Loving Care

Connie-

First of all, thank you for your beautiful letter.  Dad really was (and he will always be in our hearts forever) a very special man.  His love for us girls and our families was so deep and true.  And you’re right—Dad was a very kind, gentle, humble, tender, wonderful man to others as well.  He was never a complainer and took the greatest pleasure in the smallest things.  He loved his TV and all the holiday parties he went to at Orchard Heights and, as you know, loved good music, especially Glenn Miller.

Dad was very happy at Orchard Heights.  He used to tell people it was his mansion.  He loved his birthday parties in the gracious dining room and enjoyed showing family members around—and those milkshakes at the ice cream parlor.  If he wasn’t so fluid-intake conscious because of dialysis, I’m sure we’d have his name on one of the chairs in there!  Yes, dad was a happy man at Orchard Heights.  Most of all, there were special people at Orchard Heights that made living there special for Dad.  One super special person was you.  Please accept these roses as a gift from Dad.  I know he’s smiling down on you.  You can take them home or keep them in your eye view at Orchard Heights to remind you how special you were to Dad.  My sister, Sandy, and I also want to say a special thank you, too!  Our families as well.

Sincerely,
Janet

Family Atmosphere

"From the moment I walked in the door, I felt the residence was family oriented and very friendly. Everyone was so welcoming." -Martha, Resident since 2005

"I am blessed to have three sons and one daughter who visit all the time. They are always comfortable visiting here. I say, 'Come on over to my house!' and they bring the kids and snacks. I am spoiled by my family and the staff. When my granddaughters visit, I always make them play the piano in our lounge. Once the girls get started there is usually a crowd of people who are listening to them. I am so proud of them! I say, 'Girls, play the piano for Grandpa' and they say 'anything for you!.'" -Joe, Resident since 2005

Dining Experience

"The best word I can use for the food here is plentiful! I never leave a meal hungry, and I am Italian and love to eat, so that is saying a lot!" -Joe, Resident since 2005

"The food is ravishing with a large variety to choose from. There is soup, salad, and entrées and sandwiches. Dining here makes me feel good!" -Lee, Resident since 2003

"I am kind of picky about what types of food I like, but I can always find many things that sound tempting when it is meal time at Orchard Heights." -Jean, Resident since 2003

Recreation

"I have been a resident here since August 1993. My daughter had heard about Orchard Heights through some people at her church in East Aurora. She came here and liked what she saw and decided it would be the perfect place for me. Early in my stay I was more mobile and would drive my friends out to lunch to area restaurants and enjoyed reading in my room. Then when they passed away I became more active in Activities. We have a lot of great programs here like the one the other night when Mark Hamister shared his slides of Greece with us and I am looking forward to the Greek dancers on Wednesday night. Now I enjoy being around people. I especially like “World News.” When I am able to answer the questions I feel great. I know my mind is doing something."
-Pat, Resident since 1993

"I love all of the music they have here. It is nice to be able to chose what you would like to do and see. I always love to listen to good music. I also enjoy visiting with my family. They can come in at any time, even after work." -Leonard, Resident since 2005

"No matter what activity I do here, I always have a friend waiting for me. Usually I hear, 'Come on, Jean, we are going to listen to music, come with us.' I can't say no to an invitation from my good friends here, can I?" -Jean, Resident since 2003

"My favorite activities are the ones that make me use my mind. I love programs that really make me think. Just the other day we played, 'Create-A-Word.' I was thinking about it for two days after the game was over . . . I created 20 more words!" -Martha, Resident since 2005

General

"I can’t think of anything I don’t like.  I have visited other facilities and I didn’t find anyplace nicer than Orchard Heights.  I am satisfied. What more could I ask for.  It makes my nephew feel so good to know I am happy here.  I never get bored." -Marie, Resident since 2002

"I like my room and the window that allows me to grow plants with the lovely view.  I like the walls because I can put up my pictures and I can move them as I like. I like the Bell choir and others enjoy it too.  I am hoping the weather will be nice soon so I can walk outside." -Inez, Resident since 2001

Housekeeping

"I have a great appreciation for the Housekeeping Staff. They always keep my room spotless. In fact, the whole building is cleaner than my house ever was!" -Martha, Resident since 2005

"Have you seen how nice my room is? I love showing if off and you won't believe how clean it is. I was always a 'neat-nick' at my old house, so cleanliness is very important to me." -Jean, Resident since 2003

Orchard Heights Grounds and Gardens

"I am a nature lover. You can always find me on the porch or looking out of our big, beautiful windows. My favorite season is Fall. I just love the colors! Spring and summer are all about 'greenery' and Fall is about 'scenery'. We get a good view of them all here in our yard." -Stella, Resident since 2004

"The grounds are beautiful and there is a lot of green grass and flowers in the springtime. If feels like you are waking in the countryside and everyone always says 'hi'." -Louise, Resident since 2004

"I just love sitting out on the porch on nice sunny days. It reminds me of when we all sat on our front stoops when I was a kid. But now I don't cause as much trouble!" -Joe, Resident since 2005

Chauffeur Transportation

"Our driver is so wonderful. I always feel safe going places with him. He has even been gracious enough to make an extra stop for me, to do some 'personal' shopping. He is a keeper!" -Martha, Resident since 2005

"The whole staff is friendly and helpful. John the driver has been great. He is always a friendly face." -Pat, Resident since 1993

Emergency Call Bell

"The emergency call bell system gives me peace of mind and makes me feel safe to know there is always someone there for me. I have never had to use it but if I do I have heard a nurse will come running!" -Audrey, Resident since 2005

Medication Management

Extras

"I love the 'turn down service' they give me every night. It is like being at a fancy hotel." -Martha, Resident since 2005