We cannot move forward today unless our management of elder care changes, in all arenas, medical, residential, and spiritual. Sallyann Swank, founder and CEO of Swankridge Care Center, has been working diligently on a new care system that we can all live with young and old.
In the past 40 years Sallyann has researched over and over again all the possibilities one might consider in the care of an elderly person to prepare them for the last celebration in life, the transition of the physical body into their spiritual eternal life.
She has found that in most cases tranquilizers and chemical sleep aids only make the individual become more confused. In her experience in most cases a scheduled visit to the family physician, and a review of their life support medications are all part of the aging process. She has found that a natural diet, rich in vitamins, minerals, and protein with plenty of fluids keeps the body in balance as we advance through old age.
The biggest challenge she has today is caring for people with Memory Disorders such as Alzheimer Disease, and other related neurological disorders which leaves the individual devastated. Families and friends become heart broken because they cannot communicate in a normal manner. She has taken measures in creating a safe, pleasant environment that is structured so that families and friends can enjoy visiting there loved one without felling guilty. Imagine for one moment what your life would be like if you couldnt even manage to find your way to the kitchen or restroom. If you forgot were you were for one moment. Even a simple task like opening a jar would be impossible.
Everything is taken into consideration at Swankridge. For instance she has secured our grounds so our residents can walk into the garden and easily find there way back without danger. She gives all families a pass key so they can visit there loved one at their own leisure. Children and pets are always welcomed. Sallyann nestled Swankridge Care Center in a small hometown called Homestead, ironically. Which is easily assessable by air or highway. In fact we have our own restaurant on grounds, which is opened to the public, The White Lion Café.
Many families have gone through a horrible trial through nursing homes before getting to Swankridge. Sallyann believes that families should be educated with the correct information before placing there loved one in a home. In many cases the loved one becomes ill and ends up in hospital. Doctors are almost impossible to speak to because of their busy schedules, and nurses are unable to give out information because of the New Privacy Act (April 2003).
Sallyann states that most of the aging population now is physically and financially free to make their Own Decisions. Since we cannot restructure our lives for our loved ones aging process, Swankridge has become an important link in our society to maintain the integrity of our clients. A Simple Phone Call is all it takes to set our Wheels in Motion and set the pace where we can take all the wrongs and make them almost right. We are 100 percent family operated and privately funded by our families. We are in the process of rebuilding Swankridge again to help our Baby Boomers make it through their transition in style. Their menu of care will be simply in black and white. They will not make the same mistakes their parents did. They will be educated in all the perimeters of old age both physical and spiritual.
