Testimonials

Ms. Carolyn Caswell
Country Gardens Assisted Living
12752 Scaggsville Road
Highland, MD 20777-9733

Dear Ms. Caswell:

We wish to state in writing our admiration for the level of performance of the entire staff at Country Gardens Assisted Living. As you know, my mother-in-law, Dorothy has been a resident there for over two years. Our weekly visits - primarily unannounced - have without exception revealed a loving and professional facility. In fact, it's more like a home environment, with a warm and caring attitude evident in every part of the operation. My husband and I wish to commend you particularly on the safe, resident-centered atmosphere; we are continually impressed with the extremely competent, compassionate treatment of all residents - just like everyone would hope for in a family situation.

We are so pleased that Dorothy is living in such a safe, caring home. Please express our thanks to all the staff.

Sincerely,
Denise C. H.

Mr. Charlie Fiore - Housing Coordinator
Senior Assisted Housing Program
Howard County Office on Aging
6751 Columbia, Maryland 21044

Dear Mr. Fiore:

I'm writing to you on behalf of my 87-year-old mother, Marjorie. I've called the office numerous times over the years to get help and advice on her situation, and when it became time to find an assisted living situation for her I got a long list of facilities from Helena Hunt. It made the process of finding a home much easier, and we finally chose one on the list called Country Gardens - and that is why I'm writing you now.

My mother has been at Country Gardens a little more than two weeks, and if my sister and I could have picked a dream situation for our mother, this would be it. The house is large, open and spacious, with plenty of light and air. It's equipped with chair lifts to the upper and lower levels and is set on nine acres of farmland -- very quiet and peaceful.

Most of all though, it's the properietor, Carolyn Caswell, who makes the place such a delight. Her capacity for lavishing care, concern and compassion on her residents is really remarkable -- we are immensely grateful for that especially, because Marjorie came to Country Gardens from a local nursing home/rehab facilty where the treatment of patients was notably shabby. Ms. Caswell combines an alert caregiver intelligence with an obvious affection for her residents and a well-deserved pride in her operation, and it shows in every aspect of life at Country Gardens. It's hard to overstate our gratitude at the level of care Marjorie is receiving there.

We're also impressed with the meals -- very well balanced, plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, and beautifully presented, as if each meal should seem as special as possible. It's those kinds of touches that brighten day-to-day life, and I don't have to tell you that older people in the midst of major life transitions need all the brightening they can get!

In fact, our whole family -- me, my sister and our mother is going through a major life transition; selling the family home, disposing of many household treasures that have been in our lives for years, watching a lot that we have counted on changing before our eyes. It is a beautiful gift to be able to sit with our mother on Ms. Caswell's patio, looking out at pasture, trees and flowers, seeing our mother getting the best food she's had in years, and knowing that she's getting all the care, thoughtfulness, and concern that we could possibly wish.

I don't know if you ever visit these kinds of facilities, but I'd strongly suggest a visit to Country Gardens. You need to see how pretty the place is, and meet Carolyn Caswell. Based on what my family has seen in the group assisted-living category (and I'm not intending to slight others), Country Gardens is a real oasis. We think it belongs right at the top of your discharge referral list, and I think after a visit, you would agree.

If you have any questions, you can reach me at any of the above phone numbers.

Sincerely,
Douglas L. R.