Caregiver tip: Take your 'energy temperature'
May 6, 2024
It is an incredible honor, and responsibility, to be entrusted with the care of a loved one. We are humbled to support families, giving them peace of mind that their loved ones are experiencing a great quality of life so they can focus on what matters most- enjoying precious time together.
-Ilka Perencevich Lenox, Grateful Daughter
The family values that my parents, Eli and Ilona Perencevich, taught me are guiding principles in my life. Family, friends, community, kindness and compassion are a few such values that I learned from them and have passed on to my children. That’s why when searching for a retirement community for my parents, it was clear that Episcopal Retirement Services’ Deupree House was the perfect fit for them.
Deupree offered them the foundation to get and stay involved with family, friends and community. My folks used to always say that “Deupree is like a cruise ship that never leaves port.” The kind and caring staff helped them make connections with other residents and provided 5-star service. My husband, children and I love to visit and made many wonderful family memories with them at Deupree. When I asked my children what they love about Deupree House, they shared the following:
“One of my favorite memories with my grandparents at Deupree was spending one evening per week with them in the Dining Room or Grille 39 to have a family meal together. I always enjoyed seeing their smiling faces in a place they loved and spending time with fellow residents.” Aiden, age 20
When my parents’ health declined, ERS Staff was there by my side. My brother lives out of town so it gave me peace of mind knowing I had help in making decisions I did not want to make alone. The end-of-life experience for my Mom was difficult, but staff took the edge off. ERS staff was there late at night to talk to me when I needed some levity. They were by my side on the good days and bad.
After my Mom passed, my Dad needed to stay at the Cottages for mobility sake. The transition from Deupree to the Cottages was seamless. ERS staff provided the information and support I needed to get Dad moved.
After an afternoon out, Dad would often say, “It’s good to be home,” reminding me of how thankful I was that he was able to live out his days in such a kind and caring place. It’s been a year since my Dad passed away to be reunited with my Mom. I continue to spend time with the residents and staff who have become like family to me.”
-Ilka Perencevich Lenox, Grateful Daughter
Linda Klump and Grace Ulm
Moving a loved one into our communities opens up the opportunity for new relationships and connections. Read more about Linda Klump’s mother and what ERS means to her.
Linda Klump’s mother, Grace Ulm, is a resident of Marjorie P. Lee. Linda says, “Marjorie P. Lee has been a very good choice for my mother. It was my mother who deepened my involvement with ERS because of the Good Samaritan Mission. She said this would be something I would enjoy being involved in, so I followed her advice. I’ve particularly enjoyed gaining a deeper understanding of the good work of Affordable Living by ERS.
Linda further states, “Marjorie P. Lee takes really good care of my mother. The deep connections with staff have enhanced my positive knowledge about ERS. I would encourage others to do the same.”
Juanita and Chuck Landes
Moving a loved one into our communities opens up the opportunity for new relationships and connections. Read more about Peggy and Chuck Landes’ families and what ERS means to them.
Peggy and Chuck Landes remain connected to ERS long after the passing of Peggy’s mother, Joanne, who was an MPL resident, and Chuck’s mother, Juanita, who lived at the Deupree Cottages.
Peggy shares, “Both of our mothers needed care. It was our dear friends who convinced us that ERS was the place. Juanita, Chuck’s mother, enjoyed her experience in the Deupree Cottages. And, of course, my mother Joanne loved MPL from the moment she moved in! The staff made her feel so dignified, which is so crucial during that time of her life. When we knew the end was near, she was allowed to stay in her room, and she spent her last days surrounded by all her things, special family pictures and memories.”
Peggy and Chuck enjoyed their ERS experience so much during their mothers’ lifetimes that they have stayed involved through the years. Chuck serves on the Finance Committee, and Peggy is a member of the Fund Development committee. Peggy further states, “Anything we can do to help, we want to do! ERS was our home for so long; I couldn’t imagine losing that connection. And all that I have learned along the way is a bonus. The work of the Good Samaritan Mission Fund supports so much good, including a wonderful Meals On Wheels program! It is so impressive."
When Marge’s parents planned for their golden years, they sought three things: to stay close to home, be surrounded by friends, and have access to all levels of care. Deupree House met all their needs, providing them with many happy years.
As their health declined—her father with mobility issues and her mother with dementia—Marge was deeply grateful for the continuum of care Deupree offered. As a social worker, she had seen firsthand how understaffing affected care in for-profit nursing homes. But at ERS, the generosity of donors ensured compassionate, high-quality support.
When her mother moved to The Deupree Cottages, staff helped her father visit regularly, bringing him comfort. The entire ERS team—resident assistants, the executive chef, and the deacon—provided care beyond expectations. During his final year, he told Marge, “I am content.” That meant everything to her.
