I'm writing to you as a family member of a previous client under Bemnet’s care.  My father was under her care for a couple of years.  Those years were wonderful and my father truly enjoyed his time to the best of his ability when in her home.  I truly believe this was due to Bemnet’s incredible ability to understand her clients and their families combined with a desire to do the best for her clients. 

                My father came to Bemnet under a stressful time.  The previous home he has been staying in was suddenly closing down within 48 hours.  I was new to the system with supporting my father through his dementia and I was in over my head.  During this frantic time, I was put in touch with Bemnet and she came to our rescue.  Within 24 hours, she had helped us move my father into her AFH, settled him into his room and had papers drawn up and ready for me to sign to complete the process.  From there, her support only got better. 

                Bemnet’s care for my father has been exceptional.  Due to several mental and health problems, he has not necessarily been an easy client.  He is prone to emotional fits during his times of confusion and needs a great deal of support.  When he struggles the most, Bemnet has been able to get through to him, make it clear she is there for him and is able to calm him down.  She has clearly supported her staff well by giving them the tools and training they need to care for my father as well.  When he spoke frequently of gardening, she built raised flower beds for the residents to enjoy together.  When my dad expressed desires to go to the church nearby, she communicated promptly and clearly with me.  A few times he needed to go to the ER, in no way due to her care, and she always answered all my questions and stayed with him until he could return home.  I can’t think back and remember a time when I wasn’t happy with her care.

                Above all else, I’ve appreciated how Bemnet has always strived to understand the dynamics surrounding my father.  Due to his dementia and other mental problems, he hasn’t always been great about communicating true facts.  She was able to quickly see that my brothers and I had my father’s best interests at heart and understand that not everything he said was true.  While doing this, she also made my father feel heard and empathized with how he was feeling which helped the situation not escalate.  This situation was incredibly difficult navigate through and she did it beautifully.  Bemnet’s care and devotion to her clients makes her wonderful at her job. 

                                                Sincerely,

                                                Sarah Christopherson