Nancy T.

My mother Catherine lived at Sierra Ridge from January 24, 2006 until November 17, 2006 in apartment #105. She suffers from renal failure, congestive heart failure and dementia. She came here from Rock Hill, S.C. on November 7, 2005 and lived with me for two months until Sierra Ridge opened up January, 2006. She had her own apartment for 35 years in the senior citizens low income housing in S.C.. My mother is the oldest of 11 children. One sister has Alzheimer’s, four brothers with prostate cancer, one sister in fairly good health in New Jersey, [and] three brothers and one sister deceased. I explained all of these details in-order for you to understand why she had no siblings to care for her in S.C.

I have a sick husband. He had double by-pass surgery October, 1990. He now suffers with (CHF) congestive heart failure. Every two weeks, he must have a four-hour treatment to get the fluid build up around his heart and lungs removed. To make a long story short I could not keep my mother at home with me.

I was so blessed to find Sierra Ridge for her … These wonderful women were so supportive in getting mother into this beautiful facility. My mother is not a very sociable person. She kept to herself most of her adult life. Of course she was married two times and mother of two daughters, which of course I am one of them.

I must expound on one particular executive. The Director of Wellness Ann S. – this is a remarkable woman. She has the most terrific staff working with her and under her directions.
[Brenda, a CNA] is never too busy to come and help when needed. She is one of the 100%+ givers in services one who is always going the extra mile. Great things will and shall come to Brenda for she deserves it, keep up the good work.

Wanda is exceptionally hard working, conscientious, and will work extra hours and shifts when needed. She is very professional. The residents are happy when she is around. She was one of mother’s favorite CNAs.

Loretta was named colleague of the month for August, 2006. She is also an exceptional nurse. Caring, understanding willing to go the extra mile for the residents. She is never too busy to take care of an emergency.

Venita is hard working, dedicated, and committed to taking care of the residents. No matter how difficult some could be she continues to do her job with efficiency.

Shavonne [was] employee of the month for September, 2006 [and is] another young woman with exceptional qualities. She is very quiet, but very effective in getting the job done.

Mother met [Liveda] on move in day. Mother was crying and Liveda said to her “Please, don’t cry for you will have me crying too.” She is re-assuring and communicates so well.

Linda [is] a very friendly, jovial person, yet very professional. She cares for the residents, is hard working and willing to do what ever it takes to get the job done.
Delilah [is] a very erect walking person, very professional detailed and precise. She is fun also to be around. She has special skills.

[Quianna] is very caring hard working and there for the residents.

Caroline [is] very professional. She has an eye for noticing things that is not quite right. I said that to say this. She literately saved my life. I passes out on the floor at the facility on Saturday morning November 12, 2006. She called the paramedics. They were there in approximately four minutes. I am a type 2 diabetic because of her cool demeanor and professionalism I am now fine.

Pam, Sonyee, and Lisa are also true professionals caring and loving.

Lois is a caring, loving person. She is continuing her education in the nursing profession.

Nikki is a warm caring nurse. She is also a true professional.

If I failed to name others I ask for forgiveness it was not on purpose.

I cannot say enough about Ann and this elite group of health care professionals. She choose each one of them because of their special abilities one to care for the residents and make sure their needs are met daily.

On April 16, 2006 Mother was diagnosed as a hospice care patient by her Doctor at St. Francis Hospital. I was told that she could not return to Sierra Ridge to live. I was devastated. I came back to Sierra Ridge and talked with Ann. Her precise words were your mother will not have to be placed in a nursing home for I will direct you to a hospice care provider that will come here to the facility to care for your mother. I was so relieved of the burden of having to place her in a nursing home. I cried on Ann’s shoulder. This is the kind of person that Ann is. She and her staff and hospice care provided for my mother until her needs became so extensive that she eventually had to be placed in [a] palliative & hospice medical facility in Skokie, Illinois. I have taken time to write this long extensive letter for I want you and all the world if possible to know there are people who still care about the elderly and sick of the world. Ann – a shout out to you and your wonderful staff for all that you did for my mother Catherine while she was a resident there. I shall never forget your loving kindness. May God bless you and your staff forever more.

Nancy T.
Family Member
Victory Centre of Sierra Ridge