To the Editor:

I want to publicly thank everyone at the Princeton Care Center on Bunn Drive. A year ago, my father was admitted to their rehabilitation program after being hospitalized with a bronchial illness complicated by Lewy Body Dementia. We met with the doctors at the hospital regarding hospice, because he couldn’t walk and had to relearn basic skills. The doctors, however, directed us to Princeton Care Center where my dad received great care. They treated my dad with respect and kindness — they listened to him. They  placed him with a roommate who was an excellent companion. They gave my dad a purpose, created realistic goals for him, and everyday he grew stronger.

They also taught our family how important and essential our visits were with my dad’s healing process. They taught us how to provide him with the support he needed to get better and he still is with us today. Because of their care, my dad was able to see his grandkids play sports, enjoy visits from his brothers and sister, spend time outside and take walks with the people he loves and celebrate holidays with his family. We celebrated his 79th birthday with a singing telegram and his eyes were glassy and his heart was full. He said it was one of the best presents he ever received.

Unfortunately, I have been reading and hearing unkind comments about the staff and the Princeton Care Center (PCC) facility and it fills my heart with sorrow. First of all, isn’t this the time when we all need to  draw from our inner resources and do whatever we can to be kind and patient with each other? Every day the staff gets up and goes to work to provide the elderly and the sick with care and compassion.

While the uncertainty of COVID-19 feels daunting to everyone, we must remember the sacrifice the PCC staff is making to provide care to a population of folk who do not have the immune system to properly battle the COVID-19 virus. I find it devastating for the patients, families, and the staff that visitors are not allowed. This is a crucial part of the healing process that everyone depends on. The absence of family and friends makes it more challenging for the staff to provide quality care to their patients.

It is my hope that this letter will remind everyone to honor the “heroes“ at Princeton Care Center who care for our elders and to remember the sacrifices they are making on the front line. If it weren’t for the staff of the Princeton Care Center, my Dad would not be with us today.

Jillison Brophy and Family
Cleveland Lane