Louise’s story: “Mum is so much happier now”

Estelle had had a terrible year: she had fractured both of her hips and back at different times. Louise’s father had been caring for her mother in their townhouse, but it soon became clear that her mother needed additional care. Louise knew of HBH, although it wasn’t until she viewed our care home for her mother that she discovered what a unique and special place it is.

“We went to see the bigger providers, which have all the flash fixtures and fittings, but HBH had heart,” she explains. “From the beginning, the staff’s main priority was Mum – understanding both her needs and ours as we navigated our way through making such a major decision.”

When Louise’s mother arrived at HBH Howick Views she was in “a very bad way”, reflects Louise. “She wasn’t eating or walking and had lost all motivation. I really think she would have died if she hadn’t gone to HBH.”

This was very unlike her mother, who along with Louise’s father, had founded the fashion brand Estelle Rose, which at its peak had several retail stores throughout the country and was one of New Zealand’s best known fashion brands.

Louise clearly remembers the day her mother moved into HBH. “Everyone introduced themselves in the Sale community and they couldn’t have been nicer – they greeted her with care and compassion and made sure she was comfortable and settled.” This continues to this day,” she says. “I visit mum regularly and this is the norm – it doesn’t matter who the person is or what they do at HBH, everyone I have met is so caring and kind.”

Initially Estelle took some time to adjust and kept to herself. However, after just a few weeks, she had made a remarkable turnaround. “She was walking, eating and socialising – I couldn’t believe the change,” remarks Louise.

Louise says that her mother has now joined a knitting group and loves it. She has also been joining in other activities and loved going to a BBQ during the summer months. “She thoroughly enjoyed it which was remarkable after all that she had been through.”

“I can’t thank HBH enough – they are wonderful. We are so lucky to have a place like this in Howick as they are becoming few and far between,” she says. “The rooms are lovely, but the people are absolutely awesome.”

Louise also recognises the positive effect of the Eden Alternative philosophy, which focuses on creating meaning and purpose in life rather than just caring for residents. “For mum, knitting has given her a purpose – something she always had in her life and thankfully has back again.”

“I’m delighted that this is where mum is going to spend the rest of her days,” says Louise. “It has given me great peace of mind and Mum is so much happier – she thanks me often for finding her a new home at HBH.”