Moving into Morning Pointe Richmond changed Nell’s life for the better in so many ways! She was a Marine in WWII, a widow at an early age with two young children, an entrepreneur with a hair salon in her home, a striking beauty and fiercely independent. She always insisted on taking care of herself and wanted to live alone. She loved her 4 grandsons and later was there for her great grandchildren; cooking, caring-for, playing ball and fishing with her little ones. Soon after her 90th birthday she fell, was hospitalized and doctors determined she could no longer live alone. Refusing every offer to move-in with her children, she finally agreed to going to Morning Pointe. That first day, in a wheel chair; she was very unsure that this would be a good arrangement for her. But over the next 5 years; she became a happy, involved, active and important part of her new expanded community. Her growing family took every opportunity to visit Nell in her beautiful new home, and became regular participants in Morning Pointe’s schedule of Family Nights, birthday parties, Halloween costume contests, Santa visits and a wide variety of entertainment events with Nell. Spending time with her there was fun for everyone and she loved talking about how many guests she had at specific occasions.

      Before Morning Pointe, Nell had no social life apart from her family and no interaction with people her age. Most days she was alone in her home as her busy family was working. When she was voted Morning Pointe’s Valentine Queen that first year she was genuinely shocked and totally thrilled!! And from that day on, she stepped into the role of being one of the brightest most beautiful residents there.She enjoyed her new friends and found out how much fun it was to talk about common interests with them. She wanted to attend every activity the wonderful staff provided, participated in the morning devotional, loved every entertainment and even danced a couple of times. She was honored several times there for her military service, was written about in newspapers, had community leaders and politicians visit her and became a favorite “celebrity.” She was celebrated and loved every minute of it. Nell was sharp and smart and very observant. Nothing escaped her notice at Morning Pointe. The staff genuinely cared for her and she knew it.

      Director Netza Mullins is 100% perfection! Nell always talked about how Netza would come around the breakfast table every morning to greet everyone, and how she helped serve meals, too. We heard Netza pray at many of the meals over the years, and felt her compassion. Nell often commented on how pretty Netza looked and would describe her outfits and/or accessories. The entire staff was engaged and seemed to sincerely care about each resident. They all functioned more like a family than employees, and Nell knew they loved her. Balinda Mink and Kathy West became family to Nell and their attention to her needs and helpfulness to our family were invaluable! Both went far beyond any expectations we could have had in regards to their personal care and concern for Nell.

The level of care Nell enjoyed at Morning Pointe was excellent, and her family was confident she felt safe and secure there.