Camillus Ridge Terrace

Due to a deterioration in health after her hospital stay, my mom, Henrietta Demerski will not be returning as a resident to Camillus Ridge Terrace.

It saddens me to have to write this note. The care she has received over the past 2 years at Camillus Ridge was beyond expectation, Thank you for that excellence in care. It was always much appreciated. For the remaining residents and for those future residents, I encourage you to keep up the good work. There are very few care facilities in our area that have employees as caring yet highly competent as those at Camillus Ridge and aging adults deserve quality support and care your facility provides.

Thanks again.

Gail Banach
Daughter to Henrietta Demerski

Now that the holiday rush is over once again, I'm reminded of all the things I am thankful for. Uppermost in my mind is how remiss I've been in not writing to all of you at Camillus Ridge.

My mother, Marian Rice, moved in with you July 2006, shortly after you opened. She started in the memory unit when she was almost the only resident and could come and go to meals and entertainment in all the areas. She liked that very much and was even glad to move out to the open area. Despite her complaints and stubborness, it was the place she was happiest (other than her own apt at Kings Gate). Unfortunately, her increasing dementia and falls did not allow her to stay there and she went to St. Camillus Nursing Home approximately March 2008. Her care there is as good as one can expect in a nursing home. Best is that her wonderful friends, Nell and Shirley, continue to visit there, so she is well watched over.

I do want to thank all of you for your caring, patience and understanding. Even during the opening time and adjustments, she was treated with respect and kindness. Once things seemed to settle into a regular pattern, it was even better.

One of the most reassuring things for me as an out of state family member, was to hear that whenever I called or visited, staff knew who my mother was and how she was doing. I never heard that dreaded "I don't know who she is, she's not my patient, etc. Also, as a retired nurse and care manager, this was medically and professionally reassuring.

Originally I told Sue (that wonderful person who knows everything and gets everything done!) that I wanted to acknowledge each person, but I am afraid I would miss significant folks, so I'll have to settle for a huge and general THANK YOU to all, including Kathy, who was always good about keeping me updated, aides Linda, Diana and Joan, Beth from recreation who conducted the "meetings" my mother thought she had to go to (and enjoyed) and the maintenance people who were constantly called to adjust room temperatures, hang pictures, etc. All of you were so special!.

Please feel free to share this with any perspective residents or families.

Again, my sincere thanks to all of you. Have a great 2009.

Carolyn Rice
Daughter of Marian Rice

I have lived at The Terrace for the past 14 months.  Everybody is friendly and nice here.  It seems good not to worry about stairs and everyone is well cared for.  My children found this place for me and I am very happy.  I enjoy the food that is prepared for us here, as well as my spacious room.  I feel that all my needs are met and I feel safe and secure.

Margaret Crowley
Resident

My sister and I would like to thank the entire staff for the kindness you showed our mother during her stay. Our hope is that she will be able to return after her stay and rehab. at Iroquois Nursing Home. Hope to see everyone again and thanks for everything.

Ann Gaffney
Daughter to Rita Downey

How can we, the family of Genevieve Romano, thank you enough for providing our mother with such wonderful care and love. As she said to me one day "I felt so loved there Aleita".

Your facility was much more than we ever thought possible-from the homey, clean atmosphere to the dedicated and kind people that worked day and night. I'm only sorry she was not able to spend more time there.

From the administrator, Wade, the secretary Sue and Kathy, who went out of their way to help us, to those that worked with her on a daily basis with love and patience, your giving meant so much to her and to us, her family.

We wish you all the very best that life can give and know your time and efforts mean more than you can imagine.

Sam Garofalo and Aleita G. Wolfram
Family of Genevieve Romano

Both my brother and I want you to know how much we appreciate the love and care your staff provided our mother in her final months. We know they went beyond any job requirements in providing comfort to her both physically and spiritually. She often expressed how nice everyone was to her.

You have a wonderful facility and you have a wonderful caring staff of truly nice people. Please feel free to use us for recommendations in the future as we know how difficult it is for people making a decision to move to assisted living. Our regret is that we didn't convince her to move earlier.

Again, our thanks go to both of you and the entire staff at Camillus Ridge.

Walter Bok
Son of Resident

Caution- Don’t be fooled by the beautiful village-type setting found inside the building because The Terrace is that and much more.The ice cream shop looks like a real ice cream shop serving ice cream in an early 20th century atmosphere.  It also is the setting for group activities—card sharks have been seen there.  The beauty shop looks like a beauty shop and provides make-overs.  Nails and hair are rejuvenated.  The dining room looks like a dining room with small tables providing an intimate setting for leisurely meals.  The parlor/living room is a comfortable room featuring a piano, a library and cushioned sofas.  There the residents enjoy informative talks, choral and instrumental performances, as well as religious services.

Many of The Terrace residents look forward to Men and Women’s Night Out for shopping and dining. The Terrace is a “spa” for residents and does not look like a hospital or sterile institution of any kind.  It’s pleasing to the eye! Families are encouraged to visit and participate in activities such as the annual Monarch Butterfly Release.  On holidays, celebrations are held and families are welcomed and encouraged to attend.  The monthly newsletter provides tidbits about past and future events.  The Terrace is very family oriented.

What also sets it apart from other assisted living facilities is the staff.  They work to provide the best possible care and work for the well-being of their clients.  Everyone is on a first name basis.  You can’t find better care givers.  Check it out…you will be pleased.

Len Defrancesco
Resident Family Member

I have volunteered at the Terrace for the past ten years and have found the experience very rewarding.  I look forward to the days that I am needed to lend a helping hand.  The atmosphere is beautifully decorated and welcoming.  The staff is caring, kind and professional.  This is the perfect place to volunteer.  Thank you for making a huge difference in the lives of the residents and their families.

Janet Knowlton
Volunteer

Mom has been at The Terrace since May 2008.  Living there allows her independence, if she wishes, or help with activities such as bathing, dressing, and taking her medications.  Having three meals a day prepared for her is a special treat, since it was getting difficult for her to fix her own meals at her previous apartment.

She participates in most of the social activities from daily exercise time to sing-alongs, music recitals and ice cream parlor time or movies in the Community Room.  She has her hair done twice a week and sometimes her nails done from visiting young people from the local BOCES school.  When she wants to be alone, she retires to her room to watch TV or call her family and chat on the phone.

It gives us peace of mind to know that she is happy and well taken care of.  Most of all, we know she has the company of many friendly people her own age, and a special caring staff of aides and nurses.

Marge Shanahan
Daughter to Resident

Mom has been at The Terrace since May 2008.  Living there allows her independence, if she wishes, or help with activities such as bathing, dressing, and taking her medications.  Having three meals a day prepared for her is a special treat, since it was getting difficult for her to fix her own meals at her previous apartment.

She participates in most of the social activities from daily exercise time to sing-alongs, music recitals and ice cream parlor time or movies in the Community Room.  She has her hair done twice a week and sometimes her nails done from visiting young people from the local BOCES school.  When she wants to be alone, she retires to her room to watch TV or call her family and chat on the phone.

It gives us peace of mind to know that she is happy and well taken care of.  Most of all, we know she has the company of many friendly people her own age, and a special caring staff of aides and nurses.

Marge Shanahan
Daughter to Resident

Although it seems like yesterday that I was being interviewed for my position here at The Terrace, I also feel like I’ve been in this family forever!  I say “family” because I have been employed here now for 10 years and honestly you will never find a place that makes you feel more like a family than the way everyone does here, including the OWNERS who are like your “favorite scoop of ice cream”, they are truly a treat to work for!

Everyone here is treated with such warmth, respect, and kindness.  I have to also mention the many rewards this job brings me…meeting new family members almost daily, and the many residents that have touched my life in so many ways by showing their gratitude and appreciation.  There is no better feeling in the world to know you just put a smile on someone’s face or brightened their day.  I will always enjoy listening to the resident’s memories and the life stories they have to tell.  That in itself is truly a blessing.

Cindy Brown
Administrative Assistant