Below is an excerpt from a letter written by Fort Hudson Family Member Karen Bodenweiser to CEO Andrew Cruikshank. This letter is shared with the permission of its author, Karen Bodenweiser.
April 18, 2013
Dear Andy,
I am writing to thank and commend your facility for providing eight years of excellent care for my mother Mary Bodenweiser. Mary passed away very peacefully at the age of 88 on January 23, 2013 while residing on G-wing.
In the face of [advanced medical issues], Mary was still able to tell me just last fall that she was “taking a yoga class” – and she really was! I share this with you as an example of how well your facility and staff work with those moving toward the end of life, and that in the face of such, residents continue to be provided opportunities and encouragement in maintaining both their dignity and a quality of life appropriate to their abilities. Any concerns or issues we had through the years – and they were remarkably few – were handled promptly with professionalism. We were listened to and treated with the utmost respect and seriousness.
I am especially grateful to the staff on both D and G-wings for their outstanding skill, patience, and kindness in the care of my mom. And, as a family member, I always felt that Fort hudson included me as a partner with all involved in providing the best care for Mary.
I wish to especially commend Holly Vaughn, Dir. of Nursing for her unfailing professionalism tempered with compassion; Cindy Bonnaci, G-wing Nurse Mgr. for her outstanding sense of enthusiasm in working to provide the most up-to-date and proven care options for those encumbered by dementia, and for her great compassion toward myself and my family as my mother declined; and last but certainly not least Toni Russo, Receptionist, who provides what is perhaps needed most of all as residents, families, and friends enter your facility — an unfailing smile, sincere warmth, and helpfulness.
Again, on behalf of myself and my family, we are grateful to all at Fort Hudson who provided Mary a positive, caring, and dignified home for her last years.
Sincerely,
Karen Bodenweiser
