When Bob Kraft thinks back on his mother Gertrude’s nine-year stay at Pleasant View Communities, one word comes to mind: compassion.
“They took excellent care of her from day one until the day she passed,” Bob said. “At every level of care, from independent living to skilled nursing, the staff showed true compassion.”
Bob’s journey with Pleasant View began in 2005 when his mother’s Alzheimer’s disease had progressed to the point where she could no longer live independently. After researching several options in the Lancaster area, Bob and his family chose Pleasant View for its welcoming atmosphere and continuum of care.
A Welcoming Community with a Pleasant View
“We looked at a lot of different places,” Bob said. “Some were very blunt – they just said, ‘Sorry, she doesn’t have enough money to be here.’ But Pleasant View was different. When we met with Melanie DeHart, Director of Sales & Marketing, it was such a welcoming conversation and experience.”
The family appreciated that Pleasant View would allow Gertrude to transition through different levels of care as her needs changed, without having to leave the community. This proved invaluable as her Alzheimer’s progressed over the years.
Bob said the staff went above and beyond to engage residents like his mother in activities and social interactions.
“They would have her out singing and doing activities in groups,” he said. “Even when she didn’t know who we were anymore, the staff made sure she was participating and enjoying life as much as possible.”
The personal touches were especially important, Bob said. He recalled a Pleasant View volunteer who remembered his mother fondly years later when they happened to meet at another event.
“It showed how much the staff and volunteers truly care about the residents,” he said.
Flexibility with Difficult Decisions
When it came to difficult decisions about Gertrude’s care, Bob said he found Pleasant View to be flexible and patient. He appreciated that they allowed the family to get a second medical opinion when considering moving his mother to a higher level of care.
“They listened to us and worked with us throughout the process,” he said. “It wasn’t just about moving people along – they truly cared about doing what was best for my mom.”
The financial aspects of long-term care can be daunting for many families. Bob said he is grateful for how Pleasant View—especially Vice President of Finance Steve Myers—helped navigate the financial complexities when Gertrude’s assets were depleted.
“Steve was tremendous in helping us transfer her Social Security and pension,” Bob said. “Even though he’s on the financial end, which can be a difficult situation, he showed such compassion in working with our family.”
A New Chapter of Giving Back
Gertrude passed away in 2014 after nine years at Pleasant View. For many families, that might have marked the end of their connection with the Life Plan community. But for Bob, it was just the beginning of a new chapter in his relationship with Pleasant View.
“They took such excellent care of her, I felt like I wanted to do something to give back,” he said. “I wanted to make sure that level of care continues for everybody else who has a loved one that needs it.”
Bob, a Senior Claims Unit Manager at Westfield Group insurance, found his avenue for giving back through Pleasant View’s annual golf tournament, which raises funds for benevolent care. He and his golfing buddies have become fixtures at the event, known for their matching outfits and team spirit. Bob’s team won “Most Patriotic” at the 2024 tournament, a particularly special recognition, since the event was held on Sept. 11.
“It’s become my favorite event of the year,” Bob said with a smile. “I look forward to it so much that I’ve even missed senior leadership meetings at work because they fell on the date of the golf tournament. This is something I will not ever miss.”
Honoring a Mother’s Memory
Beyond just participating, Bob said he has joined the golf outing committee and become an enthusiastic fundraiser for the event. He sees it as a way to honor his mother’s memory and ensure other families can benefit from the same compassionate care she received.
“I feel like it’s a way of giving back on behalf of my mom,” he reflects. “Maybe I could have done more while she was there, but this is my way of making sure somebody else’s mom or dad gets that same level of care.”
Bob has been touched by how many of his colleagues and business associates have their own connections to Alzheimer’s disease and are eager to support the cause. It’s opened his eyes to how widespread the impact is.
“You’d be amazed how many people have a connection to Alzheimer’s,” he notes. “It’s so important that we continue to support places like Pleasant View that provide such high-quality memory care.”
For Bob, Pleasant View isn’t just the place where his mother spent her final years–it’s become a community he’s proud to be part of and support. From the compassionate staff to the vibrant activities to the spirit of giving, he’s found a mission that resonates deeply.
“Pleasant View is special,” Bob said. “The people there truly care. They go above and beyond to enrich the lives of residents and make a difference. I’m honored to play a small part in supporting that.”
Continuing the Legacy of Compassion
As Pleasant View looks to the future, the support of community members like Bob Kraft is vital to continuing our mission of compassionate care. This October 20-22, Pleasant View will participate in the Faithful Give, a weekend of charitable giving to support local nonprofits.
It’s an opportunity for all of us to follow Bob’s lead and ensure Pleasant View can provide the same life-changing care to future residents that Gertrude Kraft received. Whether through participating in events like the golf outing or making a direct donation, every contribution helps Pleasant View fulfill its calling to serve.
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For more information on how you can help make a difference for the residents of Pleasant View Communities, please click here.
