November 10, 2011
Dear Mr. Roderick,
My father, Charles lived at Where the Heart is in Burlington Washington (WTHI). He had lived at this community for approximately seven years.
This letter is to bring your attention to the wonderful treatment my father received from your staff at WTHI. Charles was not an easy resident. He required carefully attention and your staff was up to it. Of particular help as Maria Swift, Executive Director. She was kind, caring, and straight forward with me and my family. Elba, Director of Nursing Services, was very professional, kind, and caring. Also, Jenny at the front desk always had a smile on her face when I came to visit. Jenny was ready to help with my questions or finding someone who could help. There are many more caring staff at the community who I thank for their service to my dad.
The end of life care your organization gave to my father is exemplary. It was an honor to be associated with your community and the staff at Where the Heart Is and I wish for you continued success.
Sincerely,
Thomas S
August 2011
To the Staff of Where the Heart Is
It is important to us, the family of Anna W, that everyone at the “Heart” know how very grateful we are for the excellent care you gave our mother.
From day one in the interview, Maria, your compassion, understanding and noticeably keen listening of our mom’s conversation and our concerns gave us a confident feeling that you were extremely knowledgeable about Dementia and Alzheimer. You were clear in explaining to us and most important included Mom in the conversation, about the care you could provide and the advantages of being in a safe environment and with other residents as friends whom she would be comfortable with. You understood that for us, this was a very difficult decision to make.
Throughout the following year and a half, no matter when we would feel the need to visit, day or night, we were never unwelcome. Living in another state, when I would call for an update, I always received nothing but courtesy, clear evaluation of what Mom was going through and answ3ers to any and all questions I had. Toward the last few days, I believe it was Maricela, even offered to put the phone to Mom’s ear so I could talk to her. Please, please know this gesture was one of the most loving and understanding acts you could have done for me.
The many assistants who took care of our Mom were a tribute to the “Heart” and we apologize that some of the names have slid by us quietly, but we want to extend a very special, heart felt thank you to the many, many assistants, who responded with wonderful kindness to the situation that arose.
A special Thank you to:
Jennie, who’s warm, welcoming greetings and responses to our special request were never treated as if they were a problem.
Jackie, who always had the best smiles and went out of her way many times to accommodate us with extra touches.
Jan, who always treated us like we were royalty, had the warmest hugs, and gave us needed words of comfort.
Maricela, I believe you were the one who took the initiative to ask if I would like to talk to Mom and who understood Mom’s limitations and reacted without hesitation to take the extra steps to accommodate her needs.
Carol Boshears, when I phoned, you always answered any questions or explained my concerns so patiently
Special note to the cooks who provide excellent food.
Finally, to the “head honcho” we very affectionately call ELBA, we cannot extend enough a very, very extra special hug and huge, huge thank you. Since the very beginning, she laughed, cried, shared stories and very tenderly explained who processes would be expected. She is a credit to her profession with her knowledge, her experience, her attitude and her warm “bedside manner”.
Our mom was the best mother anyone could have and we hated the disease that robbed us of having her active in our lives. Thank you very sincerely for your help to give her dignity and warmth till the end.
May God bless you all.
John, Ann, Bob and Sue
August 2011
Maria, Joe and I want to express our appreciation for all that you, Elba and the rest of the staff did for Carmen. It’s good to know folks like you exist. Our hats are off to each of you.
Many, many thanks.
Ruth and Joseph V.
March 2011
Dear Maria and Staff,
I want to take opportunity to extend my sincere appreciation for fine care, home comfort, and sincere love, my father received his eight years at Where the Heart Is. The wonderful care he received the first four years continued seamlessly when Frontier Management took over the management.
The staff who cared for my dad became family to me. His dignity was always considered and when needed the staff had such a gentle way of redirecting me and my sometimes confused thoughts. You cannot put a price on the peace I had after a visit when I headed back to Seattle for a four hour flight home.
In January, I not only lost my father, but a group of friends/caregivers who touched my life as well as my dad’s.
You are doing a great job!
Sincerely,
Marlyn
March 2011
In 2004 my husband looked at many assisted living homes for my 86 year old mother. None came close to the cheerful and homelike feeling of Where the Heart Is.
My mother was happy with her room and continually commented on how well she was treated and cared for by everyone. This was her home for the remaining 6 ½ years of her life.
Your administrative staff of Maria, Jenni and Carol are very professional and compassionate. We thank them and all the staff for the care and kindness they gave my mother.
Sincerely,
Christine
March 2011
Dear Mr. Roderick,
I want to thank Frontier Management for all the wonderful care received by my father, who lived at Where the Heart Is, from 2006 until his recent passing. Living near Houston, with infrequent trips to see Dad during these years, I always felt reassured by the wonderful staff and facilities and the obvious concern for his wellbeing that I witnessed during my visits.
I particularly want to commend Director Maria Swift for her warm and caring professionalism. Elba Helmer, RN, Director of Nursing Services, felt to me like a member of our family with her close attention and cheerful personality. Activities Director Leah Iversen went far beyond the expected in drawing Dad into planned activities and in supporting our family in organizing his 94th birthday party, which attracted family members who hadn’t seen him or each other in years. Office Manager Jenni Roppel was always a knowledgeable, helpful presence on the phone, at the front desk and even in helping with Dad when circumstances warranted. Finally, my thanks to sweet Carmen, the first to assist Dad with hygiene when he resisted others.
I know there were many other staff members who touched my father’s life over his years, there, but these are the folks I knew best and whom I want to thank through this letter.
Where the Heart is a beautiful, inviting, home-like facility to be proud of. I recommend it to local area residents whenever possible.
Blessings upon your wonderful work with seniors who need this extra care.
Sincerely,
Connie
February, 2011
To Elba and all the Staff at Where the Heart Is
This is a note to thank you each for the excellent compassionate care you provided my patient and for the support that each of you provided to her family. It has been my privilege to be involved with the health care for this lady for many years and it has been my privilege to be associated with professionals as yourselves who have done so well with her illness and passing.
Sincerely Yours,
Dr. Van
January, 2011
To the Wonderful staff of Where the Heart Is,
What an amazing journey we shared the past two years that Mom was in your care, and especially during her final weeks.
From day one we knew that Mom was in competent, caring hands. But as time passed and Mom's dementia progressed, we saw that your gifts went beyond that.
We saw countless instances of your resourcefulness and flexibility…of your ability to defuse an awkward situation…of your compassion, understanding and patience…of your ability to wholly commit yourselves to the needs of another, with respect, preserving their dignity and maintaining your equilibrium.
We saw the large impact of a small, tender gesture. And we felt the comfort of your guidance and wisdom…of your smiles, thoughtfulness and kindnesses.
Each of you has left an indelible mark on our hearts and given us many memories to fondly recall and cherish through the years.
And that indelible mark has rippled out into the local community and beyond as we shared our experience with friends and family on Mom's memorial road trip. Everyone was greatly touched, and Mom's brothers asked that we pass on their appreciation for all that you did for her.
"Thank you" is far too small a phrase to contain all that we feel for each of you. Please know that your selfless, generous spirits will remain with us, as our enduring gratitude will follow you. You are exceptional, and you touched our lives deeply.
Sincerely,
Eula P.
June 2010
To Friends of Where the Heart Is,
The Burlington Senior Center and the Burlington Parks and Recreation Department would like to thank you for your recent support of our first evening dance on June first. It was a wonderful event and we appreciated your involvement.