Below are a few testimonials from families experiencing The Gardens at Calvary
Tom L – Son
No More “Home Alone”: Welcome Instead To “Home Sweet Home”
While it is said that there is no place like home, for many elders the home where they have lived throughout their lives can become a place where isolation, loneliness and physical hazards become a constant daily concern.
The at risk elder’s desire to remain in the familiar setting of their home maybe at odds with the concerns adult children, grandchildren or other extended family members have as caregivers. Striving to be available to provide for the elder’s needs can be a source of stress and worry as caregivers balance responsibilities.
Five years ago this is exactly where I found myself while caring for my Mom.
My desire was for her to be at home, but it was no longer safe for her to be home alone. I desired to bring her to my home, but I quickly recognized that bringing her to live with me was only going to relocate the crisis at hand. Both my wife and I had very busy work schedules, again placing Mom in the situation of being at our home alone for a large portion of the day. The move to our home only relocated the challenges and did not meet Mom’s need for someone to be available to assist her when she needed help.
Mom needed care that was supportive. She needed to have a routine that provided scheduled prepared nutritious meals and someone to assure that she was eating and taking her medications as prescribed. She required assistance with activities of daily living, grooming and someone to talk with throughout the day. Due to some chronic health issues, she needed a source of competent intervention should a health crisis arise. She also needed safe activities that would stimulate her mind and body and keep her mentally and physically engaged.
The needs list grew, as did my concern for being able to find quality services that were affordable. I explored all of the options in the Columbus area and there was no question that when Mom and I spoke with the staff and toured The Gardens At Calvary that we had arrived at the place Mom could call home.
Almost five years later, that same loving and supportive staff is providing daily care for my Mom to meet her physical, emotional and spiritual needs. No chance for her to become bored or inactive, because there is always something wonderful happening at The Gardens At Calvary.
Mom is thriving in this warm, safe, comfortable, welcoming place that our family has grown to know, appreciate and love. I can state with absolute confidence that her moving to The Gardens At Calvary when she did enhanced both the quality of her life, improved her health status and has extended her life.
Each day I can focus and maintain my own work life balance knowing that Mom is safe, secure and surrounded by love at her Home Sweet Home at The Gardens At Calvary. The exceptional care she receives has added these wonderful years to her life. The help and resources I have received in my caregiver role have allowed me the opportunity to relax and just enjoy being her son. The Gardens At Calvary has become “Home Sweet Home” for Mom. I am so thankful and blessed to have her continuing to love, guide and be my beautiful, sweet Mom.
Beth F – Daughter
At eighty four, my mother was extremely active, healthy and independent. Very unexpectedly, she experienced two bouts of acute illness, hospitalizations, rehabs, and was told by her physician that she could no longer drive. Since we do not live in Columbus and Mom did not want to leave, my brother and I began researching assisted living places in Columbus. We visited several, and became convinced that The Gardens of Calvary was the best place for Mom. One of the greatest recommendations I heard was from a physician’s assistant whose mother -in -law had been at The Gardens. She told her family just before she died that it was the happiest year and a half of her life. That sealed the deal for me!
Mom was placed on the waiting list. When I got the call to tell us of an opening, I immediately had this sick feeling in my stomach. It was time to make the dreaded decision to move Mom away from the comfort and security of her home. I had the unwanted task of telling Mom about the opening. It was a few weeks before Christmas, and Mom was quick to tell me that she did not want to make important decisions this close to Christmas. I told her that I understood, but others were waiting as well.
I read Jesus Calling for my morning devotional. That particular morning, the first lines were: I am taking care of you. Feel the warmth and security of being enveloped in My loving Presence. I am in control of every detail of your life. One of the verses was Romans 8:28- For we know that all things work together for those who love God, who are called according to His purpose. This was awesome. God was speaking right to my mom and me. I started our talk by sharing this with Mom and explained that we wanted her to be safe, comfortable and happy. We wanted this all important decision to be hers to make. We did not want to force her. My brother and his wife, my husband and I all took Mom to the Gardens to look at the apartment that was available. We then went to the private dining room to discuss matters. Before we knew it, Mom surprised us by saying that she was ready to come to the Gardens. The family was all set to have a discussion that weekend, but no need.
Mom has been at The Gardens for over three months now. It has been the most amazing experience. I have told many people that the working there is more than a job for the staff. They truly care about the elders, as they call the residents. The compassion is evident. I can see caring in their eyes and actions, and hear it in their voices. Everyone is friendly, accommodating, patient, and helpful. It may sound strange, but after a visit with my mother, I find myself feeling so happy. My drive back to Atlanta is a breeze- I know my mother is happy, safe and in the best place for her. I am so grateful to God for leading us to the Gardens.
Family of Resident, Bedie R.
Thank you for taking such good care of our mom. Since we all live out of town, we do not have to worry about her.
Pam M. – Daughter
It is hard to explain how much peace I have on paper to have my mom at The Gardens. The management team and staff is top notch. God has blessed my family, especially my mom to be at “HOME” at The Gardens at Calvary
Alfred D., Resident
When you come to a place in life when you need more help and care, The Gardens is the place to come. I have been here since October and am still adjusting but I have found love, care and wonderful food! All I need to get immediate attention is to press the pendant that is around my neck. I love my spacious apartment and my family is just ten minutes away. I am blessed.
John S, Resident
As we age, there are times when we can no longer “run and not grow weary”. Sometimes we come to a place where we can not walk without someone holding our hand. I am grateful to live in a place where there is a Christ like love, compassion and concern that is extended with a hand that lifts us up and meets our needs.
Greg G. – Son
I want to thank you all for the wonderful care and love that you have shown my mom, since she arrived ay The Gardens. Mom’s long term care has been a major concern in my life for the last three years. Making a decision to transition mother to an assisted living facility was about the most difficult decision that I have ever had to make. She completely resisted the idea which made matters even more difficult for me.
After much prayer I found comfort and made the decision for action. I learned about The Gardens at Calvary early in my search. Given the weight of the decision and my training as a businessman, I tried to be very methodical in my search. However my heart kept leading me back to Calvary. I could just feel the warmth and care every time I visited.
I take great joy in writing today as I have been completely overwhelmed as how my mother has adapted to The Gardens at Calvary. Prior to her arrival, she was essentially alone at her house most of every day. Today she is very active in the daily activities and I see a remarkable turnaround in her spirit. The Gardens is clearly my mother’s home and will be for as long as the Lord chooses to keep her on this great green earth.
I salute the staff for their diligent efforts. Yes, I know it is a job but I feel and witness the love and compassion that the staff at the Gardens displays daily. My mother’s quality of life is better now, her spirits are lifted and as a result I sleep better at night. Thank you.