"Struck gold at Annabel House!"

I’ve spent the last 9 months looking for services to assist in caring for my elderly parent, who now lives with my spouse and me. My parent has dementia. 

It has been a stressful time – during COVID 19 – to find services that would cater to my parent's needs and provide much-needed respite for me. 

Working full time and caring for my parent requires support – but finding the support was much harder than I thought. Although I could engage the services of people to come to the house to provide social support or personal support for my parent, it was not sufficient. I was told about Annabel House, but due to the COVID-19 restrictions and limited numbers, my parent was placed on a waitlist.

Three weeks ago, I received a call from the Director, Deborah, to advise that a place was available and to invite my parent and me for an interview.

The moment I saw Annabel House, witnessed the activity, heard the laughter, and music, and experienced the professionalism and care of Deborah, I knew I had struck gold for my parent.

Deborah treated my parent with great respect, care, and genuine interest. It was evident from the start that Deborah was dedicated to her role and had experience in the health and education sector.

Deborah created a space for my parent to feel at ease, safe, and confident. This enabled Deborah to ask my parent various questions to uncover my parent's interests, likes, dislikes, goals, and what they hoped to gain from coming to Annabel House.

I cannot express how happy I felt as a carer, knowing that at last, I had found a place that not only acknowledged the individual needs of its clients but actively demonstrated ways in which they cater to the needs.

At Annabel House, the staff care is excellent, the environment is professional, and the diversity of activities is astonishing. I want to congratulate and thank South Eastern Sydney Local Health District and the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) for providing such a facility in Annabel House and for appointing Deborah as Director.

The approach Deborah demonstrates towards providing care that has a focus on creativity and choice is excellent. I know that every time I take my parent to Annabel House for the day I feel confident that they are cared for and given a wonderful experience that provides social interaction, mental stimulation, fun, and enjoyment. It is unique to find such a service and one that enables me space and time to engage in work, activities, and relationships outside of my parent's primary carer.  

I truly think that Annabel House in time – under Deborah’s direction - will become a leading model of dementia and aged care service. The fact that it is a centre-based daycare, available seven days a week, with professional staff is absolutely fantastic.

I am SO happy that my parent now has a place at Annabel House and I look forward to 2021 with great hope and excitement knowing that between Annabel House, me, and my family, my parent is well cared for and happy. And I can obtain respite to enable me to work and re-charge.