My mom moved into Elm Terrace Gardens. It's not very large, but they go from independent to assisted living, and they have a section for memory care and nursing right in the facility. It's close to home, she has a one-bedroom apartment, she has a living room, two walk-in closets, laundry facilities right in her room, and a walk-in shower. She's in independent living, but we have a caregiver that followed her there, and works with her two days a week. The staff is extremely pleasant, very helpful, they have a system where if she doesn't open her door in the morning by 10:00 am they come and knock on the door to make sure everything is OK. She also has a bracelet. All she has to do is push the button for assistance, and there are pull cords in the room. She likes the food, she has eaten things that she likes, and that she has not eaten before. They have a dining room for the evening meal, they have a self-serve cafeteria, she has a little kitchen in her apartment, she has a refrigerator, stove, microwave, and cabinets. So she can bring an extra bottle of water or an extra drink with her. The staff is wonderful. They have a service when they move her and a woman packs up her furniture, clothing, and toiletries. Then the woman follows the moving truck to the new home and unpacks everything for her. That's a great service. They publish a monthly calendar, they have a van that takes them on excursions, shopping, or to the drugstore, and they go out one night for ice cream. All they have to do is sign up. Every quarter they have a Sunday brunch where they invite the family to attend. All you have to do is sign up and say how many people are going to go. You pay for the food, but it's something special. They have church services, a communion service, and one day a month they have mass for them. She gets two meals a day, and she can choose what the meals are. The people are very nice, and when we moved her in the place was pretty spotless.

Nice facility, clean, friedly and for the most part upbeat. In my visits I have usually viewed strong commitment and values coming from the staff....from the top down. Seems that many activities are offered to keep residents busy if they choose to be......or checked on and some time spend if they choose to be more on their own. I expereinced one gent who is just very down about being placed ANYWHERE...it is one of those heartbreaking siutaions...but it is refreshing to hear the staff sit and talk with him, assuring him..he will make friends and soon will feel he is again part of something. This isn't the most visually appealing place..but it is clean and nicely maintained. The staff clearly shows profesionalism.