Testimonials

"To the La Casa Management and Staff,
It has been a little time since my mother’s passing and three years since my dad passed away both but I would be remiss if I did not express my gratitude and thanks for the superior care and assistance afforded to my parents since your first building was opened in June 2009. I cannot overstate enough the great tenderness and love shown to both my parents during the 6-1/2 years in your assisted living facility.

The leadership and management of your facility are excellent and have always kept up continuous communciations with me on the care and health that my parents were receiving. The nursing staff provided excellent physical care and kept daily records on the medications that my parents received and assured that their medical needs were reported to me in a timely manner with complete accuracy and the ability to respond to medical emergencies in the instant that it was needed. The nutritional needs of my parents as well as assuring that they could physically feed themselves or you provided nursing assistance.

The facilities themselves were always perfectly prepared and clean everyday. Your staff should be commended for their diligence and care in preparing not just a place to live but also a place that was always called home. I never had any questions about the safety and security of my parents EVER! The activities that you included for them were perfect for their level of understanding and abilities.

Finally, it was your love for my parents that was demonstrated every day of their stay at your facility that impressed me the most; for in the end, we could all say that my parents were family at La Casa Assisted Living.

Sincerely and with deep thanks, God bless you all"

R & E H.

Letter from son of parents that resided at La Casa since La Casa opened

"Giving thanks for you. Kind, generous, thoughtful…THAT”S YOU! THANKS!

Thank you to all the staff who have cared & looked over my grandmother until her passing. It was difficult being so far away but I knew that she was well taken care of. Everyday I prayed for her and the staff. May you continue to bless other families while caring for their loved ones."

Blessings,K.J & K.F. & the rest of the family of E.D.

Granddaughter of Memory Care Resident

"Dear Debbie and Keith, It’s been 4 months since my husband died, but I wanted you to know this. I feel so comforted when I think of my husband at La Casa the last 6 months of his life. All of your staff gave him so much attention and constant care and love. They always stopped by to talk to him or to give him a pat on the shoulder or hand, your chefs were always trying to accommodate his needs when he started to have trouble with his eating. They tried so hard to give him nourishment. I, also, felt so welcomed, I was there all day everyday. There was never a time limit for me. You made arrangements for me to sleep at La Casa when we knew he had only a few days to live. How kind and thoughtful you are! Thank you and La Casa Staff for being there for my family and me at such a sad time. I would be happy to talk to anyone about choosing La Casa. Sincerely, "

Mrs. B. B.

Letter from the wife of a terminally ill resident that came to La Casa for end of life care and treatment

"My husband is a resident at La Casa Senior Assisted Living on Merritt Island. I can’t say enough good things about his care at La Casa. The owners and the staff are all very caring and loving people. They treat the residents as though they are members of their own family. It’s kept very clean and neat, and the food is very good and well-balanced. All in all, I can’t think of a better place to have a loved one, when he or she is no longer able to be taken care of at home."

J.K.

Letter from the wife of a resident that needed full assistance with eating, bathing, and all activities of daily living.

"Dear Debbie and Keith, You two are such important people to our family. I miss my husband terribly but just knowing he is with you takes away the worry about his care. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, for he is content and well-cared for. Merry Christmas"

Christmas Card

received from the family of the following mentioned resident of La Casa

"Dear La Casa Family: It is Wednesday evening after our mom’s funeral and we are together visiting and remembering mom and those who loved her and who she loved during the last days and months of her life here on earth. All of you at La Casa immediately come to all our minds. So, as her children we want to THANK YOU eternally for all you did for our precious mom. Our joint ‘Thank You’s’ show we wish only rich Blessings on you all and La Casa. "

P. & L. P., P. & R. H., B. & J. M., B. & V. P., B. & A. R.

Letter from the family of a resident that spent her final months at La Casa

"Dear Debbie, Just had to write and tell you how much my family and I appreciate the care that my husband receives at La Casa. You, Keith, and the entire staff including nurses, nurses aide, housekeepers, etc. are all a part of the wonderful care he receives. Your home is warm, clean, beautifully decorated and safe. Thank you so much as I have no worries about leaving him in your care. Our family is truly blessed to have him in your care. Most Sincerely, "

C.M.

Letter received from wife of a long-time Alzheimer’s resident at La Casa but more importantly he is and was a highly respected medical professional within our community

"I am writing this much over due letter to thank you and your staff for the outstanding care you provided Dad and Mom in their last months of their lives. It was a tough decision for us to move Mom and Dad from their home in Virginia, but it was the correct one. They both needed better care to tend to their respective diseases. The staffs at both La Casa and the Memory Care were exceptional and you had our confidence in the care provided to my parents. It was very evident you and the staff truly cared for them, even during their ‘challenging times’. I appreciated your counsel and reassurance that we would get through the tough times which we did with Mom, once the meds were finally figured out. Dad, on other hand, was a different and difficult case altogether. To me he had to deal not only with his disease, but Mom’s. Parkinson’s took his body, what a blow to an able bodied and extremely independent minded person. But Mom’s Alzheimer’s took from him, the love of his life. I could not imagine the pain he had to experience in his final weeks of life. I believe, even with his other ailments that he succumbed to a broken heart. However, the care ‘the ladies’ provided was wonderful and at times touching. They really cared about him, which was a comfort not only to Dad, but to me. I have to admit, there were times where I wasn’t sure we had done the right thing moving mom and dad from their home. But after observing the care and interaction they both received while in your hands reassured me that we had made the right choice, especially in our selection of La Casa. My only regret is that you did not have the opportunity to know them when they were not inflicted with their diseases’. You only saw glimpses of how special they were. They had a long and wonderful life together. It’s only fitting that with Mom’s unexpected death that we will have the opportunity to celebrate their lives together and bury them together. ‘Thank you’ does not seem to express the gratitude we have for the counsel, care and comfort you have provided to my family. We enjoyed meeting you and the rest of your wonderful and professional crew. Again, many thanks and best of Luck. Sincerely, "

J.M.

Letter from a son regarding his father diagnosed with Parkinson’s and his mother who suffered from Alzheimer’s

"Dear Keith & Debbie, I, as well as my family, cannot thank you enough for the care and kindness you gave my father the last few months of his life. Your excellent medical care and thoughtfulness for my father helped our family, especially my mother, through this very difficult time. I especially appreciated being able to visit at any time and your constant meal invitations. Without La Casa staff’s dedication and expertise, our family would have been totally overwhelmed. I will always hold La Casa and staff in high regard for helping our family through this difficult time in our lives. Sincerely, "

N.W.

Letter from the daughter of a terminally ill resident at La Casa we had the pleasure of caring for

"To Debbie, Keith & the Staff of La Casa, Thank you so much – May you always be as happy as you make others! We appreciate everything you did to make his last day’s comfortable. The support you gave our family meant so much to us. Sincerely, "

A & J M.

Card from local Hospital Manager that entrusted her loved one to La Casa in his final months

"Dear Staff, With heartfelt appreciation for the thoughtfulness you’ve shown. We can’t say enough about how much you have meant to our family. My mother received the most loving care for over three years. La Casa will always have a special place in our hearts. Please use this gift for any activities for the residents. Jenny will certainly know what to purchase to make the residents happy. The activities were always a special part of the day."

C.L., M.M., T.V., and R.M.

From a Card

"Dear Ones, Little more than a year ago, my parents came to live at La Casa. My father often remarked, in his characteristically straightforward and wry manner, there was but one way to leave (at this, he would look to heaven and point his finger upward).

And so he did, surrounded those last days not only by his family, but by the people who had become his more recent friends, his other family, those who cared for him so patiently, so respectfully, and with such good humor.

He hated being “cooped up”, hated the food. But what he really disliked were his own limitations, the fact that he had outlasted his independence. He had to admit that the human side of La Casa was unimpeachable. He grew fond of those who lent him companionship, kept him safe and handsome, and could give and take some kidding around.

We all sighed with relief that he made it home to La Casa before he died. None of us would give anything for that last trip to the patio on a balmy spring day. We rolled him out as far as the cord on the oxygen concentrator allowed. The palms swayed, the sun shone, the mockingbirds sang, and he got in a few good bites of Haagen-Dazs. When he said, “ I don’t believe I care for anymore”, we knew it was not about the ice cream.

Our father was the best man and the best father he could be, but none of us children had any illusions about whom it was he loved above all. That would be Queenie- Our Mother-the light of his life for three-quarters of a century. That last day, as she sat with him, caressed him, smooched him, whispered to him, all but climbed in bed with him, every line disappeared from his troubled face. Before he would give up, we had to promise to take care of our mother.

Thank you for making that a promise we can fulfill. With great affection and gratitude,"

NAME

Letter from 5 April 2013

"Debbie, Thank you so much for the kind words of encouragement. It gives me great peace knowing you and your staff are in his life during this most difficult time. I trust you. In today’s world I find it harder to say those three words and mean it…but I truly do mean it, I trust you. You are answered prayers. La Casa is answered prayers. My goals are the same as yours, manage to the state of the disease, keep him safe and those around him safe and help him find comfort in the day. I could go on and on but in the end, I know you are and will treat our dad as you would have someone treat your dad or mother. For this I can’t begin to put into words the amount of thanks or gratitude I have for you. It doesn’t begin to seem adequate but THANK YOU! Have a great day,"

T.H.

From a Letter

"Dear Debbie and Keith, A heartfelt thank you for the warm and loving care you and your staff provided for our mom, I.N., for more than two and half years. We were so glad to have found La Casa after experiencing a wide variety of frustrations with two other ALF facilities in Brevard County.

Your trained staff is exemplary. No matter what time we visited mom, your staff was always welcoming, smiling, gracious and ready to assist. Mom always looked fabulous. Her clothes were clean and she had her lipstick, beads and favorite headbands on.

We found both of you and your nursing staff extremely accessible and willing to answer questions and take suggestions, as well as provide comforting guidance as we worked together to provide mom with the best possible quality of life.

Mom’s room was always clean and we never detected and foul odors anywhere in the facilities. The decor is lively and comfortably inviting. Our family members enjoyed our frequent visits, whether we participated in a group activity or soaked in the sunshine in the outside garden and deck.

Mom’s last days were calm and peaceful. The quiet privacy our family shared with your staff and Health First Hospice was greatly appreciated.

Please feel free to use us as a true testimonial to the value of La Casa to families considering your families. We would be honored to chat with families and answer any questions."

The Nass, London, & Chodorov Families

Letter from February 26, 2013

"Dear Debbie, Keith and Staff, The past 4 years have been time of tears but also laughter. I can never thank you enough for the wonderful care both of you and the nurses gave to my husband. I never worried about his care. All of you became family.

Our family (also yours whether you liked it or not)felt his loss and also the love that was extended to us. Everyone worked so hard to keep him clean, well-fed, and happy. From every part of La Casa-the cleaning, the laundry, kitchen delights, nail care, games, wonderful musicians, all the nursing care brought a smile to his face.

Please read this to all the staff. What a wonderful place you have established for the very vulnerable. You won’t be rid of us-you’re family. God Bless,"

C.M., and Family

Letter from March 4, 2013

"Dear Debbie, Keith, Stacy, and the entire staff, I can’t begin to tell each & everyone of you how grateful I am for your loving care of my husband. I never worried about the care he was receiving, because I knew it was the very best. I know you all went above and beyond what was expected of you and I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I love you all,"

J.K.

Card from July 26th

"To the Staff Of La Casa:

We, the family of Dottie, would like to day how appreciative we are, with your staff and facility. From the moment we called Debbie to inquire, we knew that we were to place our mom in this loving, caring facility.

Our mom was very independent for years. So it took a little time for her to adjust. She loved her hospice room and patio. You even allowed us to bring some of her plants to enjoy, which kept her content. This was wonderful. A word was never said, of all the items that cluttered her room. She was thrilled that your staff showed sincere interest in her hobbies. It was all a part of making her very comfortable.

Your staff continually showed their loved and caring spirits. We are so appreciative of every little detail you provided, from your office staff, to the nurses that listened to her every need. The cooks constantly prepared her very wish, the laundry staff cleaned her clothes but also kept them in order, the cleaning crew was always on top of things and the bathing girls were great. The rest of the nurses and nurses aids were constantly helping her with drinks, changing, cleaning messes, etc. She did have a few favorites, and I am sure they know who they are. But the love, kindness, concern and comfort that your staff provided to her was an A++, especially taking the time to listen to her stories. A Couple of her favorites: Mexican Butterfly Vine! Her Card Making! And course her little baby “Dolly”(her dog). She had great intentions of making everyone a “Thank You” card, but unfortunately, she was not able.

We know our mom is in a Great New Home with the Lord Jesus Christ (Heaven). She probably shared with each and everyone her faith. She too, was concerned for each and every one of you. So, if you haven’t taken the time to ask Christ into your life, please do so. That day will come for all of us, some sooner than others.

So, from the deepest gratitude of our hearts, Mom and all of us kids (Bob, Gary, Cindy, & Ranae) wish to say “Thank You” for all you did to care and comfort for our beloved mom, and us, in her last days. May God’s PEACE be with each and every one of you!

Sincerely Thankful, "

C.S.

Letter from Aug 29, 2012

"Dear Debbie and Keith, Thanks for all you and your team do to care for my mom. The other day when I asked her if she had a good day, she said ‘Always!’ ‘It’s easy to have good days when so many lovely people are taking such good care of me. It’s a blessing to have you in our lives. Best wishes for a wonderful Thanksgiving. I’ll be giving thanks for all of you. Fondly,"

A.W.

Card from Nov 17, 2011

"Dear Debbie and Keith, Just wanted to thank you for including us on the 4th of July barbecue. The ribs and chicken were absolutely delicious. I had to write, not only to thank you, but to tell you how wonderful the whole atmosphere of La Casa is Bev, Kelly, Edna, Jasmine and all the staff make La Casa home and every one who takes care of Bern are family. It is striking to us how much La Casa is like our home. The kids mingling with the patients, George and Josh, Ruby and Glenda and all the crew make La Casa not only home to Bern but home to us. We are truly blessed!"

C., C., C.J. &amo; P.

Letter from 7, July 2012

"Dear Debbie and Keith,

Every time I visit my husband I am so aware of how wonderful you two are in starting La Casa. So much love and caring is evident every time I see my husband. Both of you have provided our area with a real ‘home away from home’ for all the patients. La Casa is not an institution. It is a safe haven for all the patients afflicted with the problem of aging.

The group that I have known over almost three years are like family to me. My husband always has a smile and the wonderful gift of contentment. Every patient is cared for, always clean treated with respect, watched over constantly to keep them safe.

La Casa is a real tribute to you both and my family and I thank you for making such a beautiful home for my husband and all his family. Thank you,"

C.M. and Family

Letter from 22 January 2012

"Dear Debbie, We can’t thank you enough for all your help and professional advice with Delores. We wish you and your family and a wonderful Thanksgiving."

P.D. and S.D.

Card from 11/23/11

"Thank you for your comforting words AND, most importantly everything you did for my dad H.F. You all are awesome and couldn’t have asked for more caring people to be with and care for him. From the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU one and all! Sorry it’s taken so long to write, just a very difficult time for me! May God Bless you all. Please accept our heartfelt thanks. Warmest Regards,"

The F. & D. Families

From a Card

"Dear Board Members of Health First Hospice,

I was asked to write a letter in support of La Casa becoming a partner provider for Hospice of Health First. It is easy for me to do so. My patients, their caregivers, and our team at the Aging Institute, have all benefitted significantly by having La Casa in our community.

It has been a pleasure to work with Debbie Wilborn, the owner and administrator of La Casa, as well as her staff, in supporting the diverse and often demanding care needs of patients and families who are facing the myriad challenges aging can bring. It has been my observation that patients are well attended to and genuinely cared for by La Casa caregivers. Staff is responsive to recommendations for care, and families have reported they are happy with the care their loved ones receive. A number of Aging Institute associates and I have visited La Casa at various times ( mostly unannounced) and have been uniformly impressed.

In particular to end-of-life care, La Casa has shown themselves to be capable and accommodating even in the midst of highly stressful circumstances. I have presented them with several challenging end of life situations and they have risen to the challenge with timeliness, clinical competence, and compassion.

I believe they offer a level of care and compassion that is a good match for Hospice of Health First.

Please feel free to contact me should you require further information. Sincerely,"

Rosemary D. Laird, MD

Letter from the medical director of Health First Aging Institute (June 14, 2011)

"Dear Keith and Debbie, I, as well as my family, cannot thank you enough for the care and kindness you gave my father the last few months of his life. Your excellent medical care and thoughtfulness for my father helped our family, especially my mother, through this very difficult time. I especially appreciated being able to visit at any time and your constant meal invitations. Without La Casa staff’s dedication and expertise, our family would have totally overwhelmed. I will always hold La Casa and staff in high regard for helping our family through this difficult time in our lives. Sincerely,"

N.W.

Letter from April 3, 2010

"Dear Debbie and Keith, Thank you so much for your donation to Hospice in memory of my husband. I treasured these last months of his life with such good friends and care. My best wishes to you in the new year. Love,"

B.B.

Card from Dec 5th, 2010

"This Mother’s Day I want to thank all of you for all you do to take care of my mother. We appreciate you and what you do very much. Love,"

A.W.

From a Card

"Dear Debbie and Keith, Words cannot express our gratitude for the excellent care you provided to Dad. You treated him with the same love and concern that we believe would have been extended to your own parent and we cannot thank you enough for that. Thank you also for being at the memorial service. It wouldn’t have been complete without you. God Bless,"

R. & E. H.

From a Card

"Dear Debbie and Keith, You two are such important people to our family. I miss Bern terribly but just knowing he is with you takes away his care. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, for Bern is content and well-cared for. May Christmas be blessed with God’s precious gifts of peace and joy and love. Merry Christmas, God’s blessings in 2011."

C.M.

From a Card

"To Debbie, Keith & the Staff Of La Casa, Thank you so much- May you always be as happy as you make others! We appreciate everything you did to make Buddy’s last days comfortable. The support you gave our family meant so much to us. Sincerely,"

A. & J. M.

From a Card

"Dear Debbie,

I am writing this much over due letter to thank you and your staff for the outstanding care you provided Dad and Mom in their last months of their lives. It was a tough decision for us to move Mom and Dad from their home in Virginia, but it was the correct one. The both needed better care to tend to their respective diseases.

The staff at both La Casa and Norwood were exceptional and you had our confidence in the care provided to my parents. It was very evident you and the staff truly cared for them, even during their “challenging times.” I appreciated your counsel and reassurance that we would get through the tough times which we did with Mom, once the meds were finally figured out. Dad, on other hand, was a different and difficult case altogether. To me he had to deal not only with his disease, but Mom’s. Parkinson’s took his body, what a blow to an able bodied and extremely independent minded person. But Mom’s Alzheimer’s took from him, the love of his life. I could not imagine the pain he had to experience in his final weeks of life. I believe, even with his other ailments that he succumbed to a broken heart. However, the care “the ladies” provided was wonderful and at times touching. They really cared about him, which was a comfort not only to Dad, but to me.

I have to admit, there were times where I wasn’t sure we had done the right thing moving mom and dad from their home. But after observing the care and interaction they both received while in your hands reassured me that we had made the right choice especially in our selection of La Casa. My only regret is that you did not have the opportunity to know them when they were not inflicted with their diseases. You only saw glimpses of how speical they were. They had a long and wonderful life together. Its’s only fitting that with Mom’s unexpected death that we will have the opportunity to celebrate their lives together and bury them together.

‘Thank you’ does not seem to express the gratitude we have for the counsel, care and comfort you have provided to my family. We enjoyed meeting you and the rest of your wonderful and professional crew.

Again, many thanks and best of luck. Sincerely,"

J.M.

Letter from 19 July 2010

"Debbie,

God is Amazing!! He knows what we need and who to put in our lives. You were sent to us by his angels, delivered Al/daddy home to him. We can never repay you for the comfort you gave those last few days. You and the wonderful staff at La Casa made us feel like family from day one.

You will always be in our prayers, that God will work through you to bring His children home with love and dignity. Please tell Carrie, Jennie, Cassandra, Melissa, Bev, Patty, Brandy, Lena, your laundry folks and any others we have missed. We love them all. They helped us laugh when we wanted to cry and took care of Al/daddy lovingly.

With our love and gratitude,"

C.L. and Family

From a Letter

"Dear Debbie, Keith & Stacy, I want to thank you….with all my heart to take care of Alex for 2 years."

Love, G.

From a Letter

"Debbie & Keith, Thank you for allowing us full access over the past few days to celebrate Scorch’s birthday. It is very apparent dad is in a GREAT environment and care. Your staff should be commended for all of their efforts and care they provide. I hope there was enough ice cream and cake to go around the staff. We had the opportunity to visit with dad, sometimes he was current and others he was somewhere else but overall good conversations. I wanted to share one of his comments, ‘This is a good life here, I am ok.’ This was in response to a general question of how are you feeling. I can’t thank you enough for being his ‘guardian angels’!"

T.H.

From a Card

"’Thank you’ is a simple phrase, but still it’s meant to show that we appreciate your kindness more than you could know. Thank you for making our dad’s last few days easier. It was a relief to us all when he was able to be care for by your family. "

C.W., T.B., L.D., C.G., S.G., & B.G.

From a Card

"To Everyone: Thank you so much for the wonderful care you gave to my father Patrick. God Bless all of you. Your thoughtfulness meant more than words could ever express. Thank you,"

D.C., T.A, T.M.

From a Card

"Debbie, It was appreciated more than you know. The E.D. family sends a “BIG THANKS” for your family and also the extra kindness you gave us/to my mom at the end. Sincerely,"

S.J.

From a Card

"Debbie, Keith, & Staff, I can’t thank you enough for the care you provided for my Dad. I felt completely at ease knowing he had superb care. My hat is off to your facility. I will always recommend your establishment. I am not going to be a stranger-I love seeing the residents & love to hear Carolyn sing, ha! Hope your residents, staff, & visitors enjoy the bird feeder. Thanks again! Love & Regards,"

L.S.

From a Card

Best Merritt Island Assisted living Florida