Campus Resident of the Month ~ Jean Kaczanowski from Sacred Heart Home Assisted Living

Where did you live previously to coming to our Wellness Campus?
I came from Springville, where I lived for eight years. I was raised in South Buffalo and also lived in Holland and Elma a very long time.

When did you move in to Sacred Heart Home?
I moved here in March of this year following a 30-day rehab period at The Brothers of Mercy Skilled Nursing & Rehab Center. I had back surgery and the room opened up here. I was on the waiting list a while and it worked out. I was waiting and God took care of me. I needed it.

How do you like living in Northtowns on our Campus?
I love it here. This really suits what I needed. My mother first came to The Brothers of Mercy rehab center after her spinal surgery. I came here in 2018 for my first spinal surgery rehab, and my brother-in-law also had rehab here over the years. There were many years in between, but it was always wonderful with great food and care. I wanted a place where I can go to Mass. My daughter said, “Go wherever you want to live, because you are the one who will be there.” She is about an hour away in Springville, but her family visits me regularly.

How has it been meeting your neighbors here in your first few months?
I have met a lot of my neighbors as we enjoy our meals together. I haven’t been able to do many of the different enrichment activities yet because my back prohibits sitting for a long period. It takes about a year to heal from the surgery I had. Staff opens the doors and helps me put on my sneakers. They are wonderful here and take great care of everyone. The food is great. I am very happy here. I had a nice birthday meal at the end of May and it was very nice. I am looking forward to when my back can handle sitting on the shuttle bus to go on excursions. I need to practice walking on stairs as well. My rehab released me and now I am doing my exercises. I love my room as it is a quiet hallway, close to the dining room and I have view of the forest next door. It is perfect. I love that I can adjust my room temperature as well. It is fulfilling everything I wanted.

What was your experience like at The Brothers of Mercy inpatient rehab center?
The physical and occupational therapists in rehab were wonderful. They sent me on the right path and gave me the tools I needed to get my strength back. It was a seven-hour surgery with a lot of reconstruction. I was in rehab for 30 days. They took care of everything and made sure I was ready to transition to live at Sacred Heart Home.

If someone else was facing a similar transition as you need, what would you tell them about assisted living?
I would say definitely get on the wait list. The staff is very caring, friendly and willing to help. The food is great. You will meet a lot of people to talk to during meals. You can walk around and everyone is welcoming. I met a woman who was touring with her mother, and I told her, “It’s great here and she will be happy here!” A lot of people are not ready for assisted living, but I knew I was ready. I wanted the camaraderie and the activities. People should not be afraid to come because it is welcoming and that is what you want the most.