Testimonials

CHRISTMAS 2011

THANK YOU ADMATHA

CONTINUITY, CONSISTENCY, CARING,
KINDNESS, THOUGHTFULNESS, LOVE

EARTHQUAKE PROOF QUALITIES.

THANK YOU ADMATHA FOR PROVIDING THE PRECIOUS
NECESSITIES OF LIFE
THROUGH A CHALLENGING AND DIFFICULT YEAR.

THE EXPERTISE AND SPECIAL CARE YOU PROVIDE IS
BEYOND THE PEOPLE AND FAMILIES THAT YOU CARE FOR.

THIS CHRISTMAS I HOPE THAT EACH ONE OF YOU RECEIVE
TENFOLD
THE LOVE AND CARE YOU HAVE GIVEN TO OTHERS.

WE COULD NOT HAVE QUALITY OF LIFE WITHOUT YOU ALL.

DURING A VISIT TO MUM LAST WEEK I WATCHED KIM MAKING CHOCOLATES
FOR THE CHRISTMAS PARTY.
MUM AND SOME OTHER RESIDENTS WERE SITTING WATCHING AND
SAMPLING THE CHOCOLATES AS KIM TOOK THEM OUT OF
THE CHRISTMAS MOULDS.

I HAD BEEN FEELING EMOTIONAL AT THE PROSPECT OF
CHRISTMAS DAY AND HOW IMPRACTICAL IT WOULD BE TO
ATTEMPT TO TAKE MUM HOME.
SEEING HER SITTING HAPPILY ENJOYING THE CHOCOLATE
IN THE FRIENDLY ATMOSPHERE OF THE KITCHEN
SURROUNDED BY PEOPLE WHO CARE
I REALISED SHE WAS

“HOME”

THANK YOU ALL
HAPPY CHRISTMAS
LOVE

MARY ROBERTS

I was quite devastated when my husband whom I had been caring for at home was assessed as D6 this being the highest level of dementia care.

It was not too long after this that he needed to go into full time care. He had been in respite care in the Admatha Home a couple of times but I was a little anxious as we stepped through the door of The Lodge which was to become his permanent home. A staff member had expressed her concern for me that the transition from our own home directly to The Lodge could be a difficult one. However these fears were allayed as we were warmly welcomed by all staff. Very quickly they were greeting me by name and always offered refreshments when visiting.

Admatha Lodge quickly became my second home where I was able to assist with as much or as little care of my husband as I desired.

The lines of communication are always open and I have been informed verbally and through family newsletters as to whom is the most appropriate person to speak to if I have concerns or want to make comments.

I am informed of changes to medication and reasons for this. If my husband has had a fall or medical problem I am always informed by phone.

A family support group is held monthly. This is facilitated by an independent person.

Although the residents of The Lodge have been affected differently by their dementia, they and their families are all treated with dignity and respect.

I wish that my husband didn’t have Alzheimer’s, but I am relieved that he is in great 24 hour care and that I can still have input, but continue to live my own life and pursue my interests.

Margaret Robinson

Dealing with Dementia

When the unexpected happens but you know in your mind it is coming to your loved one, you feel, yes I can deal with this, but in a very short time the time comes & you have to be parted. This happened to me 4 years ago this January, our lives changed immediately but life still had to go on for both of us. Looking for suitable care was not easy, after looking at several places we picked Avonlea & have not regretted our decision. With your loved one there, you can be sure they are getting the best possible attention. After almost 4 years in care, my wife has moved to Admatha Lodge to receive a higher level of hospital care. The move was arranged with us, no fuss or bother & she is receiving great care from all the staff in her new home.

Even though everything possible is being done for your loved one it is still a great feeling to call in regularly to say hello to everyone, have a cuppa, go for a walk etc. Every time I take something, maybe a sweet, fruit or a biscuit. She may not know me anymore but knows I am familiar & have something for her. Most of the time I get a smile & it is good to be wanted again.

Even though my world sometimes feels like it has crashed around me, I try to keep busy, gardening, baking, walking, visiting & talking with friends. I have also joined a club. It is not easy being alone but we have to adjust & move on.

Many thanks to all the staff at Avonlea & Admatha, you have made a very hard time bearable.

If anyone wants to ask any questions, I will be only too happy to oblige.

Yours sincerely,

George Hood

"Our Mum has been a resident of Admatha Lodge since January 2009. My brother and I visited a number of dementia units but loved the homely feel and very friendly staff at Admatha.

We have nothing but admiration, gratitude and sincere thanks for the level of care that they provide to her. The staff are always very friendly and welcoming. They treat all residents as if they were their own family members with love, understanding and many cuddles.

Due to the nature of the illness, visits can often be difficult and emotional. However the staff are so wonderful and friendly that they help lift your mood when you are having one of those times.

The lines of communication are always open. Any issues our Mum may have had such as a fall, seizure or any problems related to her dementia are always communicated.

We consider ourselves to be a part of the Admatha family. It is our Mum’s home and they treat her as a very special member of it – just as we would all encounter and expect in our own homes."

 
B. & S. M.

"To the Management and Staff of Admatha

This month, it is 3 years since my wife moved into Admatha. At that time it was thought that she would not last long but as she settled in, she improved fantastically. The homely and caring environment has done wonders for her, to such an extent, that she is now moving to a different level of care at St Ives.

When I was told she had to move, at that time I wasn’t happy at all for her to endure a rather unsettling period involving becoming used to a new environment, new faces etc. Yet at the same time I realised that it made sense from an administrative point of view and that to a considerable extent, this was a factor outside my control.

My wife has been happy for most of the time that she has been at Admatha. Every staff member has been very kind and caring to her and went out of their way to make her feel as comfortable as possible. They all did more than their duty to make her feel part of the extended family atmosphere prevailing at Admatha.

We were especially impressed by the dedication, initiative and efficiency of everyone involved during the series of recent earthquakes, particularly in the light of that hardships that were experienced. The staff did much more than what is expected of them, in circumstances where they were unsure about their own personal situation.

My family and I would like to express our heartfelt thanks to everybody involved in the care of my wife. Thank you also for the kind consideration and hospitality extended to Adriana’s visitors during her stay.

With sincere best wishes and grateful thanks

A. D. and Family"