Read What Residents and Their Families Say About The Meadows

In addition to visiting The Meadows, the best way to ensure that our community is the best choice for you is to hear what families of residents have to say about their experiences.

When we asked family members if they would mind sharing their stories, we were overwhelmed by their response and humbled by their kind words. You’ll find each one’s circumstances are unique. But, they all share one thing – a genuine feeling that they made the best choice – The Meadows at Shannondell.

Click on the tabs below to read these personal accounts. To schedule a tour of The Meadows, inquire online or call 610.908.3800.

Memory Care Stories

The Best Next Step

After Kathy’s 89-year old mother developed progressive dementia, she required full-time memory care.

quote Since mom was already a personal care resident at The Meadows, we were so glad to also have a memory care option there. Like personal care, memory care offers all private rooms and they’re in the same building. While dementia is not what you would wish for a loved one, the setting at The Meadows is very pleasant.

Maybe the best thing about memory care at The Meadows is that the staff makes such a fuss over the residents. There’s always something going on there — something to occupy the residents. They sing, they play games, there’s a lot of activity. And while not everyone is able to participate, the ambiance is upbeat and lively.

Most important for me is that I know my mother is getting good care. She is always clean, her hair looks nice, and she even gets her nails done once a week. Her laundry is taken care of, and her room is always well kept.

In fact, that’s something that sets The Meadows apart from other places. Many other facilities have a sort of institutional feel, and the residents don’t always look their best. We’ve never experienced that at The Meadows. It’s always a welcoming environment and the property is warm and inviting.

Of course it’s hard to see my mother’s memory condition worsen, but knowing that she’s at The Meadows gives me peace of mind. We feel very lucky.

Just a Walk Away

Irwin and his wife were living together at Shannondell until his wife’s memory issues required specialized care. While Irwin is still living in their independent living residence, his wife has moved to memory care at The Meadows. He strolls over to visit her every day.

quote Being near The Meadows was part of the plan when we moved to Shannondell. I knew I wanted to remain nearby when the time came for my wife to move to memory care. I try to spend a good part of every day with her. Of course, I’m welcome any time.

I’ve been very happy with The Meadows. They offer a number of activities to keep the residents stimulated. Recently, one group was having foot massages, another was watching TV or playing bingo, and there were others listening to someone read to them. Sometimes they’ll have an ice cream social or they’ll have painting projects. They also have snacks and drinks available all day – cookies, coffee, tea or soft drinks. The facilities are clean. It’s very appealing.

Also, the staff is genuinely caring and friendly. They do everything they can to make residents as comfortable as they can be. And I can tell you, after spending many hours a day at The Meadows, I’ve never seen a staff member lose their patience. And if you need something, just ask. Sometimes my wife wants to talk to me after I’ve already left, so the staff will arrange a phone call.

The Meadows is great!

Personal Care Stories

A Caring Place for Mom

After 13 years of independent living at Shannondell, Dick’s mother, age 92, needed a higher level of care. Dick says his mom found a compassionate home at The Meadows.

quote Moving my mother into The Meadows was a relatively simple transition. The apartment was laid out similarly to her independent living apartment at Shannondell so all of her things fit the space. Moving anyone at that age is not easy, but it was a caring place right from the start, and she adjusted quickly.

Everyone is fantastic at The Meadows. They’re totally focused on the residents. The activities coordinators, the nurses, the aides — they do so much. And because staff turnover is low, they really get to know the residents. The servers in the dining room would always have my mother’s iced tea ready for her, just the way she liked it. And they knew she’d want some ice cream for dessert.

There are many scheduled activities, and residents participate as they like. Sometimes my mother would enjoy a little conversation, and the staff members would sit and talk with her. It was a very comfortable environment for her.

Even when it was time for hospice, the staff handled everything. They brought a hospital bed into her room so she didn’t have to move. We could not have asked for better help and assistance. And today, even though my mother has passed away, I still go to The Meadows on Mondays to call BINGO!

Friendly, Light and Bright

A stroke left Barb’s 87-year-old mother unable to live on her own. Although having a caregiver come to her home was helpful for a while, moving to The Meadows was a much better solution for her long-term care.

quote My parents were proud to call Shannondell home for many years, moving in not long after it opened. After my father passed away in 2014, my mother suffered a stroke. We were so fortunate that The Meadows was right next door.

There are so many things we like about the environment at The Meadows. For example, my mother has macular degeneration, and we love that the interior is bright, not dark. It literally makes it easier for my mother to see. It’s also a neat and tidy place. My mom uses a walker, so it’s important that there’s nothing she can trip on.

Having doctors and nurses on staff is extremely convenient, and everyone there is very responsive. The aides are thoughtful and friendly. Even the maintenance staff goes out of their way to be helpful. People are always asking if there’s anything they can do for my mother. The staff also gets residents motivated socially – making jewelry, enjoying ice cream and playing Bingo.

Most importantly, we never worry about my mother’s safety. She’s comfortable, and we feel good about her being there. She really needed this type of personal care, and we know she’s very well taken care of at The Meadows.