Dear Brian,
I am writing to thank you and your entire staff for making the last three years of my mother’s life sweet and comfortable.
The first person I met at Garden Villas was Dustin McClintock. I strongly suggest you do everything possible to keep Dustin in your employment for many, many years. He is such a gentleman. Dustin is even-tempered and patient. Mom had long-term care insurance. Vicky and Justin jumped through every “hoop” the insurance company put up, and we collected to the full extent of the policy. Dustin never got annoyed when Mom called saying she hadn’t received her insurance check. Mom is resting happily knowing Dustin submitted her final bill promptly, and we were reimbursed by the insurance company.
After Dustin showed me around and we and Mom (we never made a decision without her) decided Mom should move to Garden Villas, we worked with Vicky Busso for all the nitty-gritty entry stuff. Vicky was a pleasure then and continued to be a pleasure for the entire time Mom lived at Garden Villas. Her management style is direct but kind. She listens!! And, as Mom declined, Vicky worked with us to make sure Mom was getting the services she needed.
Mom was in pretty bad shape when she came to you in 2016. When I told Vickie that Mom was confusing her medications and needed medication management, Vicky said that Mom would be fine once we got those meds under control. Sure enough, Mom did a complete turn-around and had a lovely 3 years living at Garden Villas. My husband and I came to dinner occasionally. The food was always great and your servers were always sweet. Chef John Jackson is a “true gem.” When we needed to have Mom’s 99th birthday at Garden Villas because she was too frail to take out of the building, Chef John prepared two gorgeous festive meals. We should have had all of her birthday parties there! It was such a warm and lovely environment. And, of course, the food was delicious.
Mom made friends with all the LIMA’s who brought her meds. All of them were cheerful and brightened the room when they came in. We enjoyed getting to see them. Ariel was especially loving and kind during those final days and hours. Julie A, the nurse, was great. Sometimes she had to get ‘tough’ with requirements for Mom’s safety, but she worked with us to help Mom accept her limitations and make accommodations for them. We so greatly appreciated her professional and steady manner. Paula, Kathleen and Judy at the front desk could not have been more efficient and friendly. They were always so helpful when we called. John, Mom loved all the parties you planned. The parties gave her something to look forward to and to dress-up for, and she especially loved Mother’s Day, Labor Day and July 4th. It meant so much to her for us to come and meet her lovely friends and their families. And, she took ownership of those parties as if she was giving them herself. I think you succeeded in your goal of giving your residents a sense of “ownership.” What a great accomplishment! Mom also loved the Rabbi. I don’t know if he works for you or the Jewish Community. All I know is that my very non-religious Mother seemed to get spiritual solace from him and it was greatly appreciated.
It isn’t easy getting to be very old. Dorothy’s body declined but her mind was perfect until the last two days of her life. That perfect mind knew what she wanted, and was quite capable of keeping us apprised of her care at Garden Villas and keeping you guys on your toes. You and your entire staff did a great job. When people ask me about Garden Villas, I tell them “It is a culture of kindness.” That is our lasting impression of the service and care you gave my mom. In Judaism we having a blessing that I want to bestow on you and your staff: “May you go from Strength to Strength.”
With our deepest gratitude
Fran
