BUCKINGHAM PLACE, LLC

I am writing this review, which I had intended to write after a little more time. I write now, after my mother’s almost two month residency, prompted by the “review” of R.J. Borges, my younger cousin, which forces me, with great reluctance, to reveal his mental state. Mr. Borges imposed himself on his mother, my aunt, to join her when she visited my mother whom I had left in respite care to tend to my own matters in New York and attend my daughter’s wedding in Seattle. I had no idea that he had accompanied my aunt as she apparently did not want to disturb me. He, with whom I haven’t spoken in almost a decade, did not know that at the time my mother was not a permanent resident nor understand that Buckingham is not a nursing home. A court order forbids Mr. Borges from stepping on the grounds of my condo complex, where his mother also lives, an order that she requested but is too weak to enforce. I received a call while in New York from the Hollywood police as the person in whose name was authorized an emergency ambulance to take my mother to the hospital because she had double pneumonia and Buckingham was refusing get her treatment. On reaching my mother, who was brushing her teeth, the officers couldn’t make sense of the call and, because Buckingham gave them my number, called my cell phone. They asked me if I knew of an R.J. Borges, and I had to explain as I am doing here. Borges then started harassing my ex-wife in New York with phone calls venting against me and she called me to warn me of his vendetta. His review of Buckingham follows up on that rage, his wanting to gloat over his characterization of my poor judgment. I have been to several local ALS facilities because of my sister’s early decline following a maltreated very high fever. I add that detail because Mr. Borge’s condition does not run in our side of the family in which nine sisters lived past 95, one into 104, with mental lucidity, my mother and Mr. Borges’s mother living examples, respectively 97 and 98. My sister has been in places like those that Mr. Borges describes and more upscale places with the sheen that he fancifully associates with himself, maxing out credit cards for his mother to rescue him. After my failure to find a decent temporary place and having come to the brink of not attending my daughter’s wedding, it occurred to me that my mother’s woman physical therapist had spoken of having treated patients at facilities and I asked for her help. She, who is especially fond of my mother, nixed all the possible candidates I had and asked why I hadn’t tried Buckingham, which I hadn’t across in my search. The first impression is that of a home, the residents seemed relaxed and were responsive, not tuned out, the housing and the grounds kept very clean. I say this not to defend my judgment by contradicting Mr. Borges but because I was seeing the very reason why the therapist spoke highly of it. After speaking with the directors, I would also connect for myself their approach and the attitude toward the residents as described in the letters posted on their website. When I returned to retrieve my mother, she was participating at an outdoor activity. I found her glowing and fresh and alert as I had not seen her at home, where she was frequently depressed. We had long spoken of the inevitability of our having to find a place where she could be cared for better than I could do, and she herself suggested that this might be the place. She is spontaneously a critic, but in this very serious situation she weighed the pros and cons very realistically, coming to the conclusion that we could spend for a more upscale facility – of which she knew firsthand because my sister had been at one– but that would not guarantee that she would be treated as she felt she was being treated at Buckingham.

My mom was a resident for 4 years - she was well cared for and she grew to regard Buckingham as home. The owners are wonderful. They have activities and provide other services. Mom was in the hospital a few months before passing and she told me she just wanted to go back to Ann- owner of ALF. I could rest at night knowing my mom was well cared for. They are angels.

I can only say exceptional things about Buckingham Place. Their dedication, professionalism and care to our aunt was beyond excellent. Our family thanks Ms Ann, Mr Vince, Ms Debra and all the staff from the bottom of our hearts. Thank you for taking such good care of our Aunt. Five Stars are not enough.

My mother has lived at Buckinham Place for almost a year, this November first. I can't be more than grateful to have found this wonderful place for my mother to live. Ms. Ann Wyse Sooko is very caring and very detailed person to the care of all residents. Her staff are kind and caring. They all have become part of my family . I do not have words to express my appreciation and gratitude for what they do, not only for my mother, but for all the residents that live there. If you are looking for a home for your loved one, this is "The Home"! Please take a look at it. You will not be sorry. I recomend Buckingham Place highly.

Having my 100 year old mother living at Buckingham Place has been a wonderful experience. The staff is caring and very professional. The owners, Ann Wynn Sookoo and Vincent Sookoo are very caring. I highly recommend Buckingham Place for your loved one.