"I lived with my Mom in a 2 bedroom unit from Oct. 2023-Sept 2024 in her last year of life, and I can not say enough good things about the staff of Creekside. The staff and residents went above and beyond for my Mom during her stay, treating her like their own family members at all times. They helped her laugh after her major car accident, showed her love when she was confused, and ensured that she was safe in a way that reassured her dignity, and they showed up to say goodbye to her in hospice.
I witnessed staff picking up luggage at the airport in their free time for other residents, sitting with residents for long talks and hugs, and visit many residents that left Creekside temporarily for rehabilitation centers, hospitals and hospice.
The official Creekside bus and car were both working constantly, and there were two loving and busy staff members, Katie and Jeanette, driving residents daily to outings, errands, grocery shopping, local plays, exciting destination group trips, and so much more! There were group exercise classes 4 days a week (Sit and Be Fit, yoga, walking club). There was weekly live music, art classes, a drama reading group, a Men's group, bingo, Wednesday night pool group, and so much more. Residents created a regular daily card game schedule, with more than one table of 4 going at once. There is a puzzle table always open for anyone to relax at. There is always coffee, cold drinks, sweet treats, fresh fruit, and popcorn in the lobby, as well as copies of the daily newspaper.
The food is fantastic! Chef Justin and his team created a diverse and delicious menu that gives yummy options for residents with food issues such as gluten free, low salt, vegetarian, etc..I am picky, and I loved eating there. Award winning food! And several special meals during the year, such as the 4th of July picnic BBQ outside, Mother's Day brunch, Father's Day BBQ, and fancy formal theme meals with wine pairings.
The cleaning staff are a loving addition, as they take time to talk, laugh and dance with residents. Melina was a delight., and Leonor was an angel. Irma was in the other building, and also stopped by to show Mom love.
The night staff have stepped up in various ways for our family, such as when my Mom locked herself outside her room in the middle of the night in her nightgown, and her memory had gone, so she was scared and confused- I was inside our unit and asleep and she did not think to knock on the door. The staff find the most tender ways to help reassure residents, quickly calming them at their most vulnerable moments. She came back into the unit laughing with the staff.
Mike, as Executive Director, leads this team to be loving to all, treating the staff and residents as a family, as a true home that includes everyone there. He reminds residents that there are so many hidden treasured staff working behind the scenes, and after living there for a year, I think I witnessed all of them doing something above and beyond for residents: Marty's great with coffee, knowledge of theatre and local restaurants, and a great hugger. Julia is a calming presence, organizing financials, helping with cable issues, and filling in at the desk so staff can get a break or emergencies. Brennon is a master at hanging art work with his laser level and can fix anything. Melina also helps with fixing everything, including helping so many residents figure out their remote controls, lol, and helping them laugh. Ashley trains and schedules the food servers, and she picks such gentle souls.
Sandra is the heart of Creekside to me, greeting residents, guests and delivery workers from her desk. She hugged my Mom every day, made sure she shared Starbucks coffee with her daily, and was a loving presence that was a gift to our family, especially after her car accident and later, when we discovered Mom had a terminal illness. There were days that were so tough, and Sandra was often the person that noticed, and gave the support Mom and I needed most.
I am grateful that Mom picked Creekside as the place SHE wanted to join, as she had been coming to Creekside as part of an outreach program for her church for 15 years. I never expected how wonderful this place could be. It's magical."