Client Testimonials & Referrals
« Back to About Us
"She
recommended the perfect place - there was no need for
me to look any further. He spent his last few years there,
and I believe thanks to all of her interventions quite
comfortably...One of her management goals was to act
as a catalyst for my father and I to bond in a more significant
manner during his latter years. Amazing to me was the fact
it actually happened and because of that I have many loving
and cherished memories....I have to say she handled everything
meticulously through the very last day...I can't possibly imagine
that there is any better care manager out there - any place.
Dignified Aging is absolutely and literally what Donna provided."
"You have led me to appreciate that while the aging processes cannot be
denied, it can be planned for with resolve and a sense of self-worth and dignity.
It is not an exaggeration to say that Dad's story was on the verge of being
much less than he deserved or wanted for himself before you entered the picture.
It is beyond dispute now that the story is over, that his life was better because
of you."
"Our family dreaded the prospect of moving our strong-willed Mother to
a nursing home against her desires. As a result of your sensitivity, understanding
and expert knowledge, you quickly gained her trust, and the move was accomplished
in a manner that minimized her negative feelings and resentments. We are very
grateful and relieved."
"When we couldn't be there you were the extension of our hands, hearts
and mind. Thanks for being our partner and lifeline to our parents."
"Our mother wanted to stay in her home. There is no way we would have
been able to cope with all the issues without Dignified Aging. Our mother has
received excellent, well coordinated services and most important, she is comfortable.
You have given us great peace of mind."
"It wasn't long after you began taking care of my parents that I knew
I would be writing this letter for you and anyone with whom you wish to share
it. So this is for you and those who may be considering having you manage the
care for their parent(s) or a loved one.
Initially we selected you through some hasty research
and qualified recommendations when it became necessary
for my parents to have the assistance of a knowledgeable
health care manager. Some of our background and experience
in elder care here in Rochester provided us with a
standard. But unfortunately, that knowledge was of
little help when my parents lived in Florida, some
1500 miles away. We needed a competent surrogate for
us in Florida. After meeting you and working with you
we knew your compassion and expertise were exactly
what we felt was necessary in a health care manager
for my parents. Time proved us correct many times over.
Whenever you were needed - night or day, weekdays or
weekends - you were there …for us, in our place
when we couldn't be there."
"Early on, you arranged for special home care to assist them with their
specific needs so that they could stay in familiar surroundings. As time passed,
more intensive care was provided under your guidance, until eventually it became
necessary for them to move into a nursing home facility so that their last
days would be as comfortable as possible. I also believe your continued presence
at the nursing home improved their quality of life. I will never forget how
you helped to make Dad's 95th birthday (his last) such a memorable one! With
the balloons, cake, ice cream, music, and all his friends around him, anyone
could see the joy in his eyes."
"For both my departed parents (who, while they were alive, thanked you
so often themselves) but most of all for me, I want to thank you for all you
have done for Mom and Dad."
"Based upon our experience with you and Dignified Aging, I have no reservations
in recommending your services to anyone considering care management for a loved
one."
"While at age 83 Dad had "gone down into that valley from which no
man returns," the valley was not barren, it was not without the comforts
he enjoyed and was not one elected for him in the heat of a crisis. Up until
the very end, Dad told me, "I am glad to be able to maintain my independence." I
have to add that I am glad I did not have the burden of destroying that "independence." Finally,
when the end came, he had made decision for his life which only he could make
and which relieved me and the rest of the family of making decisions which
we would have inevitably replayed in our minds for years to come."
"When our aunt was at a point when she could no longer provide adequate
care for herself, Donna was in her life, prompting her to do the necessary
things she needed to do financially and health wise. She was instrumental in
alerting our aunt's family who lived across the country, of her needs. When
we came to continue procedures for moving our aunt closer to her family, Donna
helped tremendously with helping our aunt see the need for her to move, at
first having her go to assisted living in Florida until we could make arrangements
in our home state."
"The integrity
and professionalism shown, as well as her love for our aunt were appreciated.
Thank you for a job well done."
"Donna Gagnon is a treasure and a professional in every sense of the word.
You will never meet a more caring individual and as
you get to know her, you will wonder how you ever got along without her. She
measures up to every crisis and stays on top of everything. I did not meet
Donna until after my loved one was placed in a facility that I was none too
happy about. Soon after placement it was necessary for me to go overseas and
it was at that point that Donna came into my life. My worries were tremendous
and I was very fearful to leave - afraid that my loved on would run away. I
had no family member to rely on. Donna reassured me that she could handle everything,
including the very things that troubled me.
Those two incidents actually did happen while I was away and Donna took
care of everything including placing my dear husband
in a facility where he remained quite happily for the rest of his life. She
was available, right to the end, and remains to this day, a very dear friend.
What a blessing to have found her."
*All comments are used with permission although no
names are given to protect the privacy of our clients
and their families. If you would like more information
on our client endorsements please contact our office."