ihaveacomputer4321
Jul 2022
Having to make the decision to place your loved one is extremely difficult. I searched and searched and came up with (very honestly) terrible choice after terrible choice. Every place I toured had very unkempt residents, residents crying out, seemingly disengaged staff and lots of odors. It was a chore to get anyone in charge to even speak to you. I prayed and prayed,...and then, quite by "accident" (divine intervention), I found Evening Star PCH in Wilmerding. I showed up unannounced and was able to meet with the owner, Anthony, right then and there. He provided a tour and answered all of my many questions. The facility (a large victorian home) has been converted to accommodate people in need of that level of care. When you walk in, you are greeted with the BEAUTIFUL American Flag and placards representing each branch of our amazing military. The facility was bright, CLEAN and had a VERY home-like feel. That goes a VERY LONG WAY for people's spirits (both the potential new resident AND the loved one responsible for making this difficult decision)! They had an orienting date/holiday/weather board as well as large activity and menu calendars on display in the dining room (all food is prepared on premises). I am in healthcare (acute setting) and have a professionally critical eye for patient care (and lack thereof). Much to my relief, all the residents appeared to be VERY WELL CARED FOR! There were no odors and no one was crying out (in vain) to get the attention of staff. My loved one was quite particular and a bit stubborn. The Anthony and the staff (Renee, Chris and Stephanie) helped my loved one (and me) adjust to this new care environment. Any time anything was needed, the staff reached out to me without delay, which gave me SUCH peace of mind! The staff also worked with my loved one to accommodate their (a bit) OCD tendencies. When I tell you my loved one was "quite particular," I mean that they could, at times, test the patience of a saint with how particular they were. My loved one grew to absolutely adore Anthony and the staff, as they have a special way of finding a place in your heart. Until my loved one's dying day, the staff provided the kind of care ANYONE could ever WISH FOR if the need ever arose. Anthony was there personally in the end to care for both us and my loved one during their transition from this life to the next.
