Kessler Rehabilitation Center - WEST ORANGE KIR — Local services in West Orange

I was assaultedby 2 male nurse aids because they got mad that the IV drip was ripped out of my arm when it fell off accidently and they twisted my hands causing an injury, so I had to give a statement to a West Orange po,ice officer.I was treated like garbage by quite a few nurses Aides. Male and female..one female nurse aid yelled at me because I Accidentally soiled my briefs and she told the next time I did that they would let me wallow in my own waste and they wouldn't even let me try to use the toilet. Another male nurse aid poked me in the chest because he thought I was yelling and then he shook his fist in my face and told me to shut up. I did not receive any justice for these assaults. There were no arrests and no appropriate terminations and these staff members got away Scott free and they still have their jobs. Inever even got results of an investigation that was conducted. I wanted to bring legal action against Kessler but was convinced that it wouldn't do any good. It still makes me sick to my stomach how Medical staff entrusted to your care Could act so unprofessional and Criminally. I was so distraught in this place that I wanted to die so badly but I wasn't suicidal and I had to convince the psychologist, Dr Maguire that I had no intention of Hurting myself. One doctor at Kessler (I won't use his name) doesn't care about patients. All he did with me was probe me with a stethoscope and found nothing but he did not care about my. Concerns and I only saw him two short times while I was at Kessler and that was all. He is a disgrace to the medical profession and thanks to this particular doctor I don't trust most doctors anymore and have entrusted my health to Holistic medicine. The therapists were very attentive and professional but one has left and opened her own Therapy practice and I wish her well Maybe some ofthe other therapists would join up with her.I commend Jackie, Sarah, and the male therapist but because of the total Unprofessionalism of nurse aide "Joey" (one who assaulted me with a coworker. Vera( who didn't stop her male assistant aide from poking me in the chest and shaking his fist in my face. Although I have been home Since August 11th the place I was transferred to from Kessler on June 8th. A subacute facility in Phillipsburg NJ and the staff there We're very professional and attentive as we're the therapists. These rogue staff members at Kessler should consider a career change because they are about as useful as an elevator in an outhouse.Maybe if Kessler cleaned house and got rid of these useless staff members and brought in new, better trained and qualified personnel, they wouldn't really have many negative reviews. You see,(KIR) owner didn't respond to my post because he does know I speak the truth and all he cares about are his profits and not the patients. I have recovered very well from my stroke and I am living a productive life at this time not because of Kessler but because of another rehabilitation facility and an outpatient physical therapy facility In Pennsylvania. To this very day, I have not received any justice from this very poor excuse a rehabilitation center for the assaults I suffered.I can still litigate against Kessler because my statutes of limitations still have another year.Even after one of the totally useless representatives called me and tried to sweet talk me about the bad staff members and would not disclose if any serious measures were taken These rotten apples still have their jobs as far as I know.Hey K.I.R. owners! Understand This! What goes around,comes around! You better start learning what very bad reviews could do to K.I.R.I hope and pray to God Almighty that you go bankrupt, get sued for millions for neglect and abuse or get shut down permanently! You can tell Dr Lercher he is the worst doctor I ever had to deal with and one day he is going to be old and sick like I was and see how bad he gets treated. I recovered from my stroke and I'm walking and driving no thanks at...

Amazing people...Amazing healing...and Amazing strength... that is what I experienced and gained as I learned and grew at Kessler in my short stay there of 5 weeks. The very attentive staff, were always kind and accomodating, making sure I was safe, clean, and comfortable, ensuring many a peaceful nights' rest...notably Mary, Vanessa, and Gigi. There were, of course, times I got sad or scared about my abrupt life change and my uncertain future as I was alone in my room- if they only knew how something as small as a warm smile they gave as they walked in had such a profound effect on me, how their simple gestures helped me get through those rough moments.

The knowledgable, experienced doctors, specifically Dr.Lam, had great bedside manner; they explained everything along the way, listened to my feelings and thoughts, and gently adjusted and closely monitored my medications until my regimen was optimal for my health, comfort, and progress.

The versatile, skilled, erudite therapists really helped me 'get' how to do things, whether it be popping casters or sitting up in bed again by myself; I appreciated other therapists jumping in on my sessions, shedding some of their light down on me with their own personal expertise- sometimes even jumping into another wheelchair to work alongside me! They all went above and beyond and I became much stronger because of it; Jenna, Shannon, and Tedi helped me learn how to function with my new body/my new norm, taught me how to understand my SCI on a realistic level, were quick to offer alternate suggestions, even physical demonstrations, when i was stuck on a task, and taught me to believe in myself again; they were without question my favorite aspect of this whole experience.

The spacious, clean gym promoted ample degrees of physical activity in a safe, functional workout environment; the high quality equipment was ideal for spinal cord injury patients - and the fun, busy atmosphere made therapy such a great, positive experience- allowing for rehabilitation as well as socialization. I especially enjoyed bowling and mini golf with my treasured group therapy friends.

Overall, my experience was extremely positive and proved to be healing physically AND emotionally. I will miss Kessler and the beautiful friendships I was blessed to make there, and am forever grateful of the knowledge, guidance, and above all, strength, that was instilled in me during my stay, as I continue to move onward and forward in my recovery journey and strive towards independence...

I was an inpatient 4 years ago. I had been hit by a drunk driver and had 11 fractures. I had surgery to my knee the day after my accident & was transferred by ambulance to Kessler several days after surgery. I was in pain and exhausted. I was put into a room with 3 other patients who kept their televisions on day & night @ maximum volume. It was impossible for me to sleep. Nurses aides refused to turn them off even in the middle of the night . They were also too busy to take me for a shower or help me bathe during the 3 weeks I was there. Recommendation: TV off at 10 at night especially if 4 patients/room. Hire more staff so needs of basic hygiene can be met.

My occupational therapist wanted to send me home after 3 weeks. My car insurance company was willing to allow me more inpatient rehab. I lived alone was single 66 years old and in a wheelchair. Since it was clear that I needed ongoing care and rehab., rather than authorizing it she called my sister without my knowledge to inform her that she needed to take me to live with her (my sister was working full time.) Ultimately I was referred to another rehab facility where I remained receiving necessary care & rehab for 2 more months.

Recommendation: Kessler needs to put the needs of the patient before statistics regarding time spent in rehab. & not seriously damage the patient's relationships with family members.

Despite the fact that I was not going home and didn't need it,, Kessler insisted that my insurance purchase a commode from them before they released me. I was told that this was done in every case. Clearly this was a money making deal for them. I had to ask a neighbor to carry it into my apartment where it sat in a box in the middle of my living room for 2 months.

The food was good the physical therapists were good and the nurses (not the nurse's aids) were good. I might have had better care if the staffing had...