Dear Major General Glazar:

I am writing this letter to inform you of the fine care that my father, Berthel A. Cedermark, a veteran of the Navy in World War II received over the past year and one half at the New Jersey Veterans Memorial Home at Vineland.

Unfortunately, he passed away on June 26th of this year. However, prior to his death he was cared for by the most compassionate group of individuals that I have ever met. I am a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist with 26 years of experience in patient care and feel qualified to make this judgement.

It was not an easy decision to admit him to a nursing care facility when his health began to deteriorate in late 1999. The daily news is replete with scandals involving nursing institutions and the mistreatment that many of our country’s elderly receive when entrusted to the care of these homes. This, however was not even remotely the case when we had my father entrusted to their care. From our very first contacts with social services, the business office, medical staff and administration, the process was courteous and efficient.

I would particularly like to acknowledge the fine work of the nurses and nursing assistants of the 2A, the Alzheimer’s Unit on which he resided. Geriatric nursing is a challenge, even under the best of circumstances. These folks have taken upon themselves an even more challenging task, the care of the Alzheimer’s patient. The frustration that many Alzheimer’s patients experience is often exhibited by physical behavior that makes him or her particularly difficult to care for. Daily care is tedious and sometimes dangerous. They must be assisted with all activities including dressing, eating and bathroom activities. Not just sometimes, but all the time.

The patients of Unit 2A were always clean and well fed. Despite being short-staffed I witnessed staff members sitting with a patient a full hour to ensure that a patient’s full meal would be consumed. Toilet activities were scheduled on a regular schedule so that patients would not have to suffer that indignity of “accidents” – and if they did occur, they were attended to in a timely manner. All of these duties were performed with a caring, loving manner which I have never witnessed before. When my father did suffer medical setbacks they were quickly identified and treated. When he required hospital treatment, he was accompanied by a familiar staff member.

Perhaps the most agonizing time that a family member can experience is at the end of a visit to their loved one – not knowing what care will be taken of him when we are gone. My brothers and I were able to return home knowing full well that our father was receiving the finest, most compassionate care. The people caring for him not only became his care givers but also his friends.

Despite the fact that their duties often require them to work overtime, even double shifts, so that staff shortages do not adversely affect the care of their patients, these folks remain efficient and patient. Their dedication to these veterans and their families sets a standard that the Vineland Veterans Home can be proud of.

Although my father is now gone, I will look back on my visits with fondness toward the people who took care of him in what could have been the most difficult time of his life. I am indebted to them forever.

Sincerely, Bert R. Cedermark