General News
10 February, 2024
Resident's family gives back to care home
Patient transfers for Dimboola Care Community’s care team have been made easier since the family of a resident donated a new lifter to the Grampians Health campus.
Patient transfers for Dimboola Care Community’s care team have been made easier since the family of a resident donated a new lifter to the Grampians Health campus.
Resident Victoria Baker lived most of her life in Melbourne with her daughter Glenda, who moved in with her for 15 years before she retired.
When the time came for Glenda to retire, Victoria was already transitioning into an aged care facility in Melbourne; however, Glenda moved to Dimboola and so did Victoria.
Victoria was moved to Dimboola Care Community as her son John Baker said they had heard good things about the facility and sister Jill, who also lives in Dimboola, had had some good experiences there.
“The girls still wanted to be able to take Mum home and on outings because she liked watching her grandchildren playing sports," Mr Baker said.
"It was really a matter of setting Mum up to give her a life outside the home as well."
Early last year the family bought a wheelchair-accessible car and lifter to make this goal a reality.
Mr Baker said the Dimboola team was very helpful throughout the process.
“They helped us select the most appropriate lifter and they even provided training to my sisters so they could operate it at home,” he said.
Sadly, Glenda died in October last year from cancer before the lifter could be used.
Victoria's family decided to donate it to the Dimboola team as they had been extremely happy with the care their mother had been receiving from the facility and staff.
"It’s just nice to be able to give back and show our appreciation," Mr Baker said.
Dimboola Care Community manager Breanna Eldridge said she was very thankful to the family for their generosity.
“It’s an unusual circumstance because families often make donations to the facility after the
resident has left us,” Ms Eldridge said.
“In this case, Victoria’s carers will be using it to move her around safely and comfortably."
The facility has many high-care residents for whom the lifter will becom useful.
It will also be a back-up for a lifter donated by the Wimmera Health Care Group Foundation a couple of years ago.