There Is No Place Like Home

By Kim Lacy, SMT Contributing Writer

When you walk into Central Gardens, you are met by happy, smiling faces. It just feels like home - comforting and inviting. Alvin, the cocker spaniel and a valued member of the Central Gardens family, will usually be the first to greet you.

Administrator Stacy Blocker is typically right behind her trusty dog, and she is one of the reasons for the welcoming, home-like atmosphere at Central Gardens.  Despite her administrative position, this is not ‘just a job’ to Blocker - it is her passion. After a brief conversation with her, you know what these residents mean to her and how ‘near and dear’ she keeps each and every one of them.

Blocker is a busy working mother, but she tirelessly gives of herself, time and energy.  She refers to the residents of Central Gardens as her ‘second family’.  You can talk to the residents and staff and they will be quick to tell you that they feel the same way about Stacy.  She goes above and beyond her ‘job description’ on a daily basis.

Central Gardens has much to offer in the way of services for its residents.  Therapy sessions and the 24-hour-a-day nursing staff provide peace of mind for both residents and family members. They also offer transportation around town and fine dining.

The sense of independence Central Gardens provides its residents is very important to the well-being of a resident. The day I was able to visit, Stacy and a few residents were headed out for ice cream on a beautiful fall day.

The staff also provides fun, engaging daily activities for residents. One of the activities that kept things humming lately was the making of a float for the Stoddard County fair parade.  This year, Central Gardens’ float was build around the theme of the Wizard of Oz. Many hours went into this huge endeavor, and the float was a big hit at the parade. The residents so enjoy these big projects, and everyone gets involved.

Dorothy was right when she said "There is no place like home.", and Central Gardens is home in more ways than one.