Rita, our Mom, has called the Grass Home her home for the past 14 years.
She lives in the present moment more than most of us. Her cognitive losses are often overridden by her will to be the best she can be. She used to say, "I don't want to lose my mind," and in so many ways, she has not.
Luckily her losses have been slow and took a long time to affect her physical health. Our Dad took loving and attentive care of her until he passed away. Needless to say, he was a tough act to follow.
We needed a place to ensure her safety, the health of her body and mind, access to the joy in her heart, and to continue her journey with as much wellness and dignity as possible.
When we found the Grass Home, we have come to believe that the Grass Home found her, for there is no doubt that this has been a match made in heaven; we were immediately struck by the sense that this was the right place. Soon after arriving, she started referring to the environment as 'Home' and still does. A recent health-related event required an assessment at the hospital, which was expedited quickly (10 hours) for COVID times and showed just how attached Mom is to her residence for when she was finally back in her bed and smiling, she said, "Oh yes, I'm home."
How can this be? The fine building and the clean accommodations, as well as the careful attention to the health protocols and individual care plans alone do not explain it all. We have had many opportunities to observe those other aspects that account for our Mom's wellness. Each person who works there shows such respect for each person in their care; they demonstrate unconditional acceptance and express such loving kindness. These attitudes have become an essential part of the culture of the Grass Home they are continually promoted and modelled for new workers and maintained by a network of dedicated senior staff. The openness of the home to families, friends and volunteers who grace their rooms and halls on normal days also extends that attention, for each visit is a chance to be part of that care. We long for the return of easy visits and drop-ins, as well as more freedom to be with our Mom after COVID restrictions. Meanwhile, we are confident that our Mom is getting the best care possible.
We can only express our deep gratitude and wonder for all the days filled with acts of kindness and compassion that are given and received by the folks at the Grass Home. Our Mom is thriving as well as she can, thanks to them all.
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