Delmar Gardens North

I love Delmar Gardens North! My first memories there were of my Grandmother, and how loving they were to her over 10 years ago.

In May of this year, because of illness and dementia, my Dad was finally headed to a Nursing Home as well. We had chosen one under a somewhat rushed timeline, and thought, because of its proximity to my mom’s home, it was a good fit. It didn’t take long to realize that even though it looked like a cruise ship on the inside, the staff was less than responsive, and there were hardly any patients/residents there. My Mom visited him daily, and when I drove out there weekly, I saw the same thing – my Dad was being left in his room alone, and we heard many complaints that the staff couldn’t manage him because of his memory challenges, etc. After 3 months, they conceded that he would need to move to a memory care facility. We had 30 days to comply, and after checking out a few other homes, we decided to find out if Delmar Gardens specialized in memory care. I brought my mom there to check it out.

Mrs. Bono the director welcomed us with open arms, remembering my Grandmother and how involved my mom was in her care. She said they would definitely make room for my Dad! I could tell from the energy at Delmar, that my Dad would be happier there. The other home had no activity, no energy, and workers who were not engaged in taking care of the residents. But at Delmar, everyone had a look of caring and happiness on their faces, even the residents!

Nurse Carol, who coincidently was my grandma’s nurse, is also my Dad’s! She is incredibly professional and caring to both my Dad and my Mom. Since Dad moved in, I have felt peace of mind for my Mom and my family. We have been over the top happy with the care he has received. Mr. Pagano, the activities director makes us laugh, especially when we feel so sad seeing our Dad with his dementia. And the night staff has been wonderful as well. I would highly recommend the Delmar Gardens family to anyone looking for a wonderful next step for their parents or grandparents.

Thank you so much Delmar Gardens!

16 March 2021

Dear Pathways,

It has been six weeks since my father, Merle Wolff, passed away at Delmar Gardens North. I am still processing everything but thanks to your amazing care team that was assigned to him, I am healing. I wanted to write to you as a company and let you know some of my experiences with those my father interacted with and whom I had contact.

He had three terrific nurses, Kristina, Maggie and Jen. I can’t say enough good things about each and everyone of them. Kristina, my father called “his angel.” She went above and beyond her job in so many ways. She got him through Covid-19, which was more of a mental struggle with my dad in isolation than it was a physical one. I was incredibly sad when she moved, but I was very thankful he had a year and a half with her. Dad loved her. Dad thrived under her care. I have no doubt she is the number one reason he lived a year and a half longer than the hospital doctors estimated. She kept me informed of his status, listened to my concerns and helped guide me through each step treating me more like a dear friend than a client. I miss her. Maggie was with him for around two to three months. She stepped in gently (having giant shoes to fill) and was sweet and kind and tried to fill the emptiness of Kristina. She kept me informed from day one respecting my requests for information. She was upfront telling me that she was temporary and I appreciated that so I could prepare my dad who felt so lost and depressed without Kristina. I appreciated her honesty. Then there was Jen. She swept in fast like a hawk, took control of everything quickly and immediately earned my dad’s respect and trust. I wish I could have met her. She was upfront with me, didn’t hold back or gloss things over per my request) and my dad loved her, so I did too. She watched over him during his final days. She made him comfortable when he had pain. She reached out to Dr. Schmidt when I requested it. She was a no hands back force that everyone should be so lucky to have in their final days. Please don’t misunderstand me, she did it all with grace and care and utmost respect for him and me. I am grateful for her!

Beyond the phenomenal nursing staff, there was Dr. Schmidt. She kept my informed for two long years. I felt as if I always knew where my dad stood with both the hospice system and his health. She never made me feel as if she was rushed (even though sometimes she was) to get in and out, she always took time… even if I had a question in the hall passing her. She quickly connected me with my father so I always felt comfortable just starting the conversation, not having to say his name. She put me at ease from the first patient care meeting. She called me when needed. More than one person on the hospice team told me that my dad was fortunate to have her. They all said that the other doctors were good, but that she was the best. If her team viewed her that way, I knew my dad was in great hands. I am honored she was my father’s final doctor.

Angie, his aide, I only met a few short times but my dad often spoke of her and how much he liked her. They developed a friendship. He depended on her. He missed her on her days off. She was worth her weight in gold.

Daryn and Ed, his two Chaplin’s, had a real tough cookie to crack. My dad was not a deeply religious person. He believed in God but question his own faith. He was very uncomfortable with discussing life but even more so death. Daryn was with him at the very beginning of his hospice journey and connected with dad through music. He was also very kind and sympathetic with me following dad’s passing. Ed was able to ease concerns and helped me understand him better. I was very thankful Ed was willing to perform my dad’s service. He walked up a hill, in the snow, and made our family feel very special.

Kelly (and Katie) who helped him with massage, I did not interact with myself but my father sure appreciated them every time they came. I know it helped with his anxiety as it was the one thing besides bingo that he did not want to miss. So, their work was appreciated.

Then there was the remarkable Lindsay. There aren’t enough positive words in the English language to say about her. From day one, she was amazing. She contacted me monthly and I wasn’t the best conversationalist. She eased me in. She let me think I was leading each of our sessions but now I know she had it all under control from the start. As my dad progressed through his disease her calls came more frequently. She took me under her wing as a mother bird would do. She provided comfort in a time of turmoil and uncertainty. And that was before Covid. After Covid hit, she not only did her job but did mine as a daughter as well. She filled bird feeders, brought ice and I don’t know how many chocolate shakes, delivered newspapers, adjusted pillows, fixed his TV, changed batteries, watered plants, and so much more. She was there, and I mean really THERE. Anyone would think my dad was her only client, her only focus, her father. She was nurturing, funny, sweet, devoted, and well… really, really good at her job. I couldn’t be where I am today without her.

And finally, there was Robyn (sorry, but I don’t know the correct spelling of her name) who called faithfully once a month to check on the team itself. She has the nicest voice and a great demeanor. She always asked if it was a good time to talk, left a pleasant message if I couldn’t get to the phone and followed up if I requested something during one of our phone meetings.

So, a great big Thank You to the entire Pathways team that served my family and my father for the past two years. I wrote a few individual notes that I hope that you will pass out when it is convenient. I apologize I do not know everyone’s last names because I only know the ones who gave business cards to my dad. After a search, I found Kristina so her card is not included.

With extreme gratitude,

Marie McCool

Merle Wolff’s daughter

June 09, 2014

Dear Cathy and Tana,

I wanted to take a moment and on behalf of my sister Andrea and I, thank you and your staff for the caring and kindness you bestowed upon our mom, Iola (Mimi) during her stay at Delmar Gardens North. From the day my sister Andrea and I stopped by in late February, feeling bewildered and tired after making the rounds of visiting other facilities, all of you made us feel at home. Tana, I so well remember your friendly greeting and telling us that a Medicaid bed had just opened. You went on to share that none of the people on the waiting list you had called had responded and if we wanted the bed we should move quickly which we did and never regretted. It felt as if Providence had a role in our stopping that day.

There are so many people at Delmar Gardens to thank that made Mimi’s stay and passing so much easier, not only for her, but also myself, Andrea and her son Eric. On a daily basis it was not only the two of you, but also the interactions with Donna, Patty, and Cathy as things came up that required special attention or action. Barbara was wonderful, greeting Andrea each day and helping where she could on things. The therapy staff was also excellent with Bryan, Michelle and Stephanie all doing their part to help Mimi gain and maintain her mobility and strength.

Andrea and I want to particularly thank the nurses and staff of Division 100. They were wonderful. I don’t think you could find a better group of people to care for someone you love. There is one person in particular though, that I have to mention that was so special not only to Mimi, but to myself, Andrea and Eric and that is Mimi’s aide, Brenda. I don’t even know her last name, but from the day Mom arrived Brenda took charge and I could already see a bond forming between them. Immediately Brenda made excellent suggestions for moving furniture and setting Mimi up in her room. From that point on, she was there for her and us. She had a way, too, of making sure Mimi DID things, as much as she could for herself. It was though love at homes, too. I remember Andrea sharing with me on the phone that Mimi had told Andrea that she HAD to go to a certain planned activity as Brenda had said Mimi had to go to two activities each week. No exceptions. Brenda truly helped keep Mimi going, helping her get dressed each day with the outfit Mimi and Andrea had picked out the day before and doing small things like combing Mimi’s hair, “Just the way she likes it.”

And Brenda never complained about Mimi’s frequent need to use the bathroom and other personal needs that needed attention. She made Mimi feel pretty and a patient, not just a person.

When Mimi came back to Delmar Gardens and went under Hospice care, Brenda continued to be there, not only for Mimi, but also for Andrea and Eric, who kept a vigil by her bedside. Brenda made sure they had something to eat, Andrea so well remembering how one day Brenda came by with a tray for her with salad on it and a piece of cake. And, even when Mimi was becoming unresponsive, she would comb her hair.

On one of Mimi’s last days Andrea saw Brenda and Brenda could tell Andrea was hurting. Brenda hugged Andrea and told her that when an angel leaves another one is born to take her place. Those words meant so much to my sister. Finally, after Mimi passed, it was Brenda who combed her hair one last time, “Just the way she likes it.” God bless Brenda and all of the other angels there at Delmar Gardens North.

Thank you.

Regards,

Tom

August 10, 2019

What a difference a wing makes!

My husband and I recently visited our friend, Lester, at Delmar Gardens North and we were so happy to see him out of bed!  Over the past year our visits and our phone conversations concerned us because Lester was not the cheerful, upbeat person we knew.  Last Saturday, we saw a definite change in his spirit.

We are so thankful that he has a permanent room and a pod room at that!    The caregiver we met last Saturday seemed genuinely concerned for his well being. Things like this make a world of difference to the residents, families and friends visiting.

Kindest regards,

Sharon & Matt Z.

To Cathy Bono, Kathi Gray, and the staff at Delmar Gardens North:

We couldn’t let my mom’s recent passing go by without a special word of gratitude for all of those who cared for her for the last several years at DGN.

There was so much kindness, so much love, so much attention given to her by you and the staff from the aides to the nurses to the dietary staff, social workers, maintenance staff, front desk reception, and Jennifer in finance. Tana was always there with any issue we had with rooms or roommates.  Mike and Rachel were instrumental in helping us Zoom with mom when we couldn’t get in to see her.

Mom loved the music programs on Sundays the most, but also the parties and special events (even the baths!) She talked about her PT’s when she had therapy because this was an appointment she looked forward to. She seemed to have many friends there as well!

It’s been quite a tough spring/summer for our family, with the loss of my sister Nancy’s husband followed by mom two months later. But we always felt assured that mom had companionship, care and love of the highest order while she was at Delmar Gardens North.

Patti R.
on behalf of Nancy, Jack  Jr., Rachel, and the entire family

Dear Ms. Bono:

We wanted to take the time to give credit where credit is due for the following Delmar Garden-North workers:

• Vanessa Nelson, CNA
• LaRosa Stanley, LPN (Morning Shift)
• Christine Owens, LPN (Evening Shift)
• Rachel Fendler, Activities Coordinator
• Jennifer Henderson, Billing/Accounting
• Dustin West, Maintenance
• Eddie Williams, Housekeeping

We wanted to bring these particular individuals to your attention because they have gone over, above and beyond in the care of our dad, Perkins. We know that our dad has sometimes been extremely difficult to deal with and hasn’t adjusted well to nursing home life.  He’s depressed and angry on occasion due to not having the independence he was used to, and with his dementia, he often thinks everyone is against him. Not only have they patiently dealt with the harsh and defiant attitudes dad has portrayed at times, they’ve shown us their compassion for dad and willingness to help him even when he doesn’t want it.  We stand in awe of these “essential” workers that do what they can for the resident(s), as well as also helping to ease the hearts and minds of their concerned loved one(s).

We would also like to commend the wonderful and delightful work of Jeannie Kelly, Receptionist. She’s ALWAYS so pleasant when you call. Jeannie will help direct you to the right area when you’re not sure to whom you need to speak with, as well as assist with whatever is needed. She is a wonderful asset within the Delmar Gardens-North staff/family.

We just want to give KUDOs to all of the workers above that we regularly deal with, and to say THANK YOU for their extraordinary service to our dad! HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!

Sincerely,

The Family of Perkins 

Rochelle, Yusuf and Pamela