At Des Arc Nursing & Rehabilitation, care is not only about the present — it’s about the memories, relationships, and lives that become part of the building over time. For Mr. Herndon Barnes, the halls of Des Arc hold more than daily routines. They hold family history.
Years ago, his mother lived here as a resident. During her stay, she had a simple wish: she wanted a bird aviary where she and others could sit, watch, and enjoy the comfort of nature indoors. So Herndon built one for her. Today, that aviary still stands. It’s called the Lona B. Barnes Aviary, named in her honor.
What began as a loving project for a mother became something much bigger. The aviary quickly turned into a peaceful gathering place — residents stopping to watch the birds, families visiting a little longer, conversations happening naturally around it.
It wasn’t just decoration. It became part of daily life. After his mother passed, years went by. Life changed — as it always does — and eventually Herndon himself came to live at Des Arc Nursing & Rehabilitation.
Now he walks past the aviary he built with his own hands, a living reminder of his mother and the time they shared.
Long-term care communities often become part of family stories. A spouse visits daily. A daughter volunteers. A grandchild remembers coming to see a grandparent after school. Sometimes, like with the Barnes family, that connection spans generations.
Facilities like Des Arc don’t only care for individuals — they quietly become woven into the lives of the families around them. Staff remember relatives, traditions continue, and small acts of kindness leave lasting marks long after the moment passes. The aviary is one of those marks. For residents, familiarity matters. Seeing a cherished object, hearing birds chirp, or sitting in a favorite spot can provide comfort that no medication can replace.
For Herndon, the aviary is not simply a feature of the building. It is memory. It is connection. It is home.
And for other residents, it’s a peaceful place to gather — even if they never knew the woman whose wish created it. Every day, people pass by the Lona B. Barnes Aviary. Some stop to watch the birds. Some sit quietly. Some share stories. Most may never know the full history behind it. But that’s the beauty of community — moments of love continue helping others long after they happen.
At Des Arc Nursing & Rehabilitation, care goes beyond the individual. It becomes shared experience, shared history, and sometimes, shared generations. Because occasionally, the things we build for the people we love end up caring for others too.