When our elderly mother had a fall and was subsequently hospitalised, we were advised by the doctor and physiotherapist that she was no longer safe to be at home on her own. Mum had been in hospital for a number of weeks and the pressure was on to find the right type of Aged Care facility that would best suit her needs. We soon became aware of the complexities of choosing the right facility and also faced a long waiting list and complicated financial requirements of each place. We of course personally visited some nursing homes and also looked online and felt somewhat overwhelmed at the decisions that would have to be made. Fortunately for us, Sally Gilbert of Help@Hand had been mentioned on a local website and we subsequently set up an appointment with her. From the very first meeting it was apparent that Sally had a clear understanding of how difficult it is for relatives to make the right placement choice for their loved ones.
Over the next two weeks, we appointed Sally and she duly researched and made personal representation with various local nursing homes. At all times she bore in mind the criteria we had given regarding Mum’s particular needs and just as the hospital was putting pressure on us to mum to be discharged Sally found just the right aged Care home and we were able to place mum almost immediately.
We are most grateful that Sally was willing and able to help guide us through the decision making at such a stressful time and that she was able to do so in both a caring and professional manner.
We cannot thank her enough and are very please that mum is starting to settle into the nursing home chosen. Without Sally’s help we could still be on the waiting list.