“There’s a whole ethos about Carinity that’s just beyond measure – and the staff’s compassion is beyond compare.”
Given four of her close family members previously lived in Carinity aged care communities, Patty Overend had no hesitation in considering Carinity when her husband Ray required higher care.
“When I knew that Ray would have to go into care after he had a fall and had to go to hospital, I started looking for aged care homes and I asked Clifford House first,” Patty said.
Patty’s association with Carinity goes back more than 60 years. Her grandfather, Charles Ham, moved into Clifford House – at its former location in Ascot – in 1960. Ray’s mother, Elsie Overend, went to Clifford House in 1982.
Arnold Overend, Ray’s brother, received respite care at Clifford House. He then moved into Carinity’s Brookfield nursing home, before passing away in 2008.
A fourth family member, Patty’s sister Janice Wheat, recently lived at Carinity Wishart Gardens, also in Brisbane. Patty’s husband Ray moved into Clifford House last year.
“All our family members who have lived at Clifford House, Wishart Gardens and Brookfield, everyone has had the most amazing care. The love and support that they all received was exceptional,” Patty said.
“Carinity’s nursing staff have always been good beyond measure. From the time my grandpa went into care at Clifford House when I was at school, the staff were so loving and caring.
“Whenever we visited folk or family there’s always been the most outstanding care from all the staff. They care as much about the resident’s family as they do the resident, and that doesn’t always happen.”
Patty has been to all three Clifford House sites – at Alderley (1949-1957), Ascot (1957-1991) and the current Wooloowin location – and she and her husband have other affiliations with the place.
“I visited the first location when I was a very little girl, when we went to see an elderly friend of the family,” Patty said.
“When Ray was an elder at Clayfield Baptist, he came to Clifford House to take chapel services and I would bring the ladies’ group. I felt it was going to be very comfortable for Ray to live here as we knew how special the place is.”
Patty greatly appreciates the “Christian and spiritual foundation” which underpins Carinity services.
“The staff all know the ethos of Carinity. They bring Christ to the residents and to the families; his love is just poured out,” she said.
“Not only is the love and care for Ray beyond expectation but the way in which Carinity staff have supported and guided me through the plethora of administrative and financial issues has been such a blessing.
“The practical thing I like, apart from the staff’s caring nature, is the immediacy with which clinical staff will let you know of the slightest issue with the resident – and that gives you confidence.
“Whether I’m talking to someone at head office or the aged care staff, the people have been so caring. When a Carinity person is taking to you, you know that you’re the most important person.
“There are no words to describe just how special it is here at Clifford House. Ray feels so comfortable here; he feels at home.”
