I experience. I share. We listen.

I believe that Tammy is an excellent leader, administrator and colleague. She holds high standards of performance for the staff which she insists on being honored and maintained. The spirit of the staff — nurses, LPNs, aides, dietary workers, maintenance, and office personnel – is positive, friendly, efficient, competent and helpful, irrespective of the day, time or occasion on which I visit. The physical facility looks and smells clean, well-maintained and attractive.

In the month of August alone, Marie (who suffers from advanced multiple sclerosis) was taken one sunny afternoon on a Riverside bus tour of Missoula neighborhoods featuring beautiful yards and gardens. The riders voted on which was the loveliest and would receive public recognition from Riverside. After a stop for ice cream, the bus returned home, full of happy riders. She was invited to ride the bus, along with a number of volunteer helpers, to attend the Westem Montana Fair. She was encouraged to take a day tour with other residents up to Salmon Lake where there is a handicapped accessible picnic/camping area, fishing area and dock. She invited us to attend the annual (since Tammy) Riverside Pig Roast on the patio and garden grounds. This is a party for residents, their families and guests, complete with bright tents, a delicious buffet and live music. Clearly, Tammy’s philosophy is that residents should be helped to enjoy life to the fullest.

Particularly meaningful to me is the fact that Tammy is always free to see me and to hear my questions/thoughts/suggestions. She greets me with a huge smile and listens without interruption, often taking notes. If it is a matter requiring follow-up on her part, I hear back from her within 24 hours, letting me know the action she has taken. Never once in six years has she ever said, “No, I cannot do that.” Instead I hear, “Let me look into that and get back to you.” I have come to understand that Tammy is not only a great friend to Marie and our family, but she is also an outstanding advocate for the residents who are dependent on her for their life support.

I am sending a copy of this letter to Tammy because I want her to know what I have written about her. You have my permission to use this letter, or parts of it, in whatever ways you consider to be appropriate. My own preference is these remarks be included in Tammy’s performance review, and that they are a pertinent factor when bonuses and salary increases are considered.

Sincerely,

In May, I came down with Shingles. I’m sure all the stress of medical issues and decisions about my life and my care left me more vulnerable to Shingles than normal years.

Through all my medical challenges, I have had the tremendous support of my good friends. They have watched over my home, my cat and me. I simply could not have survived nearly as well without their ever present care, friendship and love. They have been a major source of comfort and blessings in my ever changing life.

As you may recall, I lived at Riverside for most of my convalescing but I also had a period of time recuperating at home. To my amazement, I found that I was much happier and much better off at Riverside. I have regained much of the weight I had lost last year. I no longer worry about fixing meals, cleaning the house, taking care of the cat, shopping for groceries, trying to get transportation for doctor appointments or for the daily physical therapy sessions or scheduling lawn sessions or scheduling lawn services and so on. Praise all for this place! The staff is friendly, caring and makes me feel comfortable. I have transportation when I need it. In fact this year I have taken Riverside’s tours around Missoula. This is something I haven’t done in years! Life is good for me at Riverside! So much so, that I decided to put my house up for sale.

I was amazed, my home sold before the ad ever went into the newspaper! Friends helped to arrange for my furnishings to be dispersed, some went to family and such. In no time at all I was free of the cleaning, care, lawn and sidewalk worries! It was a good choice for me. I spend my days getting three great meals, doing therapy each day and all within the convenience of my new home.

Warmest Regards,