How good is the staff at Canyon Villas? Perhaps this will give you an idea: though I had never personally met anyone there nor seen the place, I knew this facility was the answer to my prayers from 600 miles away. Let me explain.

Ten months ago, my wife, Susan, and I were suffering the emotionally draining dilemma faced by many “boomers” our age—what to do with my aging parents as they insisted on living independently in their own home, despite obvious mounting evidence that it was no longer safe for them to do so. The “slow boil” to a crisis finally erupted in August, 2008, as we were in Idaho looking after her mother who had fallen and fractured her neck. While we were away, stepfather Henry was hospitalized for the 3rd time in 2 weeks leaving my fragile 88-year-old mother to be “supervised” by neighbors. Now it was apparent even to them that something had to be done—immediately.

In desperation, I called Canyon Villas from the Salt Lake City Airport and left a message as my wife and I headed home. Mere minutes later, Whitney McDowell returned my call and thus began what has been a marvelous relationship ever since. While I was put at ease by her caring manner, there was something else evident in the way she dealt with me. I could tell she spoke from years of experience because she had seen the same family dynamics many times in the past, but I never felt an “old hat” attitude coming from her—rather that she looked at this very familiar story line with the compassion and sensitivity of one who had not experienced it before . . . through my eyes. Miraculously, one apartment had just become available and right there from long distance, we scheduled the initial meeting to submit an application.

Now, nearly a year later, I will insist the Lord guided us to this place and we are so very grateful. My parents, who wouldn’t dream of leaving their former residence love their Villas home, and would, like abalone from a rock, have to be pried out of their new digs! And no wonder: everyone on staff is kind and patient. As my wife and I joined my parents in the dining hall recently, I watched interactions between residents and staff. I was moved to remark, “Isn’t it a blessing that there are people willing to give of themselves in this way?”

I continue to be impressed at how consistently Canyon Villas administers daily aspects of Assisted Living care: meals, personal grooming needs, laundry, cleaning, medication, exercise & social activities, special needs, transportation, maintenance, etc. Certainly it takes the whole team to make the organization run smoothly, but I want to say most of my direct interaction has been with Whitney and the Director of Nursing, Lisa Shutt (whom I regard almost as our own private care counselor). Both ladies are angels! Every inquiry or request I make is handled quickly. I am always informed of any issue affecting my parents and when decisions are required we always reach consensus.

If we had a nickel for every time we have said, “Thank God for Canyon Villas,” since last August, we’d be wealthy. Come to think of it, we are . . . rich in peace of mind for which there is no price tag.

David K.

Dear Canyon Villas,

Our mother, Lorraine, was a resident of Canyon Villas for eight years. Mom began her stay in an independent living apartment and enjoyed the lovely dining hall, grounds, and the many available activities, but due to declining health, she progressively moved to more assisted types of living. At each transition, Canyon Villas was extremely helpful and accommodated her needs in a respectful and caring manner. When it appeared mom might have to relocate to a nursing home, Canyon Villas took the lead in qualifying her for Hospice assistance so she could remain on-site to receive the necessary care. Until her death, mom was nurtured, loved and kept comfortable by the staff at Canyon Villas. The nursing staff promptly communicated with us if concerns arose, and even sent photos they’d taken after she’d return from their beauty salon. In fact, we used one of those photos on the cover of mom’s memorial service. They treated her as a family member, cried with us at her death, and even attended her memorial service. We are eternally grateful to the staff at Canyon Villas, especially Lisa Shutt (D O N), Whitney McDowell (Admissions), Ileen and other nursing and housekeeping staff who made Lorraine feel comfortable, welcome and loved to her final day.

Patti

Dear Canyon Villas,

Rarely in the heart–breaking process of caring for ill and aging parents does a person have cause for celebration. I, however, welcome every opportunity to declare my great joy, admiration, and appreciation of the Canyon Villas organization. It is indeed, quite unique, in the high degree of quality care, extensive services, facilities and loving support offered to their residents. Many years of experiences involving three other local facilities had been truly frustrating. At times, an extreme concern existed for the safety and appropriate care of aging family members. Therefore, as Mom’s condition declined, Canyon Villas was recommended repeatedly, by her doctor and others, as the best option. The Villas’ efficient admissions and nursing staff responded quickly to my concerns and to her needs, then aided greatly in the transfer process from the former facility. She immediately felt very welcome, secure and comfortable, thanks to the extraordinary family-like atmosphere shared by staff and residents at her new Villas home.

Happily, I also soon discovered that my constant monitoring of medical care and services was no longer necessary as was previously required. The Villas’ medical staff was well qualified, well trained, extremely efficient, and very reliable. Our entire family was so thankful for the welcome feeling of partnership we shared with the Villas staff. Our common goal, we knew, was making Mom as happy and comfortable as possible in the final months she was able to share with all of us. Without reservation, we feel that our goal was accomplished, and will be forever grateful to Canyon Villas’ entire organization for making it possible to us and so many others in our community.

WITH PROFOUND THANKS TO ALL AND DEEPEST AFFECTION,

Beth S., in memory of my precious Mom, Nellie Bly Stromberg

Dear Canyon Villas,

My father, Edward J. Zeman, was a resident at your facility since April 2005. His recent stroke unfortunately required a move to a facility that would provide closer monitoring and assistance.

Words cannot express the excellence of your entire staff in providing my Dad with the best lifestyle he was capable of while at Canyon Villas. On so many occasions, the kindness, the personal caring, the patience, and professionalism given to him and his family was far beyond a job.

Besides the nurses and nursing assistants who knew him best, every level of employee was always helpful, happy, kind, caring, and efficient. That applies to housekeeping, food service and servers, maintenance, grounds keepers, the receptionists, the efficient billing and financial department, and the activity director.

Not only did Whitney and Lisa give me excellent advice and assistance with future placement needs, but at the same time went out of their way to give my Dad a chance to return to a place he truly loved and called home, Canyon Villas.

Be very proud of your facility and the select group of people who make it so great for all of the residents. On behalf of my father, Ed Zeman, and his family, thank you for a great year.

Karen B.