In 2013, our Mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and for a number of years our Dad was her primary caregiver. In 2016, it became apparent that Mom would need additional care. As the disease progressed, our family did the research into Alzheimer’s care facilities. We found that Roger Metz Manor was the place for Mom and us; so on August 1, 2016, Mom moved into Roger Metz Manor and it became her new home and our second home.

Upon arrival at Roger Metz, it was very much like home for Mom. They included her in all the day-to-day activities like folding the clothes, vacuuming, baking cookies and getting things set up for meals. These things were very familiar to Mom as it was part of her and Dad’s routine at home. As can be expected, things were a bit shaky in the beginning as Mom got used to her new surroundings. Things were especially hard in the evening hours. Many nights the Roger Metz Manor staff would spend time giving Mom special care. The members of the staff would hold Mom in their arms to reassure her that she had no reason to be afraid and that her new home was safe and a place filled with love, just like she had been used to at home. This is just one of the many ways that The Roger Metz Manor staff helped my Mom become more comfortable with her new home. Because of things like this, we knew that when we came to visit and it was time for us to leave, Mom was in very good hands.

Mom really enjoyed participating in the music and dancing that was provided each month. Mom and Joe, another resident, were wonderful dance partners.

Given the fact that Mom and Dad had a large family—six daughters all married with kids who have kids of their own—there was almost always someone visiting. My Dad visited my mom every day, and he became “one of the gang.” He would come and have lunch every day with Mom and all of the other residents. We never had to worry about him getting a good meal as he loved the food and the staff was always very generous with his portions. If Dad didn’t show up or call to let the staff know he wasn’t going to be able to make it, they would call to check up on him just to make sure he was okay. This is what a family does and the Roger Metz Manor staff was our family in every way.

When one or more of Mom’s daughters or grandkids stopped by for a visit, we were greeted with hugs and smiles every time. We were never a bother, no matter how many times the staff heard the buzzer and had to drop what they were doing and answer the door to let us in. Our family became very close to the other residents as well as the staff. They became part of our extended family.

There is so much more that we could tell you about our family’s time with the staff at the Roger Metz Manor. The most important thing we want you to understand about our experience is that they always, always treated Mom and our family with dignity, patience, and respect. Right up to the end of Mom’s life on Sunday, August 5, 2018, she was treated with dignity and respect—this is why we chose the Roger Metz Manor for our Mom and why we would recommend it to anyone who has a loved one living with Alzheimer’s. The care is exceptional and you become part of the family.

We can’t say thank you enough for the love and care you gave our Mom and us.

— The Kukowski Family