Cathy Mc
Google
Let me start by saying this. I worked as a manager in an assisted living community many years ago. It’s a great option when your ability to do the things required around the house becomes diminished. A lot of people plan ahead and say, when the time comes, I will sell the house and move into Assisted Living. My father said that. We toured many local communities 6 months ago and Ivy Park was the top choice for its homey environment and friendly atmosphere. He wasn’t looking for a glamorous hotel lobby with granite countertops. The decor was designed to remind him of home. The staff was welcoming. He decided to wait a little longer. Fast forward to 3 months ago. He had new health issues. The cane was replaced with a walker. My sister and I convinced him the time was now. He moved into Ivy Park. Staff sensed his initial reluctance and was very attentive toward him. They encouraged, never pushed. Everyone called him by name. When he showed up for breakfast, his apple juice was waiting at his favorite table. They asked how many poached eggs he wanted today or did he feel like something else. They knew what he liked on his oatmeal. He told me they had the best bacon in San Diego! When family called, they addressed us by name, and had answers ready if we asked how he was doing (We both live out of state). They noticed changes when his ability to walk became more difficult. They called us to let us know what they observed if he was struggling with something. Having a doctor on site was a lifesaver as he was nervous about taking the bus just yet. He gained much needed weight. He wasn’t eating regular meals back at home and he was forgetting to take his pills. Things were great again.
Just as he was settling in, his health began to decline suddenly, and unfortunately, my dad passed away a few days ago due to chronic issues he could not control.
We wish he had not wavered 6 months ago. I hope families that read this realize that the time to move into assisted living is while your health is still good! Ivy Park has so many activities off site as well as in house. Enjoy that as long as health allows, and then enjoy the concerts and other daily activities around the building with resident friends when traveling gets too difficult…I wish my dad had moved while his health was better, he just couldn’t drive or mow the lawn or climb a ladder… He spent the day in front of the tv at home because he couldn’t drive. Ivy Park was taking folks to parks and places around San Diego… The day he moved in we got to pet a great horned owl and other animals that were visiting that day! I’m very glad my dad got to experience Ivy Park for the short time he was able. I hope I will learn from this and when my time comes…DO IT!