" with the hope that she’d soon be able to resume her independent life." It's a sad thing, to have to be away from your home and everything you love at that age, so it's great to have something, anything, that you can find comfort in. Your aunt sounds like she was an awesome lady. My elder sister went into skilled nursing last November, following a two week stay at an acute hospital. We initially had hope she'd come home. Then I considered finding a long term facility. Now, she's thinking of staying where she is, since they apparently do skilled and long term care, and she's gotten used to everyone (and vice versa). I'm so grateful that the people seem to treat her well, and she has no complaints, other than the food of course. I'm sorry to hear of your aunt's passing, Susan, but I know it was nice bonding with her like that before she left this world. Thanks for sharing :-)