I’d like to introduce you to Tessie Melville. Tessie is an 85-year-old, sweet woman who has had a long and fulfilling life by her account.  She presently lives in a Community Companion Home in Winsted, Connecticut with Vilma and Wascar Gonzalez.

It wasn’t but a few months ago that I received a call from the Laurel Hill Nursing Home that the facility was closing and Tessie needed placement. The facility staff were worried that Tessie needed to be placed in the best residential setting as possible. Both Tessie and her family clearly expressed the strong desire to be in a CCH setting rather than a 24-hr support model with three shifts of staff, because they valued the family atmosphere and inclusion that exists in a CCH model.  Through the efforts of the "Money Follows the Person" program, CRI supports, dedicated professionals of DDS and Vilma and Wascar Gonzalez, Tessie was able to once again come back to a family home setting. Vilma and Wascar Gonzalez worked at Laurel Hill and grew fond of Tessie. Both being nurses and currently holding a CCH license they thought Tessie would make an excellent addition to their family so they called me to ask if Tessie could come live with them. After a few phone calls with Tessie’s Case Manager, small adaptations made to their home and a great transition team, Tessie moved into the Gonzalez CCH.

Prior to living in the Laurel Hill Nursing Home, Tessie lived with John and Emily Palmer. Due to the passing of Mr. Palmer and some other issues, Tessie was moved to the nursing home.  While Tessie spoke very highly of her experience living at the Laurel Hill facility, she admits that she missed the family home environment that the Palmer CCH provided her. Tessie shared with me that “John and Emily were so good to me. I miss John.”

In an interview with Loretta, John Palmer’s mother she stated, “I miss John dearly every day, but I have such fond memories of Tessie and John dancing at home, he really loved her”. In an interview with Emily, John’s wife, she stated, “at some point I want to reunite with Tessie and reflect on the good times and thank her for the joy she had given us.” These lasting memories and relationships are typical of many CCH homes.  However, Tessie seems to have a unique way of making anyone she comes into contact with feel special to be in her company with her tender smile, soft warm voice and polite personality.

Tessie had also lived at the Dot Centrella CCH for almost 14 years, the Moran CCH and in the Akers CCH  in the 80’s and 90’s.  When Dot was asked, she said “had I not moved to Nevada, I’d still have Tessie, I am sure of it. She was a pleasure to have in my family and we enjoyed many days singing with her and making sure she stayed connected with her family and community. Tessie used to walk around Winsted and was very well known. She is a polite woman who was very energetic and certainly great to have in our lives.”

Tessie told me that at her new home, she enjoys socializing with the family and friends, having her nails painted, putting together puzzles, playing cards and sewing.  In addition, Tessie has attended Winsted Senior Center for 18 years, and their Program Coordinator, Betsy Anderson reports “Tessie has excellent attendance, enjoys Wii bowling from her wheelchair, loves playing bingo, doing needlepoint and weaving place mats.  She is very proud of her Polish heritage, has a good sense of humor and is very sweet.  She is loved by everyone and staff is quoted as saying, "she is one of the strongest ladies I have ever known.”

Tessie is also a great roommate to Sharon who also receives support from the Gonzalez’s and Tessie likes checking in on her, which Sharon appreciates. “Tessie is a part of our family now” the Gonzalez’s told me while Tessie was all smiles going on talking about an exciting upcoming Easter where she will attend their local church.

Like many folks who are provided support within our CCH family, I am touched by the difference licensees make and the stories behind each person’s past and present stories. Tessie was kind to share her time, and I use stories just like hers for inspiration to talk about the uniqueness of the program and the difference it can make for everyone involved when the match is right.
Community Companion Homes are of course not for everyone, but if you are interested in being a licensee, please visit our website link at https://www.ct.gov/dds/site/default.asp?ddssiNav=|
If you are a person receiving support and would like to learn more, please contact your Case Manger and we can arrange an informational session.

If you would like information on Money Follows the Person (MFP) please contact Nadine Gilray at 860-418-6067.

Doug Duford
Community Companion Home Manager, West Region