Testimonials

My 87-year-old mother is a very independent-minded person. So following my father's death more than 14 years ago, we tried to speak with her about moving into a senior community where there would be more for her to do socially. She would have no part of it. Her standard response went something along the lines of, "I don't want to be with those old people". So when she developed complications from a hip fracture, we knew she needed more care than we could give her medically. The original plan called for her to live at Angels Touch for a month, two at the outside, before moving back home again. She was absolutely determined to hold onto that independence. When it came time to go home again, she did. The atmosphere at Angels Touch is much more like a family than it is an assisted living facility. So after having spent two months living with her new "family", my mother soon discovered she was no longer happy living alone. Yet for as independent-minded as she is, she has never adjusted well to change, and make no mistake about it this was a huge change for her life. So when we began discussing with her the change she was about to undertake in no longer living alone, her anxiety levels went through the roof. She quickly decided early on that she did not want to live with any of her six children. For her the only logical choice was to move back in with her "second" family. We moved her back in about a month after she was back home. To be honest it took her about six months to adjust. I believe that were it any other assisted living facility this transition may very well have failed. The key to her successful transition has been the people at Angels Touch. When I first interviewed the owner, Mark Wah, I asked him what his motivation was for starting Angels Touch. He said he believed there must be a better way to care for our elderly. He told me he spent about a year studying and realized that in order to provide that better way it had to feel more like living with family than simply assisted living. From my point of view it has been more than successful. Many of the staff who work at Angels Touch, live there as well. It is obvious that for most of the staff this is not just a job, this is a vocation. This shows through in the loving way in which they care for the residents. Many of the small, home like facilities we looked at were single family homes converted to the purpose of assisted living. It was obvious in the manner in which bedrooms were cut in half and bathrooms were added. Not so with Angels Touch. The house was spec built as an assisted living facility with enough rooms for both residents and caregivers. Moving our mother into Angels Touch is the best choice we could have made. She is very happy there and I would highly recommend it to anyone.
— Les Evans, Baltimore, MD

My Dad moved to Angel's Touch Assisted Living in March 1999. Since then, he has been on many outings and trips with the other residents. Every day, I feel reassured knowing he is not just sitting around. The caregivers get him involved in a variety of activities he enjoys. The home is located on three beautiful acres. Dad likes to go outside, bird watch, and enjoy the flower and vegetable gardens. Sometimes he even works in the garage with Mark, Angel's Touch owner. I have been a registered nurse for 20 years, so I'm seasoned in the health care field. Mark and the caregivers at Angel's Touch meet the highest standards for care. If I have a concern, it's always addressed quickly. At times my father can be difficult. Mark and his team have responded, always, with patience and kindness. I know that Dad is receiving the best care available, and I'm so grateful that I no long need to worry about his quality of life.
— Jane Allen, RN, Maryland

My mother has multiple brain injuries, epilepsy, short-term memory loss, as well as chronic physiological problems. Due to this, she has required a great deal of assistance. Being the primary caregiver for her and my father for over 10 years in Omaha was extremely difficult, as her confusion causes much insecurity. Epilepsy, chronic migraine headaches, and intense back pain from three failed surgeries add to her needs. Each condition has caused her to fall often, and place her at further risk for more injury. After the loss of my father, I was struggling to take care of my mother. In 2009, after 25 years, I was re-acquainted with, and married, the man whom I had always wished to marry, Chris. My mother, husband, and I lived together for a year, but my mom could never accept the situation. Living together was not feasible, but she could not live alone. She needed to be in a place where she could make friends, feel like home (vs. institutional setting), be with people her own age, and be respected. Several years ago, Chris had formed a trombone choir with his sons and other players. They played at several nursing and assisted living homes in the area. Chris specifically remembered Angel’s Touch assisted living and Mark Wah, and was pleasantly struck by how the staff went out of their way to bring everyone to the performance. There was an open and healthy living environment. The residents were engaged, treated wonderfully, and talked about how they enjoyed Angel’s Touch. Chris felt that there was a real sense of love and compassion for the residents, and that it seemed like home to them. He felt Angel’s Touch would be the perfect place for mom. Prior to visiting Angel’s Touch, we took mom to several other facilities; and I do mean facilities. They seemed more like hospitals with carpeting. The “inmates” were not welcome in the kitchen. The administrators had their fancy offices. The staff had regimented routines such that we seemed an annoyance to them. There was a typical greeting desk [sentry] at the front doors. At one facility, the “greeter” was more interested in her nails than us. Mom came along on assisted living home research visits – mostly so we could watch her reactions. Upon visiting Angel’s Touch, Chris was pleasantly surprised that nothing had changed. More importantly, the care had remained of a high quality. The staff cares for the residents and takes their individual needs and preferences into account. There were a variety of activities and outings to restaurants, parks and stores. More importantly, upon visiting, we immediately noticed my mother’s demeanor was different than at the other places. Instead of needing to prevent Mom from bolting out the door, she instead stopped continuously to chat with not only those living there, but the staff, as well. In less than five minutes she said that this is where she wished to stay. Due to her memory loss, a week or so later, we repeated the process of visiting other facilities, as well as Angel’s Touch again. The responses were consistent. At times she is frustrated and confused and wants her own home again. This is not possible. Though often heart wrenching, this was the best decision for everyone –both putting her in assisted living, and more importantly, placing her at Angel’s Touch. My mom has a beautiful private room with her own familiar furnishings. Angel’s Touch is a place where she is safe, has made friends, and can engage in routine tasks such as folding clothes and helping in the kitchen. Amongst her personal circumstances, Angel’s Touch has allowed a worthwhile and engaging life. She feels wanted, needed, and knows she part of an adopted family. Sometimes she talks as if she is staff. The residents and staff are a “family” of which my mom is part. We live close by and are welcome at Angel’s Touch any time. The staff is accommodating to our schedules. Often, we stop in, unannounced, to visit or take mom out. Most every time we or I visit, I have found my mom happily talking with the other residents, gone on an outing, engaged in a worthwhile task, or being care for by the attentive staff. This is our idea of adoptive family living and we are glad to have found such a warm and caring place for my mom.
— Carol Ann Price

Angel's Touch is wonderful!! My mother gets loving care every day, all day. My mom has dementia, and is not always aware. However, when she is aware, she always tells me what a wonderful place Angel's Touch is, and how well they take care of her needs. In my opinion, she receives the best of care!
— Barbara Unverzagt, Ellicott City, MD

When I fell and broke my hip, my family and I knew then I needed a new place to live. Since my six children all have careers and can’t be with me all of the time, the search began for a quality assisted living home for me. My children, Tina and Les, took on the responsibility of finding the right “homey environment” to meet my needs. They visited 5 or 6 different places before they made the decision to choose Angel’s Touch Care. They both agreed that Angel’s Touch was “one of the best” they found. Because my daughter, Tina, is a registered nurse, I trusted her judgment, and I wasn’t disappointed. Mark, the owner of Angel’s Touch, is a very caring man. His heart is really in the place and in the people here. My family introduced me to him when I was at the hospital recovering from my fall. I was very impressed with him when I met him and still am. The staff here treats me beautifully. When I’m not feeling well, they ask, “what can I get you?” Derrick is especially attentive to me. I’m happy here and that makes my children very happy. There’s a lot of activity here, and if I want to participate in one of the many outings or weekly activities with the other residents, I can. But, if I’d rather go to lunch with one of my children or grandchildren or even visit my newest member of the family, my great grandbaby, Maria, I’m free to do that as well. It’s a very flexible place. I’m Italian, and believe me, I can be a “pain in the butt,” sometimes. Because I’m a neat freak, I didn’t want to share a room with someone else. I wanted the privacy of my own bathroom. Being legally blind makes it necessary for the room to be orderly so I can find things easily. I was allowed to bring my own furniture and TV which really helped me to adjust. I feel right at home now. I can’t even complain about the food because of Lotta’s home cooking. I can honestly say, “I’m very content!”
— Rose Evans, Baltimore, MD

Finding Angel's Touch has been a blessing. My mother had been living in another assisted living home and was very unhappy. She was often bored and spent most of her day sitting around doing nothing. It all changed for her at Angel's Touch. She has a life now and great relationships with the caregivers and other residents. Since moving to Angel's Touch, she has enjoyed many outdoor activities. She goes shopping and to shows, parks, and local attractions, and even attends church when she feels up to it. Mom is so much happier, and when she is happy, life is so much better for our whole family.
— Rena Russell RN, Ellicott City, MD

I want to thank you so much for allowing me to stay at Angel's Touch for several days after leaving Sinai Hospital. I sometimes think I am invincible and that I can do anything. However, when I returned home, I realized exactly how weak I really was. Returning home immediately after being released from the hospital would have been the worst thing I could have done. I have always known that you have a big heart, exactly like your father. I marvel at how much you are willing to carry on your shoulders. I want you to know just how much I appreciate your offer and that I am so glad I took you up on it. I also want you to know how wonderful and caring your staff were to me. It makes me realize that their caring is a reflection of you and your family. Until I spent a few days at your home I thought it was a wonderful place for Charles. Now, I know it is a wonderful place!! Thank you again,
— Lois Buckman, Owings Mills, Maryland

My mother is in a wonderful place!! I believe Angel's Touch has helped extend my mother's life. I don't believe she would be here if not for the care she has received at Angel's Touch. The great thing about Angel's Touch is that Mark gives great advice. He always seems to know what is best. He keeps the residents interested in things. He takes them to various activities, such as picnics, restaurants, and movies. The outings have been great for my mom. My mom is not always a joiner, and Mark and the staff respect that. The staff is wonderful!!
— Jeanne Glascock, Glenwood, Maryland

What a special place! I am so thankful that we found Angel’s Touch Assisted Living for my Mom. The best references come from friends. My mom had a stroke in 2008 and was recovering in a local nursing home. The situation was not good and my mom was very unhappy. She complained every day about care issues and way the staff was treating her. It was a very difficult time because she needed so much care that it didn’t look like we would be able to move her back home or anywhere but to another nursing home. A friend recommended that I look at Angel’s Touch Assisted Living in West Friendship. She had visited and knew a friend that had lived there for years. When my brother and I visited, we discovered what a wonderful place it is. The location is beautiful and very convenient. My mother was living at home with my sister who is disabled when she had her stroke. We were increasingly concerned about my sister since my mother was no longer able to be there to assist my sister as needed with day-to-day tasks. This was difficult since we not only needed to be attending to my mother but also needed to check on my sister who was not doing so well at home alone. During a visit with my sister, she complained about pain in her foot. When we followed up on this, we were told that she’d broken her foot and needed surgery. Again Angel’s Touch was there to provide services while she recovered and when she became a resident there as well. It has been a great comfort to know that both my mom and sister are once able to live in the same location while receiving the individual care and encouragement each one needs. My mom is able to receive the extensive care that she needs while my sister is able to continue her day program and come home to a place where they can enjoy time together and have the necessary assistance on which they rely. It’s been over a year now that my mother and sister have been at Angel’s Touch. I am impressed every time I visit. My mom is very happy at Angel’s Touch. She smiles and talks positively about Mark and the staff. She and my sister have twice traveled to Ocean City with several of the residents and staff to visit my cousins. That’s such a great morale booster especially for my mom. I amazed that she is able to travel at all! It is not something I would attempt since she is barely able to stand. The caregivers are fantastic and have made it possible for both my mom and sister to travel to many interesting and wonderful places. They have such patience and are so concerned about their health and happiness. They are great about communicating with us and partnering with us in caring for both of them.
— Cathy Zmijewski, Ellicott City, Maryland

My mother had shown symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease for over 15 years before we started to make changes in her living arrangements. She lived in the house behind ours, but it became increasingly evident she couldn’t be alone. We decided to build an addition on our home for her with over 1000 square feet of her own space. After five years of living with us, it became clear that she was becoming increasingly discontent due to boredom. She would also get up at night and wander up the steps. We knew someone needed to be with her 24 hours a day, and it was growing more and more difficult for my husband and I to handle. So we consulted mother’s physician about placing her in an assisted living facility. He told us her adjustment should be pretty easy—just a few days –because of the memory loss from Alzheimer’s. I visited several places on the Howard County list of assisted living facilities. I liked Angel’s Touch and the prices were reasonable too. Before I made up my mind about it, my husband said to me, “well if you ever need special care, Angel’s Touch would be the place I would choose for you.” That was enough for me. We made arrangements for Mark, the owner of Angel’s Touch, to meet my mother. When it was time for her to go, he took her for a walk and told her we had to go on a trip. She just kept talking and talking to him and didn’t even notice we had gone. Every day I would call to see how she was doing. Finally, she told the caregivers, “I don’t care when those people come back, I like it here.” She was totally acclimated within a few days! Whenever we would come to visit and take Mom out somewhere, when we arrived back at Angel’s Touch, she would say, “thank you for bringing me home.” The reason mother likes it so much there is because the staff at Angel’s Touch are the most phenomenal people on the planet. They are so kind; they treat the residents with such dignity. Mark just blows me away! No one, except someone with a special gift, could do what he does the way he does it. Mark and the caregivers have far exceeded my expectations. They take the residents on trips to beautiful gardens, carnivals, shows, the zoo, you name it. They have picnics where Mark’s wife, Katherine, cooks on the grill for everyone. He’s brought in magicians, a barbershop quartet, even Elvis impersonators. They enjoy dinner out a few times a month. Mark has also managed to keep his staff; there doesn’t seem to be much staff turnover. I know that Lotta and Divia have been there for 10-12 years. That in itself is a testimony of how he takes care of his employees. My mother is happier than she has been in years. She now has a huge family at Angel’s Touch. No more boredom for her. I have been teaching a bible study at my church on the topic of contentment, and I tell the class, “My mother is the epitome of contentment. She is grateful, and her memories are positive.” She will tell people, “I’m 90 years old and I don’t have a thing wrong with me.” Angel’s Touch is just like living in someone’s home. Some of the caregivers live there with the residents and Mark and his family live in the adjoining house. It doesn’t even smell like your typical assisted living home. There are no bad odors; the place is clean but doesn’t smell like cleaning chemicals either. They eat well because the meals are made from scratch just like home, and we are always welcome to join them for dinner. There are activities planned every day, but even when there isn’t something going on, Mark will spontaneously start showing slides or just sit down and talk with the residents. I know that God provided this place for my mother. When we sought a place for my mother to live, I remember praying, “Lord, Mom is your child and I know you have the best place for her.” He did not let me down. I know He intervened and provided a wonderful home for my mother where she is truly content.
— Jacquelyn Martin, Mount Airy, Maryland

Angel’s Touch Assisted Living came to my attention in a flyer. There were many smiling faces in the photo from Federal Hill. These smiles are what made me visit this smaller facility in West Friendship. My mom had been living with my family for several years but was now becoming more confused and anxious. It was looking as though someone would need to be with her twenty four hours a day. We began looking into assisted living because she is still able to do so much for herself. I visited several larger facilities but they all had a more hotel-type of atmosphere. I knew my mom would be more comfortable at Angel’s Touch because it has a home-like feel. I was also convinced that she would receive better personalized care after meeting the owner who lives on the premises. My mom made the transition easily because the owner and all of the care givers are very responsive to her needs. They encouraged her to socialize and go on outings while respecting her time alone. She continues to be a very spiritual person who enjoys reading the Bible and praying daily. She has become more social since there are many activities such as arts and crafts, afternoon tea, bingo, tending the garden and walks outside. She also is very caring and comforts other residents and covers them with lap quilts while they watch television together. She also enjoys talking with her sister by telephone each Monday afternoon and her brother who lives in Texas once a week. She also receives visitors from her church monthly. Angel’s Touch has been able to provide a balance between meeting her changing needs and maintaining her routines and contacts with friends and family.
— Clay Alston, Columbia, Maryland

My wife is getting very good care at Angel's Touch, and the staff is excellent in attending to her needs. She is happy in her new home, and I'm very satisfied with the level of attention she is getting. The staff is also very cooperative. Angel's Touch provides care that my wife would never receive at a nursing home, and I could not give her at home. She is getting personal attention from people who really care. I go to a support group, and one of the women in the support group has a husband in a veteran's hospital; she claims that all he does is sit in a wheelchair all day. There is no attention given to him at all. I am very pleased with Angel's Touch because I know my wife is not only given quality care, but that they go the extra distance, such as making sure that she gets up and walks everyday. I could not be happier with her care.
— John Sedlander, Catonsville, Maryland

Before my husband, Dick, moved to Angel's Touch, he was living at a nursing home. What a difference his move to Angel's Touch has made! Mark and his staff have offered my husband a chance to experience life again. He has enjoyed many outings, from the Baltimore Symphony and Howard County Fair to events at the Inner Harbor. Over the years, Dick and I have grown close to Mark and the caregivers at Angel's Touch. They are highly skilled professionals and have become steadfast and reliable friends. I know I can always count on them if any problems arise. Angel's Touch is truly a home full of love and not just a place to get care. I know I made the right decision in choosing this wonderful community for my dear husband.
— Wilda O. Brady, Ellicott City, MD

I brought my mother, Mildred, to Maryland from Ohio when she was 91 years old. She was very sick physically but sharp as a tack mentally. When I began to look for a place for her, I checked out several places including Angel’s Touch. Most of the facilities I visited felt like prisons. Not Angel’s Touch. It felt just like home. I didn’t want Mom to be isolated and alone. I knew at Angel’s Touch, she’d be surrounded by a caring community. After 30 days, she needed hospice care. She passed away shortly after that. Although she wasn’t at Angel’s Touch very long, the last days of her life were happy ones. She packed a lot into a short time—from a Mexican party, complete with sombreros and piñatas, to strolls along the walking paths, to fun with Lucy and Barney, the resident dogs. Mom by nature was feisty. She didn’t want anyone to tell here what to do. Mark seemed to intuitively understand what she needed. He treated her like family--as though she’d been there forever. I can’t say enough about my gratitude to Angel’s Touch. It gave my mother something that is all too often in short supply: quality of life
— Kathy Beckley, Woodbine, MD

I want to let you know what wonderful care Charles has received from Angel's Touch Assisted Living Home. Every assisted living home will tell people that they offer "care" because they could not stay in business without that care. That is their business. But at Angel's Touch, the word "care" takes on a very different meaning. In some situations, "care" means nothing more than making sure the residents are bathed regularly, given their medications, and kept safe. I know this because a friend of ours was sent to a home and he was blind. He was so confused so I asked one of the staff while I was visiting if they could assist him by telling him where everything was located (actually showing him). Their response to me was "if you want to show him, it would be fine, but we don't have the time. At Angel's Touch, you seem to have the time to take "care" of each situation and work with it. Your focus appears to be to show each individual "respect" and "caring", not just give them "care." My husband has received both care and caring from your staff and for that I will be eternally grateful to both you and your "caring" employees. Thank you for everything and I wish you the very best.
— Lois A. Buckman, Owings Mills, Maryland

We needed Angel’s Touch and were glad to have found such a warm and caring assisted living for our mother. She had been getting more and more forgetful and we were concerned. It was getting to the point that she needed someone with her but that was going to be difficult since she is so independent. Our family situations did not provide the option of her living with either of us, so we looked into assisted living. We needed a place that would be convenient for both of us, but more important; we needed someplace where mom would feel at home. We turned where many people turn for information … the internet. My sister and I also looked at The Guide to Retirement Living Sourcebook. We looked at several of the places listed but none seemed quite right. Some were too big, too small or too expensive. The facility that looked nicest from the outside, had residents who looked unhappy and the staff seemed impersonal. When we walked into Angel’s Touch, we noticed that the residents were happy and smiling. The food looked and smelled delicious and the residents were involved in routine activities. This place was different from the others. Angel’s Touch was cozy and felt like home. We knew this was going to be a good place for mom. She needed to feel needed and doing things like folding laundry would make her feel more at home. We talked with Mark and found out that there was a waiting list but because it was such a positive experience we put her on the list. Fortunately, Mark called to inform us the wait list had cleared. Having never done this before, we knew that the new situation and change might be difficult. Mark and the caring staff of Angel's Touch worked with us to plan the transition. When we moved our mother, she adjusted better than anyone could have imagined! The staff was both caring and supportive. They were there to comfort her when she was anxious and to involve her in the day to day activities. Mom is happy now and says how much she loves the caring staff and that the food is fabulous! She has become friends with several of the other ladies and gentlemen too. Mom is able to enjoy outings to restaurants, parks and other places of interest like Harper’s Ferry. She’s been able to go on vacation with several of her new Angel’s Touch friends to Ocean City too! At Christmas time, with the help of the staff, she was able to send out cards to friends and families, something she hasn't done in years. One friend from Angel's Touch invited her and a few other residents to enjoy a spaghetti dinner at her son’s church. They had a great time listening to the music and sampling the desserts. When we visit with mom, we like to sit under the mulberry tree in the backyard and enjoy the flowers, go for walks on the path that goes around the property or check on the progress of the vegetable garden. Sometimes we even take her out for a drive to view what she says is "beautiful country". Angel’s Touch has been better than we had hoped. The staff is truly wonderful, the location is convenient and most important, and we know that mom is safe and cared for.
— David Jackson, Becky Sterling, Woodbine, Maryland, Silver Spring, Maryland

It is not easy to find a quality assisted living home. What a relief to know that my mom is living at Angel's Touch! She has struggled with Alzheimers disease that has progressed slowly over the last ten years. Before choosing Angel's Touch, we did extensive research in Howard County. There were many places to choose from, but none with the features and benefits of Angel's Touch. Our experience has been wonderful. Most importantly, my mom is treated with respect and dignity. She is not struggling alone. The care is excellent and the caregivers are so kind. I am so thankful that I found Angel's Touch. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone seeking the very best of care for their loved one.
— Paul Starr, Sykesville, MD

We are pledged to the letter and the spirit of the United States policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. We encourage and support an affirmative advertising and marketing program in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin.
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