Letter to the Editor: Three and a half years ago, our mom entered Barton’s Skilled Nursing Facility, fondly also referred to as The SNF. Six months later, Dad joined her. Dad passed one year later, so for the past two years, Mom thrived as best as her mind and body would allow until joining Dad in Heaven last week. Our parents were loving, vivacious, kind people who truly loved each other, and they loved to dance.
We had put Mom and Dad on the wait list at Barton’s SNF years prior, and we are so grateful we did. Dementia and Parkinson’s heartbreakingly do not improve, and it became more and more difficult to care for them at home. Mom and Dad were able to live as their authentic selves while in the care of Barton’s SNF because of the staff. The love, gentleness, encouragement, engagement, sincerity, respect, and even the dance sessions were beyond exceptional.
The amazing garden became a peaceful and beautiful place for us to visit with Mom and Dad, share quiet and lively moments, and simply be together. The lovely patio offered fresh air, connection, activities, barbecues, music, and moments of joy for residents and their families. The ongoing social and recreational activities were truly special as well. From nail spa days to chair Zumba, trivia, balloon bounce, singing, games, church, music, birthday celebrations, and so much more, the activities crew continually created opportunities for joy, laughter, movement, and connection. These thoughtful activities helped keep spirits lifted and hearts engaged.
The kitchen crew is to be commended as well. Meals were customized, thoughtfully prepared, and always tasty for the residents, as was all that the cafeteria offered staff and visitors. The SNF community even has white-tablecloth meals where residents and family members are welcome for holidays.
There are three of us sisters, and we could not have felt more at peace knowing our parents were safe, cared for, and loved. We are now more than friends with the entire staff, including the RNs, CNAs, OT, PT, administration, activities crew, housekeeping, kitchen team, doctors, volunteers, fellow residents, and their families. We could not single out just one individual because they are truly an extraordinary, unified Care Crew.
The staff has been primarily unchanged since our beginning and beyond. The nurses, with their grace and kindness, listened to us, responded to us, and welcomed us at any time, day or night. This grace and kindness always overflowed to our parents. Mom and Dad were “safe and loved” – our family’s motto – the entire time.
Barton’s SNF is a true gem at the lake. Our praise could never be enough. Our sentiment is profoundly shared by so many who are familiar with and know the exceptional reputation of the Barton Skilled Nursing Facility family.
Thank you, Care Crew. We will love you always, as did Mom and Dad. Our South Tahoe family of friends is even grander with you in it. You are in our hearts forever.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Martine Milton, Rene Brejc, and Stephannie Merrifield