Health Care Association of Michigan Promoting Excellence in Senior Care
Year End Report to the Legislature Thankful for Compassionate Care
2018 Thousands of positive actions and outcomes occur on a daily basis in today’s skilled nursing and rehabilitation facilities.
Thankful for Compassionate Care Skilled nursing and rehabilitation facilities are an essential part of large and small communities across our state. Annually they care for nearly 100,000 residents of Michigan. Every day our member facilities receive thank you letters from residents and families acknowledging the quality care they provide. From a person returning home after receiving therapy for a knee replacement to a family member that is grateful for an aide that held their parent’s hand at the end of life, many people take the time to say thank you. This “Year End Report to the Legislature” provides a small fraction of the comments reflecting the thousands of positive actions and outcomes that occur on a daily basis in today’s skilled nursing and rehabilitation facilities. We hope you take a moment to read these letters and that you find them as poignant and inspiring as we do. They are conveniently organized by county. Thank you,
Melissa K. Samuel President/CEO
Richie Farran VP of Legislative Services
HCAM is a statewide trade association representing proprietary, not for profit, county medical and hospital-based long-term skilled nursing and rehabilitation facilities. Nursing facilities play an integral role in our healthcare system. There are more than 400 nursing facilities in Michigan caring for your friends, family and neighbors. Nursing and rehabilitation facilities are the solution for thousands of people throughout Michigan.
The cover photo is a former resident and staff member from St. Francis Home in Saginaw.
Alcona County Lincoln Haven Nursing & Rehabilitation Community Hi! Walt and I want to thank you for all the special care and love you gave (our mom) Blanche. During her last couple weeks of life on Earth you gave her such a special gift as she was a part of your own families. Compassion – Love – Tenderness – Keeping her comfortable – Gentleness - you were all there for her all the way to the end. She had very little suffering which was the best gift of all. While we stayed with her the last 10 days or so, your hospitality you offered to us and all those special treats and food the kitchen sent us. We can’t find enough words to thank you all. I personally was thanking God for all of you. Thank you for taking care of all of us. God bless every one of you who touched our lives. Love, Walt and Pat
Alger County MediLodge of Munising
To whom it may concern; My name is Sue Ann. I am writing to you about MediLodge Munising.
I have been caregiver for my Mother, Geraldine for the last six years. I was in her home daily to cook, do laundry, pay her bills, make and take her to all her medical appointments, and anything else that was needed. Additionally I had meals on wheels for delivered for lunch, a weekly housekeeper, a visiting nurse and social worker. When it became apparent that her dementia had reached the point where her living situation was no longer safe, I turned to MediLodge Munising in August of 2016. I chose their facility because mother had been a rehab patient twice in the past. Once following a heart attack and triple bypass in 2013, and the second time for a fractured pelvis in 2016. Most importantly, I chose MediLodge because Mother liked the facility and the care she received in the past. I like the team approach used by MediLodge for the care of their residents. Nursing staff, Social Worker, Activities Director, Physical Therapy, office staff, housekeeping, maintenance, and kitchen staff all work together to give my mother the best of care. I am a daily visitor to the facility and have never had any issue with mother's care or the condition of the facility. Every staff member is caring, friendly, and professional. They all work together to keep mother healthy, both physically and mentally, and socially engaged. Her quality of life is actually better than if she were still living in her home. I have recommended MediLodge to several of my friends for their loved ones, and will continue to do so. They are the best group of people to give mother the care she needs and deserves. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions. Thank you for your time, Sue Ann
Allegan County Laurels of Sandy Creek For Amber, Amy and Jonathon Wanted you to know you have some really good associates and I appreciate their extra effort. Made me feel good and my room looks really good. I have been taken care of by some of the most compassionate and caring people you have. Wanted to share this information. You are fortunate to have them on your Sandy Creek team. Therese
Baraga County Bayside Village
To: The Staff at Bayside Village The family of Carol would like to “Thank You” for the wonderful care she was given while she was a resident. Who would ever think after 40 years of employment as a care-giver at the homes, that she would need it herself. G-ma was given the Best Care from each and every one of you! She loved you ALL! and accepted Bayside as her home. Thank you all for the thoughts, prayers, cards and plant.
Bay County Bay Shores Senior Care & Rehab Dear staff at Bay Shores, Thank you all so very much for the important part each one of you played in the end-of-life time for my mother. She relied upon you, as did her family, for the array of tasks you did for her. Whether doing her laundry, fixing her breakfast, helping her with day-to-day care, encouraging her through therapy, monitoring her condition, fixing her nails, brightening her day...the list goes on & on. And when the day came that she breathed her last, my brother & I were treated with kindness & compassion. I will always picture in my mind the little tableau Misty set up with my dad’s picture draped with my mom’s cross & the chair, awaiting my arrival, pulled up next to her bed. Thank you for all that you have done for all of us. We are grateful. Sincerely, Carolyn
Benzie County Maples – Benzie County Medical Care Facility Thank you all from the bottom of my heart for the care and devotion you showed to my dad. All of you, from the receptionist, to the certified nursing assistants the nurses, the housekeeping staff treated my dad, and me, with the utmost kindness and compassion that made his stay there more bearable. You can see from the picture and his smile that he still had joy in his heart and I owe that to all of you. I just want you to know how deeply I appreciate it. Thank you and take Care! Cathy
Berrien County West Woods of Bridgeman Chris: Just a quick note to thank you and your attractive, caring, charming, cheerful, communicative, competent and confident staff. You and your wonderful staff demonstrated an amazingly strong unity of purpose; putting patient needs and support first in all areas. Your entire team's involvement in supporting and showing caring patience with the patients, is outstanding and specifically what allowed me to rehabilitate in the relatively short time I was at your facility. I am extremely grateful for the warm reception, the knowledgeable and competent care, the strong rehab team, the excellent food and the clean, considerate and comfortable surroundings. All of which made my rehabilitation possible, successful and pleasant. Please convey my thanks and genuine gratitude to your staff and your residents for the kind and pleasant reception I received, for the rehabilitative and supportive interface I occurred with them on a daily basis, and for the fast friendships that developed in my short period with them. Though I truly wanted and needed to get home as soon as possible; I felt a lump in my throat and a few tears in my eyes for the friends that I had to leave behind. With sincerest gratitude, John
Branch County Laurels of Coldwater Please accept our grateful thanks for Bob’s care at your wonderful place. Everyone has been so very, very kind and helped us in every way. Thank you and God bless you, one and all. Bob and Deanna
Calhoun County Evergreen Senior Care & Rehab Center I wanted to wait a bit to review this place and I feel I have waited long enough. I cannot say enough good things about Evergreen. My mom had a massive stroke in March. She was in a couple different nursing/rehab facilities between hospital stays ... Then she gets sent to Evergreen. ... This place ...is AMAZING!! They treat my Mom like she is their Mom. I have seen interactions between the staff and other residents and they don't always know I am there watching and it is the same. They treat them all like family. They adjust their personalities to fit each resident individually. If one resident likes to have fun and be spunky they are just as fun and spunky then if they have a more serious or upset resident they adjust right away to fit that resident. They are often busy but they take the time. I adore everyone there from the nurses, the certified nursing assistants, the therapists, the kitchen staff, the housekeeping staff, the maintenance staff, the office staff, absolutely everyone. If they work there they act like they are there only for the residents and the paycheck is a bonus! Thank you Evergreen Staff. You have brought my mom further than we thought she would ever be.
Mandy
Laurels of Bedford Having more than three decades of administrative experience with various disciplines in the medical field, I feel that I have the unique perspective of one who has been on “both sides of the treatment fence.” I have very little to complain about in the care I received here at The Laurels of Bedford. The staff, both administrative and clinical, have consistently shown not only professionalism but also an amazing amount of empathy as I struggled to regain my strength and independence after a couple of major surgeries. Because I know how busy the frontline staff are, I tried really hard to not be too “needy,” and in response, they never made me feel guilty for asking for help, even with the most mundane tasks. It is very clear to me that the majority of them have answered their true calling as “caregivers.” I truly appreciate everyone I came in contact with at The Laurels of Bedford and will remember them all very fondly. Carol
Cass County Cass County Medical Care Facility
Just a note to thank your entire staff for the wonderful care my mother received while at Cass County Medical Care Facility. You are a wonderful group! Gary
Clare County North Woods Nursing Center Hello, My Father, Jack, recently completed a rehab stay at your North Woods facility last week. After visiting with him multiple times, I offer my sincere appreciation for his care and outcome. The multitude of reasons for that is the excellence of the staff in this well-run environment. From the moment I entered the building, the greetings, smiles and bright layout to me, represented professionals who are dedicated to the resident's well-being. It must take a special type of person who can deal with the profound day in & out care of some of the very unfortunate.
I do wish to recognize Shayne, Menta, Mattie, Joe/Megan -PT, Mike, Nicole, Samantha, Mindie, Kelsie and a host of others, whose names, unfortunately I cannot recall, for their professional excellence. Kudos to your well managed organization including great food service! Best Regards, Steve
Clinton County Hazel I Findlay County Manor
Dear All the Staff @ Hazel Findlay Thank you so very much for the exceptional care you gave our dad during rehab after his broken hip! You all go above & beyond to make your residents happy, comfortable & safe. We appreciate the great care so much! From all the family of Richard
Crawford County Grayling Nursing & Rehabilitation Community To the staff @ GNRC Thank you is not enough to say for the care you have given my dad the past 6 years. It has been wonderful sharing his life with all of you! Although there may have been some he seemed to like (get along with) better than others, you all held a special place in his life & heart and in his families as well. We appreciate your kind understanding of him & his sudden moods or abruptness—that’s what a brain injury does :( We were treated like royalty his last days here while we took over his room for 3 1/2 days non stop, 24 hours! Doctors, nurses, kitchen & housekeeping, as well as administration were amazing! Thanks so much! The Family of Rolly
Eaton County Dimondale Nursing Care Center I don’t think there is one person that works here that is un-kind. Not even slightly cranky. When the people that are taking care of you are happy, you’re happy and you heal quicker. If I ever need to come back to go to a rehabilitation center I’m coming back to Dimondale Nursing Care Center. Sandra
Regency at Lansing West To the wonderful staff at Regency West, Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the wonderful care you all gave to our mom during her last months. We truly appreciate everything you did for her. Thank you for the lovely card, it meant a lot to us. The Family of Laura
Gogebic County Westgate Nursing, Rehabilitation, and Assisted Living Community We are fortunate to have several wonderful nursing home facilities in our area. For the past several years, our family had the opportunity to experience all that the Westgate Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Ironwood has to offer. My parents were residents in the skilled nursing section at Westgate, both having issues of varying severity. In the three and a half years my father, and almost five years my mother were residents, the level of care and compassion given them was above and beyond anything we could have ever imagined. Residents are treated like family. Everyone from certified nursing assistants, LPNs, RNs, PT, maintenance and administrative personnel are professional, knowledgeable, caring, and loving to a degree that is truly amazing. It is a great comfort and peace of mind for families to know their loved ones are being given that level of care. Even at end of life, the compassion, sympathy and grief felt by staff is overwhelming. To them a loss is like losing a member of their own family. To say thank you seems woefully inadequate for all you do, but our family certainly does thank and appreciate every single one of you. This area is so fortunate to have an award winning facility like Westgate, providing the care our seniors need and deserve. Donna
Gratiot County Laurels of Fulton We cannot thank you enough for the loving, kind care that you showed our Grandma Patsy on her last days. You didn’t just take care of her physical body—you took care of her soul. You listened to her stories, you told her your own. You comforted her and also made her laugh. She came to love so many of you. You let her feel a “part” of something again—and that is worth more than you can ever know. Thank you all. The family of Patricia
Schnepp Senior Care & Rehab Center Please allow me to express how satisfied and impressed I have been with the care received by my grandfather, Orison and inclusion of my father, his primary caregiver. I am a licensed physical therapist in two states and a board certified orthopedic specialist. In my tenure, I have practiced, built programs, and managed in all settings of rehab and currently serve as Director of Clinical Programs for Post-Acute Care for a national medical benefits management company. As a result, I have experienced best in class service as well as facilities that have significant opportunity for improvement. Schnepp, in my experience, falls into the former category. My grandfather is one of those seniors who insisted, despite recurrent falls in his home, he could live independently. As a result, this was very stressful for the family due to the concerns of maintaining patient safety and exceeding the abilities of his primary caregiver and we were finally able to convince him to admit to Schnepp for a course of short term rehab. From the day of admission, all of the facility staff have treated both my grandfather and father with respect and empathy and have ensured consistent and complete communications delivered in a manner understood by the nonmedical professional. Unfortunately due to his advanced age and functional abilities, my grandfather was not able to return home, which was his greatest fear. Your staff allowed him to transition to long term care with dignity and grace and have welcomed and encouraged my father to continue to participate not only in family meetings but to integrate into the social structure of the facility. My father frequently reports how welcomed he is during meal times and recreational activities for the residents and he holds no hesitation in asking for information or clarification from any of your staff. The ability for my father to remain so involved has been integral to the successful transition for my grandfather. Kind Regards, Kelly
Huron County Courtney Manor The staff of Courtney Manor To some she was Agnes or Ruthie To others she was Busha But to me she was MOM Words can’t express my heartfelt gratitude to all of you for the care and love you gave to my mom. I also want to thank you for all you did to make us girls so comfortable while we were there. Everyone was so helpful and kind. Thank you all again, you were just wonderful.
Ingham County Holt Senior Care and Rehab I am writing to commend the staff on the wonderful care my father received during his short time with you. He passed away 12-16-2018. Dad was always treated with dignity and respect, which is something I will never forget. I do not know many of the names of the staff involved in his care, but special thanks to Dr. Ensberg, Janet RN, and nurse Stacy. I wish I were better with names, for I would thank so many more of the staff. I have been involved in healthcare for many years, and you all far exceeded my expectations. Kind Regards, Jane
Iron County Iron County Medical Care Facility
To the Staff of ICMCF: Thanks for taking such good care of my father, Russell, and for making his last year as rich and full and comfortable as it could be. I always knew someone was there to provide the help he needed, and that brought me and my family a lot of peace of mind. In your dealings with him, you were unfailingly patient and kind, with a good mix of professionalism and familiarity. It's obvious that you care. Whenever I visited or talked with you on the phone, I felt that he was in good hands. Please know how much respect the whole community has for the important work that you do. Sincerely, Jerry
Iron River Care Center Dear Kelly, Rob and the Amazing Care Center Staff and Family, This thank you is by far the hardest. How do we begin to thank you all for everything you did for Dad? He loved it there, and Dad loved every one of you. You each treated him and made him feel so special. Not one time in Dad’s stay was he anything but happy. He called the Care Center home and you were all his extended family. When we count our blessings each of you are included in that. Words cannot express how grateful we are you shared in Dad’s life and all of ours. Thank you for the beautiful plant, thank you for all the love and joy you shared with Dad. He adored you all. You are such amazing friends, family and care givers.
Special love and thanks to Shelly and Tina for being with Dad. Forever in my heart. Thank you and so much love The Johnson Family
Isabella County Laurels of Mt. Pleasant The total of all of the superlatives in the English language would be woefully inadequate to fully describe the level of care, courtesy and expertise that is exhibited by the staff here at The Laurels. I have been either in or involved with many medical facilities, be they hospitals, care facilities, nursing homes or hospice. None of them come close to meeting the level of care I have experienced here, the Staff at The Laurels, be they administrators, nursing, certified nursing assistants, therapy, or even maintenance always display the utmost standards and practices of their profession, even under the most stressful or adverse conditions. To just say thank you would be grossly inadequate to express the gratitude that I have for the care I have received. Keep up the good work and Godspeed to you all. Michael
Jackson County Countryside Care Center To The Staff at Countryside Nursing and Rehabilitation, I would like to thank the staff at Countryside Nursing and Rehabilitation for helping me get back on my feet. I have really enjoyed my stay here, all the staff have been so friendly, caring and kind. I would like to especially thank the Therapy department for getting me up and walking again, and for encouraging me on the days I just didn't feel like working. Thank you to the office staff for always being supportive when I needed it.
Thank you to the nursing staff for caring for me in a way I know only you could do. Thank you to the certified nursing assistants for making sure my favorite blanket was always in reach, and for helping me along the way in every way possible. Thank you to the Activity staff for providing the activities I enjoyed attending, like BINGO. Thank you to the Kitchen staff for making meals that I liked. Thank you to the Housekeeping and Laundry staff for doing such a great job! You have all been such a great support, and I do thank you from the bottom of my heart. I wouldn't have been able to go home without all of your help, I am blessed that I got the opportunity to come to Countryside and Experience what a loving, caring, environment can do for someone on the mend. I wish you all the BEST, and look forward to the adventures that await me. Linda
Faith Haven Senior Care Centre Dear Administrator, Please be aware of the outstanding staff that has been working so hard helping Daniel heal and recover through rehab. Always friendly and respectful of his situation. Nurses, certified nursing assistants, and rehab therapists. I started a list of caregivers to praise and then I lost it. You know who they are. I have a new appreciation for what a difficult environment you all try to make better every day. Thank you!
Jackson County Medical Care Facility Dear Care Facility Staff: This letter is to express appreciation for the care and love that my brother, John, received at Jackson County Medical Care Facility (JCMCF) and especially in Evergreen Meadows. From the first day to his last he was welcomed and loved by the staff. The nurses, certified nursing assistants, social workers and all the other staff knew him and helped him to feel at home. I would like to say a special thanks to the nurses and certified nursing assistants, who watched over his last couple weeks. On his last day the care and love of the nurse, Carrie Lallathin, and certified nursing assistant, Laraca (Rocky) Peete, helped to ease him to the arms of the Lord. Erika Dykstra, Social Worker, was instrumental in setting up the palliative care for him and all the assistance given during his stay.
Because of all that I have seen and felt, the following poem I penned. ANGELS OF MERCY The care given by earth's angels flow to their patients Bring them peace and comfort It flows from the heart deep within them It is given freely and with love It fills the patient with love and comfort May these angels of mercy continue to watch, serve and love Amen Again, I thank the staff (friends) that made John's stay in your facility the best it could be.
Gods Blessing to all at JCMCF. George
Kalamazoo County Alamo Nursing Home Hi Marcia, Wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed the Halloween party and the Thanksgiving feast with my mom, Carole. Alamo really puts on nice events for their residents, and it's really special when we are invited to share in these with mom. You and the staff take such great personal care and interest in the residents, to ensure they enjoy themselves. I know that I enjoyed myself! Our family is looking forward to the Christmas Open House on December 16. We had 14 attend last year, including some of mom's grandkids and great-grandkids. They put us in the smaller dining room in the east end, and it worked out perfectly, as the little kids had room to play. Thank you! Pam
Kent County SKLD Beltline Dear SKLD Thank you so much for a very motivating, warm understanding group of staff. My stay has been full of laughter, comfort and just plain fun. No matter how sad I felt you were there for me. I am blind yet still felt accepted. If I were to take a survey I would give all 5 stars. If ever I am in need of care you will see me “haunting” your halls again. Thank you for everything, Cristy
Leelanau County Orchard Creek Skilled Nursing Everyone has been kind and professional. There is an atmosphere of optimism and sincerity, energy and enthusiasm. Thank you for all you have done to help me to return to my home and family. You are the BEST!! TS
Livingston County WellBridge of Brighton A very special “thank you” to the employees and staff members of WellBridge of Brighton for the care and friendship given to Jerry, myself and our family during the past two years. We felt like we were part of one huge family which included many patients/guests and members of their families. We know there were some difficult days for Jerry, but there were many more good days. We will be forever grateful that you were there to help us through the difficult times.
Macomb County Advantage Living Center - Armada Advantage staff and friends, Your kindness is greatly appreciated. We would like to say thank you for everyone who helped take care of Rose. She received some of the best care with you and to all who got a pat on the backside that was a touch of fondness. Penny
MediLodge of Shoreline To the Staff, Thank you all for everything you did for Florence in Room 110. She loved living at MediLodge and being with all of you.
WellBridge of Romeo I would like to thank the nursing and certified nursing assistant staff for all of the kindness and help they have provided me on my 2 stays at WellBridge this past summer. The care was outstanding and the staff very courteous during my stays. I would also like to give special thanks to certified nursing assistant Pam and ALL of the PT and OT staff for their encouragement in my healing and recovery process. Bob
Marquette County Eastwood Nursing Center
Staff and Residents We want to thank you all for your kind words and thoughts while Oscar was sick. We also want to thank you for your care and company while he lived with you. He was blessed to be able to spend his last two years in such a warm and caring environment THANK YOU! Oscar’s family
Menominee County Roubal Care & Rehab Center To everyone at Roubal Care & Rehab Thank you so much to everyone, all departments at Roubals for the special care you all gave to my mom Marie.
You are truly a great group of people. You all took wonderful care of her. Many of you went out of your way to make her feel good and became her friend. Words can not say enough how I feel about you all. Thank you. Love, Family of Marie
Monroe County Fountain View of Monroe Dear Mr. Lowery, My mother, Mary Lou, has been at Fountain View of Monroe for a little over a year, first as a rehab patient and now as a long-term care resident. I want to take a few moments to write to you and let you know how greatly pleased our family is with the quality of care and services at Fountain View. Without exception, we have encountered nothing but friendly, kind, courteous, patient, and compassionate individuals working on the Fountain View staff. All of your employees and volunteers share ready smiles and warm greetings, and they eagerly offer up assistance on a variety of issues--often before help is even requested! Everyone I have met over the course of this past year--nurses, aides, therapists, activities department staff, kitchen and maintenance workers, management/ administrative/clerical staff, social workers, housekeepers, transportation, the beautician, volunteers--all have been nothing short of consummate professionals in the roles they play at Fountain View. Mom's ALS diagnosis was a tremendous blow to our family. The Fountain View staff has walked with us through some very difficult times (especially in the beginning when the challenges were new for Mom and for us) and also through some very happy times. Life at Fountain View is as good as it can possibly be! Mom so enjoys the many activities that Fountain View offers, and the physical care that she receives from your superb nursing staff is most excellent. We could not ask for anything more or better!
To all of the great people associated with Fountain View of Monroe: You have created together an incredible community! That's what makes you so special. When family and friends of Fountain View residents enter into the building, a sense of "community" is unmistakable! When I come to see my mother, I never feel like I am walking into a sterile institution. I feel like I am coming into a neighborhood--a neighborhood of some of the finest people I have ever met in my life. What a blessing that is indeed! With heartfelt appreciation--I am, Sincerely yours, Sally
MediLodge of Monroe Dear Nancy, Debbie, Lynn & staff, Words cannot express our appreciation for the help and caring compassion you showed us during our Dad’s stay at MediLodge. It was a difficult time for us as a family and especially our Dad, but it seems that in the worst times one of you was always there with encouragement and support. I did not feel so alone in trying to figure out the next steps and will be forever grateful for your assistance. Our Dad lived a full life until his illness became more than he could overcome. We will miss him terribly but in his own words he is now “sheltered in the arms of God.” Thank you again and we wish you a blessed Christmas and Happy New Year! The Family of Lawrence
Montcalm County Laurels of Carson City I came to visit my dad, Clifford, for five days. Thank you for the fine care you gave him. Each staff member was professional and demonstrated kindness and care to Dad. I saw interactions of many as they came to his room. I saw this with other residents too. My stepmother, Donna, had great comments, too, when she came to visit. When she had requests, you responded promptly and with care. I saw and heard you call Dad by his name and greet Donna by name—how personal! Fist impressions matter. The outside appearance is maintained. How beautiful and clean when going inside. Once again, thank you for the care you give to the resident and visitors that drop by. Keep up the good work! Debbie
Muskegon County Roosevelt Park Nursing & Rehabilitation Community
To all the staff, Thank you for caring so much for Rog. You did more than your jobs for him and us. You treated us like family. We will never forget that or each and every one of you. You gave love and compassion to the man who meant the world to us. And even though he had a little crush on Paris, mom was ok with that. She was who mom called “our girl.” Each and every one of you are incredible people. We love you all! The work you do is amazing - don’t ever forget that, we wont! The Rog Family
Oakland County Oakland Nursing Center We have had the opportunity to care for the members of our community for years! We are honored and humbled by the compassion our staff demonstrates each and every day. It is our privilege to make a difference in the lives we touch. We have received many comment cards, letters of appreciation and verbal accolades from our patients in recent months. Some of our favorite and most recent comments are listed below. “The staff is fabulous. This is a very clean and peaceful place.” “Keep doing exactly what you are doing here…if it were a hotel I would give it a 5 star.” “This was the best experience I have ever had.” “The staff has been there before I can ask – very responsive.” “The girls in therapy are great!” “I feel like everyone here gives 100%. I couldn’t be happier with my care.” We are proud of the services we offer at Oakland Nursing Center. It is our desire is to continue to grow the spirit of excellence amongst our staff, leadership and patient population. We are proud of our partnership with HCAM and their commitment to quality care. It is our desire to continue to grow and promote excellence throughout our healthcare sector.
With warm regards, Oakland Nursing Center Staff
West Hickory Haven My mother was moved to West Hickory Haven in Milford in March 2018. My mother arrived in a very depressed state… West Hickory Haven was very welcoming and helpful and you could tell that they genuinely care about their patients. Within a week, the difference in my mother was amazing. She had a smile on her face when I would visit and was very active in their activities. By week two the physical therapy was able to get my mother standing up for the first time in 2 years. Within a couple more weeks they had her walking! The staff really shows that they care and they do everything they can to make the residents feel at home. They have their own transportation van so they can take some of the residents out in the community for shopping and events. It doesn’t really feel like a nursing home when you are there. They have their own resident council so that they can hear recommendations of the residents. I can’t say enough good things about West Hickory Haven. I would definitely recommend that if your loved one needs short or long-term care that you turn to West Hickory Haven. Jaclyn
Roscommon County King Nursing & Rehabilitation Community To King Nursing and Rehab Staff When I first came I did not want to be there! I was angry at myself because of my actions; I caused myself to be injured. Your staff helped give me understanding and sat with me on my bad days to give me extra time to get through my agony. Your therapy staff were excellent in helping me meet my goals and we had a plan from day one to the day I went home. I can't thank you enough for helping me heal. I never thought of a nursing home as a rehab center and that is just what you did for me. When I heard the word nursing home from the hospital worker I was devastated. Your facility truly showed me that what I thought is way different than what I experienced. I expected a lot of old people who didn't know what was going on and that I could potentially never leave. Your staff guided me through a difficult experience and I am forever grateful. Thank you for the kindness and compassion and I felt treated like I was family. I am happy to say we are now heading on our trip to sunny weather and can't thank you enough! A very grateful patient!
Saginaw County Hoyt Nursing & Rehab Center Dear Hoyt Staff: I was very nervous when my aunt, Jean, was admitted to Hoyt. I've known her for more than 60 years, and I know she can be "a handful," as they say. I've seen her almost bring restaurant wait staff to tears, and I've never known anyone more determined to have things "her way." But I also knew her well enough to know that her stubbornness was matched by her loyalty. And while she might not have always been the best at expressing, to you, her appreciation for your patience, kindness and hard work, she was effusive in her praise of all of you who worked closely with her. So I'll congratulate you all for getting a rave review from one of the world's toughest critics. : ) But, more importantly, I want to thank you. You have an incredibly difficult job, and I could see, especially in Jean's last few weeks, how emotionally draining it can be. I appreciate not only the patience, kindness and hard work she appreciated, but also the compassion with which you helped Jean - and those of us in the family - through her final journey. You're an awesome team, and I wouldn't hesitate to entrust any of you with the care of anyone I love. On behalf of Jean's family, thank you! Sincerely, Greg
Saginaw Senior Care & Rehab Center Just wanted to thank everyone at Saginaw Senior Care for taking care of our mom, Ana. Sorry for any issues that may have occurred during her stay with you. We all are grateful to you for taking care of our mom.
Saint Francis Home We would like to acknowledge the wonderful love and care our family member received while at St. Francis Nursing Home for more than a year. The nurses, helpers and aides and administration workers were exceptionally understanding and caring. -Former Resident’s Family
Shiawassee County Durand Senior Care & Rehab Center Dear Senior Care Team: I am still searching for the right words to express my family's gratitude for the outstanding care you gave my mother. Violet (Mom) was a resident of your facility for a little over five weeks. She passed away on Saturday March 31, 2018. Even though Mom had an outside hospice care provider, the Durand Senior Care Team tended to her needs and comfort 24/7. Mom always swore she would "die in her sleep" and never go into one of "those" nursing homes. As we know, life does not always work out the way we think it will. Sometimes life works out far better than we could ever imagine. That is exactly what happened when my mother came to spend her final days with the Durand Senior Care team. Mother immediately had a sense of ease, as she discovered what areas of her circumstances she could and would want to navigate. During the settling-in process, so many extra efforts were made by the team members on her behalf, including moving her to a different room. My brother (Craig) and I are so thankful for your care. It was obvious to our family, Mom thought of All of you as her family. If any of you have ever thought to yourself, "I want to have a positive influence and make a real difference in the world," congratulations, you have accomplished that with our family. Thanks to each one of you for being loving, kind angels. Mom loved each of you, from the lovely folks in the Laundry to the Admissions staff. You made Mom's final days very comfortable. Sincerely, Theresa
St. Clair Marwood Nursing & Rehab Dear Administrator, I have been a resident of Marwood for 3 months. I am writing this letter to tell you about some of your employees who are doing a wonderful job. These people have been kind and patient. They do their job with a smile and never make me feel as if I am a burden. Here is a list of those individuals: my nurses Tanya & Jennifer, and these aides, Karen, Rachelle, Mary , Lori, Laquay, Alicia and Nikky. Please convey my heartfelt thanks to them. They deserve many rewards for their act of kindness. Sincerely, Josephine
Tuscola County Tuscola County Medical Care Community
To the Staff, Nurses and Nurse Aides at Tuscola County Medical Care Community
I would like to express my sincere appreciation to all of the people at the Medical Care for the care of my recently departed mother. Over the last two and a half years the staff, nurses and aides did everything possible to care for and make my mother comfortable. Since I live out of state and could not be there when my mother passed away, I greatly appreciate the fact that one of the staff stayed with her in her final moments so that she did not leave this world alone. This means more than words can say. Prior to my mother becoming a resident at your facility, I had done extensive research on the quality of care provided to the residents of nursing homes. The findings regarding Tuscola County Medical Care Community were all outstanding plus the fact that I already had experience with your facility through my wife's father and aunt having been residents there. In my estimation there is no better facility for elder care. Again, my sincere appreciation for all the care and kindness that was shown to my mother.
Washtenaw County Regency at Whitmore Lake To the administration & staff of the Regency at Whitmore Lake, I have visited my friend, Al, a number of times at your facility. I have been greatly impressed by the smiles and positive attitudes of the people employed there. Al always has a smile on his face when I visit, which is a true reflection of the people who work there. The following quote applies to your facility. The last line I added to St. Teresa's quote was because of my visits to Al at your building and I use it often in my ministry. Be assured that you are doing the work of God. God does his work in the world through people. St. Teresa of Avila (1515-1582) expressed this truth eloquently: "Christ has no body but yours, No hands, no feet but yours, Yours are the eyes with which he looks Compassion on this world, Yours are the feet with which he walks to do good, Yours are the hands, with which he blesses all the world." "Yours is the smile that brightens the world around you." Ron I have directed my wife to place me with Regency at Whitmore Lake if she ever has to put me in a care facility. Semper Fidelis, Ron Khe Sanh Veterans Chaplain
Wayne County Advantage Living Center - Redford Thank you for making my wife (Thelma’s) birthday celebration a memorable occasion. Everyone was overwhelmed by the decoration on the cake and the different flavors of ice cream.
Sincerely, Robert & Thelma
Advantage Living Center - Southgate Idreanna is an excellent certified nursing assistant. She is a real asset to this facility. She is always so pleasant and makes me feel better. She gives very good care. She always makes sure we have ice water and passes our snacks. She answers lights in a very timely fashion. Marlene and I love having her. We are always glad to see her. There are many excellent certified nursing assistants here and she is one of them. -Bev
Camelot Hall Dear Ms. Davis: I would like to mention that I am very pleased with the service my brother has been receiving at your Camelot Hall facility. Everyone takes good care of him when he is placed in your Respite Care. It's important to me that my brother is treated well while I'm away. Because your employees have always met his needs, Camelot Hall gets five stars out of five from me. In addition, the employees are very kind and considerate to him. He has said to me, "Sis, I enjoy going to Camelot Hall." The employees have made it a priority to get to know him so they can properly meet his needs. Because my interaction has primarily been with Ms. Darlyne Lantznester in Admissions, I would like to point out her kindness to me and her willingness to spend time with me. Everyone at Camelot Hall has elevated my comfort and trust level. They have been very professional and compassionate. My brother is treated as if he's the only person in your facility. I might add that the facility is kept clean and fresh. Again, I am very pleased!
Hartford Nursing & Rehabilitation Center To everyone working at Harford Nursing Home, It’s hard to put into a few words how much Hartford Nursing Home and the entire staff meant to our family. To all the nursing staff on the second floor, administrative staff and all their departments. Our sister Ethel was always treated with patience and kindness. What a blessing it was for her to be at your facility. Thank you all so much Elaine and Family
7413 Westshire Dr. Lansing, MI 48917 www.HCAM.org