Special care for a special person

Caring for a loved one with dementia often comes with a lot of work and worry.

Stewart had been caring for wife Margaret at home for several years with the help of daughter Delwyn, who moved back in, and support from their son Glenn. But, when Margaret’s dementia progressed and she needed specialist care 24/7, her family started to look at residential care options in their community. Driving by Summerset’s Memory Care Centre at Rototuna prompted them to call in and have a look. After that first visit, they knew they had found a very special place, one that was right for Margaret and them. “What really stood out for us was the caring nature of the people. When we visited, everyone was just so lovely, and the centre had such a warm and welcoming feel,” Stewart says. “The gardens were beautiful, just like ours. We saw a room looking out onto the garden, and it was beautiful too. I thought Margaret would love this.” Summerset’s industry-leading memory care centres enable people living with dementia to lead active lives in a safe and homely environment. They combine apartment-style living with outdoor courtyards and gardens to connect residents to the natural environment, sensory spaces, and trained dementia care staff. Summerset’s proud to have dementia-friendly accreditation from Alzheimer’s New Zealand.

Homely and familiar

“Making the transition and settling in was surprisingly easy for Mum and us. The staff were just so helpful,” says Delwyn. “Before Mum moved in, we set up her room and filled it with the things she was familiar with and loved, including her own furniture, special ornaments and our family scrapbooks she had made. The finishing touch was her wedding photo above the bed, just like it was in her bedroom at home. Being able to personalise her room made it feel comfortable, homely and familiar.” “Mum’s room and the centre are now like an extension of our family home. We can visit anytime, stay as long as we like and even take Dad’s Labrador Oscar along, who Mum adores,” says Glenn. “The staff treat Mum and us like family. It’s a really special place.” “Although it was hard coming to the realisation that Mum would be better off being cared for outside of home, and quite emotional and overwhelming, especially for Dad, we knew it was the right decision. Mum is a very special lady. We wanted her to have the best because she deserved the best,” says Delwyn. For Margaret and her family, moving to Summerset’s Memory Care Centre has positively impacted all of their lives. “We’ve found a place where Mum is treated with the care and dignity she deserves. So, we’ve been able to step back, worry less and take a break that we desperately needed. Knowing Mum is happy and being taken care of has meant Dad can go back to being her husband, not the caregiver. That’s wonderful for both of them.” Summerset’s memory care centres are currently located in 5 villages across the country, with several new memory care centres being planned. Love the life you choose. summerset.co.nz/memorycare

“Mum’s happy, safe and well cared for. That means so much to us.”