During these challenging times, we seek positive words and encouragement from those around us as we all work together to stay healthy and care for our aging population. This is especially challenging for those are protecting, engaging and loving those living with dementia.

So you can only imagine how moving it was when caregivers at Porter Place Memory Care in Tinley Park, Illinois left from their shifts to be greeted on the front lawn by a virtual garden of signs, created by a resident’s family and friends, all expressing thanks and sharing positive thoughts for these frontline heroes who are serving the residents they have grown so close to. (Visit the Porter Place Facebook page for more sign photos.)

“Today the staff was overwhelmed with tears of gratitude,” said Porter Place Executive Director, Colleen Kamin. “We are so blessed and grateful for the amazing families we have here at Porter Place. We know how difficult this time is for families, without seeing your loved ones. We are so thankful for the generous and appreciated snacks, meals, cards, letters, homemade cloth masks, artwork and words of kindness to all of the staff here.”

There is a real sense of community inside the doors of Porter Place as caregivers and other staff work tirelessly to keep residents safe and engaged. The signs from the greater community were a welcome sight for all those who are putting in so much effort for the residents and families. And, being true heroes, they remain determined to continue to do whatever is necessary to keep this community healthy.

As Colleen Kamin so aptly put the sentiments of all those serving around her, “We will get through this…We are Porter Place STRONG!”