KindredHearts of Brown Deer

C. Collopy

My elder relative spent her last years here and died peacefully in her sleep 2 years ago.. She had advanced memory problems, but with help from the staff (and a disinclination to go outside on her own), it worked out as well as I could imagine.. The staff (2-3 depending on the shift) was tolerant, helpful & kind, though not especially proactive, socially speaking.. The usual problems with certain tenants pulling their alarm strings too frequently unfortunately seemed to cause a casual response to alarms in general. That being said, they excelled in respecting tenants' privacy and keeping track of medications, physical needs & meals. I was always called when anything unusual occurred - a fall, sores that might appear, increased disorientation, etc. Psychological needs - loneliness, boredom, anxiety -were my loved one's greatest unmet needs, caused by mental illness and memory loss. Frequent visits and stimulation from outside by family & others was the way I addressed this. (Sometimes it DOES take a village!.) I commend the manager highly for her long experience at this facility, her empathy, humor, discretion, high standards of cleanliness and safety and her open door policy. Though there was considerable turnover in staff, she was proud of keeping some key long-term staffers. I know she was sometimes overworked and tired. Even under these conditions she managed to be helpful & kind to all who came to her door. In summary -- in a perfect world the elderly with mental challenges would have a 24/7 nurse & companion. That not being the case for my loved one, Kindred Hearts -- a home-like setting, near where I live, and close to a wonderful park -- was the next best thing. I will always be grateful for the MANY there who, by taking care of her, granted me the freedom to live my life more fully!