"The care and compassion of my father whilst in aged care"

My father William passed away peacefully in his room in the Langton Aged care facility at Plantagenet Cranbrook Health Service.

Dad arrived with a diagnosis of Dementia and was initially housed in Banksia. From the moment he arrived, he was treated with the utmost respect and dignity. The carers were quick to help him settle and included him in their daily routines, I recall even permitting him to join them in their tea breaks.

As Dad started to deteriorate, he was relocated to Langton for his further safety and there he became part of the Langton Family. I believe he was not the easiest of residents, especially on days of agitation, but his cheeky grin and piercing blue eyes I felt could melt the heart of any staff member.

I was fortunate to secure work at the Hospital which was the beginning of a beautiful final 11-month journey of my Dad's life. Each day I was privileged to sit with him and feed him his lunch. This small act was not lost on me as I recall the rest of the country was in COVID lock down and only permitted to see their loved one through windows and on video connections.

Most importantly, this is to thank the wonderful staff who tirelessly looked after him. Who bathed and fed and bed him, who soothed him in the early hours when he was confused and lost. Who were his voice when he could no longer speak for himself.

From the cleaners who kept his room fresh, to the cooks and kitchen staff who I believe went above and beyond to help with his nutrition when his swallowing was compromised, to the Management who kept my sister connected in Melbourne. it seemed to me everyone had a role and they performed it beautifully.

I would like to make a special mention to all the Langton carers - some who came in off their roster to say goodbye, others who held my hand during his final 10 days. If I could write the procedure manual on how to pass away in an Aged Care facility, my father’s passing was everything you would hope for. From Sian, Jeannette, Amanda, Ruth & Nolan monitoring his pain relief, to Adam and Julia coming up from ED to check and offer advice and comfort. Tim who gave him his final shave 1 hour before he passed and Rachel and Rosie who held me tight in his final minutes and Marilyn who helped me pack up his belongings.

From my family to yours - thank you for honouring and caring for him until the end. As a small token of gratitude I would like to donate his beloved massage chair to the facility for the staff to rest, relax and reflect.

Rest in peace, Billy.

Kindest Regards

capellaxe75