"My father and our family's experience"

My father's health and capacity to look after himself declined over the last few months to the point he could no longer look after himself at home.  Unfortunately, he needed nursing care and assistance around the clock and we didn't feel able to meet his needs at home as he also has cancer and would soon need palliative care. Frankly, I was very apprehensive about residential aged care - the Royal Commission findings and personal experience working in the field years ago really worried me. But on recommendation of a number of respected people, we decided to get Dad into Daylesford Aged Care.

What we found has been an eye-opener. Hidden in Daylesford (Mum and Dad's home for the last 30+ years) is an absolute gem in aged care in my opinion! All the staff we dealt with are so friendly, welcoming and supportive of us all in the enormous transition of moving into permanent residential care. I cannot properly express my relief and gratitude to the amazing staff there. Everyone is so friendly and understanding and go out of their way to help in anyway they can. I want to be clear that this includes all of the staff regardless of their position, from those who provide hands on nursing and personal care (the Unit Nurse managers, other nurses and the personal care attendants), to the impeccable management of the facility by the ward clerk, to the incredible food staff who have accommodated Dad's fading appetite with special drinks and food alternatives as his needs change on the day, to the cleaning staff who are so friendly and help out with bringing Dad the racing guide to make his days a little brighter as well as cleaning his room, to the activities staff who provide an amazing array of interesting and inclusive activities to brighten up the day, to the volunteers who give so much - I feel some sit in a boring little space for hours to give us our covid tests and make safe visitor entry and exit - others like Adrian play the piano every Thursday afternoon filling the home with the most beautiful music (a favourite of Dad's).

Everyone seems to go that extra bit of distance and it means the world to us. To every staff member and volunteer, please know that you are appreciated and that every smile, kindness and greeting makes an enormous difference to resident and family member alike.

Based on our experience, Daylesford Aged Care / Lumeah Lodge is a positive, respectful and happy place that takes pride in their services. This culture is not accidental. Thanks to all those who have made it so.