I've been a volunteer at Chaparral House for over four years. I offer music to the residents every week, largely a selection of music from the 30s and 40s, which is what they recognize and sometimes like to sing. I began to honor my mom who spent the last 10 years of her life in a convalescent hospital. She always asked me to play the piano for her, so I continue with that legacy. The staff at Chaparral have always made me feel welcome and appreciated. They go out of their way to make sure I have everything I need while I'm there.
Kim Larsen emails the volunteers regularly with requests to assist in the many, many activities Chaparral offers its residents. He alerts us as to the passing of the residents so that we may offer our condolences to family and friends.
My initial goal was to play piano for the residents. What I've discovered over the past few years is that the resident's families as well as the staff appreciate the brief respite and the pleasant walk down memory. Some of the staff, Kim in particular, will join me in song when they are able. It's a gratifying gift to me when folks respond and participate.
Chaparral gives me an opportunity to share my time, and always always always appreciates and encourages me as well as the residents. I'll keep on going every Tuesday morning. Thank you, Chaparral.
I have been a board member for over 8 years and continue because Chaparral House is such a wonderful and caring place. The staff and board members work very well together toward the goal of providing a place for our elder community to live in a safe and homelike environment with lots of activities, great food and where everyone's voice is heard. I joined Chaparral House's board to satisfy an expectation of my employer to serve the community but have stayed because it's so rewarding an experience, not to mention the friendly people.
I first became acquainted with Chaparral House in 2006, when we chose it as a skilled nursing home for my 98-year-old mother. I got to know the staff well in the 2-1/2 years that my mother lived there. I was impressed with the dignity they accorded to each resident. No one has to sit and stare at a wall; activities are tailored to the needs of the residents. A couple of years after my mother died, I felt I could return as a volunteer, so I have done that. The staff is almost entirely the same staff I knew from 2006-2008; we greet one another as old friends. It speaks very well for a care center to have so little employee turnover. I love that it is small, and that all of the staff and many of the volunteers know the residents so well. This Berkeley, California, care center allows--encourages--its residents to live the very best lives they can live at this point. Karen R.
I very recently started volunteering at Chaparral House in Berkeley and it's been wonderful. The staff are kind, helpful and dedicated to ensuring a positive, productive experience for both the volunteers and residents. It's a warm, supportive, caring environment and the facility is beautiful. I had a really special time walking through the garden with my first one on one visit that made me look forward to coming back. This organization is doing important work and I feel fortunate to be a part of it.
Volunteering at the Chapparal House is something I look forward to every week! The staff are dedicated to upholding the livelihood of everyone around, and that can go along way to influence both the energies of residents and volunteers.
This is a great nursing home with a very warm and dedicated staff. The activities staff go way out of their way to offer specialized care to each resident. It's small enough that everyone receives the kind of care one would receive from their family. And in fact everyone becomes 'family' here. Highly recommended!
Chaparral House is really a great place! The staff and volunteers truly care about the residents. I volunteer to help put together custom playlists for the residents. I get to spend time with them one-on-one and have the opportunity to really discover the music they like, and talk about their days at Chaparral. The fact that Chaparral thought this would be beneficial and has allocated all the resources to make it happen speaks wonders about the organization as a whole.
As a volunteer, I have had great guidance and support in my work there. Everyone is readily available to help. The residents seem thrilled with the programs available.
My uncle was in the Chaparral House for approximately one year. It was the happiest year he had spent out of his last 15 years of life. He had suffered several small strokes after a car accident and was having problems with dementia as well. When he moved into the Chaparral House, the staffs and volunteers made him feel very special. He was often seen laughing and smiling which was something he had not done for many years. He was also friendly with his fellow residents and enjoyed the many activities.
Unlike previous skilled facilities I had visited, Chaparral House was very clean, light and always seemed fresh. My uncle was a fan of the food.
I will always be grateful to the staff for all the love and caring they extended toward my uncle.
