“ My mother had a stroke two years ago and has been very ill since then. Entering a skilled nursing facility due to that illness was, and still is not easy for her, and the previous staff and direction at St. Francis (now Avalon) was not particularly helpful. However, since the new administration took over the care has been nothing short of tremendous. Seven staff members, in particular, deserve special recognition: Morgan, Rosie, Preet, Rani, Ken, Aaron and Dani. Preet, one of the floor nurses, joined Avalon recently, and has been proven to be powerful at having a meaningful connection with my mother. Preet has always gone above and beyond to keep my husband and I informed about my mom’s care, which I greatly appreciate, since we live far away. She has warmth, and is attentive, sweet, and her communication skills have been a source of peace for both of us. There is also another nurse, Rosie, who we also think very highly of. We really think they should be offered a recognition as the best nurses in Avalon. Morgan, the nurse director, is also exceptional. She always has time for me, listens, and provides clear and resourceful answers to my questions. Even when she is very busy she always takes the time to listen and then most importantly act on whatever concern I have. Sometimes I just feel like hugging her out of gratefulness. She is my number one person to contact in the center. Thank you, Morgan. Dani, the nurse coordinator is another great nurse. She has a lot of work, and still she manages to listen to mom and is attentive to her needs. Dani and I have had our differences in the past but she has been patient with me and is now one of the best members of my Mom's supporting team. I would also like to recognise her for her continuing contributions to my Mom's care. Rani expertly organizes care conferences that bring together the entire care team. These conferences not only provide updates and alignment on shared goals but also ensure that my mom has a voice in her care. It’s clear how much the team values both the patient and the family. I also have thumbs up for Ken, the kitchen manager, for his good humor, sense of responsibility, and for listening to my input regarding my mom's diet and menu. He has been creative and helpful especially with adding a banana daily, fish and other food my Mom likes on a regular basis and recently flavouring the thickened water to make it more drinkable. He has been very responsive to my Mom's wishes and he has also taken the time out of his busy day to attend the care conferences when requested. Last but not least I want to mention Aaron, a great Restorative CNA. He is proud of his job and takes it seriously. He is quick to respond to my Mom's wishes particularly in the dining room and in rehab. His efforts in rehab have been extraordinary as he has been able to get my Mom to move her fingers and her foot on her left side where she was paralyzed from the stroke. Sometimes what he does would seem like small things but they mean the world to my Mom and for that I am ever grateful to him. My mom loves him. While I’ve highlighted Morgan, Preet, Ken, Rosie, Dani, Aaron and Rani, a lot of the staff at Avalon are truly professional. My husband and I feel reassured that our mom is receiving the best care possible. ”