TO ALL STAFF OF HITZ MEMORIAL HOME: We would like to take this opportunity to express our heartfelt thanks an appreciation for the wonderful care and all the love that each and every one of you showered our mother, Geraldine "TJ" Tjaden.

Throughout the past seven and a half years that she lived here, every aspect of service was above and beyond what we could have hoped for or expected. She always knew she was loved, even if she continually asked to be taken to New Douglas.

Once again, we thank each and every one who made our Mother's stay as much like home as was possible.

Sincerely-
Dick and Betty Tjaden

Just wanted to send a note to say how pleased I was with the care and attention my father received during his short stay with your facility. We placed him there after agonizing over it for weeks. We knew we made the right decision. Becky was exceptional in her job. She kept me informed of changes and concerns. Unfortunately, I don't remember all the other names of the kind people who helped my father- all I can say is Thank You! I will recommend your Home to anyone looking for a long term care facility.

Thank You-
From the family of Willis L. Stewart

Susan: I want to thank you for this opportunity to come to the Hitz Home. I really enjoyed myself. I will miss coming here every Tuesday. Coming here really opened my eyes to the elderly. I just want to thank you again for letting me come and enjoy myself at the Hitz Home.

Thanks,
Jill Miller
Lewis & Clark Community College
Occupational Therapy Field Care Experience

Dear Marcia: Every once in awhile, you just know when things "feel right." From the first time my brother and I met you, we felt confident that finally, we had found a perfect fit for our mother, Billie. Still, struggling with our own guilt and desire to do what is best for her, we just didn't know. Trusting that initial instinct, as a follow-up, I inquired and you and Sue Mosby have agreed to allow her to attend daycare on Saturdays for a month.

What a dream come true! Last Saturday, the entire day couldn't have been more perfect. The warmth of the staff and the expertise and validation from Sue with all the information I shared, indeed it has and will be a perfect fit. The best example was when I arrived to pick my mom up, she didn't want to leave. She and her new buddy were so busy folding and sorting washclothes, she felt needed and very important. What dignity and enjoyment she was provided.

Definately, our shopping trip has paid off. As I explained to you previosly, we have been looking and looking for someplace that would provide mom with a better quality of life than what we feel we are giving her. We are thrilled to become part of the Hitz Memorial family and look forward to the journey it will provide to mom.

Thanking you in advance for what the future holds for her and us. Indeed, Hitz Home is an answer to prayer.

Sincerely,
Cindy Gavilsky
Daughter of Billie Schuler

Hitz Staff, Thanks from the bottom of my heart. You have all helped to make a situation which is difficult actually wonderful. You do so much to make mom comfortable, welcome, and a part of your "family." God bless each of you. May 2008 bring you each good health, happiness and peace.

Happy Holidays!
Pat Presley-Spade

Everyone, I just wanted to let everyone know how much I appreciated the care and comfort that were provided to my mother, Judy Miener, while she resided at Hitz Memorial Home, and to me during her final days. Life is such a precious thing, that seems to go by so quickly, but when a loved one has a serious illness, things can sometimes become unforeseen burdens requiring care that we ourselves and our families cannot provide. I especially appreciate the comfort that you provided to my mother, me and my family in mom's last days, as these were as difficult days as I have ever faced in my life. I knew that the care was being provided to Mom was far above just doing a good job, but, a gift of love being provided from a caring, loving, and attentive staff. Thank you for all that you do so well. May God bless each and every one of you for the work that you do. I will be eternally grateful for your acts of kindness and compassion.

Sincerely,
Bill Miener

We chose Hitz Memorial Home because we were familiar with it, it was convenient, and Mom used to do many activities there like help with apple butter making, etc. Now we are so happy that we chose Hitz Home. She is very much at home there. I think she views the workers and some residents like family. My sister and I are usually there everyday to help her and encourage her eating everyday. In the past two years that I have done this, I have never seen nor heard anyone be anything but nice to all the residents. They treat them with respect and love, many hugs, and listen to them. I notice a good sense of humor among all of the workers, and I think this is important. If you can't laugh at some situations it would be very difficult. Some of the workers are just outstanding in their relationship with the residents, but they are all kind. It is always clean and well kept. I would recommend it to anyone.

P.S. Also, there are many activities to keep them occupied. My mom needs to have something to keep her hands occupied, and they see that she does that.

-Marilyn Paul
Minnie Stahlhuts daugter

Hi Marcia. I want to let you know how things are improving here through my eyes since I was not o.k. the past 10 days. I look at the aides and they are so friendly and look so well put together. New ones I've met have a smile, and Mary did a wonderful job this afternoon reading and talking, really keeping everyone's attention. She is so good to all of them- Then i went to the sunroom and sat with Joyce. The room is so beautiful, the new windows are so shiny and new, one can really sit and appreciate it all. During all the time with all the ladies (at least 20), I put my laundry in, so here I am back in my room thinking of my day. Three new residents at our table with one sharing with me 5 balloons held by a little monkey to celebrate St. Patricks Day. We were all happy to have her and all the rest with us, so I had them to hold hands and I said a short prayer. Hasn't our culture come a long way? Thanks to you!

-Unnamed Resident