Brandywine Assisted Living at Haverford Estates

Who would have thought that a little over a year ago that I would find the perfect retirement setting for my mom? It didn?t happen easily, as my mom, Ann moved from one place to another before settling happily into her apartment at Brandywine Senior Living at Haverford. It was a very circuitous route as she began this journey. My mom was a very independent woman, who at 91 was still driving, getting out every day, and enjoying her very spacious apartment in Plymouth Meeting. She and I went out for lunch every week and enjoyed a variety of shopping adventures. In December of 2013, my mom started feeling ill, and we had an appointment to see a gastroenterologist right after the New Year. But on New Year?s Day, she dialed 911 and was taken Einstein Hospital in East Norriton, where she had major surgery and spent the next 6 weeks in the hospital. When her 6 week stay came to an end, the only rehab room available was in Wayne. Bothe hospital and the rehab center were 45 minute rides each way from where I live in Bala Cynwyd. My mom?s experience in Wayne was far from perfect, and she did not thrive. We thought we were losing her. A close friend who worked at a retirement community in Wilmington suggested she move there. This community had separate facilities for independent, and assisted living, and skilled nursing care. My mom moved into the skilled nursing section and had a lovely double room. Eventually, she gained weight was thriving. She seemed ready to be moved to the assisted living part of the community. I was very disappointed to learn that my mom was not qualified to move to that level, because she had not bought into the community. There were a few activities, an occasional van ride to local sites, and movies shown on a regular basis. Now I was driving once week to Delaware to see her, and before I saw her almost every day. When I did visit I took her out for lunch and tried to plan something fun for us to do. It was on one of my visits that my mom said she wanted to move closer to me and be near her ?own kind of people?. WOW, I thought. I?d better find the info I had gathered earlier, when it seemed like maybe she shouldn?t be living alone anymore. The two on top of my list were Bright View in Plymouth Meeting, still a far ride, The Quadrangle and Brandywine Assisted Living, 15 minutes from my home. I remembered that Bright View seemed quiet with not a lot going on and The Quadrangle was overwhelming. My recollection of Brandywine was much different, it boasted a welcoming atmosphere, Boutique feel, equipped with a Bistro for snacks and beverages, activities in the main living room and people engaged in a variety of activities in other activity rooms that I passed while touring, a movie theatre, fine dining and a beautiful Courtyard. It was a ?no Brainer?. I made an appointment immediately to have a ?serious? second look. As I walked in the door, Janis, the concierge, gave me a big smile and welcome and introduced me to Lani, the Director of Admissions. This time I looked at available apartments (there weren?t too many) and learned a great deal more about the facility. There was a completely furnished apartment which was used as the model, but could be available with the furniture. By then, I was sold, and we talked about logistics. I left a deposit which was good for 2 weeks and made an appointment to bring my mom back in a few days. I called my mom and told her I found her ?new home?. When we returned for her visit, we were greeted on a first name basis, not by Janis and Lani, but by all the staff, especially those working in the dining room. We had a delicious lunch with two residents, Ronni and Nancy and my mom?s eyes just lit up. She loved the apartment, and we signed the contract. In a few days we were packed and on the way to Brandywine Senior Living at Haverford Estates. My mom loves everything about her new life style. It is not about ?waiting to die?, but finding something exciting to live for every day. She loves the outings to the dollar store, the supermarket where she buys snacks and drinks to fill her small fridge, and occasional lunches at local restaurants. Bingo has become an important pastime where she is a winner quite frequently. Wine and cheese is served several times a week, and challenging mind games in the living room, are led by Shantelle, the very spirited Activities Coordinator who keeps the residents on their toes. Dining at Brandywine is like eating at a country club. Dan, Director of Dining creates exquisite meals, and Antoinette prepares every meal with love. I often join my mom for lunch. The wait staff is impeccable. If she wants something special, or prefers to eat in her apartment, she just asks someone in the kitchen or calls the dining room. As a caring daughter, one of the high points of Brandywine has been the continued devotion of ALL staff members to my mom and all the other residents. The nursing staff is excellent, as well as regular visits from a local physician. Nursing care is available 24/7. I have been called for emergencies, as well as for the simple application of a Band Aid for a ?boo boo?. I don?t have to worry if my mom is okay. Several times 911 had to be called, and I met my mom at the ER. Brandywine really takes the worry out of ?parent care?. I sleep well knowing that my mom is safe. Care with love is top on the list of many qualities that define Brandywine. Be one of the fortunate families who choose Brandywine for its beautiful, safe, exciting environment that is offered for long term living or Hotel style respite stay while you are on a vacation. I am thrilled that I found this wonderful gem.

Fonda C. Hartman

by Fonda Hartman, May 2015