Testimonials
Gary V. - Son of Resident
One of the hardest things to do is to remove a parent from the home they have lived in for many years. When it is necessary to do so, there are several things that seem to stand out in looking for a new home for them. First and foremost, would be to assure that the staff at the home is friendly and you feel a level of trust with them. We wanted our mother to be somewhere that people would treat her with respect and make her feel comfortable, especially because her dementia had made her afraid. When we talked with Jason, we had that comfort level. He seemed genuinely kind and concerned and said he took great care in hiring his staff. This was our most important item on our list. Another important part of choosing Heartwood Homes was the fact that she could have a private room with some of her own furniture, and yet have a safe place with a specially equipped bathroom. Also it is a smaller facility than some and the design is simple, so we knew if she needed help they would be close by and hear her. Heartwood Homes is beautiful, yet it has a homey feeling and eating area (like being in a home and not an institution). The private rooms have enough area that we as a family could come visit her in her room, watching her TV and sitting on her recliner. However, when we were not there, we were happy that she was encouraged to sit in the central area with other residents and did not hide away in her room. We were encouraged to visit as much as we wanted. There were very few days that one of the family members didn’t stop in to see her. We got to know the staff and also other residents and their families. We were there at all times of the day and evening, and never felt that we were coming at a “bad time” and we never experienced the feeling that anyone was not receiving excellent care. Gary’s sister lived out of town and called daily to talk to her or the manager in charge. They answered her questions and were able to give her a personal update on her condition. Heartwood Homes is a special place for those who are suffering from dementia. We felt from the first day that we made the right choice.
Virginia S. - Wife of Resident
My family and I appreciate all the loving care Don received while he was at Heartwood. The girls were real angels. They took good care to see he was always clean and dressed nicely. The staff were always pleasant to him and would visit with him. We could not have found a better place for him. We looked at homes over one year, but Heartwood Homes was the place we liked best. It was the place that felt closest to home. The meals were always good and Don liked to eat as long (as they didn’t give him broccoli or cottage cheese). I really liked the idea that I had a key and could come in to see Don any time (it was pretty lonesome without him). I was always welcome to come and eat with him which he liked, especially on Sunday after church. We were always informed about his health. He had his special angels and they took excellent care of him. I would highly recommend Heartwood Homes for your loved one.
Debbie - Daughter of Resident
I have been staying with my mom at Heartwood Homes off and on for several days and nights this past month. I live in the Milwaukee area and prefer to stay longer periods, as her condition has been critical. Since I’ve lived in Heartwood Homes around the clock, I have really gotten to see all aspects of her home and its operation. I’m so pleased and impressed with the facility, and more importantly, the staff. From early in the morning through the third shift – all of the employees take care of their duties expediently, while having, or taking plenty of time to interact with residents with cares, kindness, empathy, and affection. Their patience is commendable. Many thanks go to my sister Sue who does all of the Guardian work on my mother’s behalf and once again made a great decision in Mom’s move to Heartwood Homes last fall.
Harland - Husband of Resident
My wife, MarJean has been at Heartwood Homes on N. Mason St. in Appleton almost two years. Our children helped me to select this location for MarJean after checking with some other homes with which we were also familiar with. One of the factors that helped us make this selection was the promise of Jason Schmitz that MarJean could live at Heartwood Homes no matter how much her Alzheimer’s affected her. The ratio of staff to residents (one to four and one to five) was another determining factor. The staff is friendly, considerate, and attentive to the residents. Often one of the staff takes the time to visit/talk with any one of the residents. If a resident is needy of toileting, either by comment to them or if a staff member notices, usually prompt and proper attention is given. It appears a regular schedule of cleaning (floors, bathrooms, etc.) is followed. The food always appears and smells appetizing. With the experience we have had with Heartwood Homes our family appreciates that MarJean lives there.
Linda - Daughter of Resident
My mother was one of the first residents when Heartwood Homes opened on Mason Street. The facility was built with the resident in mind. It was important to me that my mother would have her own private bathroom and a bedroom large enough so that she could feel more at home. The facility was great. It was always clean and well maintained. What was even more important were the staff. The staff were kind, caring, and took excellent care of my mother. My mom could be difficult at times and their patience with her was outstanding. I always felt welcome and well communicated with. You know you have an outstanding facility at the time you need it the most. When my mom was dying, they were right by my side helping me with each step in the process. I couldn’t be more grateful. I would highly recommend Heartwood Homes, Jason, and his staff. They were awesome!
Vicki - Daughter of Resident
I took care of my mother until she required more care than I was able to give her. Heartwood Homes was recommended to me by a healthcare worker that came to my house once a week. Finding Heartwood Homes was a godsend. They were more interested in providing excellent healthcare than how much money my mother had or didn’t have. The facility was clean, well maintained. The care my mother received was outstanding! They treated her, my husband, and I like family. When my mother became gravely ill, she was taken to the hospital. The staff called to check and see how she was doing frequently. In fact four of the caregiver’s and the two owners visited her in the hospital before she passed away. I would not hesitate to recommend Heartwood Homes to anyone.
Karen - Daughter of Resident
From the very first day I met with Jason, I was 100% sure of placing my mother’s care in his hands. The concern and caring was evident from the way Jason spoke about my mother as a human being that deserves understanding, patience, caring, and above all, respect for her dignity. This was also apparent in her caring staff. My mother could not be in better hands with the staff at Heartwood Homes. My mother is with her extended family.
Carol - Daughter of Resident
It is said, “when a door closes, a window opens.” That is exactly how we feel about having our sister Dorothy living at Heartwood Homes. Heartwood Homes has a clean, well kept atmosphere where our sister thrives. The happiness that shows on Dorothy’s face when she proudly displays her room, a new manicure or pedicure shows that the staff take time to make her feel special. I feel the staff at Heartwood Homes has been selected with the residents in mind. It takes a special person to give love and true concern for our loved ones and the staff certainly does that. It also says a lot about the management of Heartwood Homes to take the time to find staff members who make a career in caring for others with special needs. I have seen the ultimate in true caring compassion, love and concern for our sister Dorothy at Heartwood Homes by their wonderful staff.
Darlene - Daughter of resident
Heartwood Homes has been such a blessing for me and my whole family. They, the staff, have gone out of their way in taking care of my mother, Myrna. They give the best treatment. The staff goes above and beyond their duty. They do everything they can so my mother keeps her dignity. With a person with Alzheimer’s, that is so important. I come to the home at all different times because of my schedule and have never been unpleasantly surprised. I would recommend this facility to anyone. Her doctor has said, “Tell them to keep doing what they’re doing because it works.”
Holly - Granddaughter of Resident and EMT
I have been a Paramedic with a local ambulance service for many years. As a medic, I have been called to many local nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and CBRF’s. There are very few that are able to “match and maintain” the high standard of care and compassion that Heartwood Homes makes look so easy. Not only is the house home like, the meals are nutritious and varied. The staff members treat the residents like family…. Their family! I was so impressed with Heartwood Homes, I became a Caregiver and am now a part of the Heartwood Family too.
- Holly Adamovich, Granddaughter of resident, EMT-Paramedic, Heartwood Homes Caregiver
Frank Xavior VanLieshout, MD - Brother of resident
For over 27 years, I have served as a Medical Director of a very large skilled nursing home. During that time, I have literally visited hundreds of nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and community based residential facilities (CBRF's) and found few that meet the standards of Heartwood Homes Senior Living. The professionalism and accommodations of the staff are above and beyond those of other health care systems. As for the cleanliness of the facility, I have yet to see a facility kept as clean and neat as Heartwood Homes. As a retired doctor, I feel my standards are set high. As a professional, people often look to me for honest advice. With these things in mind, I can truly say I would recommend Heartwood Homes Senior Living as my first choice to any of my friends or family members who are seeking a facility for loved ones.