Penelope Jacks
Our experience with Kiko's started on a hopeful note, but wound up being very unpleasant . Kiko's is a very attractive place, the prettiest (though not well maintained) I previewed. Doris the manager/ owner was welcoming and knowledgeable. She assured me on my multiple visits that they were experienced in handling dementia patients. However, when my husband's dementia manifested in behavioral problems, after one month Doris emailed me a 30 day eviction notice. We had been working with his physician to manage his unpleasant, but not atypical, Alzheimer’s behaviors with medication, but Doris was adamant that he must move out. I found another placement and moved my husband within a week, because I did not want him to remain where the staff had become hostile to him and he was unwanted. Doris filled his room within days, but only under pressure refunded the remaining monthly fee (appropriately not including the initial deposit). Though present, neither she nor any staff (her nice husband was nice as always) spoke to me, family and friends assisting with packing up, or my husband as we were moving him out. Our family was well known to them as we visited at least twice daily--often with our little dog whom they welcomed--brought treats, sat with residents at meals, and brought pretty things for the common room. Now my husband is relaxed and happy in a new facility where they have managed his behaviors with kindness, imagination, and medication adjustments. The place isn’t as pretty, but the vibe is friendly to residents and guests.When this occurred, I believed that perhaps my husband was an unusually difficult patient. However, he has adjusted well to the new place. Since we moved from Kiko's Doris has evicted another dementia patient for (different) behavioral issues commonly associated with her disease. Doris' behavior to this (very cooperative) family was the same as it was towards ours. I believe now that despite Doris' repeated reassurances, Kiko's doesn't have the skills or desire to work with dementia patients who are not completely docile.
