Personal stories

I would like to take this opportunity of thanking you and your staff and to let you know how grateful I am to have my dad, who is 91 year of age, attend your centre every week... which has made a significant difference to his outlook on life.

Sport, hobbies, general reading and other interests outside of his manual work have never interested my father, and it has therefore been very difficult to be able to get him involved in other things, or to converse on a common subject of interest.

I have cared for my father over the last 8 years since my mother died. Three years ago my husband and I made a decision to move into a house that would allow me to care for my father on a full time basis. Needless to say I found it difficult to keep my father interested particularly as his legs have been weakening, prohibiting him from doing the small 'jobs' he likes doing.

Going to Caloundra Respite Centre has given him a new interest and lease on life. For the first time in a long time he has had something he can talk about with others. He enjoys telling us his stories and what everyone does at respite. He thinks the staff are wonderful and so do I. His time in respite allows me to spend a small amount of time to do some personal activity. My life is balanced between my father's care, my family and our business, so needless to say I have very little time to myself.

Age care is something special and without doubt the people who undertake this work are something special. I would like to compliment the staff for their dedication and compliment you all accordingly for your supreme efforts. This sort of service and facility needs full support by all divisions of government, the benefits to the community is immeasurable.

Thank you sincerely

Over the past 18 months we have been so caught up in our daughter's illness, uncontrolled epilepsy then psychotic episodes due to a medication reaction. It is only in the last 6 months that we found out about the help we could get from Blue Care. The people in the Boonah Blue Care have been very supportive and our daughter goes there mostly 2 days a week to give us respite. Both managers have been to our home to help and advise. We also were able to get the help of a counsellor through Blue Care. We cannot compliment them enough.

My Days at Canowindra

As related by Mrs Dulcie Collett 2

It was most unexpected that I found myself, after being in hospital and in Respite here, having to become a permanent Resident of Canowindra. I must truthfully say, I really wanted to be at home, but since this was impossible, I am thankful to be here. After many discussions with Debbie (the Director of Nursing), I decided to stay. I did assure her that I didn't like to go to bed early and that I belonged to a number of organisations with which I wanted to stay in touch eg. Red Cross, QCWA, Ambulance, QES, NPA, Day Care program, Church and other social activities. The Director of Nursing assured me that 'this is not a prison' and I would be able to go as long as my support people were available to help me. I just needed to sign the book on going out and on return to ensure that the staff on duty knew of my whereabouts and expected return times. I still go out to all of the organisations I used to and this doesn't seem to cause any bother to anyone.

I also asked 'What if I wanted to move away from here and go to Brisbane where I would be closer to my family?' I was assured there would be no difficulty about it as long as I had somewhere to go.

Much to my surprise I have been very happy here. The Staff are just wonderful. We are very well cared for and feel as though we are wanted and part of a family. I live in a shared room, which I refer to as my 'little bit of real estate' as this has a ring of distinction to it.

We have some lively debates at times when we all get together and discuss the news and have a great laugh about some of the antics the staff and others get up to. We have a party every week with all of us getting together to share in some music and fun. Our family and friends can join in whenever they want. There are some wonderful Volunteers who give their time playing concerts for us, and doing little things to give us a helping hand.

Another great benefit I have received by being here is that I sold my house very quickly but was able to travel to England for a holiday with some family. The Staff helped to get me all packed and organised. This was a wonderful experience. I was able to visit King's College (where my husband went) and Canterbury Cathedral. The day we were there 720 students were present for a special service. The singing and music was absolutely wonderful.

I am glad I am here. Kingaroy always seems like home to me and I have been here for many years. I have no hesitation in thoroughly recommending Canowindra ('Our Home') to anyone.