Salvation Army The Eventide Home

My Mother was in Eventide for over 3yrs, the staff took very good care of her. I would go in at different times to see how she was (even after midnight) and I was happy to find her clean. There were times when she had been in her brona(?) wheel chair, and wanted to be put to bed, but, it was better for her to be sitting up. The only problems I had was that there was no mounting for her tv and it was on her night table right beside her head, where her room mate who had a window few had the corner to put hers in. {my mother was in a semi-private room) and there was not a tray beside her bed for her books and drink, so she was dependant on others to help her & at times she said she was parched when I would come in. No signs of bad care. The PSW's treated her with respect and kindness, as did the Nurses & other staff. I would phone every evening and they took the time to talk to me & kept us informed with her health. I did not like that I could not look at her chart, as I could at the previous home she was in. The problems we encountered were her glasses would go missing or her dentures which eventually were never found. That was due I believe because of residents coming into her room. Also this is not Eventides fault, they are only allowed a certain number of diapers, and did you know prisoners get a higher amount of money for their meals, then our loved ones from the Government. Also staff only have so many minutes to spend on the care they give a resident. There is a need for more staff, better meals, and time spent with individuals, but, this will only change when Our Government does....not because of Eventide Home! On many occasions we used different rooms for family functions (birthdays, Mothers Day, holidays) I would let them know what would be needed as far as kettles, dishes cutlery & things were set up nicely or they would show me where they were in the room) . They have a beautiful outdoor area where one can have their own area for a garden & extra activities outside of the normal. I did object however when the tv was taken out of the main recreation room, it seemed far too quiet...no music or anything to keep her mind active. Now this could have changed since 2009. What touched my heart was the kindness and true feelings most of the staff had for my Mother. A few even came when we "celebrated her life". I didn't give the quality an excellent, just because of a few minor things that I have mentioned above...especially no table bed side table. Which is so important when you can no longer able to walk or take care of yourself anymore.