Savannah Cottage of Lakeland

Unfortunately several members of my family have been diagnosed with either ALZ or dementia over the last 10 years. As a result I've become familiar with with a large number of both ALF's and Memory Care Facilities in Polk County. During my crash course experience, I made use of the Elder Guide. It provided a good base of information. Since then I've added a few requirements of my own, whenever I enter a facility. When you tour a facility pay no attention to the chandeliers or other amenities. They only matter in your run of the mill senior living facilities -- where your loved one is still independent.Once care is required you need to pay attention to the residents and staff during your tour. This business of caring for adults that are no capable of using reasonable judgement is an exhausting task. Don't kid yourself, this is very hard work that requires that staff stay on their toes and on guard at all times. That said, BOTH Savannah Court and Savannah Cottage are fabulous. Does the staff appear happy and content? If not, realize that as much as YOU may like the place, once you leave ... your loved one picks up on that atmosphere. They are often not able to communicate that to you. Instead, their health declines more rapidly than you expected and they begin to act out. Does the director spend more time in their office than out and about? Does the director know the residents names? These are the things you should pay attention to. Don't allow things that look good in appearance distract you. Those things no longer matter. In this sad, last stage of life our focus is on the quality of life. Find a facility where they will feel loved and safe. This is Savannah Cottage.

I have been a Firefighter in the Lakeland area for nearly 30 years, as part of my job, I have had to provide emergency medical services at every nursing home, memory care and assisted living facility in the area. When it came time to find a memory care facility for my mother with advanced dementia, Savannah cottage was at the top of my list because of thier high professional standards at a reasonable cost. There are facilities out there that are more modern No facility it perfect. But my mother has been living at Savannah cottage for 2 1/2 years. She is happy ,well adjusted, clean and healthy. All of the staff know her likes ,dislikes, the that make her happy and the things that she likes to be reminded of such as family.

I placed my mother in Savannah Cottage and could not be happier. The community is a home like atmosphere and the care the staff gave to my mom and our family was wonderful.