Well, it's hard to know where to begin. In February I found out I needed an assisted living for my Mother, and pretty quickly. I started hunting, and came upon Waters Edge Lodge, a place I'd never heard of before. I saw great reviews, hunted Google for more, and then called a company that specializes in reviewing Assisted Living facilities across the United States, and quickly realized it was on the East Coast. The woman told me that The Lodge was not a part of their network, but she had heard of it many times, and the wonderful family that owns and runs it. She then told me that she had heard nothing but wonderful things about it, and she wished they were a part of her network. Yay!
So I call The Lodge, and talk to Jordan about coming to look. She was so kind, beyond helpful, and very very honest. Let me tell you, this place is awesome. They stress good health, and have exercise classes(plural), bingo, musicians daily, and excursions to the shopping areas. The place is beautiful and calming. There are chairs and benches every few feet in the lovely walking areas on every floor, in case the residents need a rest, as well as book nooks, games to be borrowed, a movie theater, a charming, brand new mini spa, a wonderful dining room, Pete's coffee of every sort, and cookies all day in the resident's own little cafe area. My husband and I laughed and said, "we want to live here".
Okay, then we go into the lodge big room that looks like a "lodge", and out the back doors, and voila, your breath is taken away by the lagoon. It truly is something to see, and the walking paths go on and on, which made my husband and I happy, as we can visit my Mom and have some fun and exercise, then relax outside, as they have seating too. Safeway is right next door, as well as places to eat, and a church is not far down the path. I know they have a shuttle there every Sunday.
Now back to the wonderful, and not that it matters, beautiful Jordan Hill-Washington. This woman is absolutely amazing. She went way above and beyond the call of duty, and that is understating it. She was just so helpful, so smart, so kind, and she knew just what to say to me to make me feel better, to help finish the intake information, and she was there for us at times she should have had to herself. Other than the beautiful, well respected facility, I think it is Jordan that sold me on The Lodge. She is a true asset. Thank you so much Jordan.
We moved my Mom in after doing some fun decorating, and as she is sometimes know to, she had some issues. They were so on top of it. We met with Sarah, and the head nurse, Darnelle Zimmerman, who is also of the Zimmerman family that owns The Lodge. They are a second generation family that run it. That said a lot to me. They really care. Darnelle and my husband got down to the root of my Mom's stuff, and I liked that Sarah and Darnelle were kind, observant of my Mom in every way, and also refreshingly honest with us.
I will tell you that a few years ago, I was thinking I was going to have my Mom live at Villa San Ramon in San Ramon, when she was ready. I had checked them out before. When I called to speak to them again, I felt like I was talking to a car salesman, which put me off, as well as the price, and what was and wasn't included in that price. So glad I widened my range, and found Waters Edge Lodge. Do yourself and your loved ones a favor, and go take a look. read more