Holiday Wishes for The Elms Staff

Dear Scott and Kathleen, June, Dave, Maribel, Lisa, Ana, August , Lorily, plus the whole dining room staff, and others,

Thank you all for taking such good care of my mom for over 8 years now. You have helped her get through her older years with your courtesy, support, skill and kindness. We hope you and your families each have a Happy Holidays time and a healthy good year to come.

From a Resident Family Member.

A Wonderful Time

I personally want to thank you for the wonderful provision you made for our relatives from Canada, Joe and Hilda.

It was very generous of you to provide a room and accommodate them with meals ect., for the days they were here. That is one of the things we feel so blessed about with the Elms staff. All staff are so kind, accommodating and give a personal feel to the Elms. Thank you to all of you at the Elms who have enriched my parents lives and ours with your expressions of care.

I thank God for each one of you,

Dianne

Grateful for the Staff and Care

Marge lived at several assisted living facilities. Without question, she received the best care from San Carlos Elms. This is directly attributable to the employees of San Carlos Elms. We are also immensely grateful to your administrative staff for their skill and devotion to its residents.

Sincerely,

Paul Reyff

Thanks for Your Kindness

Scott,

Thank you for all the kindness and care given to my mother, Betty. The signed sympathy card from you an the staff meant a lot to me. Please thank June also. I will always have fond memories of the Staff and mom's care.

Very Sincerely,

Jim Knipp

New San Carlos Elms Resident

Hi Scott,

Thanks for the welcome basket with its varied and tasteful goodies.

During my few days here I have been really impressed. The staff on every level has been helpful, cheerful, and solicitous. I must say that the maintenance staff is quickly responsive.

Remarkably, the food here is not "institutional". It's tasty and attractively presented and served.

I have to say that so far, all is very good.

Congratulations.

Sincerely,

Don Richardson

San Carlos Elms Volunteer

Dear Kathleen,

I never thought I was going to be someone who made a commitment to volunteering. That sounds so horrible, but it's true-at least when I was 14 and began playing the violin at The Elms. That was the summer after my 8th grade. I made a very small mistake at the beginning of that summer and was grounded for 3 months. As part of my punishment, I had to start volunteering at The Elms. I begged and pleaded, but I couldn't get out of it. To make matters worse I had to walk the mile, in the drenching summer sun carrying my violin and music, from my house to The Elms and back. As you may imagine, I did not have high hopes for the experience. My mother had said I had to volunteer for three months, no more, no less.

The reason I kept coming back to The Elms is because of the people and residents I've met. Playing the violin has been a part of me since I was 8; orchestra and private lessons have passed me by, and at this point, all I want to do with my music is to make people happy. I've seen residents smile as I say goodbye. I have made people cry during a slow songs, and made them laugh between in between pieces; I have messed up and no one has noticed, I have performed the best best I've ever played and no one has ever noticed. I was never close with my grandparents, but I felt comfortable with myself and my music and the residents at The Elms in a way I never could anywhere else. You've often thanked me for how much I've given the residents, but the truth is, they've given me that much and more. In the past four years, a lot about my life has irrevocably changed; The Elms has always been a source of continuity. There were some weeks when it was the only thing I looked forward to.

For the first three months that I volunteered a woman came to my sets every week. Her name was Maria. She sat in the same corner, and always said encouraging things and told me stories about her father and her childhood. She was the main reason I came back those first weeks, because she was interesting and comforting. One week she gave me a bouquet of paper flowers. Another week she gave me a banana. Another week she told me I was beautiful and talented and I should never give up on my dreams. That sounds really cliche, but she was one of the most important people in my life for a while there. I have since seen her slip into Alzheimer's disease, s which was painful and tough. I regret not telling her, when I had the chance how much sh meant to me and thanking her for her encouragement.

High school is the beginning of a period of self discovery, and something I've discovered about myself is a large capacity to care. I volunteer at The Elms for 4 years because I genuinely care about everyone there. I wanted to make them happy. I want to thank you for everything you've done to make that possible. Best of luck to you and the residents and all the staff in the coming years; thank you so much, and I'll never forget you guys.

Always,

Samantha Cecil

San Carlos Elms Volunteer

Thanks to all at San Carlos Elms

Please tell the fine employees at The Elms how much Dorothy Ray appreciated all of their assistance. Almost every time we spoke she expressed how kind and helpful they were. She would describe how they knew her wants and desires. She truly enjoyed living at The Elms and considered it a safe and secure home thanks to your loving staff.

We are happy to say that we witnessed the same compassion to Dorothy that she would tell us about.

Our thanks to all of you. Thank You.

Cheryl and Bob Ray

Many, Many Thanks, San Carlos Elms and Grove

On Behalf of all of Rosemary's family I would like to thank each of you for your kindness to her over the past 6 1/2 years. We could not have found a better living situation for Mom for her last years, and we are especially grateful to you for making it possible for Mom to remain at the Elms for the last year of her life. The care she received from each and every member of the staff during these past years is remarkable. All of the staff members are truly caring, in spite of the many challenges presented with dementia.

I would especially like to commend Anna for her professionalism and wonderful loving manner with the residents of the Grove. Lorena is extremely competent and considerate in every way from caring to the residents to keeping family apprised of all of their needs. Jamie is always willing to help, without being asked, when he sees a need. He was a welcoming and friendly presence at the reception desk when Mom first arrived and is an amazing care-giver in the Grove. Ismary is kind, considerate, helpful, and caring too. I mention these three staff members because they have been at The Elms the entire time that Mom has resided there and have been consistently excellent during our interactions with each of them.

Thank you again for everything and our best to every administrator and staff member at The Elms.

Sincerely,

Nancy Walery

Thank you San Carlos Elms

My husband, Don and I would like to thank you and your amazing staff for the most enjoyable barbecue you hosted on Friday, June 10.

The food was delicious, the staff friendly and helpful, decorations lovely and appropriate.

Don has occasions to visit his friend quite often and has found the staff very friendly and helpful. Curley, (the dog) is a special delight, too!

Thank you so much for such a lovely day. The musical entertainment was also very enjoyable with great sing-along songs from our past!

Sincerely,

Don & Beverly Last

Life at San Carlos Elms

"Assisted life at The Elms is very good. When help is need we push our pendants. Help is soon there. The cleanliness is wonderful! Every morning a P.C.A (care staff) comes to empty our trash and garbage.

If you wish to do your own laundry there are two wash rooms with 2 washers and 2 dryers. The Elms will do it for you if you wish, for a fee.

The employees are friendly and helpful if you need help. Every month a calender is printed so you know what is going on at The Elms; board games, card games, Wii bowling, every month a lunch outing. When possible we go to S.F. to AT& T park to watch the Giants 'World Series winners' What A Thrill!"

A Satisfied Resident,

R.E.P.

Resident at San Carlos Elms

San Carlos Elms is an independent, separate entity which is not obligated to spend a portion of its income to a "Home Office", nor to ask permission of a "Home Office" to make improvements or enlarge their business arrangements. Problems can be handled satisfactorily.

PS- They cook the bacon just right!

Jean Moore

Resident

The Heart of San Carlos Elms

The heart of the Elms is Kathleen (Activities Director). Her laugh is a gasp to listen to and she does listen to any little (silly) thing you have to say.

The help is very patient.

The activities are all a pleasure!

Rosemary Bishop

Resident

A Special Thank You to San Carlos Elms and Services

Living here at the Elms has given me the happiest life I could ever have imagined. Plus, I feel very lucky to live in this age compared to 1911 or earlier! To live in this State compared to places that are colder or hotter or wetter!

After a lifetime of chores, jobs, duties, and caring for others, it is marvelous to be cared for. Here they buy my groceries, cook all my food, serve me all my meals, plus wash all of my dishes. They even make my bed in the mornings, plus furnish all my linens!

One other thing that might seem small but makes life more pleasant is that our rooms are sound proof. Nothing disturbs my enjoyable music while I'm reading or watching television.

Last but not least is the companionships with others my age!

So I plan to live out my life and continue in this happy, enjoyable environment.

Lou Mohler

Resident
April 2, 2011

Recommend San Carlos Elms

I want to extend my deepest thanks for the excellent care you and your staff provided to my dad during his stay at San Carlos Elms. The care staff were always understanding, patient, and gentle in their approach to providing care. I will certainly recommend San Carlos Elms as an excellent assisted living community.

Maureen Ferro and Family

March 2011

A Thank You to the Staff at San Carlos Elms

My Dad was a resident of San Carlos Elms for a little over a year and a half. During his stay here, and after a little prodding by Kathleen and myself, he joined in on some of the activities with other residents, and he grew to love the Elms as his home. He felt very comfortable in his apartment and common areas, loved the location and was quite satisfied with the menu (for a stubborn eater).
He loved the staff more than anything else. They were always kind, thoughtful,and patient and tended to his needs if any, anytime of day. He had a real soft spot for Dora. I can't tell you how wonderful they all were during my Dad's last month or so. Their caring professionalism, and sincerity for his well being and comfort were always first and foremost. I lost him in February, but will remain friendly with the Elms as they are part of my neighborhood family as well. I can't thank them enough for the part they played in my Dad's well being.

C. Krutein
March 2011

"Skipper's" Daughter Gives Thanks to San Carlos Elms

After my 87 year old mom broke her leg in a fall at her home I knew she would not be able to live alone after she got out of rehab. She had a hard time walking before, but really couldn't after rehab. After looking around decided on San Carlos Elms. She has a studio apt and her cat Teiger was able to move with her.

She was welcomed by the staff and residents right away and has made many, many new friends. My mom has allergies to wheat and they are very careful to make sure that what she eats has no wheat in it. The Care Staff take great care of her needs and she is always dressed and out in the lobby first thing in the morning so she can chat with her friends. She is one of the last to leave at night also. She has really thrived since coming to the Elms after living alone for 7 years. She just turned 90 and is in failing health, but she is still very well taken care of and very happy.
The Elms is a true life saver for me and my family.

Margo Bangert
"Skipper's" Daughter
March 2011

A Thank You to San Carlos Elms from a Resident's Daughter

I cannot thank the San Carlos Elms enough for providing a wonderful quality of care to both of my parents for the last year of their lives.
Both parents suffered from Alzheimer's. Mom broke her hip. We called on a Saturday in 2009 in a panic trying to find a care place for Mom. Dave answered our call. We had Monday appt with June. June moved mountains and Mom joined the 2nd Floor Grove (Memory Care Program) within 2 days. June also helped us obtain some in-home care prior to the move. My mother was so happy at the Elms even with her health failing.
May 2010, again the San Carlos Elms staff moved mountains so Dad could join Mom and share a set of rooms to be able to be together for the last months of their lives.
Thank you to Ana and her Grove Staff, Maribel, Dave, Kathleen and her Activities Staff, June, William, and Scott. All provided wonderful care, activities, and happiness during their stay.

Resident Daughter
March 2011

Thankful for San Carlos Elms and Their Care

When my father died, my mother's doctor told me that she would need assisted living. He said that at her rate of "going downhill" she would not live more than 2 years. When I moved her to the Elms, she began taking an interest in life, she made friends, ate healthy meals , took her pills regularly (with help), became healthier, happier, and stronger. She returned to a normal weight, made jokes, and smiled again. She especially enjoyed all the musical events at the Elms. She improved so much, that she lived another 9 years. I am SO THANKFUL to the Elms for improving my Mom's 'declining' years.

Moving our Mom to assisted living was a very difficult decision for our family.... everyone thinks they can live independently for the rest of their lives, but that isn't always possible. After my mom had been living at the Elms for awhile, I could tell she really liked it. So I asked her what she liked about the Elms. Even though she had some dementia, she was able to immediately give me 4 very positive reasons. SHE SAID: 1) "Everyone who works here is very nice" 2) "I like the food" 3) "Everyone who lives here has something wrong with them, so we all understand each other" and 4) "Whenever I want to be alone, I can go to my room and close the door". I loved hearing my mom's answer.... it made me happy to know she had a new life to enjoy.

Gwyn Beatty - daughter of a 9-year resident of San Carlos Elms

San Carlos Elms and Grove, Clean and Caring

My Father Alfred has been at the Elms for 5 years. He started with his own apartment and has now moved to the Grove. The Grove was the best move for him, he's happy, well cared for and it has increased his socialization. I cannot express the gratitude for the staff at the Elms for making Alfred's life wonderful. Since my visits are not consistent every time I arrive the facility is clean, cheerful and Alfred just looks great. I don't have to worry about his well being a very comforting feeling.

Keep up the good work, it is very appreciated.

The Addiego Family - 6-year resident of San Carlos Elms

San Carlos Elms, Great Care and Staff

I love The Elms! My Mother is well cared for and I have total piece of mind. We are going on four years now and I feel The Elms and it's wonderful staff are like family.

Anne Nicholls - daughter of a 4-year resident of San Carlos Elms

San Carlos Elms Friendly and Cost Efficient

Wonderful place to put a loved one. The care is A-1. The staff are competent and caring. There are many activites available. The cost is very reasonable for the quality of service provide.

Bill Bilbrough - friend of a resident of San Carlos Elms