Don't believe everything you read...

When my mother was discharged from the hospital and approved for rehab I was given three choices as to where to send her. One was just too far to be practical. Another was very crowded and located in a less-than desirable neighborhood. So I settled on number three, although I was concerned that I was being pressed into making a choice before I had the opportunity to really look into the place.

So i get home and start investigating online and the reviews I came across were downright terrifying. They made the place sound like the bottom layer of h*ll. Of course I became extremely upset and worried that I made a terrible mistake, barely slept a wink the night before her discharge.

Now after five days there I'm realizing that those reviews weren't really accurate at all. Like most of these places they're understaffed, which is obvious. But all in all so far I think the staff has been very good overall. I'm spending a lot of time there and chatting up the staff and thus far almost everyone has been professional, helpful and dedicated to doing their jobs. While it's not the lap of luxury or anything, it's better than decent and I'm OK with Mom being there.

So what I'm saying here is that if you're in a similar position there's no substitute for going there yourself and judging it with your own eyes, not basing your choice on some bad online reviews. And take the time to really talk to the staff, as you might be surprised at how candid and helpful they'll be.