Testimonials
Read about...
End of Life Care
Jean
Ada: General Care
Larry: Son who noticed parents quality of life improved with "boutique" care.
Gus: Poem about his Youthful Aging care
John: Parents did not know where to turn.
Ron: Happy with care.
Nicci: Youthful Aging comforted a family
Larry: Son appreciative of the "Boutique" practice results
Cheryl: Daughter appreciative of care
Susan: Daughter appreciative of care
Carol: Rabbi appreciative of care during end-of-life
Donald: Son appreciative of care
February 22, 2010
Nicci:
Thank you for your thoughtful message. We will all miss “Uncle Gerry.” However, his passing was on his own terms and for that I will be forever grateful to you and the entire staff at Youthful Aging. It is just about a year since we had our first conversations and it was only a result of your efforts that he could live his last days independently.
I expect to be in Sarasota in the next few weeks and I hope you will be there then so I can say thanks in person.
All the best …….. Peter
Dear Nicci,
On March 31, 2009, my mother, an Alzheimer’s patient recovering from a stroke, made a difficult transition from the Anchin Pavilion to at-home arranged assisted living. This attempt to allow my mother to remain living in her own home required a considerable amount of planning. The staff of Anchin recommended Youthful Aging for our at-home health care and, from the very beginning, I have been very pleased with the services provided. Nicci, from our initial introductory conversation, you were reassuring that your firm would be able to meet the needs of my family and you have totally succeeded in that promise. You meet all my expectations in terms of quality of care provided, quality and continuity of health care workers, and availability of your office personnel when last minute needs arose.
Nicci, you accommodated my request that I personally meet and approve of each health care worker who would be taking care of my mother. I was able to spend time orienting each woman to my mother, her home and her particular family situation. We began by your assigning three women to work day shifts and two to work evening shifts. This met my request to limit the number of different individuals who would work with my mother, so my mother could develop continuing relationships with her care givers. Later on we were able to rely on just three women to provide my mother’s weekly care: Yvrose St. Louis, Marie Nchotuniba and Monique Nchotuniba. Each of their responsibilities included showering and dressing my Mom and undressing her and getting her to bed at night; medication supervision; cleaning the house; changing the bed linens; food shopping; cooking and serving meals; driving and accompanying her to appointments as needed. I give my highest recommendations to the care givers who attended to my mother and her husband during the two months of service.
Yvrose St. louis is the most compassionate, attentive, hard working and responsible care giver with whom I have ever had the pleasure of working. There are not enough superlatives to describe Yvrose’s dedication to my mother. After a few weeks of 24 hour care involving daily 12-hour shifts, my brother and I requested that the arrangement be modified to a 14 hour, 8am-10pm daily schedule. Yvrose rearranged her personal commitments to attend to my mother for 14 hours a day, Monday through Friday. My mother adored Yvrose and this relationship proved crucial in my mother’s acceptance of assisted living at home. Her presence was so reassuring to me that I was able to leave Florida and return to my own life out-of-state with confidence that my mother’s welfare was secure. Yvrose is a wonderful ambassador for Youthful Aging’s high standards of excellence.
Marie and Monique Nchotuniba are two sisters who became integral parts of my mother’s care plan. Marie began her first day by arriving at 8am and being pulled into a crisis. My mother had fallen badly in her bathroom and I was getting ready to transport her to the hospital emergency room for treatment. Marie’s manner was caring and reassuring to my mother from the first moment she entered our home. She stayed by my mother’s side in the hospital, was kind and compassionate throughout our ordeal. Over the next few months, Marie worked nights and weekends caring for my mother and her husband. Marie also agreed to accommodate our request for 14 hour day shifts. I had complete trust in Marie’s ability to take care of my mother responsibly in my absence. Monique initially came to us to cover night shifts. However, we were fortunate to have her transition to some weekend day shifts when we eliminated the night hours. Monique was empathetic, hardworking, reliable and extremely capable in her role of caregiver. The last weekend of Youthful Aging’s employment in our home, Monique handled an emergency with total control and complete dedication to my mother’s well-being. Monique had worked a 14 hour day shift on Saturday and then returned on Sunday for another scheduled 14 hour day shift. My mother complained of chest pains when Monique arrived on Sunday and while my mother’s husband did not know what to do, Monique called 911 immediately for an ambulance to take my mother to the emergency room. She telephoned me and discussed the situation and reassured me that she would not leave my mother alone. Monique stayed by mother’s side through the entire ordeal and kept me informed about what was happening. Arrangements were made for my brother to arrive in Florida the next day, but I did not want my mother to spend a night alone and afraid by herself in the hospital and Monique immediately offered to remain through the night. Monique stayed with Mom until Yvrose relieved her the next day. My brother and I were extremely pleased with the way Monique and Yvrose watched out for our mother in our absence.
We would recommend all three of these women for future employment.
This hospital visit ended the living-at-home experience for my mother and she has returned to Anchin to recuperate before she moved back to Massachusetts to live near me. My brother joins me in thanking you and your staff, including Elaine and Barbara, for your attentive responses to all our needs.
Sincerely,
Jean
Dear Nicci and Laani,
My brothers and I want to thank both of you, and YA in general, for another terrific year working with, caring for, loving and looking after Ada. You know just how much we rely on you and just how missing in action we can be. It remains a great comfort to us to know that you are on the scene, and that no matter what comes up, we can turn to you to help us out.
It is hard to believe that Ada continues to thrive after she plummeted so deeply. She can be vexing, but for the most part, she is nothing short of an inspiration.
Have a good holiday season.
Ted, for Steve, Marty, and Paul (also Joan, Eileen, and Ann)
Again, many thanks for your advice and flexibility working with us. It affirms once again that we made the right decision in switching to your agency two years ago! Many claim to be a "boutique" agency, but few are capable or willing to actually customize services to a clients needs.
All the best,
Larry
Agency
Youthful Aging
They call themselves “the agency.”
They specialize in “youthful aging”
I find their presence most engaging
And I will tell you how and why.
The folk they send to care for me
Are folk who truly truly care.
They are concerned with how I fare
They treat me like I’m family.
Each day I feel I younger am
And pretty soon I’ll be a child
Because my treatment is so mild
Although I am an aging man.
My age right now is ninety-seven
But thanks to all the care I’m getting
I’m ready now to say I’m betting
My life on Earth will be a heaven!
When my elderly parents found themselves with severe
health problems while wintering in Florida, I was at a
loss. How could I provide them with the help they needed
and still have some sort of life of my own?
My dad was in a wheel chair in able to drive. My mom was
taking chemo therapy treatments for ovarian cancer unable
to care of herself and my dad.
When I called Nicci Kobritz at Youthful Aging, I immediately
felt that someone understood. Better yet, they knew what
to do. Nicci and her Director of Nursing visited my parents,
assessed what they needed, and found a wonderful caretaker.
She was there to assist my dad with grooming and physical
therapy, drive my mom to chemo appointments, do the grocery
shopping and keep the apartment clean.
But, Youthful Aging felt that wasn’t enough. Nicci
found out that my parents loved the water. A highlight
of their week was when the caretaker took them through
a drive-thru at their favorite fast food restaurant and
then drove to Venice Jetty for a picnic in the car with
an ocean view.
Our caretaker was with us to the end when my mom finally
went to the hospice house. She was part of our extended
family. I still remember the laughter and happy times
we all shared as we got through a bad situation. I couldn’t
have done it without my Youthful Aging support team!!
John
As I indicated by voice mail on Friday,
I am very pleased with the prompt service I have received
from Youthful Aging.
I first called them around 2:30 PM on Friday to set up home
care for my mother. I expected to have to wait until Monday
before anyone could come. They arranged for someone to come
to my mother’s home Saturday morning and Sunday morning,
as well as each day next week. Given the short notice, I’m
very impressed!
I think it was Sue that first took my call. Later on Friday,
Kelly called me back to tell me that they would have someone
come Saturday, Sunday and each day next week.
Sandy Elliott is the caregiver that came Saturday and Sunday.
My mom likes Sandy very much. Jean Abel is the person coming
Monday. I expect she’s as nice as Sandy.
Please tell the appropriate people at Youthful Aging that
I am very pleased with the attention we’ve received.
Also, they may like to know that Youthful Aging was recommended
by the person that sold my mom her home health care policy.
Ron
Nicci we mentioned you in my Moms service………..you
touched my mom, Dad, and family! You are a special person.
You have a very difficult job and you practice your craft
with grace and with tremendous expertise. Thank you!
I’m thanking you for the privilege of caring for
Naomi over the past few months. She was truly a special
person, mother and wife. She will be missed forever.
I understand (although one never really
does) the anguish you went thru in wanting to do the very
best for her. I only pray that in time, you will each find
your peace. I intimately understand the inadequacies of
the medical system, and each of us can refer to an episode
and ask…”what if”. However, as children
thinking about our parents…regardless of the circumstances,
whatever we have done, whatever we continue to do, it’s
never enough. It won’t change the fact that we cannot
keep them alive, not forever. Our efforts only emphasize
the truth that we and they must “live” every
day that we have.
My thoughts and prayers as you grieve
your tremendous loss.
Nicci
Nicci,
Just wanted you to know that the trip to
Pittsfield went well, and within half an hour of arrival,
Mom, Dad and Dina were all hanging out at the annual “summer
welcome” neighborhood cocktail party greeting old
friends and neighbors. Everyone is very happy, especially
my father who, frankly, thought he’d never see this
day. Thanks for all you’ve done to make this possible,
Nicci.
All the best,
Larry
Nicci,
I am Maxine Christie’s daughter and
am writing to let you know how pleased both my brother David,
and I, are with the care being provided for Mom.
In May of this year, we were faced with
the dilemma of Mom being unable to take care of herself
due to a sudden onset of illnesses…with my brother
and I both halfway across the country, it was very difficult
to decide how to give Mom the care that she deserved and
yet provide us with the ability to maintain our responsibilities
at our home. It seemed as though things were supposed to
happen as they did, because we ended up with the number
for Youthful Aging…and as it turned out, another of
your agencies had provided care for my father a couple of
years prior to this.
Through a series of phone calls and interviews
with Eileen and Sue, we were fortunate enough to obtain
the services of Penny Williams. I can’t say enough
about Penny…her caring, her sense of responsibility,
her willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty,
and her bond with Mom makes her a unique individual. Penny
is so terrific, and so caring…she has given us all
the true gift of peace of mind, knowing that Mom is being
very well cared for in a tough situation where we can’t
be there every day to look over her. Her attitude and professionalism
has far exceeded all of our expectations of a caregiver,
and we consider ourselves fortunate to have her with Mom.
We have told Penny over and over again
how fortunate we feel that she is there…but I wanted
to let you know also what a wonderful person she is, and
what a terrific job she does.
Thank you,
Cheryl
Dear Nicci,
A quick note to thank you kindly for the
sincere hard work with my mother’s case in Sarasota
over the holiday. Your genuine interest and Ina’s
attention and compassion helped us to make it through an
uncomfortable situation. I know you went over and above
the call of duty to assist us and accomplish satisfying
our needs on Thanksgiving.
What a pleasure to know others work is
so dependable and professional. From the equipment to the
staff we were greatly served and I thank you. My mother
was pleased with Ina, and her desire to assist us was enormous.
She gave us her best effort and we thank her too.
Wishing you a Happy Holiday Season. I hope
to meet you on my next trip down to Sarasota. Should you
visit the Tampa, St. Pete area, please don’t hesitate
to call me. Nicci-again thank you from all of us!
Sincerely,
Susan
Dear Ms. Kobritz:
As you know, our beloved Rabbi, unfortunately,
died March 26 in the presence of his children. I cannot
thank you adequately in this letter for ensuring that Rabbi
had the care to be able to remain at home as he desired.
We extend thanks to you, your staff, and most-particularly
the assigned daytime homecare aide, Lucy Koro. I truly believe
that without Lucy, Rabbi would not have received 3 months
of such dedicated, quality and loving care.
When I partnered with Rabbi in late October
of 2004, I could not have envisioned the security and quality
of one committed caregiver for the entire last 90 days of
his life. Fortunately, the Jewish Family & Children’s
Service recommended Youthful Aging and gave us that gift:
Ms. Lucy Koro.
Lucy approached each and every day with
a joyful presence and a total view of not only what her
client needed that day, but also what he might need and
what would make his quality of life better. Lucy is unique
in so many ways. She brings an “olde-world”
charm (a family feel) to her daily professional duties.
To me, this offers a special level of comfort for all around
her and should especially give peace to those concerned
from a distance.
Lucy’s experience and personal attributes
(personality, values, honesty, and work ethic) offer a professional
above all. She adds a skill of astute observations and willingness
to look outside the box – both anticipating and concisely
communicating critical concerns – giving the client,
overseers and family, and added opportunity to feel confident
about the client’s care, safety, and overall well-being.
Lucy is an excellent “team player.”
For Rabbi, she often had to balance his personal needs and
desires with those of so many other parties, such as your
company management, Hospice care manager, nurse/doctors,
and in this case, me – a client’s “overseer
locally” (in my case – with a very strong presence
and voice). Also, in the Rabbi’s case: there were
very interested and involved out-of-town family members
and a lot of close friends.
Lucy deserves accolades and applauds. She
dealt exceedingly well with so many varied personalities
and perspectives – ALL whom themselves are dealing
with severe stress and differing interests. She really was
a class act!
We were so fortunate that Lucy was committed
to Rabbi from day #1 – He was “her Rabbi”
and #1 in her own life commitments for the whole 90 days!
I know it was her pleasure: she worked longer and practically
7 days a week for her honored client.
Lucy thought of ways to keep busy when
he was not very ill at first and actually far from ready
to have home care. Later, she tactfully and quietly found
ways to please him and ways to make him more comfortable
– both with her presence and when she sensed a need
for her increasing very intimate assistance in light of
his growing incapacity. She succeeded in gaining his confidences
and trust (without her or his ever discussing it).
I was there regularly and I both observed
and overheard. When I was not present, Lucy would keep me
apprised through phone calls and messages on my answer machine.
We were both readily accessible to each other for the Rabbi.
I will never forget many critical times that showed-up the
true caliber of this very special woman and out partner
in care:
- The day the Rabbi was picked up at 11:45AM
and taken to one of his weekly study groups at his Temple
(a commitment he was unwilling to miss no matter his condition.)
I found Lucy’s message when I returned home at approximately
1:15PM: “Rabbi is so weak, he can barely walk…uneasy
on his feet, I’m worried for his safety and health.”
I trusted her instinct and the alert – I called his
doctor’s office and drove immediately to the Temple
where I observed Rabbi and took his to the Hospital Emergency
Room as instructed by the nurse. (Rabbi needed medical support
and remained overnight for care.)
- Rabbi had outpatient surgery to have a “port”
installed. Upon return home, Lucy and I made a joint decision
that we had an emergency condition – bleeding from
the surgical area – and our unified effort of care,
attempts to stop the bleeding, and an hour of phone calls
back and forth to the surgeon’s nurse, ultimately,
took Rabbi and both of us back to the Hospital unexpected
Emergency Room care which brought the surgeon to his side
to re-stitch. Lucy would not leave until Rabbi was admitted
for observation overnight.
- During her last week with Rabbi – Lucy was awesome
in everything she did and could do – from stroke assistance
to sitting beside him for immediate responsiveness!
I hope you will provide a copy of this
letter to our Lucy and place it in her personnel file. I
want you and Lucy to know how much I totally respect and
will be forever grateful to her – personally (and
on behalf of our Rabbi). Also, I appreciate Youthful Aging
and recommend it to everyone with whom I speak – thank
you for providing excellent support and for giving us our
connection to Lucy.
Sincerely,
Carol
To Whom It May Concern:
Subject: Letter of Recommendation Regarding
YOUTHFUL AGING HOME HEALTH
Youthful Aging Home Health has provided
care to my mother at Village on The Isle Nursing Home since
1999.
Under the leadership of Nicci Kobritz and
her fine staff, Youthful Aging have given my mother the
finest care I could ask for. They not only provide a service,
but do so in such a caring way that you would believe it
was their own mother or sister they were looking after.
Youthful Aging worked as part of a multi-part
care team composed of Village on the Isle, Medical Providers,
and my family in a very co-operative fashion. They were
always ready to advise me of issues of which I should be
aware and were very strong from a communications standpoint.
I recommend them highly.
Sincerely,
Donald
Youthful Aging delivers client centered care to seniors living in Sarasota and Bradenton Florida. Our Registered Nurses working with our Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA's) and Companions deliver a proactive wellness services in addition to meeting the basic needs of our seniors. Our progressive approach to home health care enables greater independence for as long as possible.
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