Trust the Signs When Choosing Memory Care
If you want to be sure that you are choosing the right memory care community for your loved one, start by doing your homework.
Ask others whom you trust for recommendations, research online, and most importantly, make in-person visits to your top choices.
Besides comparing apartment homes, staff, grounds, services, and amenities, look for quality indicators that set one community apart from another.
Signs of quality may vary, but will certainly include a few of The Courtyard at McHenry’s recent accolades, such as:
A deficiency-free survey from the Illinois Department of Public Health shows that The Courtyard’s memory care is meeting the highest standards in safety and care.
A Readers’ Choice Award for best memory care community by Northwest Herald readers
Five-star quality reviews, including a heartfelt letter shared below, from Courtyard at McHenry memory care residents’ family members
Personal Recommendations Go a Long Way When Choosing The Right Memory Care Community
Before choosing a restaurant, buying new shoes, or watching a movie, most people read the reviews. Likewise, checking out reviews is a good idea for people “shopping” for memory care. Insight from family members with first-hand experience offers another valuable way to assess a community’s quality of care.
The Courtyard at McHenry’s memory care team is proud and, quite honestly, flattered by the positive reviews that family members have shared. Here’s a sampling…
“The Courtyard staff guided me in all stages of my father’s care, including when memory care was needed. They were kind, cared for him, and were a true team to me. I could not love this team more!”
~ Shannon
“Our mom wishes she could live at home, but we have such peace of mind knowing that she is in good hands. We are beyond pleased with the care mom receives.”
~ Ronald
“Finding a place for a loved one is never easy. Courtyard works to make that transition as easy as possible and ensures that your loved one has what they need to thrive.”
~ Brian
Barbara Williams shared the following letter with The Courtyard after her husband’s passing, which speaks to the level of care and service Courtyard residents and their families receive.
Dear Memory Caregivers,
I can’t possibly name each of you, but when I look over the list of people who cared for my husband, Richard, I am overwhelmed with gratitude. Whether you were a nurse, an aide on one of the shifts, a cook, an activities person, a receptionist, a housekeeper, or one of the people in charge, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart.
We brought Dick to The Courtyard when it was obvious I could no longer take care of him at home. I had heard so many good things from other people who had family members stay there, and that was a major reason why we chose your community. Since I was able to spend time with him for several hours each day, I was able to see firsthand the care he received. I was impressed from the start by the amount of love and care that was given to each resident every day. Whether it was eating, hygiene, propping pillows, setting up a movie, chair exercise, religious reflection, activities, bingo, or trivia questions, it all brought fun and meaning to each person’s day.
Personally, when I look back and realize how well you all took care of Dick, I am astonished. He did not like some of the procedures that were necessary, but all of you handled the situation with love and gentle persuasion. Each of you has a calling for the work you do and handles your duties with a professional attitude.
You also watched over me and made sure my needs were met as a visitor. I felt like I was with family, and I appreciate all you did for me too. You knew I was nervous about leaving him sometimes and told me it would be all right for me to spend the night.
After a time, it was obvious he didn’t have much time left, and I refused to leave him. I am relieved that I was there when he took his last breath. That was my goal, and I will never regret that I was able to be present.
His life was in God’s hands, and now he is safely resting in Jesus’s arms. Thank you for making his life worthwhile.
With love and sincerity,
Barbara E. Williams and Family
