A Personal Journey: My Story

A Personal Journey and Our Inspiration

I’m Judi Rose, founder of Lavender Fields. My caregiving journey didn’t start with this facility—it began decades ago, shaped by my own battles with chronic neurological Lyme disease, which has consumed more than half of my life. As a professional patient, I’ve endured countless treatments and faced the frustration and isolation that often comes from feeling misunderstood by the healthcare system. It’s through these personal struggles that I learned the importance of compassion, time, and relationship-based care.

One of the most influential people in my healing journey is Dr. Joseph Jemsek, a physician who was on the front lines during the HIV and AIDS epidemic, offering hope and life to thousands. Today, he dedicates his life to Lyme disease patients like me. His approach - spending hours with each patient and providing meticulous follow-up care, taught me that true healthcare is about time, attention, and relationships. His influence is embedded in every aspect of Lavender Fields, where we strive to offer the same thoughtful patient-centered care.

My story isn’t just about my journey with Lyme. Alzheimer’s and dementia care became another personal passion, placed in my path almost like a sign from God. I’ve witnessed too many loved ones go through institutionalized care that emphasized quantity over quality. I also had the privilege of watching my grandmother, an old-school nurse, provide hands-on care in both skilled facilities and private duty at homes. Her approach was deeply personal, always focused on building relationships. These experiences, including caring for friends with Alzheimer’s, have inspired me to create Lavender Fields as a place where compassionate, individualized care takes priority.

In 2010, I encountered Dora, a woman with Alzheimer’s, lost, wandering on the snow covered sidewalk. She had become confused after being moved from her longtime home to a smaller apartment. Her friends had dropped her off after church, but didn’t watch her walk inside, and she had forgotten her keys. Dora wandered across town, trying to return to her old house, and I found her walking in the freezing cold. I took her in, cared for her throughout the weekend, and eventually reunited her with her family. Despite her memory loss, weeks later, Dora sent me a miracle card—she remembered my name and address, and thanked me with a heartfelt note. This experience reminded me that even when memory fades, kindness is never forgotten. Dora’s story continues to inspire my mission at Lavender Fields.

The creation of Lavender Fields wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible people who surround me. Rebecca Marks, one of our lead caregivers and a dear friend, has 23 years of hands-on experience in dementia care. She’s a true dementia whisperer, able to connect with residents on a deep level and bring dignity to each interaction. Her influence helped shape the Jewel CARE Model, our holistic, personalized care philosophy. Rebecca, along with women like Traci Roy, Jeannie Collette, Diana McCauley, and Jessica Ware bring back that old-school, hands-on care in which we believe. They change the world every day, often without realizing it, and their commitment to our residents allows us to run a facility without turnover—something almost unheard of in this industry.

Another pivotal figure in our success is co-owner and care partner, Brett McClain. Though not a nurse by training, Brett has developed a deep understanding of care. His entrepreneurial spirit and hands-on experience, including supporting me through my own medical challenges, has shown me that true care comes from the heart. Together, we’ve built a home-like, compassionate environment at Lavender Fields, where every resident is treated like family.

My journey has also included being hit by a car while jogging during the pandemic, but she was sorry that she was texting! This event deepened my understanding of the complexities of healthcare during such uncertain times. I got to experience firsthand what it feels like to be a patient in a pandemic, navigating care while facing uncertainty. It’s experiences like this that inspire me to keep creating solutions that lead to better care.

At Lavender Fields, our mission is to provide compassionate, individualized care that fosters independence, dignity, and joy. Through the Jewel CARE Model, we aim to not only care for residents, but to inspire others in the elder care community. We dream of making Lavender Fields more than just a place to live—we want to be a teaching hub, a center for research, and an inspiration for other facilities. Every day, we continue to create a model of care that prioritizes human connection and dignity.

Lavender Fields wouldn’t be what it is today without the dedication of the incredible individuals who share my vision for compassionate care.

• Jeannie Collett, a retired RN and hands-on care philosopher, was with me from the beginning, working countless hours to re-write policies and procedures that put compassion first.
• Brett McClain, my business partner, has been a driving force behind Lavender Fields, ensuring that our values remain central to everything we do.
• Diana McCauley, another early pioneer, worked alongside Jeannie to create the strong, compassionate care model we have today.
• Rebecca Marks, our dementia whisperer, brings over 23 years of experience in dementia care. She has a gift for connecting with residents who need the most patience and understanding.
• Jessica Ware and Jada Marks, both loyal team members, have never missed a single day since we opened, embodying the reliability and dedication that Lavender Fields is built upon.
• Traci Roy, our current RN and end-of-life coach, has spent more than 20 years dedicated to hospice care. She provides compassionate guidance through the most difficult transitions, caring for our residents with dignity and respect, especially in their final days.

Together, we’ve built a place where everyone feels like family. Our staff’s commitment and passion drive everything we do. We invest in them because we believe that when you care for your people, they care for your residents.