"To Mr. Ayer, Mr. Staunton and Royal Gardens Staff:

As you know, my mother, Lesley, died three weeks ago, on April 19^th.  I am writing to express my appreciation for the kind and warm attention the staff of Royal Gardens showed my mother during her stay there.

Lesley moved to Royal Gardens from a residence home in San Clemente in July, and I visited her every other day once she moved to Camarillo.  She was always cheerful, and when I asked how everything was going, her response was always, “Fine.  It’s a great place to be if you need help.  Everyone is very kind.”

Lesley was blind, having lost her vision three years earlier, when she suddenly went from a fiercely independent woman to someone who did, indeed, need help.  She received that help at Royal Gardens.

 When I was looking for a residence home in Camarillo, one consideration was a place where I, as well as my mother, would be comfortable, as I expected to visit her often.  My choice of Royal Gardens was wise on all accounts.  I enjoyed my visits with my mother and I enjoyed being at Royal Gardens.  The place is beautiful, light and airy, and the atmosphere is warm, cheerful and comfortable.

 Since I visited my mother often, I had an opportunity to meet staff members and residents.  Everyone on the staff was warm, friendly and helpful.

 I want to express special appreciation to Donna, the Activities Director.  Donna has created a vibrant activities program to keep residents engaged and entertained.  My mother loved music and had a nice contralto voice, and Donna made sure my mother came to all the frequent music activities, which kept Mother singing for days.

 I also want to thank Dina, the nurse, and special thanks to the Med Techs and Caregivers who spent time with mother everyday-some of whose names I know, and others not.  Thanks to Janelle, Jessica, Tony, Brooke, Griselda, Dora, Diana, Reina and everyone else whose smiles I remember, even though I don’t remember everyone’s name.  Thank you to Desiree who always had time for a smile and a few words while multitasking at the front desk.

 Mother was on Hospice during her last days at Royal Gardens, and died in her room.  Two of your staff members, although off shift, waited with me for the guy who certifies death and then for the mortuary van.  We traded stories about my mother and laughed and cried together.  Thank you to Griselda and Dora for spending those last minutes with my mother and me.

 Thank you for helping to make my mother’s last months happy and her last days comfortable.

"I want to thank you again for the lovely candle light dinner.  I appreciate your taking time to give us a special treat."

"I wanted to thank you so very much for all of the Kindness and help that you have been during this transition of my Father's moving into Park Place.  You are very "dear" and I very much appreciate everything you have done to help me through this process"

"I want to thank you so much for the wonderful Thanksgiving dinner you arranged for the residents and their family and friends. My Mom, as well as my husband and myself thoroughly enjoyed the food and how well everything was presented. The way the tables were set, the wonderful food, and the beautiful autumn decorations, plus the friendliness of all the staff members involved in helping and serving made for a great share in her pleasure, I understand that this was the first time you had a holiday dinner like that. Based on the positive comments I heard, I hope there will be more festive dinners in the future.
Special thanks should go to Donna, Pam and of course the Chef Mike for doing such an outstanding job. Again, thank you all for such a wonderful dinner. We gave it “two thumbs up”.

"I want to thank the employee’s for the service they provide for my mom. I want to especially thank Becky and those working in the med room. They went the extra mile in taking car of her. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.
Thank you for providing a safe, comfortable environment."

"Michelle was so wonderful and kind to my father Charlie on Thanksgiving. I wanted you to know what a wonderful asset she is to your team."

"I’m home. I know that because I laugh at least once everyday."

"I was very worried after the passing of my father. How could I care for mom? And, more importantly, how could I make sure her life was full and active? I found that answer at Royal Gardens of Camarillo."