HFP | Chateau at River's Edge

Three Steps for Choosing Your New Home

hankfisher — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 18:44:46 +0000

Step 1. Evaluate your needs, desires and resources or those of the prospective senior resident.Needs encompass what is absolutely necessary for a senior’s life to continue in the best possible setting. If you are unsure about the level of care or type of housing you need, there are numerous assessment tools and questionnaires available. See where needs fall in the range between full independence and around-the-clock nursing care. Another factor is deciding when a move is necessary or desirable.

Desires are what we are naturally drawn to or what sound the most appealing for a specific situation. An important first consideration is where you want your needs met. You may want to stay in your current home and have a variety of homes services delivered there. Or you may choose to move to an assisted living community or skilled nursing facility. Do you want to stay near your current residence or close to the home of a family member? Do you want a community that mimics your current home? Would you prefer a facility operated by a particular religious or fraternal organization? Is a particular climate important?

Resources include the income, savings, investments, or sale of a residence that can be devoted to home care or a senior living community. Generally speaking, costs are almost always the responsibility of the individual, so you may want to consult an attorney or financial planner.

Step 2. Evaluate your housing and care options

This may be easier than you think because so much information is out there. (Check the Internet Resources page on our website.) Talk at length to admissions coordinators at the community or care option closest to our needs. Read the facility descriptions and check locations.

Step 3. Finally, and very importantly, visit your top candidates.

If possible, schedule a visit to the communities of your choice and then return later unannounced. After 5 p.m. and during mealtime will reveal important aspects of that community’s daily operation.

[from www.newlifestyles.com, a national guide to senior care]

Carol (Bob’s Daughter)

hankfisher — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 16:39:19 +0000

Dear Wonderful Women (and I definitely want to include Julie, the second floor med tech in this category!!),

Deborah, as always your “Letter from the Director” was bang on. What a touching Valentine’s story you told of seeing the private moment between the two lovers. I definitely agree with C.S. Lewis that “friendship is the happiest and most fully human of all loves,” so I will take this moment to thank all of you for the private and tender kindnesses you give to my Dad and for the friendship you give to our whole family. We are so lucky to count you all as “friends”!

I had hoped to visit Dad soon, meanwhile, I hope you are all feeling very loved at this most loving holiday. Happy Valentine’s Day to you all!

Love from the Heartland,

Carol (Bob’s daughter)

Thanksgiving Blessings from Carol B.

hankfisher — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 22:35:25 +0000

Dear Wonderful Women,

I just finished reading the November newsletter cover to cover. The high school newspaper editor in me just has to give you kudos for a wonderfully informative and entertaining publication — I thoroughly enjoy it and want to thank which ever one of you (or all of you) who work on it.

The double-sided calendar of activities goes right into my purse so I have it at the ready when I call Dad each morning to go over all that day’s possibilities.

But I also LOVE the black and white “fun factoids” calendar. I never knew about “Abet and Aid Punsters Day”!! Dad and I have always loved puns so, I will try my hardest to tell him a groaner or two today.

The Bus Outings and Erin’s Happenings are very informative especially for us who live far away. I’m hoping to get to the new Crocker Art Museum on my next trip to CA.

The birthday announcements and welcomes to new residents make things very personal –Dad loves the pictures since it helps jog his memory for the names that go with the faces.

The “Words of Wisdom” column is terrific. I read it as wonderful advice TO ME each month as well as to all the seniors at the Chateau. Ruth Walthour’s poem has such universal themes. Her “try a little harder to understand my ways” and “see if patience pays” are sage words to anyone of any age and I will take them to heart.

Lastly, Deborah, I always read your “From the Director” letter. Your giving personal family details is the essence of what the Hank Fisher Properties goals are: the very personal touch. You set the tone for the whole organization — from vacuum cleaners to laundry collectors to pill givers to lunch servers to office staff and educational personnel. As far as I can tell the tone is to do a superb job of kind and respectful care for our loved ones. Every day Dad tells me of some little kindness or joke or smile that a staff person has shared with him — throughout the whole hierarchy — he is so happy with how you treat him. Consequently, we three daughters are VERY HAPPY with how he is finally settling in and liking his new life. Deborah, as you celebrate Thanksgiving by listing your blessings, you can be very much assured that we will also list “family” as the most important blessing. And, happily, this year Dad’s family has expanded to include all of you wonderful people.

Thank you so much for all you do every day, in every way, and Happy Thanksgiving to all of you.

Love,

Carol B.

Janice W.

hankfisher — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 22:30:54 +0000

In 2001, my parents, Al and V. G. left the home that they had raised their family in and move to the Chateau at River’s Edge. They had a large duet apartment and never dreamed they would move to some place so wonderful. Daddy lived there for eight months and then passed away at age 86. The time at the Chateau was some of his best. He would tell anyone who would listen that it was the best place to live. He was proud to be there. Mom soon began to see that besides the love and support of her family, she had yours, too! She felt so close to many there and cherished your stories, songs or whatever you had to share. Thank you for all the family events you have. Mom loved to show off her family, and it was so wonderful that we all got to be at GG’s home. We would’ve liked to move Mom closer to where we lived but could find no place to compare to the Chateau. I will never forget your staff’s kindness, caring, compassion and commitment. Mom had a better and richer life because of you. — Janice W.

V. G.

hankfisher — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 23:06:43 +0000

On April 1, 2001, my mom and dad, left the home they built and raised their family in, to move into The Chateau at River’s Edge. They had a large duet and never did my dad think he would move to some place so wonderful. Daddy lived there for eight months and then passed away and at 86 years old they were some of his best years. He would tell anyone who would listen that this was the best place to live and he was proud to be there.

It was hard for mom to be without dad but she soon began to see that besides the love and support of her family, she had yours too! That love and support continued to grow into the strongest bond I could I imagine. She felt so close to many and cherished your stories, songs, or whatever you had to share.

Mom enjoyed all her activities, her walk to the duck pond, getting her hair done and brunch church on Sundays. Bridge was her passion and she so looked forward to playing with her friends. Bingo was pretty important as well. She had her Red Hat group and had recently joined the Sunshine Committee. She had her lunch and dinner girls that were the most incredible support groups. I so enjoyed hearing how they looked out for each other.

Thank you for all the family activities you have like Easter, Halloween, and Christmas. Mom loved to show off her family, and it was so wonderful that we all got to be at GG’s home.

We would have liked to move mom closer to where we live but could find no place to compare to The Chateau at River’s Edge. I can never truly express how grateful we are to the staff, care workers, and her friends. Being here quite frequently, I felt you as my friends too.

Mom’s last several weeks were especially hard on her and all of us. It was so hard to leave her and go home, but this was made possible by all the unconditional love and care you were giving her.

From the bottom of my heart I say thank you which seems so insignificant.

I will never forget such kindness, caring, compassion, and commitment. Mom had a better and richer life because of you.

Sincerely — V. G.

Rick R.

hankfisher — Mon, 17 May 2010 21:06:23 +0000

The most emotionally difficult experience of my life was moving my mother, who is 90 years old from her home of almost 60 years to a care facility. She was diagnosed with dementia and it became impossible to keep her at home. We first tried a small board and care home in her neighborhood. This did not work out because there was no night staff that could watch her, as she would get up frequently during the night. She eventually fell and broke her ankle.

After her recovery in a nursing home, we had to move her again. This time, more appropriately to a memory care facility with night staff. I have only wanted the best for her as every time I see her I think of all the love she has given me. So I put her in the most upscale and pricey facility I could find, thinking they would be able to give her the best care. This did not work out. There were always problems. I felt that no one there care for her as I had hoped and expected. After almost a year of constant stress for me and for my mother, I did not know what to do. I really did not want to move her again, but I could see she was unhappy there.

Then I found the Chateau at Carmichael Park. After touring and meeting everyone, I had a good feeling that moving her there would be better for my mother. Little did I know how the environment there would enable her to live more happily and content. Every time I visit her I am amazed at the care she is given. The staff is always cheerful and attentive. When an issue about her care comes up, they are willing to work with the family to help resolve it. Surprisingly, the have been able to reduce her falls. I didn’t think this would ever happen.

The atmosphere is warm and inviting, and the staff alway cheerful and welcoming. And the creative events and activities planned for the residents assure me they are working hard to make their lives pleasant. Each holiday is festively celebrated by residents and staff alike. With each visit I find my mother not just existing but improving in her ability to talk coherently and to keep walking. She seems more relaxed and has more peace of mind. This, I believe, is largely due to the efforts of all the staff that strive to make the lives of the residents the best that can be.

This has made such a great difference in both our lives. I now feel I can leave my mother confident that she is finally being given the care she deserves.

Sincerely yours,

Rick R.

Joyce H.

hankfisher — Mon, 17 May 2010 18:56:26 +0000

Well, it was another beautiful party at the Chateau on Capitol Avenue. I feel so lucky to be included. How wonderful it was to be with all of you. You and your staff are doing such a great job. Thanks again for your love and caring.

Sincerely,

Joyce H.

Bette H.

hankfisher — Mon, 17 May 2010 18:54:21 +0000

Plaudits

1. Upon arrival, the lovely landscaping gives a feeling of tranquility.

2. Entering the Chateau at River’s Edge, the decor is very attractive and welcoming.

3. No matter where you go in the building, it is sparkling clean and odor free.

4. All of the employees greet guests with a friendly smile and hello.

5. The food is good and attractively presented.

6. The cocktail party (“Happy Hour”) on Friday afternoon is a much-anticipated event.

7. Special events are done with pizzazz and have been excellent.

8. Weekly afternoon entertainment is also very good.

9. The lady minister has a talent for giving the residents peace.

10. The caregivers do a good job.

Sincerely,

Bette H.

Emily N., Marsha P. and Families

hankfisher — Mon, 17 May 2010 18:46:57 +0000

Thank you for the personal attention you gave our mother, Vicki N., during her stay at the Chateau at River’s Edge. Your extra efforts to help us relocate Mom at a time of crisis were especially valiant.

Even in her diminished state, you were able to see the sweet person Mom was and respond to her warmly.

We really appreciate the care you and your staff gave Mom over the past year. We feel completely confident recommending the Chateau to others looking for a caring, safe home for seniors.

Please extend our thanks to all the staff.

River City Community Services

hankfisher — Mon, 17 May 2010 18:43:04 +0000

I have enclosed a letter to your residents thanking them for their generosity and care. Please know how very grateful all of us at River City Community Services are.

With sincere thanks,

Eileen Thomas, Executive Director