Two months. Marian O. announced to her six grown children.
Two months at the Gardens at St. Elizabeth, and then I return home.

Ignore the fact that her physician felt she needed a supportive environment to recover following a debilitating stroke. And never mind that her family was greatly concerned about her loss of appetite and depression. She would give it 60 days and no more.

“Well, that was three years ago,” Marian laughs.
What changed between then and now?

“Me,” she replies. “After a week of meeting other nice, kind and caring people, I began to realize this place wasn’t too bad! My thoughts and resolutions changed dramatically.  I’m able to go to daily mass. I play cards and bingo.  I’m on the Wii bowling team.  I serve on the Resident Council. 
“My kids are always saying, ‘Mom, where were you tonight? And I say, “I was out!’”
But living here is not all about her, she admits. 

“I know it brings my family much peace of mind that I’m safe and active. The reality is that aging is progressive--every day we’re getting older. There’s a shuttle service here that takes us to medical appointments within eight miles of the Gardens.  So, I really do look at this as a gift that I can give my children. And when they come to visit, they see I have no regrets.”

 “She’s right about it being a gift,” confirms Melissa Mattes, an associate at the Gardens. “So many times, the adult children we meet are struggling to care for their own children, manage their work lives and help Mom and Dad stay in their own home. Everyone’s exhausted. We’re able to say, ‘This is your chance to come over when you’re relaxed, regain some quality time with your parent and enjoy each other’s company.
“We’ll take care of the care.’”

Interested in visiting the Gardens at St. Elizabeth to learn about retirement living, assisted living or memory care?  Curious to know if it might be positive choice for your parent’s next residence…or your own? Call Melissa at 303-964-3803 for your personal tour.