It’s time to wake up to start the day. I try to fit in all the things I have to do that day and wait for the aide to come in and say good morning. Sure enough at 7:15 Jean comes in and gives me a kiss on the head and says, “Good morning Bea, I love you.” She said, “Are you ready?” And I say, “Yes I am.” I try to help her as much as I can so that she can get all of the residents that she is in charge of to breakfast on time. There it is 7:25 and I am ready, but before that I am lucky because Camille and her staff give me my breakfast meds so that I am all ready for my day. They are so devoted that it is a pleasure and I wait for nothing.
I’m at the concierge desk with a smiling Linda or a smiling Diane. They help me with finishing touches on what I’m wearing. Into the dining room with all the new machines. We have hot chocolate and hot water available and coffee available which is a treat. I proceed to my table and the waiter comes with, “The usual?” How he remembers everybody’s “usual” is wonderful. Yana is there with a smile and ready to help you with a cup of tea or hot chocolate while you are waiting. 8:00 arrives and so does the server with the “usual”. It is a delight to start the day with such caring. Breakfast is over and ready for activities.
Krystiane has a lovely program each day and has staff to help her. We also have Judi who is available to help us with memory activities, most helpful. Meanwhile, housekeeping is collecting laundry. And the painter in the dining room is doing his job as he does all day and all night. Jerry from the maintenance department always comes in and says hello to everybody and helps wherever he can.
Morning activities are complete and it is time for lunch. After lunch we have guest speakers, and exercise with Gina and staff. Then on Thursday, we have an exciting program of making jewelry with Nancy as the teacher who is an exceptional, gifted person, caring for everyone that comes in. We just had a jewelry show to show our appreciation for her guidance. Friday we enjoy a Shabbat with Doc Nadler and it is something to look forward to. We also have Marsha who is like the mother of all of us. She runs book clubs and reminiscing club and helps with games, etc.
Actually, it is a place to be safe, to be busy, and take advantage of the place that we are in. I am also lucky to have two wonderful neighbors, Camille and Greg!
Good luck to all of us!
– Bea S.
Further Reading:
Memory loss is life changing for all involved. At The Kensington, we provide a state-of-the-art memory care program, a higher staff-to-resident ratio than industry standards, and more advanced care services. Our promise is to love and care for your family as we do our own.
For additional resources regarding your loved one’s condition, please read on about our Memory Care, Alzheimer’s Care and Dementia Care.