Mary is a 69-year-old woman that entered our assisted living program at Parker Skyview in January 2006.  She has several diagnosis including Colon Cancer and DJD (Bilateral Knees). Mary joined our program after she relocated from her previous place of residence. After 26 years of marriage, Mary survived her husband’s death in November 2004 but she was very lonely and still grieving when she joined the program. Her only contact with family was her relationship with a stepson that is incarcerated in prison.

Mary’s enthusiasm for the assisted living program was shown when she started to attend the various activities we provided such as the exercise group, Coffee Club, bingo, and various arts and crafts. She began to developed several friendships with many of the other program participants.  After the death of her dog of 15 years in July 2006, she talked about how she had lost everything that she loved.

Shortly after the loss of her beloved dog, Mary underwent surgery on her left knee.  Following the surgery, she needed rehabilitation at a nursing home for well over a month.  The staff at Parker Skyview helped Mary through her latest sense of loss, depression, and rehabilitation away from her home at Parker Skyview through daily phone calls and heartfelt words of encouragement.

Mary was eager to get back to her home at Parker Skyview and the assisted living program that she is so grateful for.  Today Mary enjoys an obvious sense of self-confidence and independence and prides herself on her abilities to manage most all of her personal cares.  Unlike many seniors living independently who suffer from isolation and loneliness, Mary has been able to find a sense of belonging that has not only improved her physical capabilities but has also nourished her spirit and sense of value.