Nancy Woodmansee
Aug 2025
At the "young" age of 91, my Mom was showing me signs that she needed more assistance with her daily activities such as meds, meals and companionship. Her short-term memory was also showing signs of decline. We took a tour of Edgewood Village and placed Mom in an assisted living apartment. From the very first day she was greeted by name, guided to meals and activities and was engaged in friendly conversations. She loved everything about it and thrived. As the months progressed, Mom was showing signs that her memory was declining more. The caring staff of RNs, CNAs and her memory care NP guided me through the process to move her to Edgewood's Memory Care unit. Mom has been in this compassionate and caring unit for over a year. The memory care manager recommended for me to read "Creating Moments of Joy, Along the Alzheimer’s Journey" written by Jolene Brackey. The book was extremely helpful in guiding me through Mom's Alzheimer’s journey with joy. While we have a number of moments and days that are not joyful, the staff has created many moments that are filled with joy and silly laughter. The CNAs are her friends and she feels safe with them. The activities fill her with moments of joy while she plays Bingo, makes her floral arrangements, waters "her" flowers in the courtyard and walks the many hallways. I receive so much support from everyone, so this journey is not walked alone. Mom is receiving the most kind and compassionate care. The constant communications from all staff members keeps me in the know so we have been able to adjust Mom's needs as she travels this journey. I can't begin to express the gratitude I feel for Edgewood Village. While I never thought Mom would be on this journey with Alzheimer’s, I am so grateful for the support so we don't have to walk it alone. Fred Rodgers, AKA Mr. Rogers once quoted, "Everyone longs to be loved. And the greatest thing we can do is to let people know that they are loved and capable of loving." The people in the neighborhood at Edgewood Village Bismarck have made my Mom feel loved, and it makes my heart smile.<br><br>Nancy Woodmansee, daughter of Phyllis Flick
