Testimonials

Good morning Marylou

I would like to say a HUGE THANK YOU to you and your team for the fantastic job you have done in helping Angela settle down at Hillview.

It has been a really tough journey for both Angela and myself during this transitional period and to be quite honest there were many times when I felt that I had made a big mistake by putting her in a home as my original plan was to have her live with us at home. Angela has always been quite eccentric, adventurous and extremely independent and has not experienced shared living since the time she left her family home as a young girl.  So with keeping this in mind when I first saw Angela in the secure unit at Hillview shortly after she arrived it broke my heart to see how she had been reduced from a free spirited person to being trapped in a situation beyond her control - that was a devestating experience for her in contrast to her fascinating and wonderfully independent life.

Marylou that day in Gaby's office when you offered to take the risk of being fully responsible for supervising Angela outside of the secure unit along with your team, I felt so relieved as I immediately sensed that you were a very discerning person and that you could see that with a bit of patience and understanding Angela could settle into her new environment along with the other residents outside of the secure unit. However, throughout the weeks that followed the situation did grow worse for Angela as she became more and more distressed and determined to return to her home. At times I felt so bad for her that I just wanted to take her out of Hillview but I kept reminding myself that you and your team had made a committment to supervise her at all times and to keep her active as you recognised that this is what she needed the most. Then one day a couple of weeks ago I came to visit Angela and found her having a cuppa and a good laugh at Lilly Cafe with Ally, Anne and Kylie and when Ally stood up to leave she gave Angela a big hug and kiss to which Angela gladly reciprocated. I have to tell you that I was totally amazed at this sight as Angela has NEVER liked personal touch and ESPECIALLY KISSING from anyone and with that I could see that she had in fact grown to trust those who were watching over her. It has been nearly one week now since Angela has settled down and when I speak to her now she sounds much calmer and happier and only mentions going home occasionally.

I wanted to write this letter to you to give you some feed back as sadly in this world gratitude is rarely expressed to those who really deserve it and so on that note once again I take this opportunity to say thank you to you and your amazing team and to encourage you all to keep up the great work you are doing at Hillview - you guys are a real asset to the Home.

Have a wonderful day!

Regards

Helen Pearce

Thank you for your recent telephone call following my two weeks break at Hill View House. Please pass on my best wishes to the staff and carers that made my stay so very pleasant.

I've always led an active live and have been fortunate enough to have friends and family about me. However, at times, I find the daily chores and maintenance of my own home a burden (particularly when I've been a bit off colour), and I've been looking at all options available to make my twilight years happy and stress free, for both my family and I.

My recent stay with you was to 'test the waters' and I never imagined that I would fit in so comfortable and so quickly. I really enjoyed the daily activities and social interaction with staff and other residents, which kept me active and interested. It was also great to be able to retreat to my room for solitude when I needed it. I felt very comfortable and safe at all times.

The changing menu and choice of meal, as well as morning, afternoon and evening teas was welcomed and gave me a break from cooking and cleaning. My family were very happy to see me so settled.

I've always been fiercely independent and never really thought that I'd see myself entering an aged care residence, but my experience at Hill View House could not have been better and I am certainly warming to the idea.

We wish to express our gratitude for the care, concern, compassion and integrity of the people who make HilView an outstanding organisation in the delivery of care to the aged.

Our experience of the care Hill View provided during our mother's recent illness is one of wonderment. Your process of caring for our mother incorporated meticulous attention to the mental, emotional, physical and spiritual needs of our mother. For example the people who make Hill View had a unique ability to listen, tune in to the needs of mother and the family. Your willingness to consult and make staff available to discuss care, and palliative care processes was in our experience unparalleled.

The process of reintegrating Mother back into Hill View on her return from hospital was wonderful to witness. The way that staff and management ensured the fears and concerns that mother was experiencing as she adjusts to the change in how she sees herself as she travels the continuum of care from low to palliative care was a truly humbling experience.

Our sincere thanks for looking after our mum.

Dear Management and Staff of Hill View House, Ashmore,

I wish to thank you sincerely for the womderful care and attention you recently gave to my wife  during her respite care at your excellent establishment.  Your friendly and competent staff made her stay so much more pleasurable than a previous experience she had in respite and I felt so much more relieved whilst I was in hospital and recovering from my operation knowing she was being so well looked after during this trying time for us both.

I enclose a poem fortuitiously emailed to me today which I hope you will pass around although it appeared to me that your staff were well versed in the care of the aged.  It is a very thought provoking piece which I hope you will enjoy.

Kindest regards and with many thanks.

Dorothy Carr
R.I.P
Our Beautiful Dot

Thank you for your help today,
I thought it was kind.
You wiped each and every knife and fork,
And didn't even mind
You helped with doing the tea trolley,
We went to every room.
And then I couldn't find you,
As you had left a little soon.
But there you were quite happily,
Going about your way.
Trying to help me once again
Throughout my busy day.
You help me fold the serviettes,
And often with a smile.
I used to stop and watch you,
And think a little while.
I thought about your kindness,
And I wondered about your life.
I could see a nurturing mother
And an always caring wife.
I heard you sing a song one day,
What a true and lovely surprise.
I couldn't stop from hugging you,
With tears filling up my eyes.
You made all of us so happy Dot,
Staff and residents too.
There really wasn't that much Dot
That you would never really do.
So once again we thank you Dot,
And we give to you our love.
And we can find some peace
In knowing that you are with the lord above.

Allison Ramsey - Catering Department.