When Andrea and her sister arrived at Delmar Gardens North in late February, they were exhausted and uncertain after a long search for the right place for their mother, Lola (lovingly known as Mimi). What they found was more than a skilled nursing facility. They found compassionate nursing home staff who treated Mimi and their entire family, with warmth, dignity, and genuine care.
A Rare Opportunity or an Act of Fate?
The search to find a nursing home that was worthy of our loved one was a harrowing experience. We made the rounds to facility after facility without much luck. We were slowly but surely getting discouraged and worn down. When we finally walked through the doors of Delmar Gardens North, we immediately knew the search was over.
Tana greeted us warmly and mentioned that a Medicaid bed had just opened. She had reached out to people on the waiting list, but none of them had responded. She let us know that if we wanted the spot, we should move quickly. We didn’t hesitate and immediately took her up on the offer. Some may think we rushed into the decision, but in that moment my gut was telling me it was the right choice. Looking back now, it felt like more than coincidence. It felt like Providence had a hand in us walking through those doors that day.
A Team That Showed Up Every Day
What struck us in the weeks and months that followed was all the ways in which the Delmar Gardens team showed up for both Mimi and for our family. Donna, Patti, and Cathy were there whenever something needed special attention. Barbara greeted Andrea every day and helped wherever she could.
The therapy team, Bryan, Michelle, and Stephanie, worked diligently to help Mimi maintain her mobility and strength. The nurses and staff of Division 100 were wonderful as well. I don’t think you could find a better group of people to trust with the care of someone you love.
Brenda: The One Who Made Mimi Feel Like Herself
We were grateful for all of the compassionate nursing home staff, but there is one person in particular that I have to call out by name which is Brenda, Mimi’s aide. From the very first day Mom arrived, Brenda took charge in the best possible way. She rearranged the furniture to set Mimi up comfortably and immediately started building a bond with her.
Brenda had a quiet, loving way of making sure Mimi did things for herself if she was able. I remember Andrea calling me to say that Mimi had told her she absolutely had to go to an activity that week because Brenda had made it a rule: two activities, every week, no exceptions.
That was Brenda. She helped Mimi get dressed each morning in the outfit she and Andrea had picked out the day before, and she combed her hair just the way she liked it. She never complained about Mimi’s frequent personal needs. She made Mom feel pretty and maintain a sense of fulfillment and dignity.
Compassionate Support Until the End
When Mimi returned to Delmar Gardens under hospice care, Brenda was still there, not just for Mom, but for Andrea and her son Eric, who kept vigil by her bedside. Brenda made sure they were taking care of themselves, asking if they’d had something to eat or if they needed a break. A stand out moment was when Brenda walked into the room with a tray holding a salad and a slice of cake because she noticed that Andrea hadn’t eaten that day. It meant the world to her. Even as Mimi became unresponsive, Brenda kept coming in to comb her hair and make sure she felt cared for.
On one of Mimi’s last days, Brenda could see that Andrea was hurting. She hugged her and told her that when an angel leaves, another one is born to take her place. Those words meant everything to my sister. After Mimi passed, it was Brenda who combed her hair one final time, just the way she liked it.
God bless Brenda, and every angel at Delmar Gardens North.
Key Takeaways
- The right care environment can bring immediate relief and confidence during a stressful search
- Compassionate caregivers build meaningful relationships that go beyond basic medical care
- Encouraging independence and routine helps residents maintain dignity and purpose
- Small, personal gestures can have a lasting emotional impact on both residents and families
- Strong staff support extends to the entire family, not just the resident
- End-of-life care is defined by empathy, presence, and respect for the individual
