Resthaven Care Community

Reflections from a Maple Woods Resident's Family

Recently Bill Tarnosky from Peoria, Illinois, and his sister, Carol VanOmen from Jenison, returned to Resthaven's Maple Woods to visit. It was the first time returning to Maple Woods since their mother, Shirley Tarnosky, passed away there in August. It was a sight to behold; hugs and tears from the staff members and greetings from the current residents. "It was like coming home," said Bill. "Even the smells from the kitchen seemed unchanged."

Shirley Tarnosky moved to Maple Woods in April 2007, from Tawas, in the Michigan thumb, to be closer to her daughter. "From the day she moved in, she was content," says Carol. "The extra efforts made by staff to help her adapt to her new surroundings were extraordinary. It worked. Maple Woods became her home. She readily interacted with the others, continued to follow the Detroit Tigers on television, and enjoyed the small 'extra' pleasures like the oatmeal raisin cookies baked by residents."

"We always felt a high level of confidence that Mom was being cared for," added Bill. "Whenever there was even a slight change in her health or other conditions, the staff contacted us to keep us informed and engaged in the care plans."

At the end of the visit, Bill and Carol presented Peg Yokom, Maple Woods administrator, with a contribution and a directive to use it to enhance the lives of the current residents and those of the future. "Mom would smile upon this modest act to give back in gratitude for five wonderful years."