Arvida Ashwood Park

I visited my family member for the first time ( I don’t live in Blenheim) we were shown down to the hospital wing by a receptionist and directed to the nursing station where all the nurses and caregivers were sitting. We introduced ourselves and asked where our family member was and they said “at housie” and then continued on chatting amongst themselves. My family and I looked at eachother very shocked by the unkind and cold reception. As if we would know where housie was being played, we had just told them we weren’t from Blenheim and just here visiting. Someone sighed and said they would get them for us and told us to wait in their room. She looked annoyed that she had to get up and move the resident. Then they told us the room number and we had to search for it ourselves. Next thing we know- the tea lady comes round with afternoon tea. It would have been polite of her to offer us a cup of tea to have while we chatted with our family. But no offer of a hot drink was made- which we felt was very rude, surely a tea bag and abit of hot water isn’t too much to ask. Our first impression of this place was bad. So much so- we are trying to convince our family member to move care facilities.

Sometimes I feel that the grounds men could be a bit more onto it. Old people scratch easily on overhanging plants and trip easily on paths with debris. It's great that some of the residents do a bit themselves.

I AM NOT CONVINCED THAT THE PEOPLE EMPLOYED HAVE OUR FAMILY MEMBERS INTERESTS IN MIND DURING THIS LOCKDOWN. My nana has no contact with anyone, while the staff go home every night and visit their families and friends and then go back to work, with little empathy. I dont think thats fair, nor appropriate if you consider the amount of elderly who have died in rest homes because of careless carers. If they truly cared, they would have stayed at the homes during the entire duration of lockdown as some other places have done. I dont trust the staff here to keep their minds and bodies stimulated, rather wait for them to wither away. This is rest home for the elderly who have earned their RIGHT TO LIVE. They worked their entire lives to live the rest of their days, carefree and looked after, not die. I won't let their voices be silenced, and I know this place is not upholding the quality of standards that it should be. I have hidden cameras inside my Nanas room to ensure her credibility and safety should anything happen. I suggest doing the same with your loved ones. Dont be naiive. Make sure your loved ones needs are being met.

Lovely open landscapes and gardens. Homely atmosphere

Good facilities.