I would like to begin with no matter when it is time to place your loved one in an assisted living facility (ALF) and need memory care assistance, this is a very difficult time.
Now, I would like to tell my story of choosing Encore @ Avalon Park memory care assisted living. My grandmother had been living alone for many years after the death of my grandfather. Time and realization slowly crept in that she could no longer do Day to day living expectations, such as using her appliances, driving, paying bills, remembering to shower. My mother moved in with her part time and thing were good for awhile then her Dementia slowly got worse and sundowns was kicking into all time highs.
It was time to make another change and adapt with our new grandma/mom. She came to live with me for just about 2months. In these weeks it became apparent that us family just wasn't equipped or educated enough to be able to give the best care my grandma. This was very difficult to accept but as looking and making appointments for ALF w/memory care doing walk throughs discussing financial cost, it became clear that Encore was offering the best of the best.
I ended up having to make the decision on my own, as other family members couldn't cope or realize grandma's mind wasn't what it use to be. Despite being the same person, she also was a new person with a different reality that is hard to understand. Dementia is a horrible disease that takes from your loved one and you.
Now, after many visits to ALF, I walked into Encore with my mind made up that it was too expensive, too corporate and really just not sure why I was giving them my time. I am so thankful I gave them a shot! I walked in started my tour, being polite but when the various staff could tell I was already done with the "look at how great Encore was" Starse (pardon misspelling) she looked at me and asked "what are your expectations and tell me your concerns". I was completely honest and had voiced everything. She didn't just listen to me, she told me the truth on transitioning on scheduling and then showed me around, introduced me to other staff members and nurses. Our tour was cut short, due to needing to get back home to my grandmother. Starse, told me to call anytime, come back with or without appointment, bring my grandma to hang out for the day get a feel for the place because she understood the decision making and TRUST I was instilling.
A few weeks went by, prayed and came to deciding to go with Encore. My grandmother has been at Encore, her home, since October 2017. She is thriving there! Yes, she still has difficult days as expected with dementia but her quality of life expanded!
Encore offers all sorts of "perks" for lack of better term, they have fantastic physicians that makes weekly and as needed appointments with each resident, cardiologist that makes in house calls along with thrive behavioral therapies, dentistry that comes in house for dental treatments. The staff is more than staff!!!! They are like family. They treat residents and my grandmother with the utmost respect, love & dignity! The safety of each residents well being is top priority. They have a very well put together schedule for our loved ones to keep their minds and body active. They have events that include us nonresidents to encourage a more family oriented atmosphere. Weekly "field trips" with residents to get them out and about in the neighborhood. Scheduled activities with the community and schools. I can go on and on about how wonderful Encore truly is! But what is most important to know is that I found the perfect home for my grandmother that can gives her a better quality of life while suffering from dementia. It is a very hard pill to swallow to admit when you can't provide and give what your loved needs but it feels good to know Encore has the training, staff & LOVE that is given to my grandmother and all residents daily! They gave my back my relationship as a granddaughter/grandmother and my kids have the chance to actually be kids with their great grandma!
I thank god daily for Encore and giving them the chance!!!! A huge thank you to Maria and Monica for always being there for me and the hard work you do. It is truly a gift that you and all of Encore has given me back!
I hope my testimony gives you what you need in this trying time. Give Encore the opportunity to give you back your relationship with your loved one! read more