Gail Smith
Jun 2026
My dear Mom was a resident of The Gardens for a year and a half before she recently passed away. When I was searching for a home for her, she was VERY resistant to the idea and wanted to stay in her home…but at 95, that was no longer possible. But from the moment we entered The Gardens, I could see that this was the perfect new home for her. It was absolutely lovely, (and so clean!) And seeing a bunch of the residents lounging in the common area, talking and laughing, made a great first impression. And I found out this was a common occurrence…many times when I’d come to visit Mom, in that same area, I’d see a lively crowd, either just enjoying each others’ company or participating in one of the Garden’s many scheduled activities. From the laughter, I could tell they were having a great time! From that very first meeting, with dear Wendy Williams patiently guiding us through our “indoctrination”, until Mom’s final days there, she was treated with love, kindness and great care. She was not always the easiest resident, as she had a severe hearing loss, had many ER visits, which ended upon with a few stints with rehab, and lots of small injuries (usually due to her wish for independence and wanting to do EVERYTHING by herself!), and the nursing staff always took great care of her, getting her back to normal! The Garden’s staff was ALWAYS so kind to her, stopping in to check on her through the day to make sure she was doing OK. I would visit Mom a few days a week, and and could see how hard everyone worked; sometimes juggling a few patients’ calls at a time! But the care she received throughout her time there was so kind and so caring that I felt she was in good hands. And during her extremely difficult final two months, I saw SO much compassion, and such loving kindness, that I was able to go home at night feeling she would be safe and cared for. I wish I could list the names of all of the Individuals who helped my Mom during her time there I would, but I know I’d leave some out, so I won’t even try! But I will be forever grateful to each of them for taking such wonderful care of my mother. But I DO have to mention Cheryl Rudolph, the Director of Wellness! She is SO professional and knowledgeable, yet also SO caring, and she became my rock, and my shoulder to cry on throughout Mom’s last months. (And she has formed and shaped a great team!) I will FOREVER be indebted to her. All in all, the best place I could’ve found for my Mom!
