"My father's experience"

My father has lived at Mountview for two and a half year now. I wish I could give all the staff a hug and tell them how much I appreciated their care during lockdown and during Maldon Hospital's period of isolation when there was an outbreak of Covid.

When I come into Mountview I feel a sense of coming home. This is partly because Dad lives there and partly because everyone I’ve dealt with is warm and welcoming. The staff are tuned in to the residents' needs above everything else. They have gone out of their way to learn about Dad's history, to remind him of the route to his room from the dining room, there are pictures of typewriters, directing him. It reminds him of part of his identity as a journalist. I learned from Alice that Dad is still a night owl. He's the last to bed, shares a cup of tea with the night shift, and goes to bed in his own time. The nurses then help organise him to bed when he's ready and lower it down so he doesn't injure himself by falling when he gets out of bed. In the morning, he awakes in his own time. His independence is respected.

Other residents’ unique qualities are also acknowledged. Beautiful classical music flows from the room opposite Dad where a former male ballet dancer resides.

During lockdown, staff helped us fumble around with Skype. Nothing has ever been too hard. I'm always kept up to date if Dad falls, or when he needs new clothes (which are labelled by the night staff).

Christmas was outstanding for our family as all eight of us had a private room to have Christmas lunch with Dad. Staff and families were so excited to share the celebration together. A lovely staff member looked after us in every way (her name has just slipped my mind...I'm sorry). There was also an afternoon tea to listen to the Maldon Band play carols and we were warmly nurtured and made to feel special. I am very thankful to Jacinta for the attention to detail she has in all her activities for the residents.

I wish I could remember everyone's names but I don't want to name some and leave out others because everyone has been special and they have their unique characters too.

We feel blessed to be part of such a warm, loving environment.