"The care provided for my parent"

My much-loved mother was a resident at Broughtonlea Aged Care from late last year. In the early hours on a Saturday, mum passed peacefully surrounded by her family. Mum’s life was a full one filled with love and respect, with friends and family being at the core. She always had a smile on her face and was ready for a chat. While this is a sad time for our family, we felt it important to express our heartfelt thanks to all at Broughtonlea Aged Care for their care of mum over her few months stay.

Putting any loved one in care is a difficult decision for a family and we investigated a number of facilities to hopefully provide mum with the support and care that we were unable to offer. While our decision to select Broughtonlea was initially made on the lovely physical surroundings and the promise of expert care, we were unbelievably impressed with the overall care mum received. 

Her medical care was thorough and importantly individualised, with her comfort and ongoing health a top priority. While her medical wellbeing is of obvious importance, we were so appreciative of the continual respect, consideration and support they showed mum. She was always greeted by name and with a smile by all who came across her, whether it be those tasked with her health, her cleaning, her feeding or her involvement in the many activities. Nothing was too much trouble. For her family, mum deserved no less, however, as the staff only knew mum for a short time, it speaks volumes for the wonderful people they are.

This care and consideration was also extended to our families every time we visited, with smiles and greetings always given by all at Broughtonlea. This consideration was none more evident than when mum was close to passing away. Numerous staff asked whether we needed anything, continually checked on mum and made her comfortable, yet gave us the space to be with her before she left us. For that alone we are eternally grateful.

While the upcoming Royal Commission into Aged care will undoubtedly highlight some distressing stories and poor care, we think it's important to let all the staff / volunteers at Broughtonlea know that they made a difference in mum’s life. They are all special, caring people who treat our aged individuals with the dignity that they deserve, even when it must be sometimes difficult. Our family is forever in your debt.