As a social worker at St. Joseph’s Home for the past six years, I have had the opportunity to meet and interview many people. I’ve learned that each person’s life is a fairy tale. The common theme is “change”. Change happens in our lives whether we plan it, or it is unexpected. As people age change becomes more difficult. I understand how difficult it is to have the conversation with your loved one, or family, or for those people who do not have anyone but themselves to make the change to move into a geriatric facility.
The beauty of St. Joseph’s Home is that the Residents entering the home have the opportunity to make the choice and want to make the decision to enter the home when they are independent and can enjoy the activities and volunteer at the home as they age. Some of our Residents have made “St. Joe’s” their home for over 25 years. They may have entered the home at the Congregate Living apartments and were totally independent, and as they aged or change occurred, they moved into our Residential Units, where they may get a little assistance. If they need total care, there is no better place than our Skilled Care Unit. Although there may be change throughout the home, the Residents, staff, activities department, and Little Sisters stay the same – and it provides an easy transition for the Resident and their family. The words you often hear throughout the home when you speak to a Resident at any level are generally, “I couldn’t be at a better place when I’m ready to go to heaven. Coming to St. Joseph’s Home was the best decision I ever made.”
At St. Joseph’s Home, the Little Sisters and Residents pray daily and they always go back to the basics of caring with compassion for the elderly in a world that is changing much too quickly. Change comes naturally for the Little Sisters- they serve at the home they are assigned to with compassion and make the home, Residents and staff they serve, their family. Recently we had administrative changes and there is change throughout the home from the auditorium to the dining room, apartments and the administrative offices, just to name a few. I hope you have the opportunity to visit with us.
Photo: Silva had the opportunity to make some delicious Armenian pastry “Bourma/Baklava” right here at the home with her grandmother, who is a Resident, and her mother, who was visiting. Three generations brought together in the spirit of love and compassion that surrounds our Home.
Caring With Compassion