Keeping Residents Safe During Harsh Weather

Hurricane Heroes Stories: How our residents fared at Five Star Senior Living

In September 2008, Hurricane Ike became the third most destructive hurricane to ever make landfall in the United States. A mandatory evacuation was ordered for some areas around Houston, Texas. Millions were left without power and grocery store shelves in the Houston area were empty for weeks in the aftermath of the storm.

Here’s how our residents fared at The Forum at The Woodlands -- just 40 minutes from downtown Houston:

"The Forum staff members were my heroes during the hurricane. They made me feel that I could depend on them, and then proved it many times. I didn’t expect Patti, Rosetta to spend the night at Building 4, but I was glad they were there and came by to check on us. Managing meals for us was remarkable under those circumstances, and good meals they were. And everyone seemed to be glad to help even though they were not at home in their comfortable beds with their families. Thanks!" -- Mary Frances Davis

"I felt very much at home during the complete experiences. The staff was totally dedicated to us – this is more than a job to them!" -- Jane Dunham

"Heroes, heroes, heroes – oh so very many! I’m grateful to give them the kudos they so richly deserve.

Many Forum residents chose to evacuate to family locations, and some, like myself, chose to remain and “hunker down.” (I’m a Texas Transplant, and have now added “hunker down” to my vocabulary!) I felt safe, secure, and cared for despite no light, no air conditioning, etc., thanks to a wonderful and caring staff.

Very special thanks to Mary, Tina, Annette, and Felix in Building 3. They set up a mini-Command Post in the TV/Library Room, staying there 24 hours a day, equipping it with morning hot coffee (from the kitchen which has a generator), breakfast goodies, fruit, water, snacks of all kinds – a place where we “hunkerers” gathered for a good breakfast, great socialization, got questions fully answered and got problems solved. They looked so exhausted after a couple of days but continued on. They knocked on our doors once or twice a day with special instructions. I was alone in my small corner of the first floor, but I never felt alone or insecure. Thank you Thank you!

More special thanks to K.D. – she took the Ike warnings to heart, early on finding out who would be leaving and who would be staying, getting evacuee doors marked so that in case of emergency concentration could be given to those remaining, getting out numerous fliers on what we could and should be doing well ahead of Ike’s arrival, arranging for each buildings special centers. When I read the Houston Chronicle’s articles on the miserable handling of other seniors communities, and compare them to the wonderful direction she gave at the Forum, I thank God for her capable management on our behalf. She CARES!!

Others deserving of recognition are David and his staff, who kept us well fed, Steve and his staff, who were always there when needed, and K.D.’s operational staff – didn’t see them but knew they, too, were there for us round the clock. You all rose to our needs in a magnificent way. My appreciation is somehow difficult to put into adequate words, but please know it is in my heart." -- Lois Haas

From Five Star's Florida senior living communites:

"To management and staff of The Forum at Deer Creek, I wish to extend my sincere appreciation for your heroic efforts on our behalf during and after the hurricanes we have experienced.”

“I want to take this opportunity to thank you for your expert handling of this hurricane situation. Your staff was so very helpful, providing us with food, water and loving care.”

ASPENWOOD SENIOR LIVING SURVIVES BLIZZARD

Silver Spring, MD (February 18, 2010) - As a brutal blizzard pounded Maryland with more than 50 inches of snow in February, Aspenwood Senior Living’s electricity went out, but back up generators went to work generating heat to their social lounges, and main dining rooms.

With more than 134 independent and assisted living residents -- an average age of 82 years young! -- to care for, Aspenwood staff went into overdrive. Numerous staff members, including nurses, housekeepers, and dining staff, hunkered down on cots to ensure they were there for every meal, and to clean apartments and assist residents with dressing, bathing and medication administration.

Members of the management team were busy “4-wheeling” staff to and from work. And of course, the residents couldn’t miss the Super Bowl so the Maintenance Director got creative and they didn’t miss a down! Snacks included!

From Aspenwood residents & families:

“With great appreciation to the dedicated staff of Aspenwood” -- Lora Wilder

“Please share with your staff my sincere thanks and appreciation for all you did over the weekend to make my mom and the rest of the residents warm, fed and comfortable. Mom kept telling me all weekend what a great job you all were doing. Bless you and your staff!” -- Georgine DeBord