Each of our Guests is special and unique – though we’ve found common threads in their final days. They often ask: What did my life represent? Did I say everything I wanted to say? Did I love well? Was I loved?
Our contemplative approach to care comes into play as Guests ponder those questions. We have honed a sixth sense about nuanced changes, needs, when to engage, when to pull back and when to simply be present – because sometimes the most helpful thing we can do is simply be. ABODE is a place where Guests can find peace before they die. And we honor and celebrate them every step of the way.
Dwight
Dwight came to us on a Friday morning after being sent to respite care when it was clear he could no longer live by himself. He was all alone in this world – no friends and no family. He could no longer navigate the stairs up to his second floor apartment, and he...
Minnie
There’s nothing like the love between a grandmother and her grandson. Minnie was one of our Guests who came to ABODE – and improved! And that’s not just because of our care. Her family, including her grandson Marcus, visited her daily, bringing her special surprises...
Sandy
At ABODE, our hearts are extra touched when we can care for our veterans – especially one as beautiful as Sandy. Sandy was a colonel in the Air Force – an Air Force nurse, in fact. She spent her career as a researcher and leader in the nursing field, having managed...
David
David and Milo have become big buddies – and it could be because David sneaks him treats! David recently celebrated his birthday here, with about 25 family members gathering on his patio outside his room at ABODE for barbecue, carrot cake, presents, storytelling,...
Tom
We are always honored to care for our veterans – including our newest Guest, Tom, a retired Air Force Master Sergeant. Tom served in Vietnam. Here, Tom is visited by another retired Air Force vet – Colonel Hal Smarkola. They had a lovely chat and shared a crisp...
Geoff
Geoff arrived the day after his daughter Merritt married her fiance – right in Geoff’s hospital room. Knowing that Geoff was in his final phase of life, they didn’t want him to miss the festivities. In fact, this first picture shows Geoff and Merritt “dancing” in his...
Margaret
After many long bouts of cancer, Margaret passed away on a Sunday evening, with her sister and dear friend by her side. We lit our Tree of Contemplation as she entered her final phase of life. Margaret’s family and friends visited her regularly here at ABODE. She died...
Maria
Maria spent more than a week with us, and was well into her journey before passing away on a beautiful Saturday morning. Her only daughter, her best friend of many years and her nephew surrounded her and prayed for her at her bedside. It was soft and beautiful as she...
Kong
Kong was another Guest who improved dramatically under our care. If you follow us on social media or receive our email newsletters, you may recall that when he arrived at ABODE, Kong was a bit of a mystery. He understood English and Spanish, but his verbal responses...
Michael
Michael was just 60 years old when he came to ABODE and was with us a week before he died. He had two sons and two daughters. His daughters visited him daily. They were very close to him and were heartbroken to lose their dad so unexpectedly.Michael served in the...
Our Veterans
About 5 percent of our Guests are veterans. All branches of the service have been represented. We are grateful to Herschel Sheines and the Jewish War Veterans for their continued support of ABODE and our Veteran Guests.
We’re always especially honored when we can care for Guests who served in our military. In fact, we always place a flag representing their military branch outside their room.