Testimonials - Fairview Retirement Community

Fairview Testimonials

I'm writing to express my thanks to your staff for taking such good care of my mother, Virginia Pescatello. She's been with you on and off for the past year or two and is a permanent resident now. She always resisted the idea of staying in a place like Fairview, but she's now very happy to be there and feels most at-home. That is testimony to the fine care she receives and the quality of service she is afforded. My whole family rests easy knowing she's in good hands and we feel fortunate for that. So thank you on Mom's behalf and on ours. You're people are the best.

Fine Care

Joseph Pescatello

Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for the dedicated and committed care your clinical team provided our mom. Although mom was not always easy going or patient, she was content while at Fairview. She maintained her personality and sense of humor throughout her stay. Thank you all for being a part of her last years, you were all special to mom especially Rhett.

Committed Care

Jim Monahan & Jane Monahan Hylan

Please accept my sincere gratitude for the way you treated my dear dad. The kindness & dignity you showed dad was so appreciated by my family. Whether it was Andrea's contagious smile, making dad laugh or Merisha always looking dad in the eye, talking directly to him, comforting him & us at the same time, we are so grateful. Even at the end, I'll always remember Merisha getting dad to blink his understanding and Andrea's careful, gentle touch when she needed to move dad. Again, you all displayed such kindness and helped our family on some of the saddest days of our lives. Thank you again for all you do!

Kindness & Dignity

Susan Dipollina Driscoll

We want to thank you all for giving our dad the most loving care for a peaceful passing. We could not have asked for a more perfect place for our dad's final days. The love and compassion shown by the staff was incredible and has brought us great peace. It was as if you were caring for a member of your own family. May God bless you all for the work you do everyday. We are forever grateful.

Incredible

Kelly Family

Rowena's family want to express our sincere thanks for all the years of care you provided her. You all became her second family. It was comforting to know that she was in safe hands being given loving care each day. We always enjoyed visiting as we would receive a warm welcome and updates on how Rowena was doing. We were comforted that you helped make her last days peaceful as she departed from this world to join her beloved husband, Marc, for eternal life. God Bless you all. Rowena DiMartino's Family Members.

Second Family

Susan Dowling

I had the pleasure of being a patient at Fairview after having multiple hip replacement surgeries. My second hip replacement at Hartford Hospital, I ended up abscessed and septic so they had to remove my hip and put in what is called a spacer that was filled with antibiotics. Unfortunately, I had been to a home in New London first that was top rated on the radio, but not so as a patient! At Fairview I have never in my life been treated so well by everyone I encountered. The nurses, the CNA's, the housekeepers, the Dietary dept (that even checks with you if you didn't eat much. Would you like something else? When in reality, I had eaten only 1.5 hours earlier when my family had brought in food to have with me.) They go out of there way to make sure you are happy with each meal! Right down to maintenance. One day my pull chain to light broke, maintenance tech was in room and I dropped something. I did not even have to ask, as fast as I had dropped it, he had swooped it, picked it up handing it back to me. With a smile on his face, when his job was done, asking me if there was anything else he could do to help me? Saying their PT and OT dept is great is an understatement! They made sure you got medicated before their time with you so you could do your very best. They are top notch. Encouraging you and telling you what you can safely do and what not to do as well. They also have a restaurant inside Fairview where you can go with guests to have coffee and a homemade dessert. Or a homemade meal. Nice to have guests and not be in your room. Like getting out, but without all the inconvenience of leaving. The food was Outstanding. The decor was that of a wonderful restaurant with the option of eating out on the deck overlooking the water. I cannot say enough about this wonderful place that took such great care of me. I am glad I was there when I was young enough to appreciate all of it (60). I would highly recommend them to anyone looking for a nursing home. Know you have made the right choice, your family member is in great hands. I had told my family if they ever put me in a nursing home I would come back and haunt them every day of their lives! I amended it after my stay. I would gladly go to Fairview, if they deemed it necessary!!! No where else! To all that took such great care of me, I Thank You All. You made an impossible situation much better for me.

Gladly Go Back

Norma Courville

To the exceptional staff, I just wanted to give you all my heartfelt thanks for the wonderful care you provided to my mother during her time at Fairview. You all went above and beyond with your care. Your warm, caring hearts and smiles were such a blessing to my mother and I. The level of respect, love, and true caring was amazing. This last journey I shared with my mom was a very difficult one and your warm caring hearts and the attention to the care and comfort of my mother will never be forgotten. I hope you all know how truly wonderful you are and always remember how important you are to your patients and their families. Without you, we would be lost!

Exceptional Staff

Patricia

Thank you for creating an environment in which caregiving is supported in a way that fosters trust & compassion- both in patients and their families. Thank you for getting to know Martha as a person.

Trust

Catherine Foxson

I am sure you probably receive many of these letters, but as the dust settles, I would be remiss if I did not take a few moments to pass on my compliments to all the constituents who help make Fairview so special. I, like most of us, had envisioned my mom spending her final days in the comfort of her own home. As it gradually became evident that that was not going to happen, I started researching our next best option while considering her personal desires as well as her primary care and safety. Through past experiences with friends and relatives in other health care facilities, I became aware of what was available to my mom, but none quite measured up to Fairview. When the discharge staff at Lawrence & Memorial asked me where I would like my mom transferred, it was a no-brainer. My mom spent her next 3 1/2 years at Fairview, and I feel she was fortunate to have had so many skilled and caring staff looking out for her best interests. In her mind, I am sure the situation was not perfect, but in my mind, she was in the very best of of health care facilities. From the day to day custodial care, to the food service, to the bingo(one of my personal favorites!) and other recreational activities, to the social interaction, and the personal touches, I thank you all for your kindness, consideration, and expertise. I look forward to telling everyone I know about the great job you all do. With many thanks, Michael.

It was a ``No-Brainer``

Catherine Foxson

May God bless you all for your kindness and expert care of my mother. For fourteen years our family has depended upon you all for our toughest needs and you've consistently gone above and beyond in selfless response.

Selfless Response

Jeanne & Mary Schneider

To the entire staff at Fairview: Sorry it has taken me so long to acknowledge all of the wonderful care of my mother, Jeanette Driscoll, received at your facility. She is living independently again at Mystic River Homes. She is walking without an assistive device inside her home and when outside she is using a straight cane. Recently, we’ve hired someone to come in for two hours a week to assist her with her laundry, because the facilities are in the next building, which is down a hill, otherwise she is doing all of her activities independently, except for driving and doing remarkably well! Again, thanks to all of the staff for returning her to almost brand new!

Brand New!

Danielle & John McGaffigan and Jeanette Driscoll

Thank you so much for your loving and compassionate care you gave my father over the past 5 years. Your dedication allowed him to fight his battle with Alzheimer's with dignity and in comfort. I can't begin to tell you how much this has meant to my family. I will miss seeing you all. You always welcomed me with smiles and kind words. I will be forever grateful for that kindness. Love to all.

Forever Grateful

Lisa Leandri Trolan

Thanks, love and prayers to all y second floor angels who cared for me during my stay at Fairview! And heartfelt appreciation to all who dropped in to chat and wish me well. Of course I can't leave out my P.T. life savers, not only for their expertise in healing me but for all the laughs we had! I won't forget.

I Won't Forget

Jeanne Schneider

I want to thank the many members of the staff at Fairview for the exceptional care you provided my mother. You may not know this, but several times I discussed moving my mother closer to us in New York and always she said no because of the way Fairview provided her a home for her last few years of her life, with grace and respect.

Grace & Respect

Charles Knirsch, MD, MPH

Dear Dr. McDermott, Simply cannot find the words to say thank you for helping to make my long stay at Fairview (which I now call ``The Hilton on the Thames``) bearable to say the least. From the beginning when you took over my medical care - I felt safe and you gave me the feeling of yes I can do this. I appreciate your follow-up call - perfect. The Bistro is a plus for families & patients - feels so free - friends can come visit and you have a place to take them for coffee, tea or lunch. This is such a nice touch. Warmly, Phyllis Walsh p.s. The staff is wonderful - from laundry, cleaning, cna's & nurses - simply everyone who crosses your path.

The Hilton on the Thames

Phyllis Walsh

I just want to express my sincere thanks for the excellent care you all gave to my mom during her years at Fairview. Your patience, love, understanding and team work made her experiences and final years the best they could be. I appreciate everything you did for her!

Sincere Thanks

Karen Ricci & Family

My mother, Katherine (Kitty) Muller, passed away at Fairview July 19, 2012, after four years there. Fairview was always a place set apart from others. Although aspects of the facility itself are important to families, such as its geographic location on the water, its cleanliness, and the wonderful opportunity the Bistro provides for residents and family alike, among other things, in my opinion, Fairview's most important attribute was its employees. From the people in the kitchen (how can I forget Regina and Cecilia), to the maintenance workers (hey, Dave), to the housekeepers, to the Recreation department, to the aides (Joanne Smith and Maguerita were saints among many!), and of course, the nurses (so many, I'm afraid to start naming them, lest I forget someone; although Helen DeCiantis was very special to my mother), Deb Morgan, who as someone in her position was so approachable, so patient, and so caring, I could go on. Not only was my mother treated like family, so was I. Day to day, there were many caring people that worked at Fairview that didn't treat what they did as ``just a job.`` And in her last hours, in addition to the exceptional care my mother received, the love shown to my mother was heartwarming and extraordinary. I cannot express what that means to me. I will be forever grateful to the many people who cared for my mother. Thank you to all at Fairview.

A Place Set Apart From Others

Pam Niles

My experience as a patient at Fairview--February-March 2013. Few if any of us aspire to be at a nursing home or rehabilitation facility. However I needed one for recovery from a recent hip replacement and before hand visited several in other towns only to discover that Fairview is a ``gem`` of a facility in Groton. Foremost it is one of only about thirty such facilities in the whole country which Medicare has given its hard to get Five-Star rating across all categories--a real affirmation of quality! Importantly I found the nurses, aides and doctors to be truly interested and caring for the patients like me. Though clearly an institution, Fairview seems to strive for a homier atmosphere. Rooms have nice wall coverings of different designs (not just paint), curtains, variations of furnishings on beautiful wooden floors. Hallways are carpeted and spacious with walls peppered with art work ranging from florals, landscapes, old world and tropical scenes, and sailboats as well as a sprinkling of art objects and antiques. High on a hill over looking the Thames River, Gold Star Bridge, U.S. Coast Guard Academy, and Connecticut College most of Fairview's rooms have water views. Some have called it a million dollar view. Fairview has many places where patients can retreat from their rooms. They include lounges, a solarium overlooking the river with sailboats and a variety of power boats including an occasional submarine passing on the river below, a nicely appointed library, an auditorium for gatherings and events, and a quality professionally run white table cloth restaurant, the Bistro. It is open to both patients/residents and the public--the only one of its kind in such a facility. In warm weather the Bistro also offers outdoor dining on its patio. In addition patients/residents can also retreat to outside ground level patios, courtyards, and gardens overlooking the Thames River. The Rehab Gym is nicely equipped with excellent staff. Overlooking the water the gym is reminiscent of being in the exercise room in the bow of a cruise ship. All of us would of course prefer to be home but when extra health care services are needed for you or your loved ones Fairview deserves your serious consideration. Note: Fairview was founded in 1892 as an Odd Fellows home and has evolved into a complex with apartments for the elderly, nursing home and rehabilitation facilities. It is the region's only not for profit elder care facility.From the people in the kitchen (how can I forget Regina and Cecilia), to the maintenance workers (hey, Dave), to the housekeepers, to the Recreation department, to the aides (Joanne Smith and Maguerita were saints among many!), and of course, the nurses (so many, I'm afraid to start naming them, lest I forget someone; although Helen DeCiantis was very special to my mother), Deb Morgan, who as someone in her position was so approachable, so patient, and so caring, I could go on. Not only was my mother treated like family, so was I. Day to day, there were many caring people that worked at Fairview that didn't treat what they did as ``just a job.`` And in her last hours, in addition to the exceptional care my mother received, the love shown to my mother was heartwarming and extraordinary. I cannot express what that means to me. I will be forever grateful to the many people who cared for my mother. Thank you to all at Fairview.

Fairview is a ``Gem``

Tom Althuis

My family and I wish to thank all the staff for the exceptional care given to our mother these last 5 years. Not only the care-giving staff, but every department contributed to giving mom the best quality of life possible. Each member treated mom with dignity, compassion, and so many acts of kindness that went beyond their job requirements. We could not have asked for a better “home” for mom’s final years.

The Best Quality of Life Possible

The family of Emily Nawrocki

It’s been over a week since my mother (Rita Manke) has passed away. On behalf of my family and myself, I would like to commend your staff for the care given to her, especially the last week of her life. They showed such care and compassion for my mother as well as for the entire family.

Care and Compassion

Karen Chapman

Our mother, Jean Scales Mencer, has been a resident of Fairview since December of 2010. We, the Mencer family, would like to say again how the excellent efforts of all of the staff at Fairview have come together to give Jean the best quality of care possible and how much we appreciate the staff. The nursing staff and physical therapy group are very diligent in making sure Jean’s needs are addressed. The attention to detail given to Jean especially with respect to the injuries she has suffered is truly “best practice!”. We would also like to highlight the wonderful work being done by Fairview’s recreation department. Every effort is made to engage residents at many levels. Not only do we hear music during the day, but Jean benefits from the morning “coffee hour” and the art sessions going on in the evenings. We ask that you do all you can to keep or increase the support of the recreation department as it makes a tremendous difference in the residents’ lives and sets Fairview apart from other care facilities. You should know that regardless of what other care facilities try to get printed in the newspaper, Fairview’s reputation for excellence is well-known and acknowledged all over southeastern Connecticut.

Diligent and Attentive

William Mencer

Today, my beloved wife Luisa Martinez (Star) passed away after a very long journey with Parkinson’s disease. You and the rest of the team provided a level of care for Star that was extraordinary. You always treated her with the utmost respect for her dignity and with such personal attention; we are sure this made her feel safe and secure. It was apparent that you treated her the way you would want your loved ones to be cared for, and my daughters and I will be eternally grateful. Thank you for the role you played in helping to ensure that her passing was peaceful.
We would also like to highlight the wonderful work being done by Fairview’s recreation department. Every effort is made to engage residents at many levels. Not only do we hear music during the day, but Jean benefits from the morning “coffee hour” and the art sessions going on in the evenings. We ask that you do all you can to keep or increase the support of the recreation department as it makes a tremendous difference in the residents’ lives and sets Fairview apart from other care facilities.

You should know that regardless of what other care facilities try to get printed in the newspaper, Fairview’s reputation for excellence is well-known and acknowledged all over southeastern Connecticut.

An Extraordinary Level of Care

Paul Martinez

I have been a resident for 3 weeks now. I came here from the hospital after a stay at another nursing home where I made little progress and was very discouraged. In my 3 weeks at Fairview I have made more progress in rehab than I achieved anywhere else. The rehab team always treated me with dignity and is extremely knowledgeable and thorough. I never felt like I am imposing and am amazed at how well everyone works together. I am grateful to the whole rehab department for their help and consideration. I feel so fortunate to be in their care.

Thank you and God bless you all.We would also like to highlight the wonderful work being done by Fairview’s recreation department. Every effort is made to engage residents at many levels. Not only do we hear music during the day, but Jean benefits from the morning “coffee hour” and the art sessions going on in the evenings. We ask that you do all you can to keep or increase the support of the recreation department as it makes a tremendous difference in the residents’ lives and sets Fairview apart from other care facilities.

You should know that regardless of what other care facilities try to get printed in the newspaper, Fairview’s reputation for excellence is well-known and acknowledged all over southeastern Connecticut.

Knowledgeable and Thorough

Eddy Trudelle

The care from the nurses and aides was fantastic. My physical therapy went so well that I was able to return home after two weeks. I have made such great progress that the people where I live are amazed. Thank you for having such a good establishment and services.
Thank you and God bless you all.We would also like to highlight the wonderful work being done by Fairview’s recreation department. Every effort is made to engage residents at many levels. Not only do we hear music during the day, but Jean benefits from the morning “coffee hour” and the art sessions going on in the evenings. We ask that you do all you can to keep or increase the support of the recreation department as it makes a tremendous difference in the residents’ lives and sets Fairview apart from other care facilities.

You should know that regardless of what other care facilities try to get printed in the newspaper, Fairview’s reputation for excellence is well-known and acknowledged all over southeastern Connecticut.

Fantastic Care

Mrs. Beverley Richardson

The physical therapy team went above and beyond my expectations. Their knowledge and training helped me immensely in my rehabilitation. They answered all my questions and gave me tips and helpful suggestions on how to handle certain situations once I got home. Their humor and hard work helped my stay to be so much better than expected.

Above and Beyond

Michael Ahrens

The therapy staff was terrific. Their professional manner and constant encouragement enabled me to return home sooner than I had thought possible.

A Speedy Recovery

Mrs. Jean Dupont