We transitioned my father, age 80y with Alzheimer’s Disease, from our home to Preston House in March, 2026. Having had Dad at Preston House for about 5 months now, I am continuously astonished at the level of care and enrichment he receives. Dad lived with us for 19 months, having moved to NC from his Maryland home (my childhood house!) in September 2024. We have 2 young sons and very active lives/interests that keep us moving in 4 different directions. My father is very physically fit for his age and eternally energetic, so he was “game” for all the soccer matches, concerts, neighborhood parties and plays we invited him to. After all, he is a retired electrical engineer and former gymnast/pole vaulter; he is always up for stimulating conversation and adventure. For the time he lived with us, Amada Senior Care provided amazing caregivers/companions 12 hours/week. But his condition was progressing and serious safety concerns were rising. We (including our kids) loved living together with him and cherished the opportunity to share in each others’ lives. I knew it wouldn’t last forever; however, that realistic outlook did not make the decision any less heart wrenching when the time came. I could see that he would greatly benefit from more consistent enrichment opportunities (at his level) than we could provide. His care also came to require 24/7 supervision, something sadly we as a family could not physically or reasonably provide, even with increased caregiver support. When it came time to find a suitable memory community, Gwen from Amada helped find the perfect place for him at Preston House! During the initial meeting, I had the pleasure of meeting with April (Executive Director) and Candice (Director of Sales and Marketing). I could tell from the get go that they were 100% devoted to compassionate and dignified memory care. Preston House is ONLY memory care; that is their specialty and expertise. I hadn’t realized how important of a distinction that makes. Most, if not all, of the leadership team has been there for 10+ years, a true testament to their calling and character. It’s a very hard job, one for true angels on Earth. Felicia (Business Office Manager), La’Tesia (Life Enrichment Director), Drey (Maintenance Director), Amy (NP), Rhonda (Clinical Care), Ruthie (Head Med Tech), all of them, are truly amazing at what they do. We were wrecked emotionally looking for the right place. After the tour, I remember walking out to the parking lot with my husband and Gwen from Amada. Gwen asked what I thought, and I burst into tears and sobbed, “I’m devastated. I loved it. It’s perfect.” After so many other tours, I knew we had found the fit, and I knew that meant Dad was actually moving. Over the next couple of weeks, I focused my anxiety and sadness on decorating Dad’s room, making it as homey and inviting as possible. On move-in day, Dad was totally fine and accepting; my husband, kids and I, on the other hand, were in tears for weeks afterward. Meanwhile, Dad was having the time of his life - making friends, playing games, going on outings, doing creative projects, socializing, you name it. La’Tesia, the Life Enrichment Director, is out of this world. I’ve never met anyone more suited for their job. She has the most wonderful ideas and exudes compassion, enthusiasm and professionalism 100% of the time. We’re even invited to join them for events and outings. I’ve listened to live musicians, been to parties, even joined them at a casino outing! Next on the schedule is goat yoga!! What?! Honestly, these are the types of events they do ALL the time! If you want a glimpse of what goes on there, check out Preston House’s Facebook page. Every 2-3 days, they are posting about some fabulous activity for the residents. I had nightmares about this transition and carried the impending decision heavy in my heart as I watched his progression. But it turns out that it’s the place of our dreams. We are sooooo eternally thankful for each and every one of the kind souls that helps care for my Dad. Thank you, most sincerely.
