Testify to Love
On MorningStar Care
“Over the three years since Dad’s stroke, our family has been educated in what servanthood looks like—and you have demonstrated it. What you do at MorningStar is the highest of callings, and being able to do it so well is a very rare gift. We are so impressed and astonished that we regularly call you ‘angels.’ One can tell immediately the difference between a caregiver who is doing a job, and one who loves the people with whom they work. We’ve watched how you step in and care with true affection for those who remain so important to our Creator. When one does caring work with love it raises the level of effectiveness extraordinarily. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for lovingly caring for our dad—and for us. We have come to love you just as we do our biological family.” (Resident’s son)
“I’m a big hugger and everyone knows it. Residents come by my office like clockwork for their hug of the day.” (M.J. Spresser, Assisted Living Coordinator)
“Our expectations have been exceeded. I have a sense of complete security that Mom’s going to be safe and taken care of.” (Resident’s son)
“I’ve been treated beautifully here.” (Resident)
“MorningStar is different, beyond any other experience I’ve had in senior living. From the heart of our founder trickles down the freedom to truly love our residents. To look someone in the eye and assure them they’re right where they’re supposed to be. To hold their hand or give them a hug. That’s why I love serving at MorningStar.” (Nikki Crouse, Life Enrichment Coordinator)
“My mom needed extra care. We didn’t know where to begin—so many questions. Thank goodness we found MorningStar.” (Resident’s daughter)
“The staff are wonderful, concerned, kind. Nothing is too much trouble for them.” (Resident)
Words cannot express our gratitude for all you’ve done for our dear mom. Your loving and compassionate care in this beautiful place enable her to live a dignified, comfortable and happy life. The Bible says that the ones who are great in God’s eyes are the ones who serve others. You’re like family to us, and we thank God for you. May He encourage you and give you peace and hope. Much, much love (Resident’s daughter)
My dad receives wonderful care at your hands. You have just the right mixture of empathy and service. Dad is well fed not only with nourishment, but with love. I treasure our family’s experience at MorningStar. (Resident’s daughter)
We chose MorningStar after a search that included 37 senior living communities in four states. My family will be forever grateful for the patience, love, companionship, support and healing care that you provided our mom in her dementia. Your staff developed a bond that adds joy and comfort to her life. (Resident’s son)
Choosing a facility for a loved one, especially after the trauma of a fall is difficult at best. When it came time to select a facility, we were determined to find a place mom would come to consider her home. It had to be clean, bright and friendly—plus, most important to mom, have good food. We loved MorningStar with its well-planned apartments and all the beautiful common spaces, including our grandson’s favorite: the aquarium. But, all the above does not make a home…you have to add the right people. That’s what really sold us on MorningStar. From the time we walked in the door and were greeted with a smile, we could feel the energy and caring attitude of your staff. Mom refers to your caregivers as “my angels,” and we would agree. Mom loves every one of them. (Resident’s family)
You were able to make my husband feel safe and content in the midst of the challenges that dementia imposes. You were patient as I adjusted to the changes and sense of helplessness. Thank you for all the times when you made him smile and sprinkled happiness and meaning through your generous friendship and care. (Resident’s wife)
We fell in love with MorningStar. (Resident’s son)
Remembering our own personal history with seniors
“In building MorningStar, I wanted to re-create my grandmother’s house, a place where one can go and feel a sense of family, rather than the isolation of an institution.” (Ken Jaeger, Founder)
“Growing up, I spent hours after school with my grandma, Gert, often playing gin rummy. I remember laughing with her as she hit the spruce trees with a broom to get the birds out! The day came when she had to move to a nursing home due to her dementia. As the stages of the disease progressed, I vividly recall holding her hand, speaking to her even when she could no longer speak back. When she passed on, I knew I wanted to spend my life caring for people like Grandma.” (Kimberly Erickson, VP of Operations)
“I called my mother and father in Florida every single Sunday afternoon. After Dad passed away, Mom told me he used to sit anxiously by the phone waiting for that call from his girl. Little things mean a lot to seniors. Don’t miss the opportunity to stay in contact while you have the chance—which provides lifetime memories for all.” (Elaine Archer, Housekeeping Associate)
My compassion and patience come from my father. Dad was a quiet and gentle man. I never saw him express anger, but did see him express love. He never raised his voice; he didn’t have to. We loved him so much we didn’t want to disappoint him. I can still hear his whistling coming from the workshop where he built pine furniture. (Jean Moulton, Concierge)
My father lived out his faith in many ways, but there are special moments that bring him back so sweetly. When I hear an old hymn, especially “Wonderful Grace of Jesus,” I can hear him singing out while patting his knee to the beat. A valuable lesson he taught was that in work or play, do it as unto the Lord, give your best regardless of the return and always apply integrity. (Debra Calle, Sales & Marketing Director)
As a girl, I spent nearly every day with my grandma while my mom was at work. On snowy days, we wore matching snow caps and mittens. When I was 11, my grandma was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s disease. She only lived for 9 months after admission to the nursing home. For those 9 months, I visited the nursing home daily.
She would not eat or drink for anyone except me. During this time, I became very attached to other residents of the nursing home too. It was here that I learned just how comforting a warm, smiling face can be to someone with dementia.
I saw firsthand how difficult and stressful it can be to navigate the healthcare system and try to make the best decisions for a loved one. Though my grandma’s disease was quite trying for my family, I am thankful for the experience. Without it, I don’t know that I would have been introduced to the career I love. I like to think that it was my grandma’s gift to me. (Rachel Davenport, Executive Director)
My parents are the reason why I try everyday to do the best I can. And they are the reason why I love being a caregiver at MorningStar. I love making the day of a resident just by coming into their rooms to say “Hi” or helping them get dressed or do an activity. If I make them smile or laugh, that’s the biggest reward I could ask for. (Andrea Lindel, Care Manager)
