Testimonials

Hi Renee,

I gladly wrote a Google review for Choice Connections and would like to personally express my gratitude to you and Melonie.

I truly believe that things happen for a reason and you both were presented to me at the time I needed your guidance most. From our initial conversation to the follow up calls after mom’s admission, your compassion, knowledge and personal input were poignant in making the search less stressful. I will speak for my brother too. We appreciate all you provided us and most importantly our mom, even though you never met her, she was your focus. To provide her with a living community that would meet and accommodate the quality of life she deserves was your goal. We all have aging parents, and your personal experience certainly aids in understanding the complexity of the decision.

Your commitment to seniors is exemplary and evident in all aspects of the process. That’s what makes you special, you’re real and honest. You gave us the confidence to move forward with detailed financial information, professional knowledge of the communities, and support throughout until our final decision. Most importantly, your personal touch and consideration is your greatest asset to families in need of your service. I hope that many have the opportunity to cross paths with you both when they need you most. I will do my best to guide anyone in your direction.

Thank you again for all you have done for our family!

Amy

Contact Us – Serving the Greater Capital Region, The North Country & The Berkshires

Melonie and Renee have been very helpful to me in my journey to find the perfect place for my mother who was no longer able to live on her own due to her cognitive and physical decline.

Renee, who took charge of my case, was compassionate and understanding.  She guided me through what caring for elderly parents who have dementia was like.  Even though I was seeing it first hand, I was in denial, so talking to Renee brought me hope.  Renee shared personal experience of what it was like caring for her parents, and that it would become progressively more difficult for the caregiver.  She also gave good pointers on the importance of finding a good neurologist, maintaining stability, and getting my mother into a place sooner rather than later, so that quicker adjustment could be made.

I am a practicing Social Worker, so guiding clients in their search for appropriate housing is not new to me, but I realized early that Melonie and Renee are true experts.  Renee is a professional, and with her expertise, she knew the ins and outs, the reputation of the facilities, having worked with clients and families for many years.   She was trustworthy and helped me sort through the numerous placements and helped me with the referral process, according to what my priorities were.

Renee was diligent in checking in with me through the many months it took us to make a decision.  She was always the ultimate professional, patient, and kind.  She gave me important, updated information as needed, and I was able to make the difficult decision of having my mother placed in an Assisted Living Community.

Susan Chong

My father was living in Florida (for 14 years) until he decided he wanted to return to New York in July of 2018. He was showing signs of progressive dementia while in Florida but, had no family there to assist him. He arrived at our home with a suitcase and a carry-on bag full of medication. My husband and I took care of all his needs from legal, financial, medical and day to day living. We did so, for a year, with support from loving friends and distant relatives. We did so through all of dad’s mood swings, paranoia, indecisions, anger and occasionally laughter. On his second trip to the hospital in a month, I was introduced to Choice Connections by Dr. Peterson’s case manager. Right away, I knew I found my angels in Renee and Melonie! They listened, really listened, to all my concerns and were supportive of my decisions. They did so at my pace as I was hesitant to talk about placement for dad at first, feeling as though I was failing.

When I finally accepted my husband and I could no longer continue at the pace we were going and still try to maintain our full lives, Renee and Melonie were right there, ready to find the perfect home for dad. They asked many questions, got to know dad and our family dynamics, considered location, size and care offerings and found us the perfect spot for dad. I was able to tour as many facilities as I needed to be comfortable with the choice. Dad has been at The Home of the Good Shephard in Malta for a few months now. Melonie still checks in with me to be sure things are going well.

There are not enough words for me to show my gratitude for Choice Connections. I would highly recommend them to anyone who is going through a simalar situation.

Susan Zarzycki

Gansevoort, NY

“My sister and I were facing the daunting task of finding an assisted living facility for our 93 year old mother. Mom had been living in a retirement community north of Boston and we wanted her to live closer to us and get the care she now needed. Melonie and Renee were able to help us put a realistic list of facilities together for us to visit given our mother’s health and financial situation. This saved us a great deal of time and frustration. When looking at each facility they were available to answer all of our questions.

Their experience with helping families with the difficult responsibility of caring for a loved one was greatly appreciated. They gave us very wise advise that ultimately led to a successful transition for our mom. I cannot recommend their services enough.

Mom is doing great and already seems at home at the HGS. We couldn’t be happier to see her thrive! Wedding in Lenox was amazing and fun for us all.”

Joan

I first came in contact with Renee at Choice Connections after yet another grueling denial in my search for a suitable placement for my 77 year old male cousin, alone in the world except for me.

This journey began with his multiple hospitalizations from the consequences of a bad fall and ranged over a period of three months from at home assistance to senior living to assisted living to enhanced assistant living to the eventual reality of a nursing home placement.

It was my own self directed search, and although I met many dedicated professionals along the way, Renee was the first advisor to actually understand my predicament and my cousin’s situation. How I wished I had had her help from the very beginning! Although she was managing the office on her own due to her partner’s vacation , she immediately put me in contact with some providers I had not previously considered , and most importantly, provided concrete help in contacting them, while supporting me along the way. Her encouragement and kind professionalism in this difficult time was so welcome.

As fate would have it, and although I had begun interviewing her other recommended providers, another facility, Shaker Place nursing home in Albany, had an unexpected opening and my cousin qualified and is doing well there.

However, I sincerely urge anyone facing the difficult situation of having to place a loved one in a facility to utilize the services Choice Connection provides at the initiation of their search.. There are many facets involved and it certainly is a sad learning experience but Renee’s kind competence and understanding will make this journey so much easier and productive.

Corinne

Choice Connections is simply a wonderful service!

My husband is physically handicapped and we realized we were becoming trapped in our home. I was exhausted doing all the inside and outside work. Melonie interviewed me on the phone and was so positive and reassuring. She sent me links to independent senior communities in the area. We fell in love with the Summit at Saratoga and she arranged a tour of the Summit with Renee and Christy the manager. It fit our needs perfectly and we moved in a few months later.

I’ve recommended Choice Connections to friends who are also starting to feel the effects of aging but don’t know where to turn. Renee and Melonie and Choice Connections have been our saviors!

Alice

I can’t say how quickly and efficiently Renee and Choice Connects NY helped my mother and me in finding just the right place for my dad. Things happened quickly and we were not familiar with how to navigate the process. Renee was able to provide a short list of suitable assisted living options and secure a place at the Home of the Good Shepherd in Saratoga and it is wonderful.

Renee checks in every now and then and keeps up to date with how everything is going which is very kind.

Thanks again to Renee and Choice Connects NY for helping us through such a difficult time.

Lara Currie

Queensbury NY

I could not be happier for the help I received from Renee and Choice Connections. When the moment arrived that it was clear that my father needed Assisted Living, I was loaded with anxiety. So many questions. How does this work? Who do I talk to? What agencies provide help? What about Covid-19? How long does this take? What choices do we have?

Someone suggested that I call Choice Connections. I spoke to Renee and explained our situation and the urgency involved. Renee dug right in and asked the important questions so that she help us find the right place for my Dad. Now, eight weeks later my father has now spent one week at his new home and says he loves it. He is so thankful to everyone involved in improving our family situation. Our entire family is grateful for the expedience, compassion,diligence and professionalism shown by Renee and Choice Connections. We can’t thank you enough!

Sincerely,

Mark Haley and the entire Haley family

I had the pleasure of working with Melonie Pratt for almost five years, in my role as social worker for older adults in the Capital Region. When I referred clients to Melonie, I knew that they would get the best possible information and expert assistance. Melonie has great empathy for seniors in need of a new home. She understands how difficult it is to make a change, especially for an older person. There is no one more knowledgeable than Melonie; she would advise families about the latest in housing options and how to help with the financial side through help from the Veterans Administration,etc. I know her to be highly ethical and very trustworthy. I always did a follow up with my clients after they moved–those who worked with Melonie reported being very pleased with their new home and with the service she provided (at no charge to seniors!)” Stephanie Wolos, Service Coordinator
Beltrone Living Center


Ruth Ormsby
Memory Care Specialist

I have had the pleasure of getting to know Melonie. She is professional, compassionate and knowledgeable, always looking out for her clients best interest. It is evident that Melonie was meant to help Seniors – she is a natural.

 


Bill Bathalon
Atria Senior Living | Top Sales Perfomer | Senior Living Sales and Marketing

I’ve had the great pleasure of working with Melonie for the past year. She’s compassionate, understanding and dillegent in her objective for finding the best possible solution for her clients. Her dedication and compassion is most evident in her work ethic. She is valuable partner and most respected and trusted colleague. I would trust Melonie with my own family.

 


Nicolle Mallinson
Labor and Delivery RN at Burdett Care Center

I have had the pleasure of working with Melonie in helping several of her clients pursue a possible transition to Atria Crossgate. Very well educated in senior living options, Melonie is a great resource to seniors and their families. With her attention to detail, compassion and support, Melonie is able to provide her clients with choices tailored to their specific needs and assist them through their transition. In addition, Melonie’s follow up ensures that each family is satisfied and happy with the outcome. The residents who have to come to us through Melonie have made a lasting impression at Atria Crossgate!

 


Tina L. Butler, CSA, CDP
Owner at Comfort Keepers

Melonie is an honest, caring professional fully committed to serving others. She is dedicated to offering the BEST solutions and “choices” to her clients dealing with challenging senior care issues. Always demonstrating the highest level of integrity and compassion, Melonie makes a real impact in the lives of seniors she works with. I am privileged to have Melonie a part of the Choice Connections network & give her my highest recommendation!

 


Donna Sickler
Supporting Communities to Improve the lives of Seniors and Staff as an RVP for Atria Senior Living

Melonie is a well respected professional in the senior housing industry. For several years, I have had the pleasure of working with Melonie to help seniors and families find the best solution for their circumstances. Her kind, compassionate approach enables her to thoroughly understand and provide the support needed to assure that seniors/families are aware of the options available. Her professionalism and tenacity give the assurance that no stone will be left unturned in her search for a solution. It is always a pleasure to work with Melonie ~ each interaction leaves one feeling confident that every detail will be addressed.

Chris Q.

It has been such a blessing to have worked directly with Melonie Pratt of Choice Connections, for two placements into Assisted Living residences for my mother, June H. Melonie helped us get mom into short term respite following her emergency heart surgery in 2014. My mom was in rehab at the end of 2015 for two months and was in need of a higher level of care then the facility she was living at could provide. Melonie sent me detailed information about area facilities and set up tours. She handled a multitude of issues related to the placement, consequently lifting the burden for both mom and the family. Mom’s placement in the right community and Melonie’s followup are especially praiseworthy. Melonie is efficient, timely,, caring and thorough. She was a true pleasure to work with and such a help in a time of great needs and stress. Thank you to all who were part of her care team. You are all held in our hearts with fond memories.

 

Gwen Rowland

Choice Connections is a free service consisting of two wonderful women dedicated to helping seniors and their families navigate the senior housing world. Melonie and Renee always do a wonderful job of finding the senior and their family the best place to live that meets their needs. Whether it is assisted living, senior housing or memory care.. they know the ins and outs of these communities and will get your loved one where they need to be. 5 stars! Highly recommend!

Stanley McGaughey

Renee was recommended to me by a resident service coordinator in Saratoga Springs. I was the primary care provider for a friend diagnosed with early Alzheimer’s. My friend’s family lives out of the area, and she was unwilling to leave Saratoga to be closer to them. My friend had come to the point where she needed to have more constant guidance and supervision, as she was having significant difficulty managing simple tasks, etc. Renee returned my call most promptly. I quickly understood that Renee possesses significant knowledge of the disease. She also understood my situation as the caregiver. We began by identifying a possible residential situation for my friend. Renee drew on her breadth of knowledge of the different residential options available locally and in the broader area when making suggestions and providing advice that specifically addressed my friend’s needs and wishes. Renee explained the pluses and minuses of several residential facilities as the related to my friend. When we decided to pursue a facility, Renee arranged for the visit, meeting with the facility manager in preparation for our visit. She joined is in the admissions interview and helped clarify some of the issues that were confusing for my friend. She followed up with the facility manager and with us. Renee advocated for my friend with the facility manager, working to find what we all agreed to be the appropriate apartment and helping us to understand how and why living in the facility would work for my friend.

Unfortunately, my friend impulsively declined to move to the facility – a great disappointment to me and her family. Yet, her medical condition continued to deteriorate. She was not able or willing to accept her increasing limitations. Renee suggested that we engage a Case Manager who would be able to oversee my friend’s situation, allowing my friend to remain at home. Renee suggested a couple of Case Managers and reached out to both of them. She came to me with a recommendation and made arrangements for me to meet with the Case Manager. Just as that relationship was beginning, my friend’s situation hit a crises point, and she finally agreed to relocate to an assisted living facility in the Midwest, to be closer to her family.

All along the way with Renee, I received advice about how to work with the medical community and who were the medical care providers that would be most appropriate for my friend. Renee reached out to physicians and social workers on our behalf, paving the way for our meetings. We didn’t need to continually retell our story; Renee had done that for us.

I have the highest regard for Renee and the work that she does. She’s experienced, knowledgeable, compassionate, well connected, very engaged with her clients, straightforward, honest, and sincere.

Kevin Facteau

Melonie and Renee have been instrumental as a resource for helping seniors in the area find the right place to live. I have worked with them on multiple occasions. I highly recommend their services to anyone looking to find the right senior living community.