Testimonials...
 

From a letter to Anne Teri, CEO

Dear Anne,

Please extend my gratitude and thanks to your entire staff for the wonderful care they gave my mother.  She loved St. Joseph's and the "girls" and was very content and happy to be there.

She was showered with love and kindness and I am most grateful, as it is difficult to entrust a loved one to someone else's care.

From a letter dated November 17, 2008 to Rhonda Kourafas, Director of Social Services:

Dear Rhonda,

I want to express my sincere appreciation to you for all you've done over the course of the last 3 years to help me and to look over the care of my mother.  I am so grateful to all of you at St. Joseph's for the wonderful care she received.  I am also very grateful for the support you gave me.  I miss my mother terribly but I know she's in a better place.  Thank God, He helped me find St. Joseph 's to help my mom.  God bless you all for what you do to help these beautiful old people at the end of their lives.

Thank you.

From a letter dated November 16, 2008 to Linda Nevaras:

Dear Linda,

I wanted to express to you and all the members of your "greeting" team my sincere appreciation for all you do to help the family members as we visit our loved ones.  I know that I was always greeted warmly.  I have always believed  that the people who greet the public first have to be very special people.  They are the window to the organization.  I know from the start what a wonderful place St. Joseph's was.  Thank you for your special caring at the end of my mother's life.  God Bless you and all for the special care you give.

Thank you.

From a letter dated June 16, 2008, written to Anne Teri, CEO:

Dear Ms. Teri,

I'm writing to thank you and all the staff at St. Joseph Manor for the great care everyone gave my grandmother during her stay at Saint Joseph Manor.

My grandmother was a resident of Maria II for almost a year until she passed away this May.  And during her entire stay she was treated by all the St. Joseph Manor staff with great care, patience, cheer and comfort.  My grandmother missed her home but over time, I was so thankful to witness her become comfortable and content, physically but also emotionally and spiritually, at St. Joseph Manor.  That was greatly due to the care and spirit of the St. Joseph Manor staff.

Likewise, as my grandmother's health care proxy I had many opportunities to interact with the St. Joseph Manor staff from Social Services to Accounting to Maintenance, as well as the Maria II nursing staff.  And from the admitting process through her entire stay, everyone was a genuine pleasure to see.  Net, I was always at peace that my grandmother was receiving the best care available.  That peace of mind always let me focus my attention on visiting with my grandmother and sharing time with her.

I hesitate to praise any individuals by name and risk lessening anyone else's efforts.  I don't want to do that because I can look at each staff member and think of things each did to make my grandmother happy.  But I did rely heavily on certain people and as such wish to make you aware of how much they helped me.  In particular:

• From the admittance experience through anything else administrative, Laura Brolin always made my experience easy, which I greatly appreciated.  She always either had the answers, or was quick to find the answers.

• Accounting's David Rosenberg and David Coombs always made it easy to take care of all financial matters and were quick to answer any questions and did so with ease and a smile.

• Sister Angela was always a welcome sight, be it at Care Plan meetings or simply seeing her in the hallway.

• From the Maria II station, Judy Silva and Kristi Murray always answered my unending questions, but just as importantly always proactively made me aware of anything related to my grandmother's circumstances.  Because of the care and competence they showed, it always set the tone for me that my grandmother was in good hands with the staff
  of Maria II.

I'm also writing this note to make a small donation in my grandmother's name, in hopes it can help others have the same quality of experience she had at St. Joseph Manor.

Again, my sincere thanks and admiration for all each person did in providing my grandmother such good care, and to make it possible for her to live the final year of her life in the comfortable and content manner in which she did.

Best Regards.

From a card received in May 2008:

Dear Rhonda,

Our family thanks each and every staff member, pastoral staff, residents and family members who cared for, counseled, guided and loved our mom.

You have a wonderful caring environment and you made our mom feel like it was truly her home.

We cannot thank you enough.  You will always be friends.

God Bless Always.

From a letter dated May 29, 2008

To Saint Joseph Manor Maria II,

Thank you so much for the care and kindness you provided my grandmother.

Each of you did many things that made my grandmother comfortable and brought happiness into each day she was with you.

In addition, it was the way you each cared for her that allowed her to do as well with you as she did.  I know how clean everything was, to all the kindness you showed her, to how taking a little extra time with her when performing some duty turned your duty into a little visit in my grandmother's eyes, these are all the things that registered with her and made her do so well under your care.

As well, thank you for all the kindness and care each of you always showed me.  You made it possible for me to focus on spending time with my grandmother, instead of worrying about any aspect of her care.  It meant a great deal to me.

Again, thank you very much.

From a letter received in January 2008:

To all the staff, nurses and administrators,

Words cannot express my feelings of gratitude for all you did for my mother.  From her first days three years ago, to the moment of her death she was loved, and cared for by so many of you. 

I will think of all of you often.

Thank you.

From a letter dated December 3, 2007:

Thank you
To the entire staff of St. Joseph Manor

We wish to thank everyone for the loving care given to our Mother.  Not for the everyday chores you all perform so well, but for the extra miles you all go.  From the front desk where they go beyond saying Good morning, to always asking, how Mom is doing today.  To the kitchen where they went out of their way to remember all her idiosyncrasies like sour cream on her oatmeal.  And of course they never forgot her hot chocolate, or the family in the final hours, always making sure we had coffee and pastries to get us through the long hours.  To the maintenance man who in his busy day, took time to fill her bird feeder because she took such pleasure in watching the birds out her window. (Above and beyond daily duties).  Or the laundry room staff that would search forever to find a missing piece of clothing, and would always succeed.  The activity directors who would encourage her to join in the activities and social events, even though there were times it would have been easier for her to say no and just sit alone.  The cleaning staff who always had to work around our family members and never complained, but just smiled and told us not to worry.  Her hairdresser who always made her feel beautiful and lifted her spirits because we know no matter the age a woman always needs to feel pretty.  The Pastoral staffs, Father (TaDa) Joe and Donna, were a comfort not only to her but also the entire family.  Next, the volunteers who give of themselves and their time to bake cakes, teach the patients to make candy at Easter or play Bingo and play Trivia.

Last but not least, the nursing and C.N.A. staff.  Where do we begin?  The gentle, tender care given on a daily basis or the patience on a difficult day of which there are many, are just part of the job.  But, when the patient is depressed and a trio comes in singing a song to cheer her up that goes beyond job description.  Dressing her is part of the daily duties, but making sure her clothes match and adding the extras like earrings or a necklace to make them feel like human beings, like women, well you can’t put a price on the smile that fills their face.  Or when an aide who has already worked a double shift stays just a little longer to spoon feed her broth because she’s not taking in enough liquid, that goes beyond. 

We cannot tell you the peace we feel having placed our Mother’s care in your hands and now in the hands of God.  We will never forget how you enveloped her heart and the hearts of the entire family.  Thank you all each and everyone.

From an email dated November 21, 2007, written to Sue Goche, Admissions Coordinator:

From a letter dated January 12, 2006, written to Anne Teri, CEO:

Dear Ms. Teri,

Two years ago our lives changed dramatically.  Our Mom fell and broke her hip.  When told that she would have to undergo therapy before returning to her home, we chose St. Joseph Manor.

What started out as a short-term stay for rehab became her home.  Although her hip healed fine, she developed other medical issues that prevented her from returning to her own home or even to reside with us.

Very reluctantly and slowly she came to grips with the idea that this would be a permanent move for a fiercely independent woman, 88 years of age, who, until the fall lived alone and took care of herself and her home.  At first she wouldn't participate in any activity that would make it appear that she was accepting this life-altering change.  But, thanks to the perseverance, prodding, insistence, whatever you want to call it, of the staff she finally settled in.  It would seem that her new family at St. Joseph Manor proved to be a bit more stubborn than she.

As the days turned into months and eventually into almost two years, Mom and her family developed some very special and long lasting friendships.  When we would come back from her Wednesday trips to Brockton Hospital for infusion therapy or from a long day at a family function with her precious great grandchildren, she would reach her room and say "Home Sweet Home".  There is no place like your own home, but St. Joseph Manor is the next best thing.

We always left her after a visit with a kiss goodbye and confidence that she would be well-cared for (even that last night).  That peace of mind was priceless.

We wanted to give special thanks to those who gave so much of themselves to bring her to that point and cared so lovingly for her and us but it would make this letter far too long (more like a book) and emotional for us.  So, in the hopes that you all will know who you are, we want you to know how grateful we are for the way you accepted and cared for her.

There are so many memories of special words, deeds, touches, hugs, laughter and tears that we will hold deeply in our hearts and treasure always.

Our deepest gratitude to you all for the caring, kind manner in which we were treated that last day.  We are so thankful Mom was able to spend her last earthly hours in her own room and have the opportunity to be wrapped in the love that is St. Joseph Manor.

God Bless All of You
 

From a letter received in mid-December, 2005, written to Kim Aldrich, Admissions Coordinator:

Kim,

My family and I can't thank-you enough for everything that you have done for our Nana.  Your compassion for your patients is greatly appreciated, not only by us, but I am sure by all of the other family members that have loved ones who reside at Saint Joseph's Manor.  You are great at what you do, and if we didn't have you to assist us with everything involving nana, I am not sure where we would be.  From the bottom of my heart I want to say thank-you.
 

From a letter dated November 22, 2005, to Donna Sullivan, Director Mission Services:

Dear Ms. Sullivan,

Every year after the Mass at the Chapel for all the deceased patients of St. Joseph's, I mean to write a note to thank the staff for the beautiful service and delightful reception.  It has been eight years since my mother was a patient in St. Joseph's Health Care.  Our family has not missed a Mass in the eight years.  Each year the employees have come up with a new way to remember the deceased and each year they have done a magnificent job.

Please pass on this information to the staff at St. Joseph's Manor so they realize how much their time and effort is appreciated by all who attend.

I hope all of you have very Happy Holidays and a Healthy New Year.  I look forward to seeing everyone again next year.
 

From a letter dated September 27, 2005:

I am writing this letter to express my own, and my families, appreciation to the staff of St. Joseph's Manor for the care of my mother, and for the many expressions of kindness and understanding that she received while in your care.

Without exception, every member of the staff, and the religious order, showed an understanding of her needs and attended to her at all times.

I cannot name each one, but I must let you know that head nurse Toni Herron went out of her way many times to be sure we knew what was happening and by doing so she was a tremendous help to us. 

Thank you for everything.

From a letter received in November 2005:

To All Staff -

My grandmother is a resident at your facility.  We would all like to thank you for having our family attend your facility for a wonderful Thanksgiving luncheon.  The meal was terrific and we all enjoyed ourselves. 

We also appreciate the care you give you our grandmother. 

Thanks again!

From a letter writer in Pennsylvania, dated September 7, 2005:

Dear Sir:

The enclosed check is a donation to your Wish List, made with deep gratitude for the wonderful care you have my cousin... A few weeks ago, I had a chance to visit her at St. Joseph's and I was very impressed with everything I saw.

Thank you for making her last days as safe and pain-free as possible.

Good bless all of you!

From an e-mail writer in Bridgewater, dated May 9, 2005:

My Mum is a resident of St. Joseph's Home since 2004.  It was with great sadness that my husband and I had to put her into St. Joseph's.  It has been a very difficult transition for us.  My Mum has become a compulsive packer and always looking to come home - always tears when we leave.  The staff at St. Joseph's have been wonderful to my Mum, husband and I - nothing is a bother to them.  Yesterday was the first day since March that I had complete peace with my Mum...It was Mother's Day and because of all the staff, especially Mike Hammerle, every female resident was treated like a queen at The Tea Party.  Mike has a way of making every resident special.  My husband and I watched him during The Tea Party - he was getting everyone involved, even those who had a difficult time moving about.  Not only does he take an interest in everyone, he does it with such compassion and love that I am so grateful to him - he danced with my Mum and that was worth a million dollars.  So, if you can, please let all the staff know what a great job they did yesterday, especially Mike Hammerle.

P.S. The Kitchen Staff did an outstanding job with all the goodies.

The niece of a resident sent a handwritten card, dated January 28, 2005:

Dear friends: 
Received your card and prayers and thank you very much for your thoughtfulness.  Also please accept my very sincere Thanks to everyone at St. Joseph's, for the great great care and comfort, and friendship extended by all to my Aunt.  She loved everyone and was happy to be a resident there.

The family of a resident sent a letter, dated March 14, 2007

Dear Nurses and Aides of Gingham,

A year ago we placed in your hands the most precious, most important person in our lives.  Our mother.  It was the most difficult decision we have ever made.  It was hard to believe anyone, other than her loving family, could possibly give her the same gentle, loving care we thought we could.  How wrong we were!

We cannot thank you all enough for the excellent care our Mom has received from all of you.  But it goes beyond just the medical care she has been given. (Which has been superb), we are so grateful for the true concern you have all shown her.  Human kindness and gentleness and dignity are sometimes difficult to find in today's world, but the staff at St. Joseph's excels at giving their patients these most precious gifts.  So on behalf of my family and our beautiful loving Mother, we thank you so very much.

The family of a resident sent a letter, dated March 25, 2007

Dear Ms. Teri,

I am writing to thank your wonderful staff for the care they delivered to my uncle.  Everyone including Susan, from social service, the staff on Maria 1 including Barbara, Helen, Jean and the aides, were kind and compassionate.

I cannot say enough wonderful things about the staff; you should be very proud.