"My family's experience at Hillcrest"

Hillcrest was home initially to my Mum following an 11 month period in hospital with an undiagnosed degenerative neurological condition. We had used the service for a fortnight as respite after my Dad hurt his shoulder whilst caring for her at home. When the time came for her to move into full time residential care, Hillcrest was my first choice and we, as a family, knew how lucky we were to get her a place.

Mum thoroughly enjoyed the company, meals, cinema trips and frequent bus trips to garden centres, shops, Culzean and Music on the Prom. As a family, we were always made welcome by staff. My Dad visited Mum every afternoon - always in time for the afternoon tea trolley. We used to joke we were getting a couple of hours unpaid care for him also each day as he was looked after so well also.

Sadly, my Dads health deteriorated too and he faced a spell in hospital. Staff fully supported my Mum to visit him often, knowing that was important to Mum and that her health would be affected too if she were unable to see him as much. Latterly, Dad was also moved to Hillcrest to be cared for.

Due to Dad having a feed peg, staff attended Girvan Community Hospital to be trained in administering his food and care of the feed peg in order for him to be cared for alongside Mum. This allowed them to share their 50th wedding anniversary together where Mum's key worker Pauline organised a wee celebration for their family and friends.

Soon after Dad's health deteriorated and he passed away a few weeks later. Again, the staff came into their own to support Mum and the family during this time. When Mum was finally diagnosed with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, staff again stepped up to help her accept the news and to try to understand what was happening to her.

We remain hugely thankful for all that Hillcrest has done for our family. My favourite memories of Hillcrest were at Christmas and seeing Mum enjoy watching my own kids singing there in the school choir, watching her receive her gifts from Santa and being truly cared for at a time of year she loved so much.