Dr. Kendrick Shared Why He Likes Landis at Home Services

Building Solid Friendships in the Community with Landis at Home

In his 90s, Dr. Kendrick Eshleman effortlessly recalls how he ended up living in Lancaster County, PA. Born in Florida, he used to vacation with family to Lancaster county in the summers.

Surrounded by large sycamore trees on several acres of land, his house was built 250 years ago by his Huguenot ancestors. He recounts the history of each brick, sycamore tree, and the surrounding area.

“This house has only had two families live in it over a period of 250 years, and the second family has been mine for going on eight generations. It has a rich history, both locally and nationally. My family has kept records from over the years of the properties nearby, as well as individuals who lived on the land and one who participated in the Underground Railroad.”

A Medical Doctor specializing in Psychiatry for 43 years, Dr. Eshleman was familiar with the services offered by Landis at Home.

He said, “I had known about Landis Homes since it was built, and began hearing good reports about it. When my wife was in the later stages of cancer, it was suggested that she move there. So my wife moved to Landis Homes until she passed away in 2014. I was very pleased with the care she received.  

After she passed away, I realized I’m so limited in what I can do by myself. I knew I needed some help, but I decided I’d like to stay in my home as long as I could. I like my home. I’m comfortable here. While my daughter is helpful, she lives farther away and can’t support me the way that I need, so I couldn’t stay here without help from Landis at Home.”

Dr. Eshleman likes Landis at Home because the service is reliable and happens within the confines of his home where he’s most comfortable.  

“Velma, my Landis at Home aide, comes once a week. She helps do laundry, run errands, get my groceries, take me for an occasional medical appointment and do all kinds of odds and ends that allow me to stay home.”

Velma Magill has been Dr. Eshleman’s Landis at Home aide for over four years. With a background in medical training and a former art teacher as well as an artist herself, Velma connected with Dr. Eshleman immediately.

“It’s funny because Dr. Eshleman knew a lot of the same people that I knew from working in the medical industry. That helped solidify our working friendship from the beginning. But he’s also special because he knows so much about local history and art. He’s traveled extensively. Yes, I work to help him, but I also get a lot from him! It makes my week to have such intellectual conversations. As an artist, I really enjoy talking to him about it. He is always finding things, new artists, and information that is interesting to me.”