Jane Saxton
Jan 2025
Oh, how I miss Oakhaven! I lived there for most of 4 1/2 years when Mom needed help. She loved Oakhaven from the first day she moved there! She lived there for almost 12 years and never had a complaint about it! She played the piano for a sing-along in the main living room for many years. The residents loved it, and Mom got a kick out of sharing her beloved talent. The staff was great! Rarely did we need maintenance, but when we did, they came quickly and got the job done. Mom didn't like eating in the dining room because of a hand tremor, but she always loved getting her meals brought to her room. She rarely ate the entire meal, so she would only order them every other day. The staff were sweet and the food excellent! The Entertainment Director is the greatest! There was an excellent one before Linda; when she moved away, we figured there was no way they could have anyone as great as her. But Linda is great and goes above and beyond with her duties! Many times she'll set up a craft or bake something on the weekends so she's ready for another exciting week with the residents. Everyone loves Linda, and I believe she loves everyone! Karen is a sweet woman also. She spent a lot of time every year making sure Mom was able to get a reduction in her rent from the State. Lesa, too, is sweet and works in the office. But, the best of all is the manager, Melanie! What a ball of fun she is! She jumps right into whatever is happening with her hilarious sense of humor! She does run a tight ship, but knows how to have fun along the way! Mom's two-bedroom apartment on the second floor overlooked Michigan Avenue one block away. She loved watching the cars and always went out on her balcony to wave goodbye to her company. She had two chairs there and a table that held her many plants. I never went to college, but living at Oakhaven was so much like living in a college dorm. I loved being able to walk next door to borrow a cup of milk or invite a neighbor to stop by for a visit and maybe a Hallmark movie. Once Mom was asleep, I often went to the puzzle room to get my mind off things or the exercise room to try shedding a few pounds. I could go on and on about Oakhaven and the wonderful years I spent there! Now, my brother lives there, so I can still visit as often as I'd like when I'm Michigan. It's bitter sweet without Mom there, but I'm always cheered by the friendly faces and wonderful atmosphere! Thank you, Oakhaven!
