Dorothy “Dot” Rose Coulon was a resident of CarDon’s Fishers community, Hamilton Trace, for five years. Unfortunately, she passed away last year, but her son, Tim Coulon, wanted to share her wonderful experience at Hamilton Trace, which is currently undergoing an expansion that will double the number of assisted living apartments in the community. This was Dorothy’s experience in assisted living.
When Tim was scouting out senior living communities for his mother, Dorothy, CarDon stood out right away.
“We were most impressed with CarDon,” he said. “Compassionate and committed staff, great apartments. In fact, it was one of the few places we found with apartments that had mini-kitchens. My mom spent so much time in a kitchen as a homemaker and a cook, so that was good for her. It helped her feel at home.”
The staff played an even larger role in making them both feel at home.
“Everyone I met — from the administrator to the nurses — was delightful,” Tim said. “I was over there all the time, so I built strong relationships with many people. They were always so complimentary of my mom. They were so nice and kind to her. It reaffirmed that she was in the right place — a safe, nurturing environment.”
Dorothy made an impact on the Hamilton Trace team as well.
“They told me she was like a fellow staff member because she helped out so much,” Tim said. “If they played bingo, for instance, she’d hand out the cards and discs. She jumped onboard every activity they had. That goes to show how much she enjoyed being there.”
Tim felt CarDon’s family touch when staff and residents gathered outside to honor her after she passed. They memorialized her by releasing balloons in the air and singing to the heavens.
“That was really special,” Tim said. “I wasn’t expecting it. They went above and beyond for her.”
