In March 2015, a bench was donated to the Garden of Marillac House in memory of Mary Downey by her family. We would like to thank them for their kindness and generosity in this donation.

Mary loved being out in the Garden, with the smell of the flowers and relaxing in the warm sun. Mary always said that it was so peaceful and relaxing being out there, especially on the days that called for a lolly-ice!

Sue Hopkins

Unit Manager

Residents and staff on Rhona House wish to thank all those who generously donated knitting needles and wool for out knitting club.

We began the knitting club on 19th February 2015 and the ladies who attended chatted about what they enjoyed knitting when they were younger. The conversation led to discussions regarding rations during the war, Vivienne questioned the need to air raid shelters which lead onto a discussion about Green Lane Library and how bullet holes can still be seen in the wall. Vivienne then expressed her disappointment at how the building has deteriorated since it has been closed as previously it was a beautiful building. The conversation moved on and Vivienne shared her stories about going to the Grafton and Locarno when they were dance halls, this led on to the ladies reminiscing about their jobs, where they worked etc. Monica mentioned that she worked as a Domestic Science Teacher in the Friary and she talked about the people that she had worked with, through this conversation it was identified that Monica worked with another Resident on the unit, Frances.

The knitting club on Rhona House got off to a brilliant start and will continue to meet weekly.  

Maria Deegan
Nurse Manager

“Dear Lesley

Following the recent death of my mother, Barbara who was a Resident in Marillac House, I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you and the team for the wonderful care provided to Mum during her time there.

Sue and her team epitomise all that care for the elderly should be, in my view. Their compassion, kindness and respect for Mum meant that the 16 months she spent there were happy, comfortable and safe. Sue has the enviable skill of being able to really understand the people she is working with – their personality preferences, the way they like things to be, their sense of humour and what they enjoy, so that the care Mum received was tailored to her as an individual. Mum was able to get up when she chose, go to bed when she chose, eat what she wanted when she wanted it, and to choose how she spent her time: just like she would have done in her own home, but with the reassurance that she was always completely safe and cared for. And the teams care and compassion extended to me and my partner Andy as well – making sure that we were always kept informed with how Mum was, anything she needed, and on top of all that, always the offer of a warm drink and a friendly chat when we arrived to see Mum after our 200 mile journey. I know we are not the only people who face the difficulty of living a long way away from an elderly parent, but Sue and her team took away the worry that we would have had about Mums well being.

We’re really aware from the time we spent with Mum at Marillac House that this level of care was not unique. The staff spend real time with all the residents, chatting to them, joking and teasing, encouraging people to eat or drink if they are finding that difficult, and (most importantly of all, I think), stopping to provide a hug, a kiss or a squeeze of the hand, just whatever was needed in that moment.

None of this happens by accident – it comes from selecting, training and coaching the right people who have the attitude and motivation to do this challenging work well. In this, I think Sue does an amazing job, and I really can’t recommend her, her team, and the care they provide, highly enough. We were incredibly lucky to have found Marillac House, and we will forever be grateful.

Yours sincerely

Sally”

“Dear Sue and team

Thank you so much for all that you did to provide such superb care to Mum during the time she lived with you.

Your kindness and compassion, and the respect you showed to her as an individual, meant a huge amount to us and to her. You made the time she spent with you happy and safe, and for that, we will be forever grateful.

Thank you also for the care you showed to us as well – the phone calls to keep us updated, the friendly chats and all the cups of tea and coffee!!

To us, you are all very special and we are so very grateful to you.

With Love,

Sally & Andy”

February 2015