Evergreen C&R center appreciated

Editor,

Nursing home staff members often serve as the final care givers to our loved ones after modern medicine's best efforts have little more to offer, and family care attempts have been exhausted.

As America grays, nursing homes will play a greater role in the care of our families and of ourselves. Polson, in particular, as it increasingly becomes a retirement community, will require the services of its nursing home, Evergreen Convalescent and Rehabilitation Center.

Like all health care facilities, Evergreen has had its challenge. I have cared for hundreds of my patients in Evergreen over the last 21 years and have been medical director of the facility for 18 years.

I have long appreciated its role as a major employer in our community and as a crucial link in the health delivery system of Lake County.

My patients have received good care at Evergreen. Nothing, however brings the care issue closer to heart than when one's own family member is a recipient of that care.

Last week my mother, age 95, died at Evergreen after a two-and-a-half month stay. My family and I will be forever grateful to the staff for the wonderful care she received during her days there.

The compassion and love, the attention and superb medical care made her final days the best that they could be. The nurses, CNAs and all of the other wonderful care givers at Evergreen eased the sadness my family experienced.

Thank you, Evergreen. You are not only a cornerstone of health care in Lake County but also a real community treasure.

R. Stephen Irwin, M.D.

Polson