Overnight and End-of-Life Care 

“I would like to express our heartfelt gratitude for the exceptional care you provided Mum. The nurses and doctors at Anam Cara were incredibly patient with Mum and worked out quickly what was required.

The care shown to Mum was more than we could have hoped for, she was treated with dignity and respect, ensuring she felt valued and comfortable and for that we thank you.

The relaxing, homely environment you have created, not just for Mum but for our entire family, hugs as required and a friendly chat. It made a world of difference knowing she was in such capable and compassionate hands.

Thank you once again for your dedication and kindness. We are truly grateful for everything you’ve done.”

A diagnosis of aggressive brain cancer, and an aversion to being monitored for falls, or being “fussed over” by myself at home, led to a quest to find care for my husband Norm. After some research and recommendation, we decided Anam Cara Geelong would be an ideal place for Norm to receive the care he needed and deserved. We were more than happy at our choice, and what a welcome we had!

Norm was happy with his room. He saw the luxurious reclining chair, and the window with a panoramic view over the valley of Waurn Ponds. While the room was fully equipped for Norm's needs, it felt like that of a luxury hotel. We were greeted by the clinical team with reassuring professionalism, yet the warmth and care they showed made Norm feel like a special guest. He quickly relaxed, confident in the efficiency and compassion of the new friends who would be caring for him.

For myself, it was the greatest relief to feel that Norm would be given better care than I could give him at home, but we could still be together as long and as often as we liked, using Anam Cara Geelong as a home away from home.

As Norm’s condition worsened, he occasionally became aggravated, understandably so since he had always been fit and active. These outbursts were treated with patience and compassion.

I had the availability of Spiritual Care and spent several hours in the office where Jo guided me gently through those tough times.

The weeks passed with Norm starting his days in the lounge with his cuppa, sitting quietly and undisturbed with his thoughts, looking at the spectacular view. Some days were difficult, as his body deteriorated further and he needed specialised care, but on good days nurses were still on hand to have a laugh with him as he wowed them with his attitude and sense of humour.

Eventually the day came when it was suggested a bed should be put in Norm’s room so that I could stay day and night. I accepted this offer, and quietly watched as every need and comfort was given to him, and I had plenty of time to tell him what a wonderful husband he had been, and what wonderful memories we had shared.

Norm left us peacefully and pain free, five months after his diagnosis. His death was, indeed, a beautiful death.

I accepted Dr Bharathy’s offer of a guard of honour to farewell Norman. Family and friends gathered, and in the most moving way, we were able to walk Norm’s body through the hall, and into the gardens with staff standing at the side of the path at various spots along the way. The sun set over Geelong at that moment, and slowly lights winked, signalling the end of the day. Something none of us will ever forget, and we are so grateful to Anam Cara Geelong for giving us that opportunity.