Oakwood Common is 'Home Away from Home' for Dearborn Couple’s Mom

When Dearborn residents Marge and Bob Bryer found that caring for Marge’s aging mother, Rosaline Cannazzaro, was more than they could manage in their home, a nurse practitioner referred them to Oakwood Common.

“From our first visit to Oakwood Common, it was like walking into your home—not like a hotel or hospital with long hallways,” said Marge Bryer. “It’s much more intimate.”

Three years ago Cannazzaro, 94, moved into Oakwood Common’s Oak Court Terrace, designed for older adults with dementia or early Alzheimer’s disease. Residents enjoy private apartments with personalized care and take part in a variety of planned, supervised activities.

“It’s good for mom to have family around and feel more connected,” Bryer said.

She and her husband are frequent visitors, taking turns for different activities and meals.

According to Administrator Linda Rossi, the Bryers have become like family to other residents and staff, as well. The Bryers also helped to start family group meetings that are led by Rossi periodically throughout the year.

“These meetings help facilitate ongoing communication among our residents, families and staff,” said Rossi. “We also receive some very helpful suggestions from family members."

Marge Bryer said she appreciates the warm reception from Oakwood staff, too.

"They really listen and respond to many of our ideas,” said Bryer, who suggested to have a visiting dentist come to the retirement community. “This makes a big difference for us."

Bryer also praised the facility's grounds and cleanliness. When the weather is nice, residents and families enjoy strolling along the extensive walking paths.

Because of the Bryer’s regular visits to Oakwood Common, which is only minutes away from their residence in Dearborn, the community has become their own “home away from home.”

Oakwood Common offers one- and two-bedroom apartments located at 16351 Rotunda Drive, within a 29-acre retirement community that includes exquisite landscaping, nature trails and scenic views along the Rouge River in Dearborn. For more information, visit www.OakwoodCommon.org.