Marie B.
Dad Found Joy Again in His Daily Life
We moved our Dad into the Silverado Community in Bellingham WA, 3 months ago from another long term memory care facility. He had lived there 15 months. We noticed Dad had lost weight, seemed defeated and was suddenly declining. He has vascular dementia and was very frustrated by his severe short term memory loss. Was there something we could do to help Dad find joy again? Silverado was the answer! Their team has given our Dad back his comforts, his dignity, humor & smile. In just a few weeks time we could see Dad had gained his weight back, and behaved as tho he was home. We have been told he naps comfortably on the couch in a busy foyer (like home). He's participating in activities, being social with a smile & joking. It's clear he now has joyful experiences many times each day with the kitties and cat tree in his room! We knew of Silverados wonderful philosophy, and that they have cats & dogs living among them. (Dads love & entertainment like home). We heard they have live music many times a week. (He sings with the musicians, and can see he dances. We have pictures!). We learned quickly that the residents can help themselves to the refrigerator or snack basket (like home), and the caregivers took the time to learn about our Dads history. His loss of Mom, after 60 year of marriage. His love of animals, his prior jobs; hobbies and family names. The Silverado team are all educated on how to mange memory loss in conversations, with the residents and with the family. They are so compassionate with how they answer Dads questions over and over about his wife, and where she is, or when is she coming back. (Those are awful question to us, and what is the right answer?) I tear up listening to stories and experiences that are shared about interactions with Dad. What people say to him, to reassure that Mom is OK... It means the world to us. The Silverado team and facility are giving Dad the opportunity to enjoy his daily life again. He feels free to make choices, and has space which he needs. We are so grateful there was vacancy to make this move and feel our Dad has found joy once again. He is living in a place that is very close to "home".




