Watching your parents grow older, and struggle with health issues can be incredibly hard. My mother, Vivian Baker just turned 81 this year, and by most accounts this still seems like a miracle to me. For years her health has gone downhill which has robbed her of much of her abilities. Of course, not being able to drive and do most things she used to affected her and made her feel really helpless at times.

A couple of years ago through a chance encounter we found ourselves at The Gardens of Clinton . From the moment we walked through the doors we felt like we were walking into something for royalty! It was so beautiful! Right away we fell in love with the cozy fireplace and library area and we barely made it through the doors. As we kept touring the place it felt like someone had designed it especially for her! The mail was indoors! That in itself was such a relief as she had fallen one winter walking on ice to get it at her house. Again, I thought they thought of everything. Then we made it to the kitchen and dining area and they had juices, coffee, hot chocolate and continental breakfast for the residence! We happily joined in.

What was the most surprising to me was that my mother was smiling the whole time and couldn't stop raving. That in itself was a miracle because my mother really doesn't like change or moving. At the time she was living at another senior complex but unhappy. Still I couldn't have prepared for her to say to me, "I want to move here."

Fast forward two years, and my mother tells me that she has never been this happy - ever. That was something I had prayed for but knew at her age maybe that prayer couldn't be answered, but it was. Was it just the amenities? No, and while everything is picture perfect and beautiful the most important feature at The Gardens is the staff.

As a daughter who spends a great deal of time worrying about my mother, I couldn't be more grateful to the wonderful staff. They truly care about their residents and truly love what they do. I cannot thank them enough for the way they have made my mother feel, and how they have helped me relax a little! They go way above and beyond for their people. I can honestly say we all feel like family and that isn't something you can buy. I know this is why my mother is happy. Even I look forward to seeing them whenever I visit.

Her days are filled with games, shopping, and her favorite thing to do: reading outdoors under the gazebo or by the fireplace. It's like a dream come true for her. Now she can shop with the other residents on the bus, instead of feeling like she is bothering someone to take her shopping. While that's not the case, any independent person feels that way. My mother is 81 years old but has her pride and the Gardens have helped her gain independence. That in itself has made my mother feel good about herself.

I also love how they are always looking to bring whatever the resident need to them. Whether it is dining, foot specialists, tai chi classes, there is always momentum. They are always looking toward the future and what can make our folks lives happier and easier.

I honestly can say this is not just a miracle for my mom, but for her kids too. There is no better feeling than to know your mother is happy. I can't thank them enough!! I would recommend the Gardens to any and all looking for a real home and independence for themselves or loved one. You won't regret it!

Thankfully and Sincerely Yours,
L. B. W.
V. B's daughter

Dear Mr. Amsel,

I am writing to compliment your management of one of the wonderful facilities in Michigan. The facility is the Gardens of Clinton at 24500 Metropolitan parkway, in Clinton Township, MI 48035, managed by Ms. Lorri Francisco along with the other kind and helpful people that work along with her.

My mother, Mary Sniecikowski lived at this facility for a little over two years. From the time we moved her in the staff there was always helpful and courteous. My sister and I live out of town, but when we would visit my Mom, we were always welcomed like part of the family. We just loved visiting here there knew all their residents so well as the other nice people that live there. The people that work there knew all their residents so well, and we always felt that our mother lived in a sale place. People like, Cheryl Zipf, who transport the residents to doctor appointments and grocery shopping, really add a friendly and helpful atmosphere to your apartments. Mike, the Maintenance man at the apartments is always will to help or take care of a problem no matter how small. Both of these people have the patience and kindness to work with seniors, and take time to go beyond the call of duty.

Most recently on August 26, the Maintenance man, named Mike, noticed that my mother was not looking well. He followed her up to her room and noticed that her skin tone looked yellow and that she was walking “with her usual walker” rather unsteady. He took the time to contact us outin California and let us know. He was worried that she might not come out of her apartment, given what he saw. Because of his kind and considerate action, we were able to get my mother into the hospital that day. My sister and I flew out immediately to tend to her health. Unfortunately, my mother passed away on September 7, 2008, due to a condition that could not be helped. She was 91 years of age. However, had Mike not called us, we may have never saw her alive again. We flew in from California and spent several days with her in the hospital and back at her apartment before she passed away on September 7, 2008.

After our mother was buried, the entire staff at the Garden of Clinton was extremely helpful in assisting us to clear Mom’s apartment and close up the utilities. We really hated to eventually have to leave, and we will really miss coming to visit our mom there.

Please take opportunity to commend the staff there.

Sincerely,

Nancy Mateyka and Phylis Fowler