HALIFAX — To say “thank you” for such a well-executed evacuation of the Valley Cares West River Valley Senior Housing assisted-living facility in Townshend on Aug. 5 does not adequately reflect what transpired that evening.
My 94-year-old mother was one of those residents, and I am her only child. That simple phrase does not cover what needs to be said about that night and following days.
Smoke alarms set in motion a quick-thinking staff to evacuate all 39 residents rapidly. They were met by at least eight fire departments and Rescue Inc. Buses and ambulances quickly moved the residents to Leland and Gray High School, where safety and food were provided.
Valley Cares management made calls to some residents' family members, some of which were able to take their loved ones home.
Other residents - including my mom - were relocated to other assisted-living facilities in Brattleboro. These places opened their doors immediately if space was available.
My mom was given a room at the Bradley House; others were sent to Thompson House and Pine Heights - all within hours of this event.
This did not happen by luck. It was the result of hard work: drills and training of staff, first responders, and all who are involved in the care and responsibility for those living in these life-giving places, people whose mutual cooperation made them prepared for such an event.
Mom says she was greeted like a queen at Bradley House that evening with support and backup from Valley Cares staff, who brought medical records and information about those who relocated to this wonderful old Victorian home remade into an assisted living facility.
Due to her severe arthritis, sleeping in their bed would have been difficult, so one of these ”wingless angels” - my mother's name for these caring and compassionate people - went to the basement and located the lift chair that she so needed.
I arrived early that morning to find Mom calm, happy, and content, looking out of a picture window at the beautiful flowers and birds. Imagine my relief and my gratitude for this moment!
Mom seemed to have already bonded with her kind caregivers and was happy and laughing. You could tell that they loved their work as did so many I met there. During her 10 days there, several staff of Valley Cares brought her some of her clothing and personal items. Susanne Shapiro R.N., Valley Cares' executive director, a hands-on leader, also visited her, which brought comfort to her as well.
Such resilience is amazing to me after such a disruptive event. All of the seniors are just so happy to return to their normal routines.
Though she thinks about the nine residents who will have to wait longer for rebuilding, now that she is back at Valley Cares, my mom says she looks upon this experience as another adventure in her wonderful 94 years - and a mini- vacation in a Victorian home to boot. There, she met so many new people, her dining partners, and those who made the little handmade gifts she has now in her apartment.
As we all age and our future health is uncertain, it comforts me to know how fortunate we are to have such wonderful places with “wingless angels” who show such professionalism, kindness, and concern for those in need.
The future will need more of these places as well as programs like the Gathering Place, an adult day care in Brattleboro. Almost certainly more caregivers will be needed for seniors so they can remain in their homes.
All of these wonderful people - from volunteers to first responders, meal providers, housekeeping, maintenance, recreational directors, aides, nurses, the people in charge of finances, and the directors - all deserve gratitude for jobs well done.
On behalf of my mom, me, and (I am sure) many of the residents at Valley Cares Assisted Living, a sincere and heartfelt thank you. You are thought of fondly, and you will be remembered always.