Right Place, Right Time at The Terraces: A Resident’s Story of Care and Hurricane Irma
Meet Sheila Pedisich, a long-time Florida resident and dedicated wife of over 57 years. After noticing changes in her husband Anton’s memory and behavior, she knew it was time to find a community where they could both feel supported.
Their journey led them to The Terraces at Bonita Springs, where they found not only the care Anton needed but also a compassionate and secure environment. When Hurricane Irma hit, Sheila’s experience at The Terraces proved they were truly in the right place at the right time. Here’s her story of care, community, and resilience.
Finding The Terraces at Bonita Springs
Sheila recalls the journey that led her and her husband Anton to The Terraces at Bonita Springs, starting with their move to Florida 22 years ago after leaving Long Island. “We just celebrated 57 years of marriage,” she said, noting their four children and eight grandchildren who live up north.
Sheila had a fulfilling career teaching kindergarten and first grade, while Anton was an attorney for Chase Manhattan Bank in New York City. After living in a condo on Bonita Beach for 10 years, where Anton served as the Board President and handled several hurricanes, they decided it was time for a change. “We wanted to join a golf community, so we moved to Spring Run at The Brooks and lived there for about eight years,” Sheila said.
During this time, Sheila noticed significant changes in Anton’s memory and behavior, especially when he began accompanying her everywhere. “This was not at all like Anton,” she said. “The last thing he would want to do was shop!” Realizing there was a larger issue at hand, Sheila began searching for a retirement community that could support them both.
“After speaking to our children, I decided on The Terraces. One thing that helped me choose The Terraces was that it had a skilled nursing unit, which I felt was very important for the future. We moved into The Terraces in October 2013, and by May of that year, we moved Anton to the memory support unit. It was a very difficult decision but the right one.”
Sheila continued, “I said to the Executive Director at that time, ‘How do you tell a man you’re married to for over 50 years he will be living in another room?’ The Executive Director was wonderful and helped me with the entire move. During his stay in the memory support unit, he had to have gallbladder surgery. This proved to be a very traumatic event for him. When he returned home, we had to move him to the skilled nursing unit, where he is today.”
Facing Hurricane Irma
Sheila recalled how life at The Terraces was going smoothly until Hurricane Irma started heading toward Florida. “As it became more likely that it would hit the southwest coast, the staff immediately began preparing to keep us safe,” she said.
The team helped residents move furniture off their lanais and ensured everyone had batteries and flashlights. “As Irma got closer, we had regular informational meetings and received memos at least twice a day,” Sheila said. Many employees brought their families and even their pets. Sheila remembered one young staff member who brought his pet pig. “We promised not to cook him!” she said.
Living on the sixth floor of the independent living side, Sheila’s friends Kathy and Mike Lyons, who lived one floor below, invited her to stay with them during the storm. “They were kind enough to offer me their extra bedroom so I wouldn’t be alone,” she said. To lighten the mood, Sheila decided to bring along a special treat—peach daiquiris. “I knew this could help take the edge off the storm and also be a healthy treat!” she said.
As Hurricane Irma approached, Sheila took comfort in her daily routine of visiting Anton. “While we were still allowed downstairs, I would see Anton and have breakfast and lunch with him,” she said.
Knowing her husband’s discomfort with change, Sheila made sure to check on him frequently to keep him calm. “I’m not sure how much he understood about the hurricane, but I wasn’t worried. He gets wonderful care in our skilled nursing unit,” she said.
One of Sheila’s biggest concerns was the possibility of evacuation. “The Terraces had a fleet of buses ready in case we had to leave,” she said. “But what really helped me relax was knowing that I could go with Anton. We would probably go to Gainesville to a sister community.”
When the storm hit, residents were asked to stay in their residences with blinds closed. Sheila, however, felt reassured by the building’s strength, knowing it was built 16 feet above sea level and designed to withstand severe weather.
“This place is built like a fortress, so I really wasn’t too worried,” she said.”At one point, I peeked out the blinds, and everything was still. Mike said the eye of the storm was right over us—it was a weird sight.”
Once the storm passed and power was restored, Sheila went to check on Anton. “When I arrived, he was sitting in the living room, smiling and calm, completely unfazed,” she said. His peace of mind was thanks to the care of two dedicated CNAs who stayed with him.
Grateful for the staff’s efforts, Sheila even organized a special gesture to thank them: “I asked management if I could have my son design a T-shirt for everyone who stayed with us during Hurricane Irma—residents, staff, and anyone who helped. He gave the go-ahead, and I’m wearing mine today. I truly know I’m in the right place at the right time.”
Discover the Comfort and Care You Deserve at The Terraces at Bonita Springs
Experience the peace of mind and vibrant lifestyle The Terraces at Bonita Springs offers. Whether you’re seeking compassionate care for a loved one or an active, supportive community, The Terraces is here for you. Contact us today at 239-208-6963 to learn more about our personalized services and schedule a tour to see how we can make a difference in your life.