Resident Stories

A Home Away From Home
Harlene Smith

May, 2015

Harlene Smith, 67, has spent the last 30 years living in California and recently returned to Berrien Springs over the holidays to live with her son and daughter-in-law. Upon returning home after a trip, Harlene inadvertently fell over some luggage that had not yet been unpacked and broke her tibia.

Shortly after her fall, orthopedic surgeon Kenneth Edwards, MD, performed surgery to repair the broken bone. During this time, her children began to discuss options for their mother’s rehabilitation and healing.

“I had broken my left hip three years earlier and ended up in a lesser quality nursing home facility in California, so my children knew my fear of this happening again,” said Harlene. “I’m so happy they chose Pine Ridge – this is a place I can truly say is a home away from home for me.”

When Harlene first arrived to Pine Ridge she was greeted with smiling faces from staff and said she immediately felt welcome.

“When I first walked through the doors I felt like I was staying at a hotel or a spa,” she said. “It was uplifting to see so many residents happy and well cared for. I never encountered one staff member who didn’t treat me with compassion, thoughtfulness, and respect.”

During her month-long recovery, Harlene worked with many different physical therapists every day to help her regain the strength in her leg. She performed basic tasks such as bathing and cooking with the help of an occupational therapist, this helped prepare her for life back at home.

“I’m so thankful to have worked with the therapists at Pine Ridge,” said Harlene. “They have given me the tools and confidence I need to care for myself while my leg continues to heal. With the help of my family, I feel that I am prepared to go home and continue making a full recovery.”

After her experience in a nursing home three years ago, Harlene said coming to Pine Ridge was like a ‘night and day experience’ for her. Given the home-like atmosphere, the cleanliness, and the staff, she said she would not hesitate to recommend Pine Ridge to anyone.

“I trust the staff here – they have shown me in every way that they have my best needs at heart,” she said. “I hope the care I received at Pine Ridge is an example of what my generation has to look forward to.”