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
