Filling the Heart with Special Moments

When Kally Verkaik was a child, she would help out at the retirement community that her aunt worked at whenever she visited. Kally would pass out the mail, help in the kitchen, or spend time talking with the residents. So, it is only natural that later in life, Kally...

Bringing joy into each other’s lives

One night, Melinda Haight, Director of Clinical Services, offered to care for a resident named Ruby who had moderate Alzheimer’s. Ruby had become nonverbal and was known to be a bit more challenging to care for. However, over time, Melinda and Ruby began to form a...

Devoted Now and Forever – Ron & Judi

The ravaging effects of dementia do not overshadow love; it gives it meaning. Judi was known for her compassion, understanding, forgiveness, and smile. Her initial Alzheimer’s diagnosis was heart-wrenching for her husband, Ron, knowing that he would watch this amazing...

Helping residents achieve their goals

In just three months, Director of Therapy Gina Chesla and her team at Brookcrest were able to help a resident, who was expected to be long-term care, walk out on his own and return home. When the resident, who was nicknamed Lazarus, got to Brookcrest, he was not able...