To keep residents safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, Eldercare made the difficult decision to close its sites to visitors in late March. We understand the impact that this has on residents and families and have put a range of initiatives in place to support ongoing connections. We are grateful for the support we have received, including these heart-warming messages:

"During COVID-19 we are sad we cannot visit our parents, but are comforted in knowing they are safe and well cared for by the Cottage Grove staff."

"We really enjoyed your newsletter and hearing what a great job you are doing. I know my mum really enjoys all the activities and especially bingo and coffee and chat mornings. A few weeks ago Mum rang and was very animated talking about a get-together on the balcony in the afternoon and she had a really good time. Mum usually is happy to attend most of the activities. Our family all appreciate the wonderful work you are doing, especially in these difficult times when we are unable to visit. Thank you and your staff for all the work you do."

"Thank you for all that you and the staff do for our loved ones. It has been patently obvious that you have stepped up and gone way beyond requirements to ensure wellbeing and kindness for those in ‘quarantine’. Once this has finished, I’ll seek to repay you and your colleagues for your efforts, but until then, sleep well knowing that you have served our elders with compassion and creativity."

"Just returned from seeing mum through window, I can't thank you enough for the help you gave mum and how kind you were. Mum looked happy and well and I felt very comforted knowing that she is ok after seeing her. Thank you for this wonderful initiative."

"Thank you thank you thank you!!!!! These are beautiful! You’ve literally brought tears to my eyes, I miss her so much. This is so wonderful! Am I able to send pics back of her grandkids for you to show her? They miss her so much! Thank you so much for taking the time to take and send me these!"

"Thank you so much Maria, I do take great comfort from the amazing care at Evanston Park. Somehow though, touching base with you is substituting for the visit that I can't do. I feel like I have visited somehow, that I am not helpless to feel connected to mum. You are my link and lifeline in a way, and I'm forever grateful. I'm so grateful for that serendipitous introduction that the wonderful Lee-Anne managed just before all this happened. Please say hi to Lee-Anne and let her know how much that simple thoughtful act of introducing us has meant. Take care Maria, and know that you are making a difference in the world."