A heartwarming note of thanks from a family member has highlighted the lengths Balhousie staff go to for their beloved residents.
It’s no secret that our residents and staff members form close bonds at our homes. So when someone is at end of life, giving them a dignified passing and saying goodbye is hugely important.
Jessie Martin had been living at Balhousie Brookfield in Carnoustie for almost five years. When she passed recently on a weekend, Brookfield staff showed her “care, affection and dignity without exception”, said her son, Graham Young. In an email to Sylvia Nicoll, Operations Manager responsible for the home, he praised staff for going “way beyond that which could have been expected by myself and family.”
Staff on and off duty checked on Jessie’s progress and came in to say their goodbyes to her. Jenny Coull stayed beyond her shift on the Saturday evening to hear Jessie’s GP’s prognosis. When it was confirmed Jessie was dying, Jenny stayed with her all night before starting another 12-hour shift the next day.
Similarly, Danielle Melville came in to stay with Jessie, despite not being on duty – staying with her on her last day and preparing her for collection by the undertakers.
“They also made sure that me and the family were well looked after. I can’t thank them all enough,” said Graham.
Jenny and Danielle joined Karen Allan and Lia Davis in receiving a special Balhousie Everyday Hero award letter and £20 each in gift vouchers. The Everyday Hero accolade is an in-house recognition for staff who go above and beyond their duties.
Home Manager Lisa Thomson said: “I’m immensely proud of all the staff at Brookfield, they are a credit to the home. This letter shows them how much their care and attention makes a difference to people’s lives.”
Pictured, clockwise from top left: Danielle, Lia, Karen and Jenny.
