03 September 2024
When your loved one comes for a short stay at one of our homes, you can rest easy knowing they’ll be cared for by a dedicated and compassionate team in a warm, supportive environment.
When your loved one comes for a short stay at one of our homes, you can rest easy knowing they’ll be cared for by a dedicated and compassionate team in a warm, supportive environment.
Our experienced clinicians, carers and hospitality teams attend to every aspect of a resident’s wellbeing, ensuring they feel comfortable, engaged and valued during their time with us.
Here’s the heartwarming story of a recent respite resident, Norma, whose experience was so positive, she now proudly calls Estia Health home.
Norma’s joyful transition: From respite care to a new home
At 99 years old, Norma has lived a wonderful life filled with love, happiness and family. Born and raised in Ballarat, she is a proud mother of two daughters who she raised alongside her beloved husband, Norman. After Norman’s passing, Norma lived with her daughter Yvonne and Yvonne’s partner in Buninyong, always surround by the love and care of her family.
After eight years since Yvonne and her partner’s last holiday, Norma encouraged her daughter to take a well-deserved break. However, Yvonne was hesitant. She couldn’t image leaving her mother at home alone. That was when Norma suggested finding a respite care option where her loved ones knew she would be safe and cared for. They decided on Estia Health Bannockburn, and Norma was booked in for a two-week respite stay.
From the moment she arrived, Norma felt at home. “It’s an excellent home with a wonderful team,” she said with a smile. “Everyone is very friendly, and I enjoy being around such uplifting people.”
During Norma’s stay, she quickly settled into a routine she genuinely enjoyed. Her days were filled with engaging activities that suited her active mind from board games to craft sessions. She looked forward to the weekly piano sessions where residents gathered to sing hymns and loved visiting the in-house hairdresser.
Beyond the activities and amenities, it was the sense of community that really stood out to Norma. “I have met so many new people I now call friends. I have good conversations and don’t ever feel alone.” After losing many of her lifelong friends over the years, finding a new community brought her comfort and happiness.
It also gave her great joy that her daughter could have peace of mind during her break, knowing that her mum was in caring hands.
When Yvonne and her partner returned from their much-needed break, they were pleasantly surprised to find Norma thriving. In fact, Norma had decided she didn’t want to return home and told her daughter she would like to become a permanent resident. When her daughter offered the chance to come home with her for a couple of weeks to gather her belongings, Norma graciously declined, “No thank you, I’d like to stay.”
Norma cherishes that her loved ones no longer have to worry about her wellbeing. “I find comfort in the fact the girls know I am being well looked after and they don’t have to worry about me, they can go out and live their lives knowing I’m happy and safe.”
Norma’s story is a testament to the benefits of respite care at Estia Health, not only for those receiving the care but also for their loved ones. Respite care provides a much-needed break for caregivers while offering a supportive environment where residents can thrive and find new joy.
