Treating Each and Every
Resident Like Family...
Testimonials
Heart to Home: Our Story
"For over 6 weeks, my 76-year old father stood guard for hours each and every day in a hard, upright chair next to my mother in a nursing home (apparently we are supposed to call them “Long Term Care Facilities” these days). He tried to defend her when she needed it, but was readily dismissed because, post-stroke, he has difficulty getting his point across. For instance, my mother needed assistance going to the bathroom, pushed the call light and often waited for over 20 minutes for an aide to appear. Of course, by then it was too late and my mother had to endure the indignity of getting cleaned up by an unhappy aide).
As the only child in town to care for them, I dropped by as often as I could, and tried to advocate for my mother and improve the care she was receiving. The leadership staff cared a great deal, but their hands were tied and their budget was limited. I felt powerless to help. My father was so overwhelmed and discouraged, he fell flat on his face one day and cracked his head on the tile floor. Once we knew that my mother would not be able to go home again, and needed 24-hour care, I began looking frantically for an alternative.
I turned to a non-profit placement organization called A Place for Mom and thanks to Toby Mullenger found a heaven-sent alternative for my mother: Heart to Home.
I have one word to describe the care and attention my family received from Heart to Home: Impeccable.
Day one, we were greeted with fresh baked cookies, a handmade welcome card and fresh cut flowers. A large, comfortable chair was set beside my mother’s bed for my father to sit in and take his daily naps if he chose to stay. Fresh coffee was always on hand for my father, and my mother’s favorite juice was always on stand-by in the refrigerator. My entire family, including my rambunctious 3 and 5-year old boys, were welcomed with open arms and, once again, warm cookies. The house manager set up weekly chats with my father to address any questions or concerns he had about my mother’s care.
My father started to smile again and became more steady on his feet. There were no more angry phone calls from him, and my mother regained color in her face. And my family started seeing me again, because I no longer needed to drop by and make sure my parents were okay. In every aspect of my mother’s care, Heart to Home did not miss a beat.
Sadly, my mother came down with pneumonia and chose at that point to stay at Heart and Home rather than go to the hospital. She declined rapidly and died within a week. I must tell you this: in those final days, the true colors of the entire staff of Heart to Home came through, and I could not possibly have asked for more. In fact, I struggle to put words to what they did for my mother and our family during those excruciating hours. The staff at Heart to Home sat with my mother when our family could not. They held her hand. They massaged her feet. They stayed overnight with me. They guided us through the difficult decisions and prepared us for the end, and stayed with us through the end. And they were with us every step of the way. We were never alone in our pain, and are still not alone in our grief.
I know that Residential Care Homes will be the future of long-term care of our aging parents. It must be. Heart to Home has brought grace and dignity to the decline of our once-vibrant loved ones."
~ Catherine (Resident's Daughter)
"I just wanted to send you a quick note to say thank you and to let you know how relieved and elated I am that dad is at Heart to Home! I really appreciate how easy you made the moving process. It was so important to me to move dad quickly, and all of you made sure that happened. You really have a special place. It is truly a beautiful home, but the people who work there are what really make it great! Thanks!"
~ RuthAnn (Resident's Daughter)
"Professional staff, caring aides, beautiful environment, exceptional nurses (RN's), communication and convenience of a visiting MD."
~ Katie (Resident's Daughter)
"You do a wonderful job of getting to know your residents. Also listening to family members on what a client's needs are. The staff are well trained, meals are nutritious and I love the way you are continually try to engage the residents with activities and outings. I also appreciate that the admitting process was easy and you accommodated our schedule and the communication has been great!"
~ Katie (Resident's Daughter)
"Thank you and all of the staff for putting on a wonderful evening - great
food and conversations as well as making it something special for my dad. He
really is happy and when we see the change in him from a year ago to 6
months ago when he arrived and now, it is quite amazing. Keep up the excellent care."
~ Dale (Resident's Son)
"We were so thrilled to finally find a senior care home like Mendota Manor. The staff is wonderful and the home environment is so warm and inviting. We can't thank you enough for all that you do!"
~ Mike (Resident's Friend)
Additional References Available Upon Request
