Blowin' in the Wind

By JoEllen Rogers, Sunwest Management Regional Manager

"Home, Sweet Home".."Home is where the Heart is".."There's no place like home!" These phrases have been repeated over and over by the residents of Knollwood Pointe Assisted Living in Mobile, Alabama (Managed by Sunwest Management, Inc.) as they returned HOME following the evacuation during Hurricane Ivan.

On September 12, 2004, as we carefully evaluated the information provided by the weather channel, online storm tracking and local information, we collectively made the decision that we needed to evacuate Knollwood Pointe residents to Sweetwater Springs Assisted Living in Lithia Springs, Georgia (also managed by Sunwest Management, Inc.) It was probably the toughest management decision I've made thus far in my career. I realized that the residents of both communities would be greatly inconvenienced, families potentially upset, that the evacuation would be expensive and potentially not necessary. But, I was not willing to take the risk that the hurricane would hit Mobile and not have taken action. Leaving was the only option.

A wonderful crew from KDA Construction arrived on the scene to board up the windows and cover the PTAC units. Under the direction of Kay Oliveira, Administrator, our staff busied themselves with packing residents and supplies for the trip to Atlanta. Early the next morning they were on their way to Sweetwater Springs, where Melanie Price, Administrator, and a host of residents and staff awaited their arrival. We set up dormitory style beds in the activity room, ordered extra food, staffed an extra person and began planning for our adventure. And, oh, what an adventure it was.

Over the next week we had the smoothest operation one could hope for. Everyone worked well together, bonding residents from Alabama and Georgia, building friendships and having great attitudes. Our Activity Director, Joy, planned marathon bingo sessions, dog biscuit making parties, song fests, arts and crafts and outings. Lois found a way to serve an extra 25 guests each meal and even celebrated two birthdays of Knollwood residents with cupcakes and balloons. And yes, we did watch a LOT of the weather channel!

The days were long for Sweetwater staff along with Kay and her three caregivers that made the trip. After Ivan made its way north we were able to get word that it appeared our building had only suffered minimal damage, but was without electrical power. We then began to brace ourselves as tornados and heavy wind and rain headed to Georgia. We were fine, but all around us devastation hit as areas were flooded and trees came down on power lines. Many people were killed by this terrible storm. We are so grateful that our building and our residents and staff came through the storm with minimal damage.

And so, it was time to celebrate. As the residents and staff loaded on the bus to head home to Alabama, one week after they'd left their home, Melanie and her group of singing telegram residents sang there song of tender appreciation to them. Eyes were full of tears and hugs were plentiful. Service had been rendered. Lives had been shared. Relationships would be there to be called upon if ever needed.

No one wants to go through a serious storm and evacuation, but I do have to say that I am so proud of my staff for their attitudes of service and commitment to each other and the residents. The mission of Sunwest was LIVED for that week. I am grateful for the honor to serve beside them.