Residents and Families Discuss Communication During COVID-19

Hear from the Family

During a time of uncertainty, The Heritage at Sagewood in Grand Island is instilling confidence and trust in residents and their families. “The leadership team is keeping us in the know and not hiding anything, which is huge,” said Shelley White, whose mother lives at Sagewood.

The senior living community, which offers assisted living and memory care, is part of a 14-community group with headquarters in Omaha. “The fact that Heritage is locally owned, and not operated by an investment group is so important to me,” said Shelley. “The leadership truly cares about the residents, their families, and the staff.”

Shelley’s mother is a Heritage pioneer of sorts. She was one of the first residents at The Heritage at Sterling Ridge, in Omaha. When the Sagewood site opened, she was among the first there. “We moved her to be closer to us. Our experience in Omaha had been so incredible that the decision to move here was an easy one for us to make,” Shelley said.

Hear from the Residents

Resident Marilyn Green remembers her impression when she first walked in the doors at Sagewood. “I felt like I was entering a really nice hotel. It’s pretty, and the atmosphere is just something else,” she said. Marilyn and her husband moved to Heritage at Sagewood two years ago and have been very happy with their decision ever since. “I feel like we made an excellent choice. Even now, it’s a scary time, but I feel protected.”

“We’re happy here. They are working so hard on the virus situation. We’re remaining within our apartments, but they provide hallway activities, bring us treats, and pay attention to us,” said Marilyn. “They go out of their way to take care of us. This is a scary time; there’s no getting around that. But the way they’re taking care of us, I feel like there’s nothing in this building to be scared of. I feel safe.”

Peggy Beers lives in Colorado yet feels confident about the care that her mother in memory care at Sagewood receives. “The staff goes above and beyond every day. They’re cheerful and happy and check in with her often. They’re helping her exercise in her room, and they provide her with companionship. They offer lots and lots of activities,” Peggy said. “Sagewood is definitely the best place for my mom.”

Residents and their family members unanimously endorse the community’s dining program. “Meals are so important; they’re the highlight of many of the residents’ days,” said Shelley. “They’re very accommodating and offer a nice choice of items that they know my mom likes.”

“I’m just in awe of the dining program here. It’s so well done,” said Marilyn. “They work hard to make sure everything is right. They’re delivering meals to our apartments right now, and then they come and pick up the containers afterward.”

She has similarly rave reviews of the rest of the staff. “They’re caring. They really get to know the residents,” Marilyn said.

Communication During Covid

Important to Shelley is the management’s transparency. “They share what’s going on. You never feel like they’re trying to hide anything. I just have confidence in them. They’re doing a wonderful job.”

“The communication is great,” said Marilyn. “It just confirms that our trust is well placed with the management at Sagewood. They also keep my family informed. Knowing what’s happening is important. It makes them feel better and puts them at ease. “

“Pam Taylor, the executive director, is awesome with communication. Before you can even think of a question, she emails us with information. She’s done a great job. She’s compassionate and caring but straight forward,” said Peggy. “I have confidence in them and know they’re doing a wonderful job.”

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