My wife has been a resident of Wellington Terrace since June 2010. She arrived with dementia exacerbated by dehydration and infection, both acquired at another skilled nursing facility. A physician at a third facility had advised me that my wife would not get better, but would only get worse and that I should accept that reality! I refused, believing that we could have more than our nearly six decades together!
Today, after the professional and caring treatment by the medical staff and others, my sweetheart is talking and responding to questions, eating regular food, and her physical rehabilitation has her starting to use a walker! Some who have seen the change use the term, ""miracle"" I attribute it to the caring ""family"" at Wellington Terrace. The caring Wellington family is all inclusive: the owner-executives and other management often on the floor in resident rooms, dining room, and rehabilitation talking with residents and their families; the doctors, nurses and aides directly involved in the care of residents; and the additional staff needed to keep the enterprise running. I have not observed or met them all, but many I have. With few exceptions, all are truly caring persons. Unlike others I have observed in similar institutions, they do not put on a “caring” mask as they arrive for work and take it off when they leave.
The facilities at Wellington Terrace are exceptional. Each private resident room is tastefully decorated with furnishings not unlike one would find at home. Residents are encouraged to add to the decor with furnishings of their own. Residents’ rooms are quiet. Close the door and you are unaware of adjacent residents. Open the door and you are vaguely conscious of the corridor sounds. The therapy facilities, both physical and occupational, are well equipped with a professional, patient, and caring staff. Dining facilities for residents and guests are pleasant with meals individually designed and served to meet each resident’s needs and capabilities by a professional service. Dietitians and therapists closely monitor the food service. Finally, a small beauty salon is there to attend to resident’s needs.
Residents’ activities are a major consideration by the staff at Wellington Terrace. A talented and skilled activities staff utilizes music, games (including video games), and exercises to entertain and to enhance residents’ therapy. Artists, entertainers and speakers are often brought in for residents’ benefit and enjoyment.
One of my wife’s favorite pleasures at Wellington Terrace in warm weather is to be wheeled outside to the garden in a quadrangle between resident room wings. The flowers, trees and lawns adjacent to the paved walks with benches are most relaxing on a spring or summer afternoon. She particularly enjoys the sights and sounds of the children playing soccer on the school playground a stone’s throw away. A special treat are chimes from the church steeple nearby. Wellington Terrace’s garden is not quite the same as our porch swing at home, but it is the next best thing. As a matter of fact Wellington Terrace is the next best thing to home!
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