AMAZING! My grandmother, 94, went here for a respite stay. She is very particular and set in her ways. It is not easy for her to ask for help or complain in a reasonable manner, she can be a little 'snoody,' and is usually huffing and puffing about something! Her stubborn and sneaky personality can be exhausting for others. She needs assistance for things as simple as buttoning her shirt, remembering where her glasses are, etc...her safety was becoming a bigger concern.
At first, she was very hesitant to go to Winchester. She even tried to run away! Imagine this...she ended up staying an extra three weeks because she was thriving so well! I never imagined the phone calls from staff would be so positive! Our family was thrilled and surprised to hear that she was very social, joking with everyone, showing off about how high she could lift her leg....gaining a few pounds (normally weighs in at 102 lbs so nutrition is important)- She was in her glory. She claimed that they have the "best restaurant in town." (Honestly, I was jealous of her chicken parm dinner one night, it looked and smelled so delicious. I don't even like chicken...or parm.)
She had two bad days in her total stay. (She has a moderate depression and anxiety that she has dealt with her whole life so bad days here and there are fairly normal for her.) It was during the first week- we were concerned that her positive experience would not be endured. However, nurse Karen was not working that day. The next day Karen came back to work and all was good! I need Karen in my life!!! I can't believe how how quickly my grandmother had accepted the nurses and how quickly or strong their friendship developed. Gram had one other bad day but just like anyone else might in six weeks away from home.
We are so thankful to Karen and all the staff for allowing us to take a breath and relax for a minute, assured that gram was safe and happy. Change can be difficult for anyone, never mind a sometimes confused 94 year old who is switching environments suddenly. Winchester Nursing Center made the transition for Gram and my family so effortless and positive during such an already pressing time. They answered questions I didn't even know I had!! I felt supported.
Her care was above what we even hoped for! Her mind and soul were cared for as well as her physical self. When visiting, I couldn't help but notice how many patients literally laughed out loud with other residents or with the nurses. The nurse knew each resident and connected with them on a personal level, which made my grandmother feel as if she was the most special person in there. She told us she was "receiving VIP treatment." Gram's behavior and attitude were clearly reflective of her positive experience. I guess maybe she's not so negative after all....
I was very impressed by the coordination of the staff (even though my expectations were high to begin with) and how efficiently they completed tasks and handled situations that arose. I loved the energy of the building. There are many reasons that we considered having Winchester be her permanent residence. We opted to take her home, but gram is looking forward to and excitedly asking when she can return to "sleepaway camp" and see "her new friends and new best friend Karen." LOL!
IT FEELS SO GOOD TO FEEL SO GOOD!
And It feels so good to not be exhausted, to have had an actual break without worrying and to trust 100% that she was in good hands, that I would be contacted promptly if needed, that I would be updated as needed.
The time apart was much needed and rejuvenating for the whole family, especially gram!
It was a tough and nerve wracking decision to send her to begin with, but I am honestly just mind-blown at how well the whole thing went. Still cannot believe it.
What a relief to know that excellent and reliable help and support is near when needed. If you need a place to trust with your loved ones, Winchester Nursing Home was the best choice in Massachusetts for our family. The best part about this place was it felt like a warm, comfortable home of an old friend; not a "healthcare facility" or a "nursing home...where the old people go to die." read more