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Dear Natalie,
Thank you for the book marks and for everything you did for our Mom. You are truly an angel to us! Really!! For helping us place our Mum at Diamond Willow so quickly--and what a great place! From you to the entire staff--we will never forget the great people who cared for our Mum last month!
Love,
Tracy Becks and Wendy Vekich
-The Family of Doris Leslie Thank You!
April 1, 2009
Dear Natalie,
As you know of the last few years it is been a very turbulet time for our family worrying about my Mother as she faced many physical and emotional challenges. You and the staff at Diamond Willow provided the rock solid support that our family needed to face the ravages of Alzheimer's.
Everyone at Diamond Willow provided a shoulder to lean on, a steady hand and a friendly caring smile at the right time. You have no idea how reassuring it was knowing that my Mother was in the caring hands of people who were committed to the care of not only the residents, but also their families. Our family could not have asked for more.
The staff at Diamond Willow, with the assistance of St. Luke's Hospice, made my Mother's final days peaceful and allower her to move into the caring hands of the Lord with dignity. What a great gift! Our family could rest easy in the knowledge that our Mother was no longer struggling and made the transition with grace and peace.
Thanks again for all the fine work at Diamond Willow. Please extend my heartfelt THANK YOU to the staff for everything that was done for my Mother as well as our family.
Sincerely yours,
Kathis Beasley
-Misty Ivy--Proctor Diamond Willow Kathi Beasley
For the last 2 years, Florence lived at a place called Diamond Willow. The young ladies who cared for her there were another extension of Florence's family. These are the faces Florence saw every day.
After spending over 30 hours at Diamond Willow the weekend Florence passed away, we realized just what an important part of her life they were. Their caring and compassion were above and beyond any expectation we could have ever had. Not only did they take exceptional care of Florence, but they took care of her family too. From bringing Janet fresh baked cookies in the middle of the night to setting up a bed so that Sonny would have a place to sleep.
And when Florence passed away, their tears were as real as ours. We will forever be grateful to these incredible people.
-THE FAMILY OF FLORENCE JOHNSON Diamond Willow of Cloquet
Everyone,
Thank you! Thank you! Thank You! We can't imagine a better place for Mom to spend her last days. Compassion and lover overflowed. I hope it is okay the we plan to stay in touch with you...our new friends!
-The Jarvela Family Diamond Willow of Mountain Iron
We are so happy with the care that our mom, Hazel receives. I'll be gone most of June and although I think of my mom often, I don't worry about her. My sisters live quite a distance away and cannot come often, so it's very comforting to know Mom is well taken care of.
--My love to the wonderful staff at Diamond Willow--
-Family of Hazel
The family of Margaret M. Black wish to thank Dr. Mark Goellner and his aides, The St. Luke's Hospital and hospice nurses. And especially the nurses and aides of Diamond Willow, Proctor, Lake Superior Cottage: Mandy, Jenna, Marti, Jessica, Paige, Krystle, Amy, Nicole, Travis, Calley, Anneka, Katie and others for the care and concern of MOM.
-The Family of Margaret Black Thank You to The Lake Superior Cottage!
Dear Lyla,
It is my distinct pleasure to offer this letter of support in behalf of Diamond Willow Assisted Living in Park Rapids, MN which was established to serve elderly.
Early February of this year when my Dad was in the hospital, I found myself needing to move him from the Assisted Living housing where he was currently living, into your Diamond Willow facilities. At the same time it was necessary to set up hospice care for Dad. My Dad had indicated his preference for Diamond Willow, but asked me to make an initial assessment of your center, personnel and the care provided. My due diligence found that your establishment fulfilled our needs.
My Dad became a resident of Diamond Willow in February, 2008 and remained there until his death on July 5th, 2008. His stay was pleasant and comfortable due to the friendly and well-trained staff. He was always treated with respect and cheerfulness while in your assisted living facility. At Diamond Willow there is a wonderful homey atmosphere, which includes good meals, bathing, personal care, laundry, housekeeping, medications, and appropriate activities. You and your staff were sincere and diligent in providing the best services possible for a variety of elderly and disabled people. They were warm hearted, kind and very professional toward both the residents and their families. Living 200 miles away from Dad, I would usually come up to visit him from Thursday through Monday almost every weekend. Upon arriving at Diamond Willow at all hours of the day or night, I was always welcomed warmly by your staff. I stayed overnight in Dad's room so he and I could have as much quality time together as possible. Therefore, I had plenty of time to observe all of your caregivers and their personalities. They were very accommodating, affectionate and attentive to everyone's needs. I was continually amazed at how the staff took care of every detail of the residents' needs with compassion. I felt that they were not just there as professionals, but as they would be for their own family member(s).
As my Dad's health progressively deteriorated, I was very please at how informed you kept me and the constant quality of care you provided Dad. No mater when I called (several times per day) someone always went down and held the phone to Dad's ear so I could tell him I loved him. As Dad became confined to bed I was worried about bed sores developing. You constantly watched for any sores and if any began, you would address the issue immediately. Luckily, because of your attentiveness, Dad never suffered with any sores.
When the end of Dad's life was near, the family was continually kept informed of his condition and what we might expect. At his death, when his family, friends and caregivers gathered together, we felt like we were in Dad's own home.
Again, thank you for laughing with Dad, caring for him, talking to him, brining him those "midnight snacks", and having a stable, efficient and friendly staff that catered to his every need. You always had time to hold his hand, give him a hug good morning and a kiss goodnight. Thank you very much for being there when we needed you most.
Each of your residents had a different and unique problem and you dealt with each one with professionalism and care. You and your staff met the challenges of their daily duties with optimism and enthusiasm. This type of care and facility is much needed service to any community.
I am truly grateful that Dad was a resident of Diamond Willow in Park Rapids, MN.
God Bless You,
Laurie Andrews Beireis
-James Andrews' Family Diamond Willow of Park Rapids
The family of Mary J. Brenny would like to thank our friends, neighbors and relatives for the outpouring of support, concern and thoughts and prayers during the past 11 weeks of Mary's courageous battle with cancer.
...Mary reluctantly agreed to go to Diamond Willow Assisted Living, only to find, to her suprise, a loving second family. The professional care she received from Sara Kleinschmidt and staff could not have been any better if she had been their own mother. Their kindness extended to all the family who stayed with Mary day and night in her final days.
-The Family of Mary J. Brenny Diamond Willow of Little Falls
We are so happy and feel so blessed to have our Dad living at Diamond Willow.
Thank You!
Denise Burich
-The Family of Delbert Matteson Thank You
Words cannot express all you did for Mom. We couldn't have asked for more. She loved Keystone and Diamond Willow and all the staff was like family to her. I felt so comfortable knowing she was in your care...even in the end. And the tribute in the paper was so special. Please continue the good work you are all doing. I will always have wonderful memories of Mom being in your homes.
Love,
Carolyn and Ron
-Family of Elaine Mertzig Diamond Willow of Proctor and Keystone Bluffs
Dear Lynn,
We are VERY lucky to have met you and have my Dad in your care. I really mean that from the bottom of my heart. My Dad is tremendously important to me. He has been a teriffic father and always did everything he could for me. I only hope that I can return the favor. I often wonder how different things would have been for him this past year if we had not met you. I doubt he would be as well as he is. You have gone above and beyond the call of your nursing "duties" to ensure he was well cared for. You are a wonderful nurse and I hope you know that at the end of the day, we are especially grateful for all that you do.
Alica
-Alisa - Daughter
A Special Note...
We are so happy with the care our Dad is getting at Diamond Willow!
Thank you,
Kathy Sykes
-The Family of Cal Larson Diamond Willow of Proctor
Each of you has touched my Mom with special, individuals gifts of caring ~ extra ice cream with her meds; a braid, a flower, curls in her hair, manicured, painted nails; reassuring words in times of agitation; a spotlessly clean room and more .....I just wanted you to know I notice and appreciate all you do to offer Mom the quality of life I searched for and found for her here at Diamond Willow. Thank you so much.
-Alison - Daughter
Hi Natalie and Lynn, Just wanted to drop you a quick note, which I have been going to do for some time now, to let you know how pleased I am with the care that your staff at the Baxter facility gives my grandmother Helen Murray. It has been a great comfort knowing that Kim, Stacey, Brenda, and ALL of the staff really care about her the way that a "family" does. I am so pleased with the communication that I get about my grandma's care each time I come to visit and know she is in wonderful hands. I just wanted to give the staff some recognition for all of their hard work and the compassion and respect they have for my grandmother and me. They are the best and I know that is what you expect from your staff. You should be very proud of yourselves anbd them. Again, thanks so much. Have a great day.
-Rose Schumacher - Granddaughter
Dear Natalie,Saying "thanks" just doesn't seem like enough for all the nice things you did for Ag and for us, but that's about all we can do. Well be forever grateful to you for going down to Indiana and bringing Ag back to Duluth. At the time, it didn't seem like such a big thing, but when we look back, it was "awesome" - and we really own you for taking such a "load" off of us! And we're so thrilled with the wonderful care she received at Diamond Willow.
Also, many thanks for going to her graveside Memorial, which we felt was beautiful and a real tribute to a lady who hadn't lived in Duluth for about 60+ years.
Our only regret is that you and the staff never had the opportunity to know the "real" Ag. She was really something and you have lover her, as we did.
We're so happy she was up here where she had family. Thanks so much, Natalie.
Love from,
-Carole, Sue, and Patti
Dearest Natalie, Lynn & Staff:
I would like to take this time to encourage you and the staff you have working for you.
In May of 2005, I was given the task to find a facility in which my mother could live with dignity and where I would feel that she would be safe and honored. After checking out a few different Alzheimer/dementia homes in our area, I made a telephone call to Keystone Bluffs to see if they had accommodations. After talking to Natalie, I went to Diamond Willow-Arbor Rose in Proctor, a newly opened unit and met with Lynn. I recall walking through the front door and having a sense of care for the residents living there, trust from the residents for the staff, and an overwhelming feeling of love between the two. The interactions I witnessed on that very first visit were never questioned, nor did they ever change during my mother's stay. I truly believe I was guided by God to make that call, for Mom not only found a place that would take care of her medical needs, but a place where she would become family with all who would come in contact with her. She would be at home.
If I may quote from the Bible, in Romans, we read, "Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them...the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness...Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor...Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs (of the saints) and seek to show hospitality." (Romans 12:6-13) This is the atmosphere I found at Arbor Rose. You and your staff are not only giving excellent care to residents whom no longer can care for themselves, but want to, you and your staff are doing God's work here on Earth.
Thank you is such an empty sentiment to offer all the caregivers that have been part of Mom's life. Thank you is the only sentiment I can think of that expresses my sincere feelings. It is at times as this, that I wish I was the greatest orator in history, sadly I'm not, so THANK YOU for everything you did for Mom and myself, and continue to do for humankind.
May your work ethics never be compromised.
Ever grateful,
Robin
-Robin - Daughter
My Grandma had been living in a nursing home following a hip fracture and complications that required her to have 24-hour care. I was excited to hear of Diamond Willow's new concept of providing the same type of care as a nursing home, yet in a home-like setting. Grandma was able to move into her own suite in the first facility built in Proctor and was thrilled to have her own furniture (even her queen size bed and couch) in her room! The staff were well trained, caring, and met her every need. The move to Diamond Willow enabled Grandma to live out her final days with dignity. Thank you Diamond Willow for a wonderful experience!
John Lund
-John R. Lund - Grandson
My grandma Ila Wells lives in your Mt. Iron facility and I know my mom has said this before but you have a great facility. And I mean that whole heartedly.
I've worked in the human services industry and have worked in nursing homes. This being a small town word travels fast about what happens at what facility within the industry and honestly I was dreading having to move grandma up here and have to choose between the lesser of the evils basically. My mom looked at your facility and so did I eventually and I didn't want to get attached in case it didn't work out for whatever reason but I'm so glad it did.
Gramma has opened up so much. If you had seen her before compared to what she is now it is a world of difference. I love that she's social there and that your staff encourage it. I haven't seen her this happy in a long time.
I'm happy that me and my parents don't have to dread going to visit her. That you have treated all of us well too. I used to dread having to walk into her last facility because people there just weren't nice.
I've never seen happier human services staff either. Which alone says a lot for your place. And it's not like a fake friendly it's coming from a real place.
I don't get to visit that often as I'm ironing out the last details before I get to grad school this fall but should we ever have to discuss elder care (and I'm sure we will I'm going for social work) I'll be arguing that your facility has this figured out on how to do it right.
Thanks for all you all do,
Katherine
-Katherine Grandaughter
My mother has been living at the Diamond Willow facility in Proctor since it opened. From the beginning, I was pleased with the love and care Natalie, Lynn and their experienced staff showed my mother and my whole family. When someone is accepted at Diamond Willow, the staff not only accepts an individual, but their entire family as well.It was hard to decide that it was time for Mom to leave our home and live in a place where she would be far better taken care of then I could accomplish considering her condition and needs - one where she could have her own furniture and things that she would recognize as her own.
When I go to visit Mom, I am always greeted with a smile by the staff, and I find the home, and my mother's room, very clean and tidy. There is always a smell of home cooking, there are activities underway, and all the residents seem very happy. My mother needs special help and I find the staff ensures that she takes all of her medications and that all of her personal needs are cared for.
I truly feel confident in the ability of the staff, and I know if Mom should injure herself or become ill, the nurse and staff will contact me wherever I am and would take care of her.
It was very important to Mom that she not be placed in a nursing home and I feel we succeeded in providing her with the most pleasant and caring home-like situation available. Overall, we are very pleased with the care provided by Diamond Willow - we could not ask for a more caring environment in which to place Mom and we know that her needs are met.
-Anonymous Diamond Willow - Misty Ivy Suites - Proctor
I own a company, which provides direct care to individuals with disabilities. I have been involved in working with individuals with disabilities as well as the elderly population for over 20 years. I also have an Aunt who has lived at Diamond Willow since the Arbor Rose Suites opened. I tend to be very picky, not as just a family member, but as a business owner who is very familiar with direct care. I have never seen a better-assisted living facility than Diamond Willow. The care is impressive, the home is clean, the owners and administrative team are accessible, and the attention to detail with regards to medical issues is exemplary. I couldn't have asked for a more loving, caring, attentive environment for my Aunt. I applaud you Diamond Willow. You have mastered the art of direct care.
Respectfully,
-Shawn Neumann - Niece
Our sincere appreciation, Sherry, for your respectful and professional last minute tours and expertly answered questions and compassion!
You were a sincerely convincing "cruise director" and we are so happy we signed on with you, Sherry!
God bless you and your staff!
-Family of Lucie Starkovich
My aunt, Linda Ness, loved her home at Diamond Willow. Linda loved life, people, good food, fun activities, caring for others, and a beautiful home. She found all of these at Diamond Willow. We found peace of mind and joy in knowing she had a home she truly loved at Diamond Willow. Although the meals, the setting, and the interior design made Diamond Willow a beautiful home, it was the attentive, skilled, loving, and respectful staff who made our experience with Diamond Willow one for which we will always be grateful. We recommend Diamond Willow to anyone who wants to give their family member the best possible home.
-Jim & Glenna Alstad
The staff at Diamond Willow deserve all the credit in the world for their attentiveness and care. Their sympathy and kindness helped our Aunt softly through the end of her life and eased the way for us also. The atmosphere of warmth and love enabled us to focus our energy where it was important. We thank them all.
-S & J Jaconetti
Hi Amy,
Please convey my sincere appreciation to all your staff, especially during this Nurses' Appreciation Week. In my opinion, one week is not nearly long enough for nurses to be recognized for all you do.
I don't have Natalie's e-mail address, but I hope you can pass along to her and whoever it is who does all the hiring for all the 5-Star establishments, that they certainly do a remarkable job of finding the most caring, dedicated people who I've ever seen working in the important job of caring for our loved ones. I can now compare the staffs from Keystone Bluffs and Diamond Willow to 2 nursing homes that Mom has been in within the last 2 years. There actually is no comparison. The feeling of comfort that I have leaving both of my wonderful parents in your care is priceless. This is certainly not the outcome I would have wished for the end of life for my mom and dad, but since we were left with no choice in the matter, I am eternally grateful that I found you all to help us with this difficult process. It is amazing to me that I have not met one person at either of these facilities who has acted like the job they have isn't the most important thing they could be doing. I believe that is not only a credit to them as individuals, but in a much bigger picture, due to the philosophy and deep-rooted belief and priority of the management and owners of the corporation.
Thank you again, Amy.
Regards, Jan Anderson
-Jan Anderson Nurses Appreciation Week!
Dear Natalie,
It's difficult to put into words how grateful we are to the Diamond Willow (Mississippi Suite) Staff.
Our Mom was so well cared for, with so much love and compassion. They treated her with such dignity. Also, all the kindness shown to our family meant so much to us.
The day of her death couldn't have been handled any better. Cyndi, Carla and all the staff were wonderful. We will always remember them.
Keep up your level of hiring and your patient ratio. It's was makes Diamond Willow so outstanding.
Love,
Hazel Austins Family!
-Family of Hazel Austin Diamond Willow of Grand Rapids
My Mother is a resident in your Alexandria facility and I am writing to tell you that the employees are excellent! It is so wonderful to know my Mother has such great care. Thank you!
Karen Jacobson, Alexandria
-Diamond Willow of Alexandria Thank You!
Thank you, on behalf of my father Bill and all of our family. I want to say a heartfelt thank you for the kindness, patience and care you gave to Bill during the two monthe he was with you. We shall always be grateful for everything the staff did for him.
Sincerely,
Charlotte and Peter
-Grand Rapids Facility Thank You!
Diamond Willow~
I go to see my Mom every day, except when I am out of town. It always amazes me what a wonderul and caring staff the Grand Rapids Diamond Willow has. Each time someone new is hired they are just as amazing. Each day when I leave, I never feel as if Mom won't be well cared for.
Thank you!
Love,
Karen Gilbertson
-Karen Gilbertson Grand Rapids Facility
Natalie,
My parents William and Mary Korhanen are residents at Diamond Willow in Grand Rapids. My family and I want you to know what an outstanding staff you have in Grand Rapids. Their care of my parents is the best we could even ask for--they care so much about all the residents. It shows everyday as they interact with everyone. I can't say enough about all the ways they go above and beyond standard care to make my parents and others comfortable and happy. Cyndi Casey, RN Director, has been a wonderful daily contact on our issues. We really appreciate every single staff member. They are the best!!
Diane Gross
-Diane Gross Diamond Willow of Grand Rapids
Dear Cyndi, Carla and Staff,
Thank you for the beautiful rose sent by Diamond Willow. I am looking at it as I write this and it's still beautiful. The Diamond Willow notice in the Grand Rapids paper was very touching and also the care made and signed by all of you was very thoughtful. It meant so much. You are the most loving, caring staff at any assisted living! You will never be forgotten.
Love,
Hazel's Family
-Hazel's Family Diamond Willow of Grand Rapids
Dear Cyndi and Staff,
Thank you for the rose you sent in memory of Bill. But more importantly, thank you for the kind and loving care. The time spent with him, the conversing and laughing with him! You are all wonderful individuals and care-givers and we are so pleased that he could spend the final journey of his life in such a loving and concerned environment.
The Family of Bill Heinzen
-Family of Bill Heinzen Diamond Willow of Grand Rapids
Dear "Family,"
Christmas blessings to you all! You are so deeply appreciated by me and my siblings. We can't begin to thank you enough! To know that Mom is in such a beautiful and loving home gives me such peace-of-mind. I see the love and care given to the residents each time I visit, and I see the improvements in Mom's health--both physically and spiritually. Thank You and Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all!
-Ruth T's Family Alexandria
Dear Diamond Willow:
Thank you for your thoughtful and generous donation of $250.00 in support of The Salvation Army Food Shelf. We are grateful for your generosity. Your contribution helps make it possible for The Salvation Army to continue helping many needy people in our community. Thanks again and God bless you!
Sincerely,
Jackie Meyer
-Cloquet donates to the Salvation Army
Dear Connie and your wonderful staff:
I cannot express in words how much it meant to me to see my mother "Ruth" taken care of so wonderfully and with such patience, dignity and respect. I really felt like you all truly cared for her as well as the other residents and made her feel like a member of a family. I felt so much better after seeing the place and her beautiful surroundings. God bless you all.
-Alexandria Staff
Susan,
I have been meaning to write a note of thanks for many months. The ability to deliver skilled and loving care is rare in the health care profession. When my mom arrived at your facility, she was dying. She was not just dying from her medical deterioration. Her spirit had been broken. This was the unfortunate consequence of the absence of compassion in her previous facility. She had given up on life since her caregivers had given up on her. Regular visits from loving family were not enough to reverse the downward spiral.
Our research led us to Diamond Willow in Park Rapids. There, we hoped, she could be closer to her home environment during the sunset of her rich and full life. What unfolded, however, was unexpected and remarkable. Beyond the stabilization of her medical circumstances, the staff at Diamond Willow surrounded her with love and caring. She was given a reason to get up each morning. She was invited to connect with compassionate caregivers who treated her with dignity and respect.
The spiral has reversed. Each of your staff has taken a genuine interest in her amazing life. Every day has become a reason to get stronger and participate in the impressive set of attachments she has formed with each of your loving professionals. You have given her life. On behalf of my family, I would like to express our deepest appreciation for all that you do each day to support wellness and meaning in my mother's life.
Sincerely,
Steve Ritter
-Park Rapids Diamond Willow