The media has focused on the negative side of the family experience of having a family member isolated in an aged care home that is experiencing a COVID-19 outbreak.
But with most residents, their experience in an aged care home is measured in years, not days. The average residency is now 2.3 years.
So, it was powerful to read the message of the family of 93-year-old Raymond Jennings, the first resident to pass away at Sydney’s Newmarch House.
Supplied to 9NEWS, it reads:
“We are heartbroken to have lost our father, and grandfather, in these very difficult circumstances.”
“We will always be grateful for the exceptional care he received from Newmarch House. It was his home, and he was well looked after from the day he entered until his passing.”
“The events that led to the viral outbreak in no way change our positive opinion of Newmarch House. We remain strong supporters of all their staff, including the care worker who inadvertently brought the virus into the premises. We pray that she, and all affected staff members recover from this ordeal and are able to continue their vital work in the critical aged care sector.”
“We are incredibly sad that more residents have since passed away, and we extend our deepest sympathy to their families. We also pray for the ongoing health of all other residents, and for the families who anxiously await news about their loved ones.”
“Despite this tragic event for our family, we feel blessed to be in Australia at this time. We urge everyone to continue following the Government’s social distancing guidelines, and to be especially mindful of the risks posed to older and other vulnerable Australians.”
“We sincerely thank everyone who has reached out to offer their condolences.”
