My parents were looking to move into an independent living community to lessen the burden of cooking, cleaning, and home maintenance, as well as increasing their social involvement. We toured eight different facilities in Boise and the Garden Plaza of Valley View was by far their favorite.
We actually didn't have an appointment and just stopped in to see if we might be able to talk to someone - Pam welcomed us with open arms and gave us a very thorough tour. They joined the waiting list, and moved in a few months later when a space opened up.
At this point it has only been a few weeks since their move, but they are extremely happy and we've noticed a difference in their health already, especially with Mom. Her speech and walking have both improved, and we credit the Garden Plaza with that. She has 3 regular meals a day, social interaction, walks more, and she doesn't have the pressures that came with owning and caring for a full-sized home. My folks tell us every day how nice everyone is, from the staff to the residents. They wish they had made the move years ago and say everyone they talk to says the same thing. (Better late than never!)
I liken it to living on a land-based cruise ship - all their meals and utilities are included, their unit is cleaned weekly (including towels and linens), there are tons of activities, there's transportation to get them around town, and everything is bundled under one price so they don't have to keep track of a ton of bills (or even this one - they're set up on auto-pay)! It's so nice that my teenage daughter wanted to move there after getting a tour.
To say it's been life-changing is an understatement. My parents are thrilled, my siblings and I are thrilled, and a huge load has been lifted from all of us. Since I don't live in Boise, it's an enormous comfort to know they're happy and that people are checking in on them daily.
Thank you, thank you, thank you to Pam Dillman and all the wonderful staff and residents at the Garden Plaza of Valley View!
(Oh, and there's an AMAZING bakery in the lobby - try the blueberry lemon cake.)