Anna Maria of Aurora - A Continuing Care Community

From Kensington, through Independent Living, to Long Term Care and Hospice, Anna Maria of Aurora enriched the last chapter of my father's life. Following illness and a couple of falls, and hospitalization at age 93, my dad who until then had been living independently and alone was sent to Kensington for rehab. The staff there nourished his body and soul, and got him up walking again. A field trip to look at the independent living apartments at Anna Maria had my dad seeing himself living there, and he followed up by moving from his own apartment into Anna Maria. This was like hitting the reset button, and he thrived in the community that welcomed him. He enjoyed the staff, and the company of his neighbors at dinner, in the café, and at many activities. Anna Maria became home, and expanded his circle of friends and extended family. He was cared about and looked out for, and I can't even express how much that reassured our family. Dad's new apartment and the common spaces at Anna Maria also made it easier for him to visit with family and outside friends that came to see him. At 94, after a mild stroke revealed a blood condition, my Dad returned from the hospital to long term care at Anna Maria. Anna Maria nurses, aides, and other staff partnered with Hospice to keep him comfortable in his final months. They got to know and take care of him like family, partnered with us- his actual family, in all things, and my dad loved and trusted them for their companionship and their care. This is not the place to name individuals, but in any case there were too many incredible, professional, caring members of the Anna Maria, that I couldn't possibly name them all. When my father passed, he- and we, were at peace. We are grateful to Anna Maria of Aurora for everything that made my dad's last chapter so fulfilling. Pictured is my dad standing by a refurbished 1931 Chevy at the Anna Maria Car Show. He and a number of friends shared ownership of a 1931 Chevy back in high school in Massillon.

My mother in-law is very happy here and the people working here are great

It got better when we put in the camera with audio and video recording, because we could see what Mom needed and be better support for her, as well as personalize her care. For example, they were waking her up every two hours, EVERY night, to do a "check and change" of her brief, to keep her skin "safe" - however, it was making her loopy and we insisted they not wake her up, resulting in much better and coherent days (and her skin was fine). Also, the Reflections Memory Care, across the street at their sister facility, The Atrium, is the best - a must see first!

Anna Maria was home to my aunt for over 10 years. She participated fully in the community in all phases of her time there. The residents and staff were her “village.” We couldn’t have asked for a more caring community for her to call home.

My mom was in the SNF 2 weeks for rehab after being hospitalized. The therapy folks (PT, OT, SLP) were good, and the cleaning folks seemed to do a good job. However that's where the good part ends. The staff would wake her up at 3:30 am to get dressed. That's ridiculous at best. They never changed the sheets on her bed. They swapped out the top blanket but not the bed sheets. They didn't bring fresh water unless she asked. If she had to use the bathroom, it took at least 30 minutes for anyone to come to her room, so she went herself. That's unacceptable. The furniture wasn't put together. One chair was falling apart, the walls needed repair, and her room was cold. And finally, the place was under a COVID mask protocol, but the staff seemed to be exempt from it. Only a few staff wore masks. And some wore them down off their nose, making the mask useless. This sent a mixed message. Do I need a mask to walk around or not? If this place is a Medicare 5/5 facility, I would hate to see a 3/5 facility.