We want to share with you a letter from a resident's family member...

"Decatur House A Gift"

Our dear Mom and we, her family, have been blessed by our involvement with Decatur House, a home of assisted living in Sandwich.

When first introduced to assisted-living at a much less intimate location, Mom of course resisted with an "I can take care of myself" attitude. After all, she had been independent and very active all of her life. We were able to get Mom's name on the Decatur House waiting list and wait, well...it was worth it!

These last 21 months of my mother's life as a Decatur House resident were a gift...God's grace, I believe. There, her very soul was nourished. She learned the fine art of accepting help from others after her own long history of helping people within her family, church, and community.

The stress of her hospitalization during Christmastime subsided when she again returned to Decatur House for the last two days of her life. She was at peace there, surrounded by the profound love and care of the staff. And we were so assured of her gentle passage into a new life with God.

Thank you, Decatur House and beloved staff for making our Mom's life so bright and truly caring for her every need. How I wish every elder person could receive the care which you deliver. In loving memory of our dear Mom.

The following thoughtful comments have been received by Decatur House:

"Linda, your vision and standard for excellence set you and Decatur House in a class by yourself."

"Thank you for the excellent and loving care you and your staff gave to my mother, during her stay with you. I realized even more as time has passed, just how very special Decatur House is."

"I just wanted to thank you for the exceptional work you do for my mother and all the other residents at Decatur House."

"We want to thank each and every one of you for the support, compassion, and strength you gave our Mom during her stay at Decatur House. The personalized attention and feeling of warmth she received from the staff nurtured her. Your dedication and hard work is truly appreciated by our family."

"In this season of renewal, our family finds itself thinking of you and your wonderful home, Decatur House. Thank you so much for your many kindness, your warmth, and generosity that you have extended to all of us. We cannot imagine a better place for Mom to be at this time in her life."

"This basket is just a small measure of my appreciation for all your thoughtful acts, your kind and genuine care, and your great wealth of patience!"

"I just want you all to know how grateful we are for the exceptional care you are giving to Dad. To have you reading aloud, taking him for car rides, baking cookies, and all the extras make Decatur House one of a kind."

"On behalf of our entire family, thank you for the kindness and care you and Decatur House staff provided us. In such a short time you made Decatur House a true home in the best sense of the word and mom really enjoyed all the unique and wonderful people who have became her friends during the past years. We really believe you've created an ideal "model" for elder care and it is alarming there aren't more places using it. With much gratitude and affection."

"You have not seen Decatur House until you have visited!"