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| - After breaking her hip my mother required a stay in an assisted living facility. We had been concerned about her living alone and saw that she was becoming more socially isolated as she was driving less and many of her friends were in the same situation. We looked at facilities with an eye on transitioning from assisted to independent living within the same facility. I was really depressed after the first few facilities we toured. Yes, they were clean and the staff was pleasant, but they just had that "nursing home" feel.
Then we toured Andara. Even though it was almost brand new it was being renovated (this was during the transition from Arte to Andara). The facility looks more like a luxury resort than a Senior facility while maintaining a feeling of warmth. Every staff member we interacted with was courteous, professional, and caring. We couldn't sign the paperwork fast enough!
The first day Mom was in Assisted they sent an Ambassador" who took her to the beautiful dining room for lunch, sat her at her table and introduced her to her group of friends. That night I stopped by at 6:45 pm to visit thinking Mom would be back in her room since she went to dinner at 4:45. There she sat in the dining room with her table of friends, all of them smiling and chatting away. I left thinking it was good for her to socialize and went home with a smile on MY face.
Andara has in house PT and OT so mom was able to complete that without having to be transported elsewhere. The therapist was so caring and compassionate and constantly communicated with me. I voiced my concern that Mom needed to venture out a bit more and had encouraged her to go to the exercise classes on the days she didn't have therapy to no avail. Deanna the therapist picked up on this and told Mom she should go exercise on the off days. Guess who went the next day! Again, another opportunity to socialize.
When it came time to be released from Assisted we had a long "family council". Of course Mom hate the thought of giving up her home. But we asked her why she wanted to return to a life of eating alone everyday? We got her to just "look" at some apartments on the Independent side. When she saw how clean, modern and spacious they were she said she would "give it a try"!!
One year later we know we made the right choice. Mom is so happy there. The entire staff is so courteous and professional. They truly care about each resident. Andara is smaller than other facilities do it is easier to keep tabs on everyone. One I was concerned when I could not reach Mom by phone several times. I called the friendly front desk lady who assured me she had just seen Mom go by on her way to Bingo! That's another thing--Mom swore she had no interest in Bingo--now she goes to that every day! So between walking to 3 meals daily in the Dining room, Bingo upstairs daily and daily exercise she gets up and moves much more than she did at home. There are plenty of activities and field trips outside the facility to appeal to everyone. Residents can be as active as they desire.
Our final hurdle was getting Mom to surrender her car. Again, we urged her to just "try" the shuttle that takes residents to a different shopping facility each day. She loved it. Again, going with others as opposed to going alone. Much safer too which relieves her children. Andara also has a "limo" (actually a bright red Cadillac!) which can be scheduled to take Mom to doctor appointments when one of us is not available.
I cannot say enough kind things about Andara. I feel Mom is in a much better place socially, physically, and mentally than she was a year ago. Please tour this facility if you are looking for Senior Living for your loved one!
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