Act now to save Winchester House

Thank you for your coverage of the challenges facing Winchester House and the decisions the Lake County board has to make.

I am disappointed there was no mention of the approximately 249 residents who may be losing their home. Many residents are anxious and worried about being dispersed to other nursing facilities if Winchester House is closed.

If Winchester House is closed, residents will be separated from the staff who have been their caregivers -- sometimes for years -- and the other residents who are their extended family.

My mother has been a resident of Winchester House for almost nine years, so our family is close to many of the residents and staff. It is painful to see the fear in people's eyes and feel the anxiety throughout the building.

My mother is only 53 years old and suffers from dementia and multiple sclerosis, so she will most likely be in a skilled nursing facility for the remainder of her life. Taking her out of her familiar environment is very disorienting, but if it was a new Winchester House with the same staff and residents she has known for years, that would ease the transition immensely.

I strongly encourage Lake County board members and Lake County residents to visit Winchester House to see the very human side of this very real issue. The residents are very friendly and the staff is top notch! They deserve our support and generosity now more than ever. Please support a new facility for Winchester House and contact the Lake County board today!

Liz Nelson

Lindenhurst

Winchester House Family

Council Board Member