A few months ago, we began searching for a group home for my mom. We discovered Upon the Rock in North Scottsdale. It is a nice, clean and updated home set up to accommodate 10 seniors. The caregivers on staff were friendly. We were told by the owner, Dina, that there was a waiting list. To get on the waiting list, a refundable $500 deposit was required. At the time, we were still unsure if this type of setting would be the best for my mom, but nonetheless, sent in a deposit and was added to the waiting list. A couple of weeks later, we received a call that they had an opening and that we needed to move fast if we wanted the room for my mom as they had several other families behind us also wanting it. We toured the facility again with my mom and Dina. During the tour, Dina pressed for our $6,800 deposit to ensure we secured the room and not lose it to the other families behind us on the waiting list. She said they were calling her wanting the room and did not want us to lose this opportunity to get my mom in. I succumbed to Dina's sense of urgency and secured the room with the deposit. We selected a move-in date of 7-10 days later and prior to that, I sent another check for $6,300 ($6,800 - $500 security deposit) for the first month's rent. A week or so later, we moved my mom in. For us, once seeing most of the residents for the first time, it felt more like hospice. During the two prior tours, we met only a couple of the residents so we were a bit taken back when we had a chance to see most of them. My mom is 81 years old and suffers from extreme depression and anxiety. The best part of her day is the late afternoon and evenings. Her first day there, she had dinner at 5:30 pm and after that, it seemed the majority of the other residents were getting ready for bed. Anyway, because of these factors, my wife and I decided this wouldn't be the best setup for my mom so we brought her home after the very next morning. Their contract requires a 30-day notice, so by law, Dina was legally able to keep the entire first month's rent of $6,800, which to my surprise, she did. Legally, she was in the clear, morally I don't think so. I requested a pro-rated refund once the next resident moved in which she promised to do if she filled the room within the next 30 days. I suggested that should be no problem since she told us that there were several families on the wait list behind us wanting the room. She told me they had all found other places. I, personally doubt, all the other families were able to research, tour and move in their family members into other places in just a week or so. In addition, Dina requested that I give her 30 days to return the $6,800 security deposit which I declined. To end, we are new to the world of assisted living. My advice to others in a situation similar to ours is to never succomb to any pressure whatsoever. The assisted-living industry is extremely competitive and there are many good options out there. Take your time making life decisions involving your loved ones. For us, it was a lesson learned.
