Desires are what we are naturally drawn to or what sound the most appealing for a specific situation. An important first consideration is where you want your needs met. You may want to stay in your current home and have a variety of homes services delivered there. Or you may choose to move to an assisted living community or skilled nursing facility. Do you want to stay near your current residence or close to the home of a family member? Do you want a community that mimics your current home? Would you prefer a facility operated by a particular religious or fraternal organization? Is a particular climate important?

Resources include the income, savings, investments, or sale of a residence that can be devoted to home care or a senior living community. Generally speaking, costs are almost always the responsibility of the individual, so you may want to consult an attorney or financial planner.

Step 2. Evaluate your housing and care options

This may be easier than you think because so much information is out there. (Check the Internet Resources page on our website.) Talk at length to admissions coordinators at the community or care option closest to our needs. Read the facility descriptions and check locations.

Step 3. Finally, and very importantly, visit your top candidates.

If possible, schedule a visit to the communities of your choice and then return later unannounced. After 5 p.m. and during mealtime will reveal important aspects of that community’s daily operation.

[from www.newlifestyles.com, a national guide to senior care]

Upon his doctor’s advice, we will no longer be coming to The Club as Cliff needs on a day-to-day basis a higher level of skilled care than we can provide at home.

We want to thank you so very much as your kindness and individual care toward Cliff did not go unnoticed. We appreciate it more than you know. You make such a positive difference in people’s lives.

Sincerely,

Irene P., Karen T. and Karl P.

Thank you for the wonderful presentation you made to our “Staying Nifty After Fifty” workshop. Your speech was very enlightening, kind, and empathetic as you discussed the various types of programs appropriate for and available at the Chateau at Carmichael Park for people needing extra care to remain healthy and safe and for their caregivers to have respite. Thanks, also, for the delicious wraps and dessert prepared at your community and which you shared with our audience. Everyone was thrilled with your generosity and the quality and wonderful taste of your food. If the need ever arises, the Chateau at Carmichael Park and the memory day care program will definitely be an option to be considered by many of our participants.

The cheerful, positive, sincere attitude you exuded throughout the entire evening was the very best of the gifts you shared with us. Our participants were impressed with your demeanor, the gifts of the Chateau, and the expertise you displayed in your knowledge and expertise.

Sincerely yours,

Elder in charge of Christian Education at Grace Presbyterian Church

Love, Carol B.

It was hard for mom to be without dad but she soon began to see that besides the love and support of her family, she had yours too!  That love and support continued to grow into the strongest bond I could I imagine.  She felt so close to many and cherished your stories, songs, or whatever you had to share.

Mom enjoyed all her activities, her walk to the duck pond, getting her hair done and brunch church on Sundays.  Bridge was her passion and she so looked forward to playing with her friends.  Bingo was pretty important as well.  She had her Red Hat group and had recently joined the Sunshine Committee.  She had her lunch and dinner girls that were the most incredible support groups.  I so enjoyed hearing how they looked out for each other.

Thank you for all the family activities you have like Easter, Halloween, and Christmas.  Mom loved to show off her family, and it was so wonderful that we all got to be at GG’s home.

We would have liked to move mom closer to where we live but could find no place to compare to The Chateau at River’s Edge.  I can never truly express how grateful we are to the staff, care workers, and her friends.  Being here quite frequently, I felt you as my friends too.

Mom’s last several weeks were especially hard on her and all of us.  It was so hard to leave her and go home, but this was made possible by all the unconditional love and care you were giving her.

From the bottom of my heart I say thank you which seems so insignificant.

I will never forget such kindness, caring, compassion, and commitment.  Mom had a better and richer life because of you.

Sincerely — V. G.

After her recovery in a nursing home, we had to move her again. This time, more appropriately to a memory care facility with night staff. I have only wanted the best for her as every time I see her I think of all the love she has given me. So I put her in the most upscale and pricey facility I could find, thinking they would be able to give her the best care. This did not work out. There were always problems. I felt that no one there care for her as I had hoped and expected. After almost a year of constant stress for me and for my mother, I did not know what to do. I really did not want to move her again, but I could see she was unhappy there.

Then I found the Chateau at Carmichael Park. After touring and meeting everyone, I had a good feeling that moving her there would be better for my mother. Little did I know how the environment there would enable her to live more happily and content. Every time I visit her I am amazed at the care she is given. The staff is always cheerful and attentive. When an issue about her care comes up, they are willing to work with the family to help resolve it. Surprisingly, the have been able to reduce her falls. I didn’t think this would ever happen.

The atmosphere is warm and inviting, and the staff alway cheerful and welcoming. And the creative events and activities planned for the residents assure me they are working hard to make their lives pleasant. Each holiday is festively celebrated by residents and staff alike. With each visit I find my mother not just existing but improving in her ability to talk coherently and to keep walking. She seems more relaxed and has more peace of mind. This, I believe, is largely due to the efforts of all the staff that strive to make the lives of the residents the best that can be.

This has made such a great difference in both our lives. I now feel I can leave my mother confident that she is finally being given the care she deserves.

Sincerely yours,

Rick R.

Sincerely,

Joyce H.

1. Upon arrival, the lovely landscaping gives a feeling of tranquility.

2. Entering the Chateau at River’s Edge, the decor is very attractive and welcoming.

3. No matter where you go in the building, it is sparkling clean and odor free.

4. All of the employees greet guests with a friendly smile and hello.

5. The food is good and attractively presented.

6. The cocktail party (“Happy Hour”) on Friday afternoon is a much-anticipated event.

7. Special events are done with pizzazz and have been excellent.

8. Weekly afternoon entertainment is also very good.

9. The lady minister has a talent for giving the residents peace.

10. The caregivers do a good job.

Sincerely,

Bette H.

Even in her diminished state, you were able to see the sweet person Mom was and respond to her warmly.

We really appreciate the care you and your staff gave Mom over the past year. We feel completely confident recommending the Chateau to others looking for a caring, safe home for seniors.

Please extend our thanks to all the staff.