My mother spent the last five years of her life in four different rest homes in Ormond Beach and Daytona Beach, Florida.
The best of the bunch had colorful lunch cloths at each meal, no trays, no carts. Lots of windows, the kitchen was right off the dining room so the elders could smell the good food. Unfortunately it had no living area, just a nurse station with patients herded like sheep in their wheelchairs around a TV. Very bad.
All four homes had private rooms and bathrooms. The best let the elders have their own chair, end table and TV, nice drapes and paint. You could bring your own wall art.
None of the living rooms were as nice as the Cook County sitting room. One home had a nice little chapel. One had bingo every afternoon. One was across from the ocean with no windows facing the ocean. Bad planners here, too.
I’d say a dining room with no trays or carts would top my list for remodel of the Grand Marais home, with lunch cloths. And private rooms and baths are a must.
There were no live bands or any entertainment at any of the four homes. Only one had a church service and a barber shop. None had a garden or outside covered area. Grand Marais has done a good job for its old folks. The wheelchair dancers are great.
Mr. D’s mom spent many years in the Cook County Care Center and it’s the best of all the homes we’ve been in. The secret is the caring help. Please let the nurses and aides and doctors and cooks give their opinions on what is needed and not needed first, and remember to set the tables for old loved people and not inmates.
Dale L. Saethre
Mayo, Florida
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