Sarah Selwyn Care Home

We trusted Sarah Selwyn with the care of our loved one, but she recently was admitted to Auckland Hospital severely dehydrated and malnourished, and with an undiagnosed lung infection. After a 10 day stay, her health has recovered, but sadly, some nasty bruising was found on a routine skin check. Kind thanks to the lovely staff of ward 51. MANAGEMENT: Don’t try and deny or defend this, everything I have said is very true. POSTSCRIPT: It's now been THREE YEARS, since a callous young RN advised Dad and I, to tick and sign a document stating that Mum was in the last hours of life, and not to intervene. This view was supported by the smooth-talking acting Manager, who told me "Sometimes it is best just to let them pass". I was very clear just exactly whom it was 'best' for, because her neglected state of health was an embarrassment, a cost, too much work for the limited number of staff. This is how Sarah Selwyn Care Home dealt with someone, whom they had made sick themselves. Three years on, and she is doing very well. No longer withdrawn and fearful, with proper nutrition, medical attention, and kind staff. It’ Mum was neglected, abused and stolen from at S.S. but you did us a great favour, because getting her out of there, was the best decision I have made. It was traumatising to have a parent treated as a disposable inconvenience, but heart-warming to now see her so well cared for. Elderly people, INCLUDING dementia patients, should be entitled to the same medical care that anyone else is. But instead of managing this, you offer premature death. Shame on you, that this needs to be pointed out. You don’t deserve the care of the elderly.

I've been wondering when the powers that be would realise, that calling this place a 'Hospital', was simply ridiculous. My Aunt was here, and this review is undertaken on behalf, and with permission of the family. Of most concern, was a specific nurse aide that caused her fear - the origins of that I hate to think about. It was made very clear that asking questions from the RN was NOT appreciated, although I would have thought that family liaison was part of their job. I beg to differ with reviews here saying that the care is superb, that has certainly NOT been the experience of our family. I totally question whether some of these 5 star ratings - without any comment at all, are even genuine. The care was cursory at best. Now classed as a 'care home' rather than a 'hospital', staff numbers can be reduced, (I wonder if the fees have? 🧐). When she declined health, the family was hard pressed to find anyone who gave a toss, and not a Doctor in sight. I had been told by another visitor, that Doctors usually only come for a death certificate, which I initially dismissed, but sadly now believe to be true. There was also plenty of talk amongst other residents' visitors, about items that had 'gone missing'. This is certainly not a Hospital, but we didn’t see much care either.

I doubt whether any of the four and five star (graciously received) reviews here, are from people who have had a spouse or parent stay at Sarah Selwyn. It is also telling that those of us with poor experiences have a lot to say, where as the high rating reviewers - not too much. The overall impression I have, is that something is just "broken". If it's the revolving door of Managers, a sad reliance on agency staff , or a poor staff attitude, I just don't know. Staff perfunctorily carry out their jobs, with any patience or kindness being left to the volunteers. One notable exception, is a lovely lady who has worked there for decades, and is kind and professional. My husband and I were out of town when my parent passed away - mid afternoon. The receptionist had assured us, that the afternoon staff would get the message to let us in at 7pm or so. This didn't work. We've driven for three hours, we're now standing out in the cold, and no one can be bothered even answering the doorbell. I eventually went around the side, and hammered on the staffroom window, So again things just don't seem to work here, I would ask anyone reading this, to understand that the experiences of family who have seen a loved one not cared for properly, are much more poignant, that the experience of a visitor, who likes the view from the window for example.

Nice big room with ensuite & pleasant view. Excellent care. Staff are friendly & helpful. Manager, Mae Cottham is great, communicates well. My friend has to have soft food & they go to a lot of bother with variety & presentation. Covid has made it really difficult for the elderly with no visiting or outings possible. Thank goodness this has changed now. Only negative is not enough activities. Exercise class on Tuesdays. Need this more plus some quizes & games etc.

My friend was patient in this facility until his recent death. I can wholeheartedly recommend this care center. The care provided and facility itself are superb. Highly recommended.