Resident Testimonial: Martin Gerstell

Attitude is everything. Everyone here has a great attitude. The staff is always pleasant and upbeat. We have a really great community.

“Before we came to Grand Oaks, I was the care manager for my wife, who had been diagnosed with dementia. In my mind, no one could provide better dementia care for her than me, and so I became the chief cook and bottle washer. My son recognized that I needed help, and in 2008, we moved into Grand Oaks from New York where I was born and raised to be closer to him.

Family trumps all, and I love being so close to my family here in Washington, DC. My son lives just a few minutes away and we’re very close emotionally. When people ask me what I love most about Grand Oaks, I always tell them one thing: everything is handled for me!

I feel very safe here. The staff is wonderful and very friendly, and that’s a big part why Grand Oaks feels so much like home.

This is the kind of community that people want, and there’s so many activities happening. The staff helps organize trips to the museums and concert halls in the area. The neighborhood surrounding Grand Oaks is very pleasant and comfortable, too.

For me, having easy access to hospital facilities and doctors is very important. Rather than driving fifteen or twenty minutes, I can walk a short distance to Sibley Medical Center via a private tunnel, where I know I will get excellent care from caring medical staff who know me and my situation.

Chef Andrew Conlin is very adventurous in his cooking – and I love his creations!

People think that moving into assisted living is about giving something up, but I’ve gained so very much. I enjoy the opportunity to engage in meaningful conversation with fellow residents over meals, especially political discussion. There are so many activities and opportunities available to residents, and I really think there is something for everyone. For the past eleven years, Grand Oaks has been my home.

You know, attitude is everything. Everyone here has a great attitude. The staff is always pleasant and upbeat. We have a really great community.”