When Dorothy moved to Garden Villas in 2016, her family wasn’t sure what to expect. Her health was fragile and her medications had become difficult to manage. The transition to assisted living is never simple and they were worried about the effect such a big change would have on Dorothy.
What followed was three years that her daughter describes as genuinely sweet, marked by warm relationships, attentive care, and a community that made Dorothy feel at home until the very end. This is her story, in her daughter’s own words.
A Decision That Changed Everything
When Mom (Dorothy) first came to Garden Villas, she wasn’t doing so well. She had been confusing her medications, and I knew she needed more support than what we could provide at home. I decided that the best next step was to find a senior living community for her. Of course this decision came with a lot of nerves, especially with all the things you hear about nursing homes these days.
After looking around the area, I found Delmar Gardens and decided to schedule a tour. The first person I met with was Dustin McClintock who was a gentleman from the very beginning. Patient, even-tempered, and genuinely kind, he put my mind at ease immediately. Dustin made sure to include my mom in every major decision which did not go unnoticed. He showed us around, answered every question, and made both of us feel heard.
Once we decided Garden Villas was the right fit, Vicky Busso helped us navigate all the details of moving in. She was direct but kind, and most importantly, she listened. That combination matters more than people realize. As Mom’s needs changed over those three years, Vicky stayed engaged and made sure the right services were in place. She was our constant.
When Things Got Hard, the Team Came Through
Mom had long-term care insurance, which sounds helpful until you’re actually dealing with it and forced to jump through hoop after hoop. Vicky and Justin worked through every obstacle the insurance company put in front of them, and because of their persistence, we were able to collect the full extent of the policy. Dustin handled every billing detail, including submitting Mom’s final bill promptly so we received that last reimbursement. Even when Mom called worried she hadn’t received a check, he never got frustrated. He just took care of it.
In full honestly, I was wary of the new process for managing my Mom’s medications at first. I was worried that it was too much change too quickly. Vicky reassured me that “Once we get those meds sorted she’ll be fine.” and she was right! Within a short time of getting her medications under control, my Mom’s health turned around completely.
A Warm Thank You to the People Who Created a Home for Us
What truly sets Delmar Gardens apart from other senior communities is the people. The LIMAs who brought Mom her medications became some of her favorite people. All of them were cheerful and brought energy into the room.
Ariel was especially loving and kind during Mom’s final days, a tenderness meant everything to our family. Nurse Julie brought a steady professionalism that we came to rely on. There were moments she had to be firm about Mom’s safety, but she always delivered her recommendations with care. She worked with us to help our mom come to terms with her limitations.
Paula, Kathleen, and Judy at the front desk were warm and efficient every time we called. John, who organized the parties, gave Mom something to look forward to each season. She adored dressing up for Mother’s Day, Labor Day, and the Fourth of July. She didn’t just attend those parties; she took personal ownership of them, greeting her friends and their families as if she herself were the hostess. That sense of ownership and belonging was something the team clearly worked hard to create and support.
A 99th Birthday for the Books
When it became clear Mom was too frail to leave the building for her 99th birthday, Chef John Jackson made sure the celebration was still spectacular. He prepared two gorgeous, festive meals that turned what could have been a quiet day into something genuinely joyful. My husband and I had joined Mom for dinner at Garden Villas many times over the years, and the food was always wonderful. But those birthday meals were something special. We joked afterward that we should have held all her parties there.
Mom also found unexpected comfort in the visits from the Rabbi. She wasn’t a particularly religious woman, but something in those conversations gave her spiritual solace in her final season of life.
A Final Blessing
It’s no secret that aging isn’t easy. Dorothy’s body declined, but her mind stayed sharp until the very end. She knew what she wanted, she advocated for herself, and she kept everyone on their toes. When people ask me about Garden Villas, I tell them the same thing every time: it is a culture of kindness. That’s not a phrase I use lightly. It’s what we saw, day after day, for three years.
In the Jewish tradition, there is a blessing: “May you go from Strength to Strength.” To Dustin, Vicky, Justin, Chef John, Julie, Ariel, Paula, Kathleen, Judy, John, and everyone else who cared for my mother: that blessing is yours.
Key Takeaways
- A supportive transition into assisted living can improve both health and quality of life
- Clear communication and consistent staff involvement help families feel confident in care decisions
- Proper medication management can lead to significant health improvements
- Staff who build relationships create a true sense of home and belonging
- Community activities and celebrations give residents purpose and joy
- Compassionate care extends through every stage, including end-of-life support
