Carer Stories and Comments

Many carers who are receiving assistance through the Mental Health Respite Program have commented that it  is making a real difference to them and the person they care for  with the illness .

Some of the comments from carers:

‘I am feeling much better and more able to cope with the situation at home following my stay in respite and from receiving counseling while there’
‘the access worker took my  daughter swimming for the first time in 20 years’
‘my son is going out with the worker to the shopping centre, it gives me a break from having to take him out’
‘it is such a relief for my daughter to have a new person in her life – it gives me time to relax and gives us something new to discuss’
‘my son has never had any help before, its wonderful that he is receiving some support to get out of the house and try new things’  
‘this is so exciting – it’s the first time in 30 yrs that anyone has rung to offer help’ (Carers March 2008)

We sincerely appreciate feedback and comments from carers and those people being cared for and would like to share them with you and hope you find their words inspiring, encouraging and supportive….

“To all staff at the Commonwealth Carer Respite Centre,
Thank you for your immediate response in our time of need, for your expertise, your cheerfulness and your compassion in the care of our Mother...Grandmother...& Great Grandmother Bridget.” (The family 2007)

“As you may now know my husband is now in a nursing home, but I would like to thank ‘everyone’ at respite for all the care and attention they have given him in the past. I could not have wished for anything better for him. Thank you for all your kindness.” (Stella carer of a frail older person 2006)

“To the staff of Direct Respite Services, when I needed assistance at home to care for my husband after my cataract surgery (in addition to the Palliative care provided for my husband by Blue Care). I hadn’t known such a service was available, and was glad to use it when I needed to.” (Carer of a frail older person 2007)

“We are very appreciative of the services offered to us last year and found the worker to be a very nice, kind, caring and supportive lady. Thank you so much for your assistance during our difficult times.” (Anne caring for a frail older person 2007)

“A1 Service. Very caring people. Very Happy.” (Lori caring for a frail older person 2007)

“Very happy and suggest that aged disabled folk living in their own homes should know more fully this wonderful help is available when an unexpected emergency arises.” (Joan caring for a frail older person aged 84 years old)

“The service provided is excellent, and the staff wonderful. Very happy. The amount of hours granted me is absolutely wonderful and appreciated greatly.” (Margaret caring for a frail older person with dementia 2007)

“The staff member was absolutely fabulous with my daughter. While I was the one who needed the break, it was great to see (my daughter) have fun. Very happy.”       
(Lindy caring for a younger person with a disability 2007)

“Carer consistency is important in establishing trust with the child they are caring for. It’s been a very stressful time for us and your respite is well received. Thank you very much. Very Happy.” (Helen caring of a younger person with a disability 2007)

“I trust you can keep up this wonderful service; we do not have any family near us and was in need of short term care you got us through. Thank you so much. “ (Mrs Mc caring for someone with a chronic illness 2007)

“My father always enjoys his stay at the Cottage. Thank you for providing this service for carers. I know my father is in a happy and safe environment.” (Lyn caring for a frail older person 2007)

“I needed care for myself for a few hours after I had eye surgery – usually I can look after myself but do appreciate your assistance if it is required. Thank you.” (Elizabeth a frail older person 2007)

“I am still learning what is available to assist dad and mum to stay in their own home. Thank you I will phone and discuss what is needed.” (Nerlaine carer of frail older persons 2007)

“It is a wonderful service to have and I am very thankful. They have been extra good with my husband and I am very happy with the respite care provided.” (Joy caring for a frail older person 2007)

“Our first experience of the service was in these circumstances (planned in home respite) we were pleasantly surprised- and very appreciative of the service.” (David caring for a frail older person 2007)

“We are very pleased with the help we get; I don’t know how we can thank you enough. I think what you are doing is very good. We would both be in a ‘home’ by now if it weren’t for your service. You are wonderful, helpful people.” (Gloria caring for a frail older person 2007)

“The Cottage is very homely, my husband was happy there and I enjoyed the break. Thank you.” (Joy carer of a frail older person 2007)

“We were so pleased with Boronia Cottage and the level of care provided. Thank you very much for getting my husband in there for respite at such short notice. Thank you.” (Janice caring for a frail older person 2007)

“I was impressed by the caring attitude and by the willingness to help from all… Thank you.” (Vic carer 2007)

“To all the staff, supervisors, administrators, cleaners and anyone else who helps out- a big thank you to you all for your support to us both over the past 12 months. It is VERY much appreciated. I would not be able to keep going without your caring support.” (Isabel carer 2007)

“The ladies who looked after my husband while I was away were exceptional. They were great. Thank you. (Agnes carer of a frail older person 2007)

I am very happy with the service and all the people who come to the house are lovely people. Many thanks.” (Pat caring for a frail older person 2007)

“Keep up the good work – Thank you so much, you helped when we really needed some time out. We need more carers (like the staff member you sent) who can establish repour and understand/ assess the various issues that each individual experiences and respond accordingly.” (Helen caring for a younger person with a disability 2007)

“Two things that mum always seems to say (after we have had a service from you) “We haven’t had a bad one yet” and “I enjoy having a cuppa with someone different” and I (as the carer) appreciate that too.” (Ros caring for a frail older person 2007)

“Both staff members were very kind and caring in a difficult situation. Thanks to both.” (Alison caring for a person with a chronic illness 2007)

“The person (you sent) who came in to help was clearly competent, caring, and professional. My son was completely at ease. I was very happy with her. Many thanks.” (Pamela carer of a younger person with a disability 2007)

“We are very appreciative of the help you were able to provide – it made a huge difference in our lives.” (Cushla caring for a frail older person 2007)

“I don’t know how she would have managed without your help as I couldn’t do any more for her. Your service is the best on the Sunshine Coast.” (Carer of frail older person 2007)

“Thank you. This (working carers) program has been a life saver especially this past year, which has not been easy with health and workload. The service was able to meet my needs with much empathy, understanding and attention to detail. She has been very fond of her workers and has regained a lot of independence.” (Jean caring for a frail older person)

“Having your services allowed me to go to hospital for a procedure I’d been waiting to have done since last October. I had to turn down the opportunity to have it done the previous week because I didn’t want to leave my husband on his own while I was away. I eventually discovered you people after a lot of telephone enquiries starting with the hospital. We very much appreciate the help you gave us at that time.” (Carer of frail older person 2007)

“Your service came as a blessing from heaven! I was very happy with the person who came and looked after him. Your service was promptly delivered and the worker was an excellent person to deal with my husband. Your service is outstanding. Many Thanks.” (Crystal carer 2007)

“The worker catered especially for our sons interests – she’s brilliant- goes the extra mile! Very Happy!” (S carer of a younger person with a disability 2007)

“My husband was very happy with the worker and he will always be welcome. Very happy.” (Marjorie carer 2007)

“The service was provided in a very friendly way and dad’s needs were met. I appreciate the flexibility offered to meet our unique needs.” (Neva carer of a frail older person 2007)

“Very happy with the service provided couldn’t ask for better!” (VHC client 2007)

“We are delighted with the worker. She is a special person concerned about people and has the ability to understand their needs. She is an excellent worker.” (VHC Client 2007)

“I am more than happy with the service provided and do not think it can be improved.”(Edna VHC Client 2006)

“A wonderful person to have coming to do our cleaning – she is very conscientious and really does clean our unit perfectly. She is most honest and caring – We cannot find fault with any of her work. As far as we are concerned the service is most satisfactory. We are most grateful for the service we receive.” (VHC Client 2006)

“ I am very happy (with the service) – she (the worker) lifted my spirits and it is good to see her once a fortnight.” (Shirley VHC Client)

“Impossible to find a better worker or a faithful friend – so cheerful and bright.” (Joan VHC Client 2006)

“I am more than happy with all her work. With the thorough clean that she does I am able to keep the house tidy until her next visit.” Joyce VHC Client 2006)