October 4, 2020
When your spouse needs more care than you can provide, where do you turn? Bill and Rita have been married for over 60 years. During those years, they raised two daughters in their North Olmsted home. The girls grew up and started families of their own (adding three grandsons and a granddaughter to the brood) while Bill and Rita continued living in the family home.
Several years ago, Rita was diagnosed with vascular dementia and congestive heart failure. She is prone to anxiety attacks that she can’t control. “For three years, I was exhausted every evening after taking care of Rita,” Bill admits. “I was preparing meals, helping her with personal care and keeping up with all the daily chores in our home. Something had to change.”
For Bill and Rita, the change was making the difficult decision to leave their home and move to an assisted living facility. After visiting and touring a number of places, they chose one that offered continued care for seniors – St. Augustine Health Campus Towers Assisted Living, located on Cleveland’s west side. “I was impressed by how kind and friendly the residents were,” states Bill. “There were social activities for me and a staff on hand to help care for Rita.”
Unfortunately, Rita’s health continued to decline and Bill and their daughters made the decision to move her to St. Augustine’s skilled nursing facility, located on the Health Campus. The close proximity allows Bill to visit Rita every day, join her for a meal, and take her to activities and the on-site chapel for Mass.
Bill maintains his apartment at the Towers and continues to participate in meals and activities when he’s not visiting Rita. “It’s the best arrangement under difficult circumstances,” says Bill. “I’m grateful that I’m so close to Rita and can be with her whenever I would like. We were already part of the St. Augustine family while living at the Towers, and that made moving Rita to the adjacent skilled nursing facility here at the Health Campus much easier for all of us.” Their daughter Peggy agrees. “We’re delighted with St. Augustine and the way they have been able to accommodate Mom and Dad’s needs. We’re grateful for all the wonderful folks who help them maintain their relationship.”
The St. Augustine Health Campus is located on Detroit Avenue in Cleveland, just west of the Gordon Square Arts District. For more information on continued care for seniors and the options available, click here, or to schedule a tour of Towers Assisted Living, please call 216-634-7444.
