By By MARCIA STEFFENS / Edwardsburg Argus
CASSOPOLIS -- It isn't easy being perfect. In fact it it nearly impossible.
When the Cass County Medical Care Facility gets inspected each year little things sometimes take points off. Maybe something wasn't put back where it was supposed to, like a vitamin bottle was left out.
Through the years, the facility on hospital has gotten good marks and remained certified, but has never a score like it received from its August 2003 survey.
The facility opened in October of 1977 and now employs 110. Four years ago the inside was renovated. Eighty residents are served and there is a waiting list to get in, Wickey said.
The facility is supported in great part by volunteer workers, many who are members of the Auxiliary. Recently they held their annual fund raiser at United Methodist Church in Cassopolis, a salad luncheon.
Besides balloons and parties on birthdays, they bring Christmas presents and pay for transportation for six outings a year. If a common room needs something like a television, the Auxiliary helps with those purchases, she added.
Others in the community also participate in ways to make the residents' lives fuller. Four-H clubs make seasonal decorations and churches and schools bring groups and sing Christmas carols.
They especially respond to animals. Even a miniature pony has came to visit. "Residents light up when pets visit," Wickey added. On other days the staff bring in their own animals from home.
Rhonda Hardy, who with her staff plan all kinds of activities for the residents, has her poodle come in often. "Many of these people had poodles of their own at one time," she said.
They do have birds and doves, which the residents help care for, a chocolate lab, and a cat. The animals are a comfort to the mainly elderly residents.
Bingo is still a favorite, but now quite a few enjoy cards and a poker game, even though the winner only receives $5. Her husband Robin comes once a week to help with the game.
Those whose sight is impaired are enjoying using a new unit which magnifies magazines or mail, which now can remain personal.
It is obvious, along with the positive of receiving no citations, the facility is filled with workers who really care about the folks who live there.