Some Kind Words From Our Clients

[My family] could see examples of the memory loss and now understood that [my mother] could no longer live independently. [My mother] repeatedly referred to The Hartwell as her home now… [She] clearly felt well-cared for and often commented on how nice all the staff were - and how good the meals were. The facility was both spacious and intimate.

- Daughter of a Hartwell resident, recounting a recent visit with her mother

Thanks again for the work you've done for my parents. They felt very comfortable with the men who did the work both in the house & outside. I'm hoping this will enable them to get other essential things done. It's nice to know that I can reach you from Kansas City on their behalf, and I will definitely be in touch again.

- Rochelle Harris, Daughter of Methodist Senior Home Maintenance clients

I am pleased my parents were able to find their way to the Hartwell. Each time I am at the Hartwell I see the care and attention given by the staff to each resident. Your staff is always professional and skilled in the things they are doing for the residents. At the same time they are kind and caring, and compassionate as well. I am always impressed with the patience displayed by the staff.

I look forward to many more anniversaries for my parents at the Hartwell.

- Son of Hartwell residents

I'm an internist who specializes in 80 and 90 year olds. When they can no longer stay in their own home and need a place to live the choice of that place is very important.

Choosing a caring, competent environment is the key. In our community one such place is the Covenant Home. The capable staff all share a commitment to caring for each resident and for his or her unique needs. They work with the patients and their families to provide an optimal environment for each patient. The physical proximity of the Home to the Hospital, pharmacy, and physicians offices further complements care for these seniors.

- Michael Plunkett, M.D.

In the summer of 2009, I became aware that the Assisted Living facility where my mother lived wasn't the right kind of place for her. It was large and fancy, and Mom at 86 is a soft-spoken person with simple tastes who often seemed to fall through the cracks.

In my search for a more suitable home, I spoke with social workers at three different senior organizations, all of whom told me that the Covenant-Methodist organization had Chicagoland's best reputation for the quality of caregiving.

I have seen that reputation borne out by the quality and consistency of caregiving at Covenant Home since moving Mom there in November 2009. I had heard that the residents and staff at Covenant were like a family, and that is definitely true. The staff treats everyone with a compassion and gentle good humor that creates a wonderful atmosphere, and is ready to go above and beyond to ensure a resident's well being.

I can hardly put into words the profound relief I feel at having found such an ideal home for Mom. I know that she is well cared for there and safe in every way.

Mom was always active in her church (Swedenborgian), and Covenant's residents belong to various faith traditions, some of them more actively than others. Covenant describes itself as a community based on Christian principles, and I see kindness and understanding underlying the actions of Covenant staff in how they relate to residents and to each other. What I find more important is the "feel" of a community of people who are committed to belonging to something greater than themselves, which I think is the foundation for any healthy community. Mom attends Sunday services in Covenant's Chapel, a very pleasant room with a wonderful piano, and is visited by her own pastor. If Mom's church had an assisted living facility of its own, I would want it to have the exceptional care, the family-like feel, the up-to-date design, and the reasonable price of Covenant Home.

That Covenant is a Supportive Living facility has relieved our fears that Mom's investments might eventually run so low that we'd have to contemplate a move to a nursing home even if she didn't need that level of care. I visited several Supportive Living facilities, and Covenant Home really stood out.

I join Mom for a meal about once a week, and the food is excellent and varied, I'm very impressed with Chef John. One example of his resourcefulness: he saw that Mom's shaky hands were making eating difficult, so he found special silverware that has helped tremendously. I love the facility itself, which is bright and airy. Mom and I regularly visit the computer in the fifth floor library to view new family photos, and we enjoy the use of the sun porches in good weather and the pianos on church holidays. Mom regularly takes part in the morning walking club, one of a wide variety of activities. At no additional cost she gets weekly one-on-one training with a staffer from Galter Life Fitness which is strengthening her legs and arms.

Having lived all her life in the suburbs, Mom initially had a bit of an adjustment to staff members from other races and cultures. Now, after six months, she is deeply fond of the staff and very much at ease.

I consider Covenant Home one of Chicagoland's best-kept secrets and recommend it without hesitation.

- Daughter of Covenant Home resident

I have found a family like atmosphere here. My family drops in just as they did in my house on Spaulding Ave. We have celebrated Christmas right here and I didn't even have to cook! We are small enough in number so we learn to know fellow residents as well as staff. The meals are prepared in our kitchen, are served nicely and are very good tasting.

People should know that they would find this place attractive and secure with well trained attendants who are also very caring. Fellow residents are caring and friendly as well.

It was hard to leave my house but I have been freed of the responsibility of home ownership and am grateful to have found a home at the Covenant Home of Chicago.

- Jeanette Anderson, 4 year resident at Covenant Home of Chicago

I chose to live here because it was accessible to Swedish Covenant Hospital where my doctors have their offices, also because the bus here on Foster Ave. Many of my friends no longer drive from my old neighborhood -- so the bus line allows them to get here easily.

My church friends were here for lunch in February and commented on the lovely surroundings.

I looked at several other facilities before moving here five years ago and knew right away this was the place for me.

The size appealed to me. At the larger places it would not be as convenient to make friends.

Another good feature is having the laundry room on each floor. At the older buildings the laundry rooms were only in one location. That would involve carting the laundry further, etc.

Even my financial advisor agreed with me. He has other clients in several facilities and he though I made the right choice.

The staff members are all very kind and helpful, too.

- Miyeko Nakao, 6 year resident at Covenant Home of Chicago

I was fortunate to be at Wesley Place Rehab during September and October, 2010. I am writing to express my gratitude for the care I received, and to thank the staff for their professionalism.

Everyone was kind, attentive, and supportive. However, I would like to particularly thank Bonnie Lockhart and her nurses, Cynthia, Wendy, Jennifer, and Julie; the CNAs, Stephanie and Yeti; and Don's wonderful, hardworking OTs and PTs, Wendy, Tina, Barbara and Cheryl. Becky Wilson was enormously helpful in my transition to home care.

I will complement, and have already enthusiastically spoken to others of the superior care I received.

Thank you.

- Susan Rivera, former patient of Wesley Place Rehab