Oak Creek Alzheimer's & Dementia Care Center

Dear Staff : Saying goodbye is always such a difficult time but finding a way to say goodbye to all of you has been particularly difficult. Dad came to you 2 years ago reluctant, broken proud and angry. You gave him your special kind of wholeness, a way to hold onto his pride, unconstitutional affection and love, and finally peace. We, his family, came to you desperate, fearful, and uncertain. You gave us hope, support, and a new way to cope and still be a family. We found you at the end of our ten-year struggle with the phenomenon known as Alzheimer’s Disease. You were the anchor at the end of the long, often lonely, and always frustrating journey. Few people truly understand this disease, and you have managed to find a group of people who not only understand it, but can somehow find joy in it. People who know that with a disease that ravages memory, they can still remember their place at the dinner table, whose turn it is to sit in the front chairs and who really loves them. If he could say his own goodbye to all of you, it would be with his familiar “thumbs up”, a smile on his face, a tear in his eye, and a final kiss for all of you.

Dear Oak Creek Staff, Please accept our thanks for the exceptional care of our mother at Oak Creek. We are so grateful that she was able to spend her last years with your family of Caregivers. They are truly a wonderful group. We are also thankful for the love and support given to us over the years and especially in her last days. Each Staff member has, in their own way, given us a priceless gift, which will always be remembered.

Dear Oak Creek Staff, There aren’t words enough to tell you how much I and my family appreciated the care, compassion and kindness you bestowed on my father, during his years at Oak Creek. We could not have lived with Dad’s Alzheimer’s disease, and the changes it caused in his health and mental state, without you and your extraordinary care giving. The day we brought Dad to OakCreek was the hardest day of our lives. We were heartbroken, worried and full of emotions. Each one of you, in your won way, helped to alleviate our concerns and support us during those early months. Whether it was talking with us on the phone, helping us say goodbye after a visit, when we could hardly bear leaving dad, answering questions; preparing his meals or just being there, in the most human sense of the world, you made an unbearable situation bearable. When dad’s condition worsened, and he needed different kinds of care, you conveyed understanding and compassion. You were caring for us, as well as Dad, and you did it professionally, with grace and compassion. I cannot convey that your kindness and expertise has meant to me. As a former RN, I understand the demands of caring for people like my dad. It isn’t easy. When Dad was in the ER a few weeks before he died, we changed him before sending him home in the ambulance. I told the staff that his skin was absolutely perfect, not a red spot in sight. Clear skin on a thin man, eating poorly and incontinent for years – what excellent care you gave him! And, more importantly, you all treated him with such love and kindness. You would give him hugs and he would smile back. – the smile of my dad, before Alzheimer’s took away his memory and the person, we all knew and loved. It has been a long, painful time for us and we are relieved that Dad’s burden is lifted. We are so grateful that you could care for him in his final days. You were the people that he recognized and trusted. Oak Creek was his home and we are glad that he died in a familiar place, with people he knew. We appreciated your hugs, tears and words of support during his last weeks. I will always remember the afternoon we talked about Dad, as we knew him, and several of you listened so attentively and cried along with us. I know that my sisters and my mother agree: each of you has wings on your back. We will never forget you and your kindness towards our father and our family. “Thank you” does not seem sufficient for all that you’ve done for Dad, but we hope you know that our gratitude comes straight from the heart. With a great deal of love and respect,

Dear Staff at Willow Creek Thank you so very much for the loving care you gave to our mom. You not only took great care of her, but gave us a wonderful peace of mind. We were so pleased and surprised that 3 of you came to the service. We were even more grateful when you spoke on her behalf. That was very special and words cannot truly express our gratitude. The flower arrangement is beautiful. Thank you again,

Staff of Willow Creek: 5 things we love about you… #1 No matter who greets us, day or night you stop to help us find him wherever he has wandered #2 You make us feel that you want to be there, which makes him want to be there which makes us feel secure and so appreciative. #3 You show such amazing team work, at meal time, at parties, when alarms go off, when people are distraught – your chemistry is so different from all the homes we toured. #4 You have never shown impatience, irritation, bore down or negativity - how on earth you do it? #5 You have responded sincerely and energetically to every request we have ever made. Words cannot express how deep our gratitude for all that you do … Thank you for being our new family

Dear Willow Creek Staff, My family thanks all of your professional staff for the excellent care that you provided our mom. Because of your care, we were able to continue our lives knowing our mom was safe. She really loved your food and kind words. It was a pleasure to be with mom in your very clean environment. We enjoyed the fish tank and the TV area. Again thank you all,