Our mom was one of the original residents at Bridges. She has been living there since August, 2018. Carol’s husband, my sister and I made the most difficult decision that summer to move our loving mom out of her house and into Bridges. I will never forget that morning. The four of us sat in a circle at their house and gently let my mom know she was going to spend some time away from her husband, so he could take care of his own health issues. Our mom was confused and only half-aware that we were taking her out of her home, but she trustingly followed us out of the house.
We had all heard nightmares about neglectful and depressing assisted living homes and had battled feelings of guilt for months. But we knew our mom was no longer safe to live at home and her husband’s health was slowly deteriorating. We hoped that Bridges would be different. We visited a few times and felt comfortable with the staff, decor and community program offered at Bridges. That was almost four years ago.
Initially, our mom participated in the many activities offered at Bridges including yoga, ‘bowling’, bean bag toss, sing alongs, arts and crafts, painting, cooking and more. She easily made friends with the other residents as well as the friendly and attentive staff. She can no longer participate in most activities and she has lost the ability to express herself with words, but her smile, giggles, gestures and calm nature reassure us that she is comfortable and happy in her home.
My sister and I feel welcome and at peace whenever we walk through the portal to my mom’s world. I share conversation with the receptionist and often break out in ‘hum’ to the piano player, a musical on T.V. or ‘Glee with Lee’. As I continue to my mom’s room, I can usually hear the entertainment director enthusiastically conducting some activity calling to each resident by name to join in the festivities. Occasionally, the director or the head chef passes by and mentions something sweet about my mom as well. Many of the staff have been there as long as my mom, and in a strange but calming way, they feel like family. They are my mother’s family. They see her every day! Thank you Bridges for making the most tragic and difficult experience for us a little more tolerable. We appreciate ALL of you.
– Diane & Debby, Daughters of Bridges® Resident