Denise Hayes
Apr 2026
I moved my mom into Cordia in September of 2025. It was the best decision I’ve made for her.<br>She has a very comfortable studio apartment there. When she initially moved, she was quite reserved about being at a senior residence because she had always lived with family members and this was the first time in a senior community.<br><br>I’ve gotten to know and really appreciate the staff and all that they do to make the residents comfortable and happy.<br><br>Nelly and John in the dining room provide excellent food. They have a standard menu and have additional entrees and side options every day. It must keep the cooks engaged (because not the same thing every day) but also provides a very nice variety for the residents. On holidays they have extra special treats and offerings so those who don’t leave for family activities have a super party time!<br><br>Gerry and his maintenance staff respect and respond very quickly to requests. I had asked for an additional safety bar in my mom’s bathroom and they installed it within a day.<br><br>The front desk folks (Geri, Kathleen, Angel, Miriam) listen carefully to all the residents to answer their questions or to get them assistance with things like their TV programs. They are also always smiling and considerate to everyone.<br><br>I’ve needed to engage the nursing staff for eye drops recently following my mom’s cataract surgery and have been very pleased with Ola and her team. Michelle (the head day nurse) had also been very helpful to me when my mom had had to visit the ER for an infection. The nursing staff and Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) at Cordia are available 24/7 for any support needed, which is very comforting when your loved one is over 90 years old!<br><br>Part of the monthly assessment includes periodic cleaning of my mom’s room - so this, together with the healthy and delicious meals - has tremendously eased my anxiety about my mom’s experience at Cordia.<br><br>Last but not least - enrichment activities!<br>Katy Duda the program coordinator (aka Chaos Coordinator) and her assistant Kelly have an excellent schedule of activities that the residents can participate in every day. There are regular activities:<br>*Exercise coaches who come in to direct the residents with age appropriate strength, flexibility, and coordination training<br>*Bingo - a weekly fun time with prizes<br>*Painting, beadwork, and other seasonal crafts<br>*Indoor and outdoor gardening<br>*Monthly birthday celebrations<br>*Current event discussions<br>*Group wordplay games : crossword, letter honeycomb, others<br>*Cordia Choir - with seasonal performances<br>*Musical artists - different artists at least every week or every other week<br>*Opportunities to get on the Cordia bus to visit area attractions (like the Morton Arboretum), or to get on the Cordia golf cart for a ride around nearby TY Warner Park.<br><br>There are also other educational events that Katy or Kelly prepare (like for the Olympic competitions or the Oscar Awards), or that Katy secures (such as individuals who produce and present information on well known celebrities or on historical events). I have attended a number of these myself and found them and the ensuing discussions to be very engaging!<br><br>The itinerary of events at Cordia is like what you’d see on a cruise ship. There’s something for everyone! I especially appreciate those that engage the residents to help keep their minds working. I find those to be respectful and beneficial.<br><br>Honestly, when I think about what my mom used to do at my or my siblings’ homes - which was to watch TV all day long - and compare to what she is able to do at Cordia, I KNOW her life is much better. She’s actively moving in the (chair-based) exercise classes and using her brain for Bingo or other activities. I really and truly appreciate what everyone at Cordia does for those that live there. The staff has very little turnover so I believe that Cordia also workhs to keep them happy. A good situation for all!









