I experience. I share. We listen.

My dad had Hospice come in 5 months ago and my mother was the principal care giver. She broke her hip and we had to have an operation and rehab for her. This action, finally gave our family the chance to move them into a retirement home. I went to more than 20 facilities, trying to find the best environment and care for them. I have to admit, you were down the list only because of your initial costs. I almost passed you by, but when we found the 2 bedroom available, thank you to Marie, we jumped on it. My parents just celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary, and we wanted to get them back together, with my dad only having a short time left.

This experience of caring for our parents has left our family in pieces for the first time. We moved them into West Hills, where you and your team began to take over. I had a sleep over with my parents the first night we arrived. You were having a staff meeting the next morning, and I stood behind the corner and listened to your meeting. I walked away with a smile on my face, feeling very good about your direction on the care of the patients, and what you were asking of your staff. We went down to breakfast and a young man named Daniel, came to take my parents order. As I introduced my parents to Daniel, he paused and said, “are you the World War II fighter pilot?” My dad, was very surprised and said yes! I was so impressed that the staff would take the time to look over the information and make my parents feel welcome.

They have had to face many traumatic changes in a short time. Their independence has been stripped and now a new environment! Tanis and Carol have been my two “guardian angels”, heading a team of Hospice, Gentiva occupational and physical therapy and the Veterans for my dad and mom. Tanis told me about a Dr. Witt at Gabriel Park medical facility. They helped me get her as mom’s primary Doctor and she even makes house calls!

Your staff of support people and your little kitty, has made my parents feel as comfortable as they could with all the changes and having most of their independence stripped because of age and failing health.

You and your staff are the best thing that could ever have happened to our family, and I almost passed you by! Please, thank your staff from the Nielsen family. It is so gratifying for me to talk to my friends who have loved ones in facilities in Portland, and be able to tell them all you do. Most of them are very surprised and say their parents don’t get that kind of treatment.

THANK EACH ONE OF YOU FOR LETTING ME SLEEP BETTER AT NIGHT, WHILE THE ‘WEST HILLS TEAM’, WATCHES MY PARENTS!