See how some of our families describe the quality service we provide

How has TAI positively contributed toward your loved one’s life?

• “In the short time Joni has been at TAI, she is showing signs of being more positive in all she does. I think she is learning to adjust to changes in her surroundings very well. Joni is very happy whenever I talk to her or see her. She has also shown signs of more independence.” Bill Bahe, Third Avenue SLS
• “TAI has completely eliminated worry on my part regarding Kim’s safety and welfare.” Marsha Pittelkow, Midland SLS
• “Mark benefits from enjoying consistent staffing through the years.” Marjorie Edwards-Toepel, Lakeview SLS
• “Leslie has become a much more independent and happy person during the 15 years she has lived at Silver Oaks. Because I have experience in the field (21 years of research at the University’s Institute on Community Integration), I can truly say that I cannot imagine her needs having been as well met by few, if any, other providers.” Barbara Polister, Silver Oaks ICF/MR
• “My brother is very content and happy with his home life. In fact, he doesn’t want to be gone from his home more than a few days. He is well-adjusted and thriving.” Pat Island, Westwood SLS

• “We feel involved and can call at anytime – communication is open. We feel like the staff is family. They really understand Fred. They call us if Fred has plans when his Dad wants to take him to a movie, and Fred can choose.” Judith H Cronen, Highland SLS
• “The staff at TAI has always been very supportive and encourages the family to be involved in all the decisions that need to be made in Joni’s behalf.” Bill Bahe, Third Avenue SLS
• “After reading TAI’s mission statement and philosophy, it’s easy for me to see how your staff orientation and training, encouragement of feedback from family and other support systems, and support of outcome based services have contributed to Leslie’s progress. Whenever I call the current program manager with any concern or problem, she responds immediately. The training the staff has received is also reflected in how they deal with Leslie’s needs. The nurse, has been particularly helpful in this time of confusion with the changes in the Federal Medicare program.” Barbara Polister, Silver Oaks ICF/MR
• “The TAI staff provides a loving and safe environment. They know each resident’s special needs and take special care to be sure these needs are met. The staff calls if there are any issues that need to be addressed and reports are sent out to let family know the residents’ activities and if special needs were provided.” Pat Island, Westwoods SLS
• “Yes, TAI staff consults with our family, listens to our concerns and suggestions.” Patricia Riley, Scattered Sites (SILS)

Based on your personal experiences with TAI, why would you choose our agency over another service provider?

• “I have had experience with three other service providers. Thomas Allen is far superior.”
• “To answer this question I would choose your agency because I feel we could always trust the management that they are doing their very best to bring out the very best in all of their clients.”
• “ Home is clean and well staffed; not a big turnover. We can tell staff is happy. They are good to people who need time off for illness and surgery…” Judith H. Cronen, Highland SLS
• “I like the way TAI staff and management handle all the various situations that arise and the love, care and confidence demonstrated in the different situations.” Bill Bahe, Third Avenue, SLS
• “I would choose TAI over another service provider based on a great experience, the positive recommendations from others in the community, and the sense I have from my daughter that she enjoys her home.” Marsha Pittelkow, Midland, SLS
• “As I stated in my answer to #1 above, my experience and contacts with other agencies serving persons with developmental disabilities would easily make TAI my number one choice over any other service provider. My talks with friends who have disabled family members served by other providers have reinforced this choice.” Barbara Polister, Silver Oaks ICF/MR
• “TAI staffing provides a safe and caring environment. When you visit, you are welcome. Walking into the home, it feels like a home and not just a place to live.” Pat Island, Westwood SLS

Discuss whether TAI management staff is professional and well trained. How do they creatively tailor services to meet individual strengths and needs while improving quality of life for your loved one?

• “Management staff takes a great deal of time to provide the services that he needs. He often doesn’t make that easy. I believe the staffing has been carefully selected and well managed.”
• “Lakeview staff have been very stable and consistent. They are educated, very well trained and so concerned about Stu’s well being. Michael [the Program Manager] calls me and makes suggestions that I haven’t thought about or maybe need a little push to move ahead.” Verdell A Pierce, Lakeview SLS
• “All staff which I’ve met are high quality and professional, who have consistently demonstrated that my daughter is respected and cared for as an individual.” Marsha Pittelkow, Midland SLS
• “The staff at TAI seems to know what to do in all situations and is very confident and professional in carrying out the tasks to accomplish the desired goals.” Bill Bahe, Third Avenue SLS
• “Yes, they are well trained. Each management staff looks at ways to keep a person safe, but yet develops activities, etc. based on client’s strengths and likes.” Lynn MacDonald, Guardian/Conservator for clients at Emerson, Woodlake and Shadyview SLS’
• “The TAI staff knows and understands my brother’s needs. He is treated with respect when he disagrees with what he wishes to do when he shouldn’t be doing that activity.” Pat Island, Westwoods SLS

Please share an experience(s) where your loved one experienced encouragement and creative efforts from staff to involve him/her in the community through activities, volunteering, community education, sports, vacations, church, etc?

• “Lots of social activities…Live Wires, Project Explorer, church every Sunday and in summer also on Saturday evenings. [Also] trips to Stillwater, coffee shops, music, a Hot Air Balloon demonstration, Theatre, parties…” Judith W. Cronen, Highland SLS
• “Every week Mark is involved in various community activities.” Marjorie Ewards-Toepel, Lakeview SLS
• “My brother has many outside activities, whether it’s going shopping, to a sporting event, going for a cup of coffee, etc. He is always asked if he wants to do the activity and isn’t forced to go if he doesn’t want to participate. He has done things he has never had the chance to do before, so I would say, he leads a full social life.” Pat Island, Westwoods SLS
• “He’s Everywhere!” Jane W. Birks, Silver Oaks, ICF/MR
• “Our son doesn’t like changes. He was to have his apartment painted, and that meant a lot of dishevel! He had to “move out” for a couple of days, his things were packed and scattered, but instead of dismay – he took his counselor’s advice and went to a motel, ate all of his meals out, shopped for new furniture and returned to a clean and nice environment. Teamwork by TAI and family was a successful and creative project.” Patricia Riley, Scattered Sites (SILS)

Please describe/share some proactive examples of how TAI has responded to the medical care, health and safety needs of your loved one.

• “I have not had to worry that his health is neglected. His dental and medical appointments are made as necessary. Recently an appointment was made to check for illness due to a cold resulting in medication for an ear infection. His diet has been carefully monitored resulting in weight loss. Fire drills are frequently held. Storm warnings are taken seriously.”
• “Janet is well taken care of as far as her medical, health and safety is concerned. We are notified if needed.” Bea Schmidtbauer, Swift Lane, SLS
• “I’m very content with the medical arrangements. I am always informed if Stu has a problem and its taken care of promptly. …[they] take him to the same dentist he has seen since he was little.” Verdell A. Pierce, Lakeview SLS
• “I’m always informed, know that I could attend (and I have for work under anesthesia), and staff listens to my suggestions. I think medical needs are adequately met.” Patty Flaherty, Skyline SLS
• “One individual has PICA behavior and they PICA proofed her home so no incidents occur.” Lynn MacDonald, Guardian/Conservator for clients at Emerson, Woodlake and Shadyview SLS’
• “If there is any concern about a medical condition, my advice is asked for. They know that he is a vulnerable adult and the home watches over him to be sure that he is kept safe while giving him his ‘space’. Everything is documented.”

Please share examples of how your loved one has experienced personal growth, emotional maturity and confidence, friendship and socialization skill development or character traits since beginning services with TAI.

• “I hardly know how to stress how important TAI has been. The structure that is in place has allowed Stu to develop in all areas of his functioning. His living skills are much improved. His socialization, maturity and confidence have all had a tremendous change.” Verdell A Pierce, Lakeview SLS
• “Ability to have alone time in the house is extremely meaningful to Kim. I see a big change in her in terms of maturity.” Marsha Pittelkow, Midland, SLS
• “I see improvement in the way Joni has built confidence in the way she communicates and goes about doing her routine tasks.” Bill Bahe, Third Avenue SLS
• “Since beginning services with TAI, Leslie’s number one growth has been in the area of self-care skills. She does so much more in this area now. She has grown emotionally as well. Her upsets are fewer when she visits home and when they do occur, they are brief and she apologizes. She truly enjoys socializing one-on-one with staff and with me.” Barbara Polister, Silver Oaks ICF/MR
• “The staff is patient, understanding, caring and responsible in taking care of my brother. He has a good home life while having his own room for his personal time and possessions. He helps with some of the other residents that are in wheelchairs so he can contribute to his housemates’ care. He cleans his own bathroom and helps with the laundry. He loves calendars, so he has the job of marking the days off of the home’s calendar.” Pat Island, Westwoods SLS

Describe attributes you find pleasing related to the cleanliness, physical plant layout, home maintenance and neighborhood.

• “Her home is always clean and comfortable and well managed. Her residence fits in with the neighborhood.” Bea Schmidtbauer, Swift Lane SLS
• “Lakeview is a wonderful home. The size is right for 4 fellows. It is in a nice neighborhood and convenient to many things. It is well maintained and Richfield Lake has a great walking path which Stu uses almost daily.” Verdell A Pierce, Lakeview SLS
• “The living conditions are always clean and have a ‘like home’ atmosphere. The surrounding area and neighborhood seems to be very accommodating.” Bill Bahe, Third Avenue SLS
• “I like that the homes are in nice, middle class neighborhoods and some homes are close to shopping and eating places. Homes are spacious, clean, and individuals that I am guardian for can walk or push their wheelchairs on linoleum floors (no rugs- yeah!).” Lynn MacDonald, Guardian/Conservator for clients at Emerson, Woodlake and Shadyview SLS’
• “I am always happy to visit Leslie at Silver Oaks. The only reason I call ahead when I do visit is to make sure she is there. The home is always clean, as are her room, bedding and clothes. I’ve shared a meal or snack with her at times – always tasty and healthful. The home is on a busy street, but I know staff are always watchful when residents are outside. Silver Oaks is in a pleasant residential neighborhood.” Barbara Polister, Silver Oaks ICF/MR
• “When you walk into my brother’s home, it’s HOME. You can tell that my brother is happy there and know he is in good hands. I have no worries about him.” Pat Island, Westwoods SLS

What is the number one asset important to you that you feel TAI provides to your loved one? How does TAI accomplish this?

• "He does have a good quality of life as provided by TAI. I believe this is accomplished by the commitment of the staff. I am grateful mostly for the support given so he can be involved in skiing and horseback riding, as well as all daily activities. It is wonderful to know he can be doing those things he loves."
• “I feel the #1 asset TAI offers is a caring, loving and safe environment in which Joni can do the things she likes to do and learn new living skills. TAI gives Joni the opportunity to do things for herself.” Bill Bahe, Third Avenue SLS
• “The direct care staff are a great comfort to our family in that they provide a stable and nurturing environment.” Marjorie Edwards-Toepel, Lakeview SLS
• “They’re well cared for and TAI advocates for them as I would if they were living at home – maybe more so!” Patty Flaherty, Skyline SLS
• “Respect, caring, dignity, etc. Make the residents feel important and supported so they can develop a lifestyle they would like. Each home remembers the holidays and makes them special as well as the person’s birthdays.” Lynn MacDonald, Guardian/Conservator for clients at Emerson, Woodlake and Shadyview SLS’
• “Consistency in dealing with Leslie (as with all people who have autism) is the most important asset TAI provides in Leslie’s daily life. She knows what is expected of her; she knows she will be treated fairly, and she knows she will be safe. TAI accomplishes these goals by providing staff who are trained in each resident’s goals, needs, and behaviors (and who receive ongoing training). Her needs and requests are respected insofar as they do not interfere with the needs and requests of the other residents. She feels secure.” Barbara Polister, Silver Oaks ICF/MR
• “The number one asset important to me is respect. Without respect, the other positive attributes are diminished. While my mother was alive, she hesitated in putting my brother in a group home because she said that no one would take care of him up to her standards. Well, my other brother and I can happily say that we proved her wrong!!” Pat Island, Westwood SLS