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Virginia and her staff took care of my father for the last two years of his life. Dignity, respect, compassion, intelligence, honest, and just plain wonderful. Without her and her team, I don't know what I would have done.
My father was an extremely independent man that could not accept his aging fate which was an extreme challenge to make him comfortable and cooperative. It was handled with the utmost skill by Virginia with great intellect. I just pray that if one day I'm in that situation Virginia is around for me.
- Rick Benefiel
Former Manager of Campus Operations of University of Washington
Dear Virginia,
My father, Joseph, had a stroke in 1998 and he came to live with our family. For 13 and a half years we cared for him, but the last couple of years became extremely intense as his health declined. We could no longer keep him safe in our home even with hiring a lovely caregiver to come and take care of him while we were at work or school. The care became so intense that everyone was exhausted, sleep-deprived, anxious and worried about Joseph's next inevitable fall or hospitalization.
We were initially very concerned about finding a clean, safe and well-lit place for him and didn't want to put him in a nursing home. I found A Beautiful Living on the internet and made the call. Virginia Yanos, owner and RN, was wonderful and we scheduled a meeting to discuss Joe's level of care and if it would be a good fit. I was so relieved as I entered the home. It smelled so clean, was bright with sunlight streaming in the skylights and windows, delicious food was cooking and everyone was warm and professional. I instantly wanted my father to live in this place.
Virginia was extremely thorough and professional, guiding me through all the services as we sat in what was to be my father's lovely private room and private bath. I had come at just the right moment as the room was available and within a couple of weeks we moved my father in. It was a very emotional time for all of us and a big transition for my father, but it was made SO much easier by knowing what a lovely home this would be.
We were greeted with girls playing guitar and singing, a feast in the dining room, pictures were taken, a picture album was created and his welcome was like that of a king! He was so pleased and surprised and truly, it was like simply moving in with additional family members.
My father lived there from April of 2012 to November 2012 until such time as he went to live with my brother in another town, but Joe could easily have remained at A Beautiful Living for the rest of his life and I would have been thoroughly at ease having him there knowing his care was absolutely the best he could ever have gotten.
I would recommend Virginia Yanos' homes to anyone. I have volunteered in many nursing homes throughout my life and many of them are very sad places. A Beautiful Living was astonishingly well-run, warm, professional and communication between me and Virginia was easy and reliable. Many thanks to Mario, Cherry, and Noralynn, my father's caregivers, who cared for him day and night. You are truly angels in earthly form.
Blessings,
- Maya Sprague
Dear Virginia,
I'm writing to thank you and your staff for the care you gave my Dad, Sam. He was only with you a couple of months, but the care you and the rest of the staff, especially Yasmin made my Dad's end of life experience as comfortable as we could have hoped for. The care and activities you provide your residents at A Beautiful Living are all I could have hoped for or even imagined. I'll never forget the bagpiper you brought in for the residents and their families and the tears of joy in my Dad's eyes while the bagpiper played. So all I can say is thank you, thank you, thank you, for all you did for my Dad!
Sincerely,
- George Strausser
Dear Virginia and Staff,
I am a friend of Jo Gunnerson and I came to visit her often. I want to say a warm "thank you" for all the love and care you gave her. She suffered a lot due to her diagnosis and longed to die and go to be with God, but you did everything you could to make her last months as comfortable as possible.
She was always grateful for your good care and as her friend, I was also very grateful. You have chosen a difficult career and we thank you. We know that you grieve, too, when your residents die, yet you choose to provide a safe place for them to live out their last days. You are a blessing to each one.
Sincerely,
- Ardyth Savage
Our ultimate journey with mom started over 12 years ago when she suffered a brain aneurysm, followed by a stroke which left her paralyzed on her dominate side and unable to walk or communicate effectively. Since that time, we have gone from home care to a care home in California, then to A Beautiful Living in Lynnwood, Washington.
Before we decided on ABL, we did some research on different types of homes and visited several facilities, but none of them were up to the standards we expected for a loved one to be spending in the last years of their life. Not only did ABL meet our expectations, but the caretakers, Cherry and Mario truly opened their hearts not only to mom, but to all the other residents as well. Mom was always clean, dressed nicely and given physical activities on a regular basis, she was treated more like a loved relative than a resident.
Please know that we will be eternally grateful for having chosen ABL, where it's not just a place to put relatives to be looked after until the end, it is a home full of life and love.
We have peace in every inch of our soul knowing that mom couldn't have been in a better place, both physically and emotionally.
"At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us." Albert Schwitzer
Our deepest gratitude and love goes out to A Beautiful Living, Virginia, Cherry, Mario and all the others that made these last few years with mom enjoyable. Because we were so confident that she was well taken care of, we could spend what little time we had with her just enjoying each other's company and not letting daily burdens get in the way.
With much respect and love,
Leta LaShay and Linda Dean
My name is Victor Sumio Hirakawa, and I suffered a massive stroke six years ago. I am now living at A Beautiful Living Adult Family Home in Lynnwood, Washington with a beautiful view of the Olympic Mountains. I have lived at this Adult Family Home for one year and eight months.
The most important reason for choosing this Adult Family Home is that the owner, Virginia Campos Yanos is a Registered Nurse. I must mention that the caregivers Yasmin and Emelda are very dedicated and very caring people. The three meals that the caregivers prepare are delicious and nutritious.
The other members are Alecia and Pam who are Activities Program Directors. We watch movies, play games, do arts and crafts, exercise and sing songs. We celebrate birthdays for residents and all the staff, as well as New Year's Day, Valentine's Day, President's Day, St. Patrick's Day, Easter, Mother's Day, Father's Day, July 4th and Christmas. When we celebrate holidays, we have a feast! The residents also make trinkets such as beads, balloons, ceramic plates and decorative coffee cups.
I would highly recommend this Adult Family Home because of the owners, staff and the atmosphere of being at HOME. Most fondly yours,
- Mr. Victor S. Hirakawa
You and your crew have done miracles with Dad. He has been with you for over two years now. Just think, right before we moved him to A Beautiful Living, we had him approved for Hospice and we were sure the end was near. Indeed, it would have been had he not received the care you provide.....Last time I told him, "This is your home", and he said, "Yes, it is". I always tell him he's the luckiest guy I know.
- Mr. Michael H. Semenock
My father, Walter, has been a resident at A Beautiful Living for 2 years. He is 90 years old and though he is in good physical condition, he suffers from severe dementia. The best part about A Beautiful Living is that it is truly like a family home. The meals are served family style and the food is great! They celebrate all holidays and birthdays, and invite family members to join in on the celebration. There is very little staff turnover so they know my father well and he is very comfortable with them. During the few times that my father has experienced a medical problem while living there, Virginia and her staff have communicated closely with his doctor and with our family. As a nurse, I appreciate her attention to the details and I am extremely comfortable with the care they provide. I would highly recommend A Beautiful Living to others who need a pleasant, caring home for their friend or family.
- Ms. Lois Van Ottingham
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