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Care center caters to adults in need
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Tuesday, November 3, 2009 10:05 AM EST
Six months ago, Zelda Secord, Judi Raymond and Dorothy Benham took over ownership of Wyndham Farms, 3973 West Grand River, changing the name to We Care, because, clichés aside, that's exactly what they do: they care, a lot.
We Care, an adult foster care center, is licensed for six resident spots, five of which are currently filled. As employees under its previous owner, the trio would dream about owning it themselves someday, bouncing ideas off one another about how to spruce it up and strive to make the residents happier than ever.
Not long after, their wish came true.
When the opportunity came along, they pounced on it - transforming not only the physical makeup of the property, but the mentality and overall atmosphere as well.
They have extended visiting hours from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., added décor, fixed the carpeting and outdoor walkways and now host outdoor family outings with picnics and singing groups for birthdays. As opposed to being in their bedrooms by 6:30 p.m., residents may now choose when to retire for the evening.
Daily devotions, Bingo nights and jigsaw puzzles are a common occurrence at the care center.
“We've seen a complete change in happiness of the residents,” Raymond said. “The response is incredible. They just glow.”
Secord, Raymond and Benham take turns preparing breakfast, lunch and dinner for the residents, making sure to stick to the home-cooked, family-style meal time tradition, in which dishes are passed around for everyone to enjoy. Secord said they help with medication, preparing it and making sure each resident takes it on time.
Secord worked at Michigan State University for 25 years before being employed at Great Lakes Home Health and Hospice. Raymond also worked for Great Lakes Home Health and Hospice, developing an extensive background within adult care facilities. Benham worked in the judicial system, as an accountant for four different dealerships, a co-owner of Great Lakes AG Supply and as a life insurance agent before heading to Wyndham Farms.
While their pathways to We Care are all different, they share the same thoughts on what the number one goal is - make the facility feel like home. Never straying from that theme, the three women have stuck together to make their aspirations a reality.
“We're all just so excited about coming in everyday,” Benham said. “We haven't dreaded it at all. This is what we love doing. This is their best home away from home.”
We Care features two ponds for fishing, a spacious backyard patio, fountains and vegetable gardens outside. Each resident has their own bedroom and bathroom. The facility takes care of laundry and assists with showers, hygiene and other necessities.
Rather than leaving We Care for services, visiting physicians, physical therapists, pediatrists and barbers come to them.
Residents love having the trio as cooks, because they get a different style for every meal.
“The food is just great,” said Geri Quintel. “I love it here.”
On Thursday, Bob Conway celebrated his 94th birthday at We Care. On his special day, the owners bought him a cake, invited a singing group and purchased an outdoor swinging bench for him, which he loves so much he wants to put it in his bedroom for the winter.
Sandy Bennett said We Care is like “being in heaven.” And Ida Burton, a baseball fan, stayed up till after midnight watching Game 1 of the World Series on Wednesday, something she could never do before.
Each room has cable outlets for TV and new shades as well.
One spot is available at We Care. There is an open house from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Call 723-9973 for more information.