Tweed Heads aged care Testimonials

‘It’s a beautiful place to be with caring and loving staff.’

Kevin has lived alone for the past 25 years. He lives in his home that he shared with his wife before her passing. Over the years Kevin has managed his own care needs until about ten years ago became ill. He has been battling with this now on his own and becomes quite depressed. Living alone and being left to his own company and thoughts he has become quite depressed as he tends to think about his wife and her illness as he nursed her through the illness in their home. Their five children had all left home and is now estranged from all his children although his grandchildren do visit him from time to time.

Kevin took up with Canowindra about ten years ago and has remained a client in this time. He believes that without the help of our service he would not be here today. He currently receives a Home Care Package and is a frequent client to Cedric House Respite Cottage.

His respite is offered when he becomes depressed he therefore enters respite quite needy and his care needs are taken care of for a week or two then sent home stronger until the next time.

His biggest concern is the loneliness he suffers, so when he comes to Cedric House he is cared for with good nutritious meals and someone to listen and talk with him.

‘I can’t thank Canowindra enough for their love and support to me in my time of need.’

Maddie’ respite experience commenced with Cedric House respite cottage due to a accident which occurred at her home. She lives in an upstairs unit and the verandah had given away. She had quite a fall and was needing to physio. Due to not being able to access her unit because of injuries endured and also the repairs being carried out she was in need of some accommodation to recuperate from her injuries as she was also suffering with anxiety because of the accident.

Maddie was a little hesitant and somewhat shy when she came to us. She lived alone in her unit and did not mix much with outsiders. She had what she calls a disorder where somethings may appear strange to others. We encouraged her to feel comfortable and let her know we would put things in our notes for other staff to acknowledge and then not find the need to ask her certain things continuously, preventing her from feeling ashamed. Maddie was very grateful for our staff and their understanding of her in this way.

She remained with us for about three weeks. Her experience was a home away from home where she felt nothing but safe and secure.

‘Nothing is ever too much trouble for the staff.’

Dorothy lived in Forster NSW for many years. When strong enough she would travel around to visit hr family and the first time she accessed Cedric House she was travelling from Forster to Townsville in QLD.

To break the trip up she booked in to Cedric House and stayed for a week. In this time she spoke about her needs changing and the possibility of her moving to this area. She later left and went to visit her granddaughter.

A few months later Dorothy contacted our service to say that her daughter had found her a Independent living facility in Tweed Heads so she was moving to the area in the very near future.

Dorothy asked about our services and programs and if she would be able to access them. Once settled she joined our Tuesday Ladies Craft group where we were able to pickup and drop off each Tuesday.

Dorothy remains living in her Independent Living Environment within a facility but attends our programs.

‘My needs in the home matter and are met by caring people.’

Greta lives alone in her three bedroom home which she maintains with the assistance of her Flexible Aged Care package she has with Canowindra. She receives services e.g., domestic, transport to shopping or medical appointments, social outings, and lawnmowing service. This enables her to live alone and to enjoy her childrens’  company when they come to visit rather than having to ask them to do things for her.

Greta has a large family but believes they all have children and grandchildren and she likes to be as independent as possible.

She loves the chats she has with her care worker each week and she loves to attend the Canowindra Ladies Craft group each Tuesday.

Greta keeps busy herself at home by sewing which she has done for many years.

‘I didn’t know that such a service existed for our people in Tweed Heads. Keep up the good work as it is a credit to the organisation and the community.’

Phil accessed the Cedric House Respite Cottage through community friends. Phil went in to hospital to have a knee operation. Prior to going into hospital he contacted our service about the possibility of short term respite.

When Phil had his operation there was a need for him to attend to some rehabilitation. Once this process was over it was time for him to return home. Although he was not well enough as he still needed assistance and his home had quite a few steps and his wife was also out of the area with work commitments.

Phil came into respite and on his arrival he looked at the house with amazement and stated he did not even know the service existed.

He was cared for by staff and had relayed to the Manager that the care he was receiving was mind blowing. He stated the staff were compassionate and their natures were best suited to their roles. He stated the condition of the respite facility  (cleanliness) was a credit to all involved. Phil left us saying that everybody would know about us and his respite experience.