and volunteers are very kind and helpful. The 6th Floor public lounge is beautiful, with couches, a fireplace, a library, and a media room with a huge TV and Netflix. Video games are available on another TV in an adjoining room. There is a large, mostly shady patio with comfy chairs and plants and a killer view of the Empire State Building. There are events on weekdays like yoga one day, reiki the next, and tea time. Sometimes there are catered community dinners on 6. PATIENT ACCOMMODATIONS: The guest rooms are not fancy, but comfortable. Think Motel 6. They do NOT have hairdryers, so BYO. Ditto soap and shampoo (it only looks like hotel). Bringing extra towels is a good idea, too, as they only change towels weekly. There is a large shared kitchen on each floor with ovens, stoves, microwaves, coffee maker, and dishwasher. Everyone cooperates in keeping them clean. Had to buy a bottle opener, but they had most other items. Refrigerator space is shared and so limited, but each room gets a bin, plus a section of cabinet for dry goods. There is a coin-op laundry on each floor, and a change machine and soap machine on the 6th floor with fragrance-free soap. SHOPPING: Bear in mind that this is Manhattan, so mostly everything is substantially more expensive than you think. There is food shopping downstairs at the Target on 33rd (shortcut thru Manhattan Mall), and for general items, Jack's three doors down is a giant dollar store. There are several drug stores in the area. Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, and Fairway are a few blocks south. CAREGIVER SANITY CHECK: For recreational shopping, take the #1 to Christopher Street & wander the Village. For caregivers who need a quiet break, there are several bars in 33rd St and a couple of expensive but open-on-Sunday wine/liquor stores nearby. (Target sells beer & cider, but by NYS...

Nice hotel-like accommodations, with community kitchens on each resident floor with designated storage by room number, in case you have special diet and need to bring or buy your own food. Very nice community lounge and recreation center on the sixth floor with outdoor terrace. 1/2 block from Penn Station, on 32nd Street, making it very convenient for use of mass transit to get to your medical appointments. Staff is very pleasant and supporting right down to the front desk security personnel. The atmosphere allows you to keep your mind on your treatments during your stay. I would definitely...