Railside Assisted Living Center

After watching the Lifetime movie The Bad Guardian, I could not stop thinking about how closely parts of that story mirror what has happened to Diann and our family. What began as assisted living care at Railside Assisted Livin in Byron Center, Michigan, was never intended to become a permanent separation from her family and the life she had built. For most of her life, Diann was independent and fully capable of managing her own affairs. When she developed an infection that required additional care, assisted living was presented as a temporary solution. At the time, I was raising my young granddaughter, and my home was not yet equipped to meet Diann's needs. The plan was simple: Diann would receive care while we prepared our home so she could eventually move in with family. Instead, everything changed. When we attempted to bring Diann home, Adult Protective Services and the Kent County court system became involved. Soon afterward, Diann was declared "incapacitated," and decisions regarding her life, medical care, finances, home, and future were placed under the control of individuals who had not shared in the decades of history, relationships, and life experiences that made Diann who she is. What followed has been heartbreaking. We watched a woman who spent decades making her own decisions lose control over every aspect of her life. Family members who loved her and remained actively involved found themselves excluded from her life and unable to maintain the relationships that had existed for decades. The things that brought Diann comfort, identity, and joy were removed from her daily life. Her treasured photographs, personal belongings, keepsakes, memories, family connections, and much of the life she built over decades have been taken from her surroundings. Even her court-ordered emotional support dog vanished from her life. We were told the dog had been taken for obedience training, but despite repeated efforts to obtain answers, we never learned what ultimately happened. We raised concerns regarding physician orders, medical issues, abnormal laboratory findings, and changes in Diann's physical and emotional condition. We documented concerns, asked questions, and sought answers, yet were not heard. In only a matter of months, we watched a woman who once enjoyed family gatherings, conversations, independence, and meaningful relationships become isolated, withdrawn, depressed, and emotionally broken. When we attempted to bring these concerns before the court, we were warned that sanctions could be imposed if we continued pursuing certain concerns through the court. What makes this especially painful is that this was never supposed to be the outcome. The goal was care, recovery, and returning home to family. Instead, Diann remains separated from the people who love her and from much of the life that once brought her happiness. I am sharing this because families need to understand how quickly circumstances can change. One day, you believe your loved one is receiving temporary assistance during a difficult time. The next, decisions about their care, finances, relationships, and future no longer belong to them or to the family members who know them best. Please: • Stay involved • Ask questions • Keep records of everything • Follow up on medical concerns yourself • Learn your legal rights before a crisis occurs • Never assume someone else is protecting your loved one's best interests This is not just about Diann. It is about every family who believes, "That could never happen to us." Before all of this, we believed that too. After watching The Bad Guardian, I realized our family is not alone. — Tami DeLeeuw

The staff is consistently caring, attentive, and professional, and they go above and beyond to make sure residents feel safe, comfortable, and respected.

Sending my grandma there after trying these brownies! Delicious!!

These sweet treats are impeccable

Enjoyed these wonderful cookies, The kitchen staff is amazing and reminds me of grandmas cookies. Thanks !!