Deciding when to move a loved one into aged care can be an emotionally challenging decision for anyone to make. Just ask Angela Marckatos, who has been faced with the decision on four separate occasions.
Marckatos has been responsible for four family members in need of aged care – the busy working mum and carer, ultimately choosing Ibis Care as the preferred provider. One of the most daunting aspects of those decisions was determining not only when, but also where to place her loved ones, with Ibis Care staff ultimately helping her navigate those decisions.
“The hardest thing about putting a loved one in care is making the final decision on when to do it, which facility they should go to, and how they will react and eventually settle in,” Marckatos reflects.
“The desire to remain independent and stay in familiar surroundings is strong among elderly individuals. However, increasing medical needs and the necessity for emotional support and safety often make it impractical.
“Everyone wants to be independent and remain in their own home and environment as long as possible with support of family and friends, but that’s not always possible due to increased medical needs and care, emotional support, and safety reasons.
“We needed a facility that was able to provide care for both mum and dad initially as a couple in a double room, that was in the St George area and close to our home in Blakehurst.
“We were looking for a facility that was well-regarded and had a comfortable ‘home-like’ atmosphere that you could feel as soon as you stepped in. We were also looking for specific care for dad after he had a stroke and was available immediately, and somewhere for mum who had dementia, and could join him in due course.
“The Ibis Care team walked us through the process, listened to our loved ones’ needs, offered support and advice, and were respectful and responsive at all times.
“I think these challenges are universal as people are living longer with more complex needs.”
The financial side of placing someone in care can also be a source of stress for families facing the challenging decision. The Marckatos family found solace in the support provided by the team at Ibis Care’s Blakehurst facility.
“The financial aspects are often a source of significant stress,” Marckatos admits.
“The Finance Manager at Ibis Care Blakehurst was referred to us by a friend, and he was very professional, knowledgeable, and caring. He put our minds at rest and helped to organise dad’s transfer and admission promptly whilst we were on a waitlist at another home and still waiting.”
From their physical and emotional wellbeing, to understanding the needs of her loved ones, Marckatos emphasises that the care of her loved ones has been a collaborative effort with the Ibis Care team.
“It has been like a partnership,” Marckatos says.
“We have worked as a team together with all Ibis Care staff to ensure our parents and parents-in law have had the best of care and were comfortable and happy.”
Ibis Care CEO, La Stacey Baramy, is encouraging all families facing the difficult decision to reach out to her team to explore their options.
“The decision to put a loved one in care is often accompanied by a sense of guilt by the family member responsible for making that decision, but the reality is that nothing could be more courageous and caring than making that call,” Baramy says.
“We see the amazing sense of responsibility and care shown by family members every day at Ibis Care – it’s our job to support that and ensure that their loved one is cared for as though they are family.
“It’s never easy, but with the right support and a facility that feels like home, families can find peace of mind knowing their loved ones are well cared for.”
Ibis Care supports the St George and Sutherland Shire communities with independent living units and residential aged care homes in Blakehurst, Bexley, Miranda, Mortdale and Kirrawee. For more information or to make an enquiry call Ibis Care on 02 8080 3851 or visit www.ibis.care
