Testimonials

Our lives suddenly changed when a hospital specialist told us, “Your husband/father will never be able to live an independent life again.” What do we do now? Admatha Dementia Care was our answer. We were plunged into the decision of looking for a home for him, when it was not even on the cards a week ago. As soon as we walked into Admatha, we unanimously said, “This is the place for Dad!” The welcome we received from the very first meeting was warm, informative, clear and friendly as we grappled with this new life in our state of shock.

The next question was how to transfer a very confused and agitated man from hospital to Admatha? This was overcome immediately by the caring and thoughtful staff at Admatha. They made it so easy. In the months following there have been many ups and downs as our whole family has had to come to terms with our new lives and the Admatha staff have been there all the way. The “Best Friends Approach to Care” really works! The empathy, communication and incredible amount of loving patience shown to us and especially to our Dad/Husband never falters.

Thank you Admatha, you are keeping all of your promises. Thank you very much.

Joyce Bailey and family

If anyone is looking for a place for their loved one with dementia to live, then this is it. It's just like home. My Mum was in another establishment and I then moved her to Admatha, first the home and then the hospital. From the beginning it was a huge relief to know that she was well looked after and loved as an individual - that's pretty special. And at the same time, the staff cared about how I was coping. I cannot speak highly enough of the care that Mum received.

The layout of both feels like home with a kitchen, tables, lounge areas and gardens. And the staff are always there working, updating records, feeding, talking, touching and laughing. My Mum really sparked up with the attention she received and when she was dying, staff popped in to her room just to say hi and cried with me when she passed away.

Thank you Admatha.

Sue Chappell

Thank you Admatha. Continuity, consistency, caring, kindness, thoughtfulness, love. Earthquake proof qualities. Thank you for providing the precious necessities of life through a challenging and difficult year. The expertise and special care your 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.

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 I am able to continue to live my own life and pursue my own interests.

Margaret Robinson

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 that you have to be parted. This happened to me four 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 and have not regretted our decision. With your loved one there, you can be sure they are getting the best possible attention. After almost four years in care, my wife has moved to Admatha Lodge to receive a higher level of hospital care. The move was arranged with us, with no fuss or bother and 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 and that I have something for her. Most of the time I get a smile and 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 and move on.

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

George Hood

Placing my father into care was the hardest decision of my life. He had been diagnosed with dementia five months earlier and I was told to look around, find a home that I liked and put his name down. With two cousins, I started looking at dementia rest homes not too far from home. Of the places we viewed Avonlea was by far the nicest. Even the guided tour was the friendliest and most helpful. I didn't know what to look for in a rest home but fortunately my two cousins are a nurse and a diversional therapist respectively.

I held off as long as I could putting dad into care. When I eventually couldn't put it off any longer there were no vacancies at Avonlea so he went to Admatha. The staff there saw that I was having a hard time with my decision, so as well as taking great care of dad they gave me great support and friendship too. I felt a lot of guilt over placing dad into care but I have learned since then that this is quite normal for families. I believed I had failed him, but I could no longer manage at home. The quality of the care and the helpfulness, courtesy and friendliness of the staff made the transition easier for both dad and I. The way they talked with dad you would think they had been good friends for years. A few weeks later dad transferred to Avonlea where the service, staff and atmosphere were as great as Admatha.

Fourteen months later, due to declining physical health dad was reassessed and required dementia hospital level care. I was lucky enough to be able to get him into Admatha Lodge, where the high level of care continues. I really like the small home system as it has made it easier for dad to cope with the changes in his life. The cosy environment makes visiting much more pleasant too. I am included or notified about any decisions regarding dad's care and every time I visit him I get an update on his day, and health in general. Dad often enjoys the regular entertainment, and with some coaxing from the diversional therapists will sometimes participate in activities.

The policies and the people have made this whole experience a lot easier and more pleasant than I could ever have anticipated. It is also a great comfort to know that dad is safe and well cared for by really special people.

Michael Ferguson