My mother-in-law loved being in her own home and was not willing to leave until she could no longer walk. By that time she also needed oxygen 24/7 and qualified for hospice care. She needed much care.
We had toured the glitzy care homes when my father-in-law was first diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, but my mother-in-law chose to stay home and serve as his main caregiver until just before he passed. I learned that the big (and expensive) facilities don’t offer the best care and was repeatedly encouraged to look into a board and care facility.
We ended up leaving a deposit check for Silver Pines during our visit; it was that good! The residents were up and as active as they could be, greeting and welcoming us with smiles. They looked happy to be there. Two caregivers were serving five (of a possible six) residents; one lady was getting her nails done with a vivacious polish while another was being fed her dinner before gently being led down the hall to her room to prepare for bedtime. The environment was warm, caring, and friendly—all that we could hope to find in a care facility.
We found that what we saw that day was the norm. We were able to come in anytime to visit. The halls were decked for the holidays including stockings with the residents’ names. We were invited to attend a lovely Christmas party that included a visit from Santa, Mrs. Claus, and their young elf who passed out gifts to each resident. Live music, some sing-along, was provided. It made for a special Christmas memory.
If you’re in need of a care home for a loved one, look no further. The love and care my mother-in-law received was truly beyond what we could have hoped for or imagined. Once she moved in, we, too, felt like we had joined the family. My mother-in-law knew she was receiving excellent care which was such a great comfort to us as she prepared to pass on to the next life.
-Ann Runsten