Dear editor:
When an elder parent needs medical care beyond what your family can provide, deciding where to relocate your loved one can be an emotional and logistical struggle. My family recently experienced this with our mother. After careful consideration, we chose the Cass County Medical Care Facility for several reasons.

First, the facility is close, so our family could conveniently visit.

Second, the facility has an excellent reputation, and we know several people from the community who work there.

Third, we were blessed to have continuity of medical care for her, since her family physician sees patients at the facility.

We were very pleased with the care she received. We witnessed first hand the professionalism of the staff, as well as the cheerfulness with which they perform their jobs. We witnessed the kindness and respect shown to the residents, and how they encourage residents to enjoy life by getting involved in a variety of social activities. The staff involved in nursing and rehabilitation services was always available to explain how mother was progressing, and answer our questions.  Christian Lutes, social services director, was incredibly helpful as we struggled to make arrangements for her admission.

Sherrie Swisher, accounts receivable specialist, helped us understand our financial responsibility. Dr. Neil See, medical director, communicated about her ongoing care and goals for improvement.

Of course, a great staff is inspired by a great leader. Merri Terborgh, administrator, not only provides leadership, she’s out observing and conversing with the residents and staff, greeting visitors and families, and participating in many of the facility’s social events.

If you’ve never had the opportunity to visit the Cass County Medical Care Facility, you may not know it even exists. Located on Hospital Street, south of Cassopolis, the facility sits in a quiet, wooded setting surrounded by wildlife that unknowingly entertains the staff and residents.  Residents can easily watch out windows and doors to view the beauty of Mother Nature and enjoy the peacefulness of the animals wandering near the building to eat strategically placed food. Inside the facility there are multiple varieties of birds that the residents, guests and staff enjoy watching.

I speak for our entire family in thanking the staff of the Cass County Medical Care Facility for the excellent care provided to our mother while she was a resident, and their kindness to our family. As a result of their dedication to serve the frail and elderly, she was able to recover sufficiently to return home. And for that we are grateful.

Mary Geegan Middleton
Dowagiac