The CMSS community sincerely thanks Dr. Meena Kudalkar and Poornima (Nima) Krodel for their steadfast support of Hartwell Place over many years. Meena and Nima’s generosity has helped Hartwell Place continue to offer personalized care to older adults living with memory loss. Most recently, Meena and Nima have donated a park bench to the community in memory of Meena’s husband, and Nima’s father — Kishor Kudalkar.
Kishor moved to Hartwell Place in 2017. His family cared for him during the early stages of his memory loss, but as time passed they realized Kishor would benefit from professional care. “It was an incredibly difficult decision to move him out of our home,” Nima says, “but we knew he needed increased care that we could not provide.”
The family chose Hartwell Place after visiting and touring various communities. They said Hartwell Place felt homey and the care seemed personal. They appreciated knowing the whole community is focused on memory care and staff is specialized in supporting older adults living with memory loss. The intimate atmosphere and small size made Hartwell Place stand out, as did its location, close to their home.
After Kishor moved to Hartwell Place, Meena visited two or three times a week to see her husband. She was glad to be so close and able to visit frequently. She said, “The Hartwell Place team became like my second family, I was there so often. I liked being so close, being able to monitor his care and to get to know the people who were caring for him.”
Meena and Nima praised the Hartwell Place team for their caring approach and expertise. They said, “The head nurse at the time, Jobert, was so talented. He was a knowledgeable clinician but also cared deeply about the residents. And that same care was evident in others – from the Executive Director, Jennifer, to the team working in the kitchen. It felt like a family.”
In August, Meena and Nima donated a bench to Hartwell Place in memory of Kishor Kudlakar. Passersby can see the bench today in Hartwell Place’s front yard, facing Paulina Street. Residents and neighbors are welcome to sit and enjoy.
“My dad loved to be outside,” says Nima, “His whole life, he loved to time spent in nature. He had gardens, and he and my mom enjoyed walking outdoors.
Meena says, “The Hartwell Place community took such great care of Kishor, that’s why I continue to give to Hartwell Place.”