Paul’s story: “HBH is a truly wonderful, special place.”
Ray was Paul’s older brother; a bachelor who had lived in Howick for many years. Sadly, when Ray was diagnosed, his cancer had already progressed. He underwent chemotherapy and radiation therapy for a year before he passed away at just 67 years old.
“Ray was a very humble man who didn’t like to impose on others and never complained,” says Paul. “He had been in hospital for a week when it became clear that he wouldn’t be able to return home – so I began searching for palliative care for him.”
Fortunately, Paul quickly discovered HBH Senior Living as he was staying in Ray’s house nearby. “I drove past and liked the look of what I saw, so I ventured into reception.”
He was introduced to Jenny Moore, HBH’s Social Worker who manages the admissions process. “Jenny was very professional and simply wonderful. She made it all very easy – everything was put into place quickly. Ray’s only request was that he wanted a room with a view, which Jenny was able to accommodate.”
Ray was transferred directly from Middlemore Hospital to HBH and Paul visited him every day, sometimes twice a day. “The staff and the care Ray received were second to none – HBH is filled with compassionate and kind people. I really appreciated them, and I know Ray did too.”
Paul says that the little things made a difference once he was reassured that Ray had excellent and compassionate care. He appreciated the convenience of the underground carpark – and the fact he could visit whenever he wished. “The other thing was the feeling of the place – everything was very smart, clean and tidy and there were lovely garden views from the balcony. You could tell HBH was well run.”
Most of all, it was the calibre of staff and the excellent care that really stood out for Paul. When Ray died just 10 days after he’d moved to HBH, the staff were genuinely upset. “They lined up outside his room to pay their respects – it was very moving and compassionate,” he says. “HBH is a truly wonderful, special place.”