Hello. I am Mary Jane B., and my mother, Doreen C., was a resident of your home until recently. I wanted to write to everyone there and express the deep gratitude that myself and my family have for all of you, for the care and attention you all extended to my Mom while she lived there.

It was nearly eight years ago, when my sister Sue P. took on the task of finding a suitable living arrangement for our elderly, widowed Mom. How blessed we were to find the Country Manor. There was so little available in the way of housing that fit the criteria that we had. I remember how excited Sue was when she found your Manor just a 25 minute drive away and within a very reasonable budget. She was even more excited after touring the Manor to find the home spacious but cozy, very clean well appointed rooms, and the beautiful setting of your facility. She sent me photos of her tour, and I appreciated this, as I live in northern British Columbia. I could hardly believe the quality of a placement in the Country Manor, with what it offered from well balanced variety meals, medical staff, PSWs, activities, laundry care, Chapel, and all the other amenities. Sue and I often joked that WE wanted to move in and live there!

While we were told what to expect in terms of service, we soon marvelled at the one quality that Country Manor has that just cannot be bought and that is the friendliness, care, compassion and understanding of the staff and management on all levels. This was especially apparent during Covid, when so many people in assisted living were at great risk. Country Manor went above and beyond to protect Mom and all the other residents, with little or no support from the government or other outside agencies. I remember seeing photos of the staff in home sewn gowns that they made them selves as part of their personal protection equipment.

There have been dozens of daily little ways that Country Manor went out of their way to make life easier for Mom, whether it was dealing with medical issues or helping Mom change her voice mail message on her answering machine, or even making a point to regularly encourage her to join in activities, when she was feeling like she wanted to isolate herself. Being so far away, I also appreciated The Country Manor posting photos and videos on Facebook, of events put on to entertain the residents, or celebrate something special like the celebration of birthdays and holidays. As well, you all kept us informed of important developments at the home through Facebook, texts, personal phone calls, or letters. While I knew you were all super busy, I knew that if I needed to contact any of you, I would soon be given a return call. Your help and compassion during Mom’s last days will not be forgotten.

We are at the age where many of our peers are looking for high quality affordable caring placement for their parents, and we wanted you to know that The Country Manor is the exception out there, and a real jewel of a find. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for these last eight years of caring service for our Mom, Doreen.

Sincerely, Mary Jane B. and the rest of Doreen C.’s children.