Nazareth House

Outstanding. Serene atmosphere. I toured the entire facility including the area for residents with the most critical medical needs. Staffing was reported at a ratio of 1 staff member per 6 residents. Residents friendly and eager to chat with each other and with visitors. Every staff member smiled and greeted residents and visitors. I observed kindness respect and patience from every person at Nazareth House. Residents appeared instantly comfortable with staff members returning their greetings warmly and pausing to exchange pleasantries. Immaculately clean.Residents were well-groomed and dressed in clean comfortably stylish clothing. Hair was clean and either professionally styled or neatly trimmed and combed. Fingernails were clean and trimmed.Well lit. Nice sized rooms ready for personal furnishings. Attached bathrooms with emergency pull cord next to toilet. Resident knew how to use it and seemed fully comfortable with doing so at any time it might be needed. Diagonal grab bar in shower. Shower large enough for shower chair. Hand held shower unit. Resident indicated that assistance is provided for showering. Adequate space in walk-in closet with shelves. Medicine cabinet and under sink storage in bathroom. Televisions permitted although there is a separate fee for connection to Comcast. Pleasant views from all rooms- either of outer grass area with trees and blooming rose bushes or large inner courtyard area with lush beautiful plantings and water fountain. Architecture reminiscent of California missions. Lovely chapel which is actually more like a small church in itself. Old school style- the way churches used to be. Daily Mass with a variety of priests from the community and Rosary times. An abundance of beautiful Catholic statuary outside artwork and figurines inside. Very comforting to those who grew up in the Catholic tradition. Lush elaborate fresh flowers arranged at the base of key statues- possibly donated by local businesses or individuals.Wide carpeted hallways with handrails throughout. Outdoor walkways throughout extensive grounds are wide flat and smooth.I was concerned about being able to visit Mom and take her out for family activities and adventures. I was assured that is definitely allowed and even encouraged. Residents can even go on out-of-town vacations if medically advised.Met a married couple who are residents. They had been volunteers at Nazareth House for many years. The gentleman said Ive come home. My neighbor is a retired locksmith and installed new locks throughout Nazareth House several years ago. He was there every day from morning until night for over a month. When he learned we were considering Nazareth House for Mom he said although he cannot afford the cost there is no other place he would ever consider going to. He said the staff was consistently patient respectful kind and helpful to all residents. Relaxation room looked like it could use a little make-over and it was temporarily being used for storage when I saw it. Perhaps the colors were chosen for a specific therapeutic reason but it seemed darker than the other spaces which would be kind of depressing to me. Dining area was well lit and nicely decorated- coffered ceilings artwork a fireplace tables with tablecloths. It did smell a bit like a school cafeteria. Well established tradition of people from the community volunteering at Nazareth House. Activity calendar seemed just right for Moms energy level- just enough to provide some choices yet not overwhelming. Staff Sisters and Director all very knowledgeable about common issues with the natural developmental process of aging and committed to providing the most compassionate and healing environment possible. As I shared my vision for my mothers care the staff member and Director fully listened and responded to my input validating the goal of improving Moms physical cognitive emotional and spiritual health

My father moved into Nazareth House several months ago. As with any life change, there is an adjustment. The staff at Nazareth House have been caring and supportive of his needs, as well as ours during this transition. I regularly ask employees not only how my father is doing, but how they like working there. Without exception (nursing, food service, care givers) all of the staff love their work and say they are fortunate to have the opportunity to work there. In his mid 90's my dad does not participate in too many activities, but he is encouraged to stay active and with my guidance the staff includes him in many of the activities. One plus is that there is a daily Catholic Mass following breakfast. The facility is older, however very well maintained and exceptionally clean. There are no smells as in some facilities. The building layout at one story is very easy to navigate and the surrounding gardens with paved pathways, roses, and fruit trees are beautiful. I much prefer this than most of the newer design multi-story facilities. They seem too 'corporate' or more like a hotel than a place where we want our parent to live and be cared for. Moving Dad was a very tough decision... Nazareth House was definitely the right decision for us. I am confident that he is well cared for.