Here's a good nursing home story

Unfortunately, most people who provide services tend to only hear from those who want to complain. I would like to do the opposite and send a public compliment to the staff at Alden Valley Ridge in Bloomingdale for the care my father received for the past nine months.

He was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease over four years ago, and last January, due to diminished financial resources and the level of care he needed, we had to place him in a nursing home. After one unsuccessful placement, we were steered toward the Pathways program at Alden. I simply cannot say enough about the staff - especially those with whom we came to know well on the third floor. These people were compassionate, gentle, patient and kind to not only my dad but to our entire family.

Recently, my dad passed peacefully at the nursing home as I sat with him. During the two-day vigil, Alden Valley's staff was especially thoughtful bringing dinner, snacks, and drinks to me, my family, and the hospice workers. I also witnessed their cooperation with the hospice team as they became only secondary caregivers. Even as I signed out as a visitor at Alden that evening, the receptionist at the desk acknowledged my loss. I imagine that another staff member from my dad's floor must have called ahead to alert her that I was on my way out.

There certainly is no shortage of horrible nursing home stories reported in the newspapers and rightfully so. Those of us who have had a loved one in a nursing home appreciate the efforts of those reporters who expose those homes and workers who are negligent and abusive to the old and frail in their care. Our family, fortunately, had only good experiences at Alden and wanted to make that known.

Anna Marie Bergl

Bloomingdale