Family Appreciates Outstanding Memory Care – Colonial Gardens of Fort Worth
May 5, 2023 | Company News
Shared with permission by the family of a Colonial Gardens of Fort Worth resident. We were brought to tears by the sincerity of their gratitude, and reminded why we do what we do – to help families.
To whom it may concern.
We were fortunate enough to be recommended to Colonial Gardens for the care of my father. (T.D. McCarson) As soon as my mother and I set foot in the door, spoke to Arlene, and met the staff, we knew that our search was over, and this was the right place. Initially our concerns for his care were the basics that I believe would be on anyone’s list; safety, hygiene, managing medicine, nutrition, interaction, etc. They certainly put us at ease in each of these areas. What we could not understand at the time is that we found a place that genuinely cares for its residents. This became evident on the day he was moved in, November 1st, 2022. They immediately plugged him in with the morning activities, (this day in history, and topical Pictionary), and included him with the group. As we decided it was time to go, and wondered if we should go say “goodbye”, we were met with a compassionate look from Gwen, who knew the best way to handle this as she just shook her head and said, “we’ve got him from here.” She gave my mom a hug and we left with sadness for this next chapter, but complete comfort with the decision we made for his care.
Over the next few months, we were reminded of what a special place we had found.
Here are just a few of many examples:
The day before Thanksgiving, I was visiting dad, and looked into the kitchen. The chef, Greg, was doing prep for their big Thanksgiving meal that would be served the next day. I asked him about the big bowl of oranges that were cut into quarters. He said, “that is for the brine, you have to brine the bird to get it just right!” To go through this level of effort for those that may not know the difference, says volumes. This is someone that is not merely cooking meals, he is serving those that have been entrusted to him. There are no cutting corners, and no serving of anything sub-par.
Around mid-December I stopped in for a visit and found an afternoon activity of decorating gingerbread houses. Most of the residents don’t have the dexterity for this activity, but everyone was involved regardless. I marveled as I watched each of the staff interacting with the two or three residents sitting right around them. The staff were having a great time picking on each other’s decorating skills and laughing about how nothing looked like the picture on the box. The residents loved this interaction, as many laughed along with them. They didn’t have to know why they were laughing; they just knew they were having fun. I noticed on more than one occasion, that they intentionally kept things lighthearted, in the way they talked to the residents and each other. The reason that each resident is there is sad, and memory care is not a lighthearted topic, but every day is worth living, and they made sure to take the inherent somber nature of the situation out of the daily norm.
In February, we had an ice storm in the area, streets were shut down and travel was not recommended for days. The core staff made the decision to stay around the clock. On day 4 when the ice had melted enough, we were there, and the staff was finishing a 96-hour shift. In their minds, there was no other option. They were not going to leave their residents without adequate support and care.
The final example I will share came when dad took a turn from a health standpoint. He had a mini-stroke and soon after, the act of eating became a struggle. He had gotten to the stage where he no longer knew how to swallow. We were visiting often, and I saw the look of grief on the faces of the staff. They don’t like to see their residents in decline. This staff could go through the motions, see residents as the materials or commodity with which they work. However, they make the difficult choice to get connected, to care about their residents, and to love them. Dad left Colonial Gardens on February 19, 2023, and went home to be with his Lord. As that day approached, and the inevitable was upon us, each staff member came to pay their respects, and offer condolences. His passing occurred on a Sunday, when many of the core staff was off. They came anyway. We cried with each of them, spoke of what a special man dad was, and had the opportunity to thank them for taking such good care of him in his final months on earth.
Colonial Gardens is a special place, filled with special people, residents and workers alike. We will always think fondly on our experience there and be thankful for them.
Thank you,
Grant McCarson