My grandma, Margaret Brown, loved me so much, but I’m sure I loved her more.
All my best childhood memories are about time spent with Grandma Brown. Read the heartfelt story of how Margaret’s Place came to be.
Margaret’s Story
One summer when I was 9 or 10 years old, I remember sitting on her back porch, learning how to “pick and clean” fresh greens from the neighborhood garden. As we were sorting through the greens with a bucket and a hose, I proclaimed, “Grandma Brown, when you get to be a little old lady, I’m going to take care of you.”
At first, I didn’t notice the warning signs. Grandma Brown would call confused and panicked, worried about if someone was breaking in her house . Or I would find a chicken in the oven without seasoning or still in plastic. Soon I drove to her house to prepare all her meals, which became a daily commitment for two years. But as Grandma had wisely forecast, I did have my own family – a husband, 4 toddlers, and I was a business owner. Something had to give. It was time for grandma to move in.
So, we packed her up, rented a truck, and on moving day, grandma was angry and combative with no recollection of the plan. We called off the move and waited for a day when she was more herself.
I had no idea how to take care of my grandma. The grandma I knew and loved had become a different person. She wandered off so often that 24/7 care was required. Eventually her doctor recommended that we find a 24-hour care facility.
Have you ever tried to find a care facility that is worthy of someone you love?
Finding a clean, pleasant-smelling facility that serves high-quality food, with caregivers who actually care, is a daunting task. And when you factor in affordability, well, there just aren’t a lot of options.
So, I founded Margaret’s Place. Because serving the underserved matters. Because there is dignity in aging. Because every life should be well-lived. Because we all have a loved one who deserves better. Because caregivers need care, too.
And because I promised my Grandma Brown that I would take care of her. My grandmother taught me that promises are never to be broken. Keeping my promise has sparked a need to change the way the Senior, Disabled and Veteran care industry is viewed so that we can be excited about aging gracefully. My Grandma Brown passed away 6 months before Margaret’s Place opened our doors. However, her legacy will live on via the changes we pioneer to improve the the geriatric and disabled care industry. And that’s a promise.