News & Resources
Caregiver Spotlight: Raymond Eddleton
At Circle Center, every person is treated as an individual. That’s what makes all the difference.
Caring for a loved one with dementia comes with many challenges, but also many moments of joy. We sat down with Raymond, whose mother, Mary, was diagnosed with dementia in 2020. After visiting several programs in the Richmond area, Raymond and his sister chose Circle Center for their mom’s care. In this interview, Raymond shares their journey, and the impact Circle Center has had on both his mother’s quality of life and their family’s peace of mind.
Q: Can you tell us about your mom and how you came to Circle Center?
A: My mother, Mary, was diagnosed with dementia in 2020, after COVID. My sister and I started looking for care options and visited six or seven adult day centers in the area. When we walked through the doors at Circle Center, we immediately felt a difference. The atmosphere, the staff, and the variety of activities stood out compared to other places. We saw true care for everyone, not just a focus on keeping people busy. That’s why we chose Circle Center.
Q: What makes Circle Center different from other centers you visited?
A: At other places, it felt like quantity over quality – people were there, but we didn’t see real engagement. At Circle Center, every person is treated as an individual. You can’t treat everyone the same, and here, the staff really understand that. From the moment we walked in, we felt welcomed and saw how much they care for each participant.
Q: How has Circle Center made a difference for your mom?
A: The change has been incredible. She takes part in dancing, crafts, physical therapy, and other activities. Even though she may not always know where she’s going, she wants to participate. We’ve seen a spark in her – she’s more active, more engaged, and more herself. Being at Circle Center has also helped her sleep better at night without needing medication. It’s given her a better quality of life, which is all we want for her.
Q: And what about for you and your sister, as caregivers?
A: Circle Center has been a lifesaver for us. It gives us peace of mind knowing that for six to seven hours a day, our mom is safe, cared for, and stimulated. That allows us to continue working and taking care of our responsibilities and then pick up caregiving when she’s back home. Without Circle Center, we would constantly worry about her being alone. With Circle Center, we know she’s in a safe place where she’s treated with love and respect.
Q: What would you tell other families considering Circle Center?
A: Don’t wait until it’s too late – be involved, understand your parent’s medical situation, and get the support you need. For us, Circle Center has been a true blessing. The staff are welcoming, caring, and they treat every person here with dignity. If someone asked me about Circle Center, I would share our experience without hesitation. For our family, it has been a lifesaver – for our mom, giving her more good years, and for us, giving us the ability to keep functioning as caregivers, employees, and family members.
Q: If you had to describe Circle Center in one word, what would it be?
A: Lifesaver.