Staff Report
BUDA — At Buda Oaks Assisted Living and Memory Care, executive director Susan LaBree has created more than a dozen personalized pillows for memory care residents.
Each pillow has been designed and printed with the resident’s own words. She calls it the “I Am” Project.
The project offers a snapshot of a resident’s life, as the pillows are written in first person and filled with meaningful details, such as family members, careers, hobbies, favorite music and even beloved sports teams, according to a news release. Families provide the information and LaBree brings their stories to life.
“What inspired me was the desire to build deeper relationships between our care team and our residents,” LaBree shared. “ I wanted something visual, personal and meaningful to serve as a reminder of who each resident truly is.”
The project's impact has exceeded expectations, said the news release. Vendors, such as home health and hospice aides, use the pillows as a quick way to get to know the individuals they serve.
Residents and families alike have expressed their appreciation for the gesture. The family of Shirley Williams, a Buda Oaks resident who recently passed away, was so moved that they asked for her to be buried with it.
“I was incredibly touched,” LaBree said. “Shirley loved living here and her family wanted her to take a piece of ‘home’ with her. It’s an honor I’ll never forget.”
To date, Susan has created 17 pillows, with more on the way as new families contribute their loved ones’ stories. The process is deeply personal and time-intensive, but to Susan, it’s worth every second.
