Irvine Cottage 9

August 2019

Caring

Relative Of Resident

For the several years my vast mother lived and declined at Irvine Cottages, the face and heart of the place was house manager Jeany; its headspace was nursing manager Alex. The cottage environment and pace is very good and/but is as assisted living: something needed that we are grateful for, but would never choose for ourselves had we the chance to escape time. Since we don‘t get that chance, my experience of the place and those who make it go has marked me well and taught lasting and good lessons. My mother knew at the end she was lucky. My mother and house manager Jeany appeared to me to become a single unit over years: a wise and saving one, ultimately; sometimes a little love/hate in there as they got to know each other too well. The depth of tolerance and kindness in Jeany’s patient yet relentless care and cheer, then reassurance, acceptance and compassion as things closed, was palpable. Our last week there, utilizing hospice, was seamless thanks to Jeany. Being on the other side of the country but connected daily to my mother by phone between CA visits at times held anxiety. When local relatives there couldn’t be reached or at times when I simply needed reassurance, being able to call and reach Alex, and clarify a fear or perception of my mother’s or of mine, meant the world. She was always available. Decisions before us all as we age, decline, need help, need independence, appreciate dignity, and still have something to give others unto our final breath all are hard decisions. Irvine Cottages, its people and philosophy can be treasure. It was for my mother, for me, and us all.

July 2018

Caring

Dtate

My grandmother was a past resident of Irvine Cottage 9. She moved into Irvine Cottage 9 after being a resident in a larger facility. Although we were nervous about moving her into new surroundings, we couldn’t have made a better decision. Going from a larger facility to a smaller home like environment was the best decision we ever made. My grandmother was happy and made friends with the other ladies in the home almost immediately. Irvine Cottages is a safe and nurturing environment where the staff really care. There were many activities, they played games, took daily walks, patio lunches, bingo, BBQ days, therapy dog visits, arts & crafts, karaoke, music and much more. We visited several Board and Care facilities before choosing Irvine Cottages but can’t stress enough how much we loved Irvine Cottage 9 from the moment we entered the home. We were impressed with the location, the physical facility especially the back yard, (my grandmother loved being outside). The home was warm and inviting and the staff were skilled in taking care of elderly residents. All of the management team were always available and were able to answer all of our questions, Alex, Michelle, Gina and Kim we thank you for all of your help during this transition. I don’t think we would have found better care for my grandmother, Irvine Cottages exceeded my expectations and we can’t thank you all enough!