Testimonials
Providing Quality Care for Over a DecadeI’d like to thank you and the Grace Memory Care staff for the wonderful care you extended to my mom. You treated her like a true family member. You have a home-like setting, and all the clients are so well cared for as part of the family. Your home is spotlessly clean, the food was prepared with individual needs, and the clients are so happy. My mom was very happy and comfortable. Your staff is extremely attentive to each client, physically, emotionally and mentally, and that is so important. There was never a time I ever worried about her. And when I was there, you treated me as part of the family. I honestly can’t thank you enough for making the last phase of her life exceptionally dignified and special!”
Lynette AcostaFor our family, Grace Memory Care was God-ordained. My parents lived out their final years with excellent care in an environment of comfort, respect and love. Additionally, the staff regularly extended themselves beyond expectations by including the family into the same environment; sharing stories of their own connections with my parents, confirming to me they were getting total care, physically, socially and emotionally. The total experience has been one of inclusion, becoming one big family instead of allowing the aging process to have isolated them apart from us. It is obvious that Grace is not just a business, it is their calling.
Their actions are far bigger than my words.
Ann FontesSelecting care for an aging parent is one of the final decisions an offspring can make to honor the life and dignity of a dear loved one. What a monumental decision! And sometimes you find caregivers that aren’t working. That’s what happened to me as my Mom spiraled deeper into Alzheimer’s. But I eventually found Annie and Ovi Cotrau and their business, Grace Memory Care. It was heaven on earth for my Mom and me! Their tender approach and professionalism took the weight of my Mother’s disease off my shoulders. READ MORE...
I am Vickie Huckabay, and I lost my precious Mother to Alzheimer’s in March 2016. I was her only surviving child and being widowed, all decisions regarding her care were entirely up to me. Annie was such an ally for me as Mom’s condition worsened. It’s so hard to watch, and frightening too. Are we doing EVERYTHING that we can for her? Should we try this or that? All these swirling questions sent me in a panic to Annie many times. She always listened, never judging me, explaining the medical reasons behind Mother’s care.
Free and open communication is so important in this situation because I had no medical background. Mom was incontinent, often angry, unable to communicate verbally, unable to sit up without pillows all round her, couldn’t walk, couldn’t feed herself, couldn’t roll over in bed. She was so vulnerable! I needed to be able to question Annie and the other caregivers freely about Mom’s care, and I did again and again. No one took my persistence as an accusation, and I was always calmer once I had more information.
Memory loss is such a personal journey, and my experience with Mom will not likely mirror anyone else’s. At Grace Memory, the clients are recognized as unique individuals. The caregivers tailor their work to giving to each patient what he or she needs, which is different for each person.
The families were always welcomed there. I usually visited Mom during lunch and food was offered to me so many times. Conversation was always upbeat and positive as the caregivers served a meal. I could ask for a movie on their big screen if I needed distraction. I really felt at home! I could relax sitting next to Mom. Annie and her staff took care of me and much as they took care of my Mom.
The list of excellence goes on and on. Here’s a partial list:
There is no “old folks smell.” Never! The staff observe the clients so closely that accidents or diaper changes are tended to immediately. Mother was incontinent during her four-year stay there and never had a bed sore. I am extremely thankful that she was spared that misery and I owe it all to the excellent, hard-working staff at Grace.
Annie reports every bump, bruise, cut, cough, etc. immediately to the family via text and how she will treat it. I could call her straightaway if I had questions. This really helped me schedule my visits to Mom. I own a business and life gets really busy, but if Mom developed a cold I could always juggle my work so that I could check in on her.
I never saw a client at Grace that was unkempt. Everyone’s needs were met immediately.
The caregivers are great cooks! Annie and Ovi have a garden and many times there were fresh fruits and vegetables. Birthdays always mean a lovely cake!
There is genuine love and concern for the clients at Grace. When the inevitable death happened, I knew it was hard for the caregivers, although they were not in the habit of sharing their problems. Always smiling, always pleasant, always caring is their habit.
Mom was on hospice which meant caregivers outside of Grace came to bathe her and a hospice nurse evaluated her. Annie made it her business to observe any caregiver that she did not hire to make certain that caregiver operated up to the standards of Grace Memory Care. What a relief!
The renovated home that serves the clients of Grace Memory Care is always spic-and-span. It is a most pleasant and comfortable space for both the clients and the visiting families. The lovely backyard beckons in good weather to walk a bit and get your mind off your problems.
If you are reading this, you are likely very concerned about the health of a loved one and the inevitable decisions you must make. I can say to you that Annie Cotrau will be your angel on earth, and you should call her immediately. Even if she does not have an opening, I know that she will take time with you and give you suggestions on where you should turn.
– Vickie Huckabay
Grace is aptly named grace, as Annie and her staff showed unmerited favor for Bill. He was welcomed into the family but treated better than one treats family–rather, as an honored guest. The staff anticipated his wishes and aimed to please him.
Two facts bear highlighting:
1) Bill fell at home on a routine basis prior to placement. During the two years at Grace, he had no falls. That is a testament to their attentiveness.
2) Bill liked his embellishments–especially his large pieces of jewelry, which the staff tried to convince him to relinquish to no avail. After yet another incident of a ring slipping off of his finger, we were called to retrieve it immediately so that our daughter/granddaughter would have tangible reminders of her “Gray Dad.” Their honesty was above reproach.
Bill is now in heaven, still directing the staff of Grace. Since his passing, two friends have likewise entrusted their parents to Annie’s care and have good memories of their later years rather than regrets of what might have been.
Sue (wife) and Sheri (adult daughter)