Big thanks to Pleasant Meadow
April 27, 2004
My aunt was a long-time resident of Pleasant Meadow Manor who passed away last Saturday and I wanted to pass along my thoughts to you.

In all the time I have been visiting Pleasant Meadow Manor I have been so impressed with the nursing care and compassion shown to each and every resident.

Having visited many relatives and old friends in other nursing homes in the Toronto and outlying areas, more than anyone I can appreciate what level of care some nursing homes provide. All too often patients are not treated with courtesy or dignity, are often ignored (even with family visiting), staff won't answer call bells and are rude to the residents, raising their voices, and not communicating with relatives who need information. And yes, we all watched that program on elder abuse -- it happens and it shouldn't.

I was so surprised when I first visited Pleasant Meadow to see each and every member of the staff speak to each resident they passed, sometimes giving a quick hug and perhaps a wee laugh to cheer them on their way. You have outstanding nurses, staff, and volunteers at this "home." Any time Aunt Laura had to be hospitalized she always wanted to go "home" as quickly as possible. The nurses and staff really go out of their way to give the residents encouragement, dignity and personal treatment.

My mother spent a few weeks there prior to her passing in 2001 and she had been my aunt's caregiver prior to me taking over. When Mom arrived, all the nurses came in one by one to welcome her - this really meant something to me since I had taken care of her for 18 months prior to her transfer to Pleasant Meadow.

I know that there is a shortage of money for nurses all over the province and I have witnessed first-hand how hard the staff works at Pleasant Meadow - they are always on the move, back and forth, up and down, bathing, dressing and feeding - they must be exhausted when they go home from their shifts but I have never heard them complain. I know not all of the residents are easy to get along with but the staff just keeps treating them with warmth and affection.

Aunt Laura had her special spot in the hall to keep her eyes on all the activity around her that she so enjoyed. It was not easy for her to adjust to her situation following her stroke in Gravenhurst. Mom had her transferred close to her home which was truly a blessing. And yes, Aunt Laura had her favourites including Ann, who twice took her to her home for a real roast beef and Yorkshire pudding dinner with all the trimmings. These dinners were truly highlights and she spoke of them all the time - this was her wish from the wishing well.

Aunt Laura's heart was in very bad condition. A year ago Doctor Sudbury at Peterborough Regional Health Centre gave her maybe six months. I have no doubt had she been anywhere else without the care and kindness she received, we would not have had her that long. For that, I am truly thankful.

I sincerely hope you recognize everyone at Pleasant Meadow for their professionalism, care and kindness towards our most treasured people - our mothers, fathers, aunts, uncles, and friends. After all, we might be a resident some day.

Sincerely,
Sharon Marconi,
Pickering, Ontario