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

— Fonda Hartman, May 2015