December 19, 2016
My name is Deborah Sherraden. I am the eldest daughter of Edith O’Toole, who resides at the Thomas Upham House in Medfield, Massachusetts. My mother had a stroke almost two years ago which left her unable to care for herself. We have been blessed by having her cared for by the staff at Thomas Upham House. This is not just a nursing home; it is a home – literally, not an institution. The residents of Thomas Upham House feel that if they cannot be in their own home, at least they can be in a “home-like” facility and not an “institutional feeling” facility. This has a great effect on those who reside there for either short- term or long-term care, not only physically but also mentally.
I would like to share a personal note regarding my mother. Edith is a 92-year-old woman who has lived in Medfield for all of those 92 years. She is a pillar of the community. Prior to her stroke in 2015, she would visit many of her friends at the Thomas Upham House, as well as volunteer for the many activities that the Thomas Upham House offers to their residents. She was so thankful to be a part of this facility on many levels. Now that she is a resident, she is on the receiving end of visits from friends and a participant in the activities. It is very heart- warming and calming for family and friends to know their loved one resides in a welcoming, nurturing, caring place such as the Thomas Upham House. I believe a great deal of this comes from the atmosphere of having a home-like facility where you and your loved one are treated like family -- not a number, dollar sign or diagnosis. We laugh, cry and look after one another as though we were family. This does not happen in an institutional-like facility. I am a retired nurse and have worked in several nursing facilities. I did not have the pleasure of working in such a unique place as the Thomas Upham House. My experience was in the “institutional” type care facilities so I can speak first hand in saying “they are two different worlds!”
If the Thomas Upham House would loose their “grandfathered” status, I feel this would be a disservice to the residents, families of the residents, staff and the town of Medfield.
I urge you to think hard and wisely about the effect this will have on numerous people should you close this beautiful (inside and out) facility. Thomas Upham House has been a nursing facility for over 65 years, and has received awards for their standards. I believe the Thomas Upham House should continue to operate as the amazing care facility that it is.
Thank you for your time and attention.
Sincerely,
Deborah Sherraden
7701 Westchester Dr.
Middleton, WI 53562