Canal View - Houghton County

My mother was a resident of HCMCF from March to December 2012. She was a complicated alzheimer-dementia patient who had suffered a heart attack and fall. Staff at HCMCF were very attentive and noticed a double hernia which was not completely missed by the hospital. Staff at HCMCF were extremely caring and provided special equipment for her use and comfort including air pressure beds, special wheel chair and air pressure padding. Staff were always helpful and attentive to her needs. The PT staff were especially good with encouraging her to achieve independence. The activities personnel made everyday special and really knew how to celebrate birthdays and special events with the residents. Staff were quick to notice changes in her response to medications and would alert her physician and kept me informed. The activities during the day kept her focused on living in the community and enjoying her stay. Although my mother lost her battle with the disease, staff were with her in her final moments and I know she was comforted and felt loved. This is a very caring, professional community and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this medical care facility for your loved ones. Also the food served was always very good. And healthy, nourishing snacks were readily available and residents were encouraged to enjoy them.

The Houghton County Medical Care Facility is a warm and friendly place. Although the building is old, the county and employees work to make this a wonderful and comfortable place to live. They have consistently upgraded the building, always making it feel more like home. They also have a great additional area for individuals with Alzheimer's disease or dementia. There are wonderful activities for the residents to participate in and there are a number of activities to bring residents to local events. The staff is kind and caring and continues to meet the needs of the residents. The staff consists of nursing services, resident activities, physical therapy, speech therapy, social services, dietary services, occupational therapy and hospice services; all of which are willing to lend a helpful hand when needed. Even in the cool upper peninsula of Michigan, the facility is air conditioned and offer private and semi-private rooms. An outdoor courtyard and patio offer a great view of the Portage Canal and some wonderful views of nature.

Both my grandmother and grandfather were residents of the Houghton County Medical Care Facility, at different times in their lives. In addition, I volunteered as a visitor for some of the residents who did not have family members. Over a period of 10 years, I spent a great deal of time on the premises, interacting with the staff and observing their activities and conduct. Although the HCMCF is a state-funded facility, I found the staff to be largely caring and genuinely concerned with the care and well-being of the residents. Some of the nurses' aides were, predictably, uninterested in their jobs, but the majority of aides were kind and loving. The facilities are clean but relatively spartan; the Activities department does what they can to spruce up the floors with new decorations. The HCMCF was remodeled before 2010.My grandparents were both happy with the HCMCF. In both cases, the staff provided excellent care and kept the family informed as much as possible. I do not recall any negative incidents with care; to the contrary, everyone treated our family with respect and good humor. I recommend the facility.