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September 2023 by Anne Gable
My father was in Serenity House for 6 weeks in the summer of 2023. I could not have asked for a better place for him. The director is helpful, so responsive, and compassionate. The volunteers are amazing people. My father was safe and well-cared for and was able to be in a clean and bright environment for his final weeks. It was a huge relief and blessing having this option for him as we are out of town. We were always made to feel comfortable and welcome any time we were with him at Serenity House.
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September 2023 by Jennifer Friend
Serenity House did a wonderful job caring for my father during the last six weeks of his life. The Director Kayko is a consummate professional and her staff of volunteers are all experienced, caring and compassionate. When my father started hospice care, it felt completely overwhelming. My father was very concerned and upset about going into hospice care and Kayko gave him the time and respect he needed to work through his concerns. Kayko and the staff supported my father and our family every step of the way from my initial tour of the facility to the caring and attentive care he received during the final days of his life. During his stay, he was able to enjoy quality time with family and friends and I know the care he received afforded him extra time that he truly cherished. The staff and Kayko did everything they could to make his last memories special. My father enjoyed ice cream, a happy hour and a surf and turf dinner. It wasn’t really about the meals - it was about the meaningful connections he was able to enjoy. These are happy memories that we will always have from his last days. A huge thank you to Serenity House. My family is so grateful.
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July 2023 by Cheryl Temple
Death with dignity surrounded by loved ones is what we all need. The last step shouldn’t be the hardest. Serenity House continues to be a haven of care in our community thanks to all the people who give their time and money so selflessly.
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July 2023 by Dan Drew
We were fortunate to have Serenity House. My mother-in-law needed around the clock care and Serenity House provided that for us. We loved the fact that we could cook family dinners and eat together. As my mother-in-law grew worse, the staff were not only there for her, but provided comfort to us as well. It is never easy to lose a loved one, but we know she was well cared for and enjoyed her remaining days with family. This was made possible by the staff and volunteers at Serenity House.
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July 2023 by Maureen Kahovec
When the hospital told us that my mother in-law only had about 2 weeks to live and she could not stay, we had no idea what to do. I had vaguely heard of Serenity House and contacted a friend who I knew volunteered there. We were fortunate that there was an open bed and my mother in-law was there for 5 weeks. It was such a relief to know that she was being taken care of while my husband and I continued to work and take care of our 4 children. We were able to spend quality time with her over the last 5 weeks of her life-and I truly believe that she lived longer than 2 weeks thanks to the great care and attention she received at Serenity House. Also, my father was in rehab during Covid and when we were informed that the end was near, I would have asked that he be moved to Serenity if the house hadn't been closed at that time. That is how much I trust Serenity to take care of my family.
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July 2023 by Marsha Senges
I feel as tho' I'm in a perfect place to be able to write a Review of Serenity House, in Victor, NY, as BOTH my parents were residents here and I've been a Serenity House Volunteer Caregiver, since 2000!My Dad, dying of stomach, lymph node and liver cancer spent his final 17 days being cared for by compassionate volunteer caregivers. Our Family members, from CA, PA, KY and SC, were able to come and go, with absolutely no "Visiting Hours". Because there was a separate guest bedroom for Mom, she was able to get some rest every afternoon, napping! My brother even gave Dad his last haircut, out on the deck...some special "Quality Time" together. The days we spent together at Serenity House, as Dad made his "Final Journey", were very memorable. Our daughter decorated her Gpa's room with photos of our years together! We were able to make Serenity House our Family's home during Dad's last days.Because of our incredible experiences with Dad at Serenity House, several years later, Mom was actually in the very same room where Dad had died! She was peaceful and 'Ready' to join him. She didn't have cancer or heart issues, but her body had aged considerably. She was able to have whatever meals SHE wanted, or, some days, very little. Having caregivers spend time with her, was so special. Her care was exceptional. Again, Family spent quality time with her, as she declined.As a volunteer, I've come to befriend wonderful caregivers, coming from all walks of life, each with a passion for wanting to care for those in their final days. Family members of residents repeatedly comment, "I wish we'd brought our loved-one to Serenity House sooner!" It's so true, as I know, first hand, what a relief and what a 'weight off my shoulders' I felt once Dad and then Mom, were in the hands of Serenity House's caregivers. I could be a daughter, and not have to worry any longer about their emotional and medical care. Serenity House is such a GIFT to both residents and families.
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June 2023 by jenn reilly
Our family was so grateful that serenity house was able to care for my aunt. They provided a wonderfully calm and comfortable setting for us all to spend the last few weeks with her. They gave us time with her we wouldn't have had otherwise. My kids were little and they made it possible for her and my kids to celebrate Halloween and make memories. We were able relax knowing she was loved while we were unable to be there. I have made several donations to serenity house to pay it forward. They provide gift cards for families to grab a meal together... Celebrate a few milestones... And help your family member pass on with dignity and peace. Thank you!
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June 2023 by Suzanne Argento
Facing the reality that a loved one needs hospice care can be very overwhelming for a family. Our mom had some medical needs that not all volunteer-based hospice homes could accommodate. When meeting Kayko for the first time, she assured us her team of volunteers and medical professionals could handle all that was required. Still unsure, we visited the house & met some of the volunteers. The immediate sense of care, compassion & understanding of what we were experiencing made a world of difference in our decision. Family & close friends were able to spend quality time with our mom during her last days. Everyone - especially my mom - was made to feel comfortable, welcomed and cared for. When at-home end of life care is not an option, I would highly recommend Serenity House and its amazing group of volunteers and staff.
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June 2023 by lindasue marren
Thank goodness for Serenity House. I don’t know what we would have done without them when my dad got ill. They were very compassionate. They took great care of my dad and us. I am so passionate about Serenity House, I am now volunteering there.
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June 2022 by Jo Cico
Our Mother spent her last days in this home. The care was wonderful and the atmosphere on the grounds was a perfect end of life place to be. We would recommend this place to anyone who has a loved one in Palliative care on their way to hospice. This home came up at the last minute 2 days before our Mother would have had to leave Thompson Palliative care, which was only a 2 week hospice. We are so thankful to God this little miracle came up at the last minute. The house along with volunteers were excellent. We so much appreciated that our Mother's final days were in a lovely room rather a hospital or nursing home. Thank you so much to all who volunteer and donate to this house to keep it going! God Bless! JoAnne, Gina & Susie, Joyce & Maryann, Jackie Rafflo's daughters, Thank you!! :)
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January 2021 by Matt H
It's been a little over a year since my father-in-law went into Serenity and my anger with them still hasn't gone away. We were treated horrible and made to feel unwelcome there. They literally closed and blocked off areas of the house to try and prevent us from spending time there.The problem wasn't the volunteers (although some of them were terrible), there were some wonderful people there. The biggest problem was the Director Kayko. She was very rude and had no compassion at all. She really seems to hate working there. I would not recommend anyone sending their loved one here.
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May 2020 by Linda M
My father was a resident at Serenity House for several weeks before he passed away. He was cared for by dedicated volunteers and staff. Our family is grateful for the loving care and compassion that everyone extended to him and our family in his final days. We don't know what we would have done without Serenity House.
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May 2020 by Georgia R
Thank you so much for your care and dedication to those who can no longer care for themselves. The journey at the end of the road is difficult, not just for the individual, but for the family and friends as well. You help to make that transition peaceful. I was doubly blessed to get to know so many of you during my stay there, which was an added blessing. And I so appreciated the wonderful loving care that Rosemary received. Knowing that she was in such good hands made my going home easier.
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May 2020 by Sue M
Just wanted to thank you and all the volunteers at Serenity House for taking care of our aunt, Diane B, during her final days. It was a great comfort to us knowing she was being cared for by people who knew and loved her. They say that God has a plan - i often struggle with this - but this time I think he got it right. Despite my aunt's confusion as to why she was there, she always knew where she was and she was surrounded by familiar faces. Had she moved to Ludington this would not have been the case.So, thank you again for taking her in, and treating her with the compassion she deserved after so many years of caring for others.Sincerely, Sue & Dave M. Andrew & Lisa B.
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May 2020 by Amanda Koch
If you care about the wellbeing of your loved one....don’t send them to this place. My grandma had vascular dementia and was in need of comfort care. At first, they seemed loving and treated her with respect. Shortly after, they kicked her out to resurface the flooring of the facility because she “ wasn’t declining fast enough”. DO NOT trust this place or send you loved ones here.... place should be shut down in my opinion.