Gentle Care, Strong Commitment

After my wife, Laura, was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s, I cared for her as best I could for 5 years. But eventually, I realized that I could no longer meet all the ongoing needs of this incredibly debilitating disease, and that I needed some help. I initially looked into assisted living situations, but Laura's sister mentioned that she had visitied a board and care home at one time and was very impressed with the level of care. Although there are over 3000 of these facilities in the Los Angeles area alone, they are still one of the best kept secrets in the ongoing care community. I contacted a placement agent through the Alzheimer’s Assn., and she recommended Royal Palms. I met with John Mallon and toured his 3 homes in Chatsworth. John and I hit it off immediately, and I was struck with his positive energy and attitude. But I figured I needed to do more research, so I contacted the placement agent and asked her what other homes I should look at......she looked at me for a moment and then said, "I can send you to as many homes as you like, but your wife will never get better care than she will at Royal Palms." That sealed it as far as I was concerned, and I've never second-guessed my decision. For the past 4 years, Laura has lived in a beautiful, spacious home with her own room. She is washed and cleaned every single day and lovingly cared for by her live-in caregivers, Ben and Zeni Fernandez. Even though she is now in the advanced stages of dementia, she shows very little signs of stress and agitation. Recent studies have shown that loving care is far more effective than medication in treating Alzheimer's.......Laura is living proof of that. And all of this individualized attention and loving care is provided to her for less than half the cost of most assisted living facilities, which sometimes resemble warehouses because of their size and staffing demands. John Mallon and his wonderful wife and staff have provided my wife with a warm, loving and cheerful environment, where she is nurtured and protected..........I couldn't have asked for more. Thank you, John and Natalie.