Cecil’s Senior Living Story

Cecil Ramnaraine was assisted in immigrating to the United States by the Presbyterian Church in the 1960s. He arrived from Guyana with a scholarship from Macalester College in Saint Paul. After graduation Cecil went on to a decades-long teaching career with the Minneapolis Public Schools retiring in 1995.

During that time he married and had a family. Over the early years he also saw to it that all nine of his younger siblings immigrated to the United States. Today the seven that survive are located across the country with successful lives and families.

In his later years he also became a notable developer and teacher of Peace and non-violence training curriculum. He even briefly worked with the likes of former Secretary General of the United Nations Kofi Annan and former Vice President Walter Mondale among others.

“He has had quite a life and career” said his son Jim who also lives in Minneapolis.

Change Is Inevitable

Cecil turned 90 in 2020 and was already widowed. Health challenges though were mounting. A more manageable living arrangement was needed for Cecil’s wellbeing as well as that of his family supporting him. They settled on the former Brookdale of Edina Senior Living, now Edina Heights Senior Living by Sinceri.

It worked well enough for nearly a couple of years. However, the difficulty of maintaining Cecil’s longtime relationship with his good friend in northeast Minneapolis became too much. His family was also in south Minneapolis making it difficult to visit often. The relationships were just too important to compromise.

Cecil eventually moved into his friend’s two-level townhome, and much closer to family. This was much better for everyone. However, as the months went by, the stairs were becoming too much for Cecil to manage safely. Still the value of relationship was winning out.

Then in the summer of 2023 Cecil got sick with Shingles. That led to a hospitalization and discovery not only of advanced dental disease but also prostate cancer. Together these setbacks and treatments made it clear another change was necessary.

Knowledge And Experienced Guidance Is Valuable

During this time Senior Community Services, the social service organization based in Minnetonka serving much of the twin cities west metro area connected Jim with Choice Connections. Together Jim, Cecil, his friend and other family worked with Choice Connections to clarify all the requirements, needs and preferences necessary for a successful transition.

Taking all factors into account, it was only a small handful of assisted living communities that “checked all the boxes” for Cecil’s situation. After touring four communities it was Catholic Eldercare of Minneapolis that felt like the “best” and “right” one. The silver-est of linings is the proximity to family and Cecil’s good friend.

Cecil moved into Catholic Eldercare in October of 2023. Cecil’s friend is only blocks aways and has been able to easily “visit every day” Jim enthused. And Jim and family are close as well and visit regularly.

Cecil is a quiet but pleasant gentleman.  “Dad is pretty relaxed and peaceful there. He has gotten to know everyone. Sitting by the fireplace and reading in the library is his regular routine that he enjoys.” Jim continued “We really thought it might not be long for him after the medical issues mounted like they had. But the cancer has stayed at bay and he just keeps on keeping on!”

All Is Well That Ends Well

“In fact, family came from all across the country to pay respects to Dad in his first year there. His status as patriarch at 96 years old has become a pleasant development” Jim explained. He went on to say how the care at Catholic Eldercare has been good and dignified, and then smiled saying “The care coordinator Liz is a sweetheart! And the food is good. Dad eats everything there. Even more than some of the special Indian dishes family occasionally bring!”

Cecil is clearly a special personality. Together with his family, the convenience, care and community of Catholic Eldercare’s assisted living services, Cecil is in great hands. It has been just the ticket to insure he is safe and sound into his late 90s.