From The Mailbag To Independence House: Off hand, I can't think of anything that could have been done to improve my stay at Independence House. The nursing staff was professional and caring. My medications were never late and, when I asked for pain medications at unscheduled times, it was always explained to me why that could not be done. As soon as it was time, the medication was there. The aides were always willing to help me, and I never had anyone say an unkind word to me or, in any way, be rude. People in the dining room were very caring, and on those days when my appetite was not up to par, they tried to find something I could eat. The aides who came in the morning to get us dressed were very helpful (even though I'm not used to getting up at 6:00 a.m.) They helped me get ready on the days that I was unable to do it myself, and never made me feel like an annoyance that they didn't want to help. My laundry was done on time, and I'm amazed at how efficient they are, how nice the clothes look, and the effort they put in to make sure that it is returned, and put away for me. My thanks to the two gals who are on the activities committee. They do a great job of making the patients feel special and try to include everyone on all activities. Cheryl and Bridgett, you were great, and helped make my first stay at a nursing home a very pleasant experience. Thanks to all the staff. I wish I could write separate thank-you notes to each one of you, as you were all very, very special people and my thanks to each of you. To the Staff at Independence House: We wish to thank you for the wonderful care you gave our Mom over the last six years. Everything you did for Mom, we know that your first thought was what was best for her. Mom was always happy there. You made it easy for her to come to Independence House by letting her bring her dog Katie with her. That meant so much to her and to us. At each visit we made, we could see that Mom felt that each one of you were part of her family. Mom loved each and everyone of you. The staff at Independence House always called us immediately after something had happened or if there was a change in her medication or when Mom needed to see Dr. Erulkar. We appreciated that, especially since none of us were close by. We could not have chosen a better place for Mom to spend her last years on Earth. All of you will be in our thoughts and prayers. You truly are very special people. God Bless You! Dear Cheryl: On behalf of our family, I would like to take this opportunity to express our sincere appreciation to you, Larry and the staff of Independence House for the sensational care given to Mom the past eight years. The family always felt that Mom was getting exceptional care at Independence House. Your facility and program is a model for others to follow. Our family felt blessed to have Mom in such an attractive setting with a loving, caring staff that made her feel at home. She was healthier and happier at Independence House than we could have made her feel if she stayed in one of our homes. Please extend our appreciation to each staff member who worked with and served Mom during her eight years at Independence House. We found everyone very professional. Thanks again for your caring service and for a job very well done. May God continue to bless each of you as you continue His service. Dear Cheryl & Larry: Thank you for the good care you gave my precious Mom for the last seven years of her life. I want to thank you, again, for letting me spend the night there and for seeing to it that the clients get good care there. You all have become like family to me, and for that I am eternally grateful. As you know, being a nurse and being 100 miles away was extremely hard for me. I worried about her care, of course, and wanted the very best for her. I do think she received good care there. I want to thank those of you that I learned to know and who gave care to Mom for many years. Dear Friends: We thank you for keeping Mary company during the day, getting her to activities, and brightening her days. We thank you for "tucking" Mary in at night and watching over her. Dear Cheryl & Larry: How thoughtful of you to send Mother the lovely birthday bouquet. Mother certainly appreciated it and Frank and I were touched. We also appreciate the loving care she receives at Independence House. Dear Ms. Buckland: This is a note to thank you for the many kindnesses extended to my mother while she was a resident at Independence House. I certainly appreciate all the good nursing care she received. The nurses were always prompt to respond to her needs and always took a few minutes to answer her questions and attempt to calm her when she was distressed. Although having family in assisted-living facilities is never easy, I do want to thank you and your fine staff for all the many kindness we received. My mother is doing fair at home. To all Independence House Employees: Wishing you a day of rainbow surprises...and a forever of dreams coming true! Thanks to everyone for all your care while Dad was there for a short stay. Dear Cheryl & Larry: I wanted you to know how much I appreciate your thoughtfulness during our vigil with Mom. God bless you. Thank you for the loving care you gave Mom during her time at Independence House and for your kindness to us when she died.