‘HBH has a big heart, rather than big pockets’

After his wife had stayed at HBH Gulf Views for respite care and loved it, there was only one place George wanted to go when he too needed respite care.

Luckily, Gulf Views in Cockle Bay takes advance bookings, which meant his wish could be granted.

George and his wife and their four children emigrated from South Africa to New Zealand over 40 years ago.

“We had a very nice life in South Africa, my business was doing well, and we never had to worry about money,” George says.

“When we arrived in New Zealand, it was much more difficult than we thought, and we went from not having to worry about money to having to worry about it all the time.”

George says despite the hardship, he and his wife never regretted the move.

Now aged in his 80s, life hasn’t been smooth sailing for George over the past few years.

Since retiring he became the main caregiver to his wife, who suffered from rheumatoid arthritis and other complications.

During that period, George’s wife went into respite care at Gulf Views and that was George’s first experience of HBH’s care facilities.

“It was the best decision,” he says. “She was happy there and while she hated being away from me, it worked out very well.”

Unfortunately, George’s wife required respite care again after a stint in hospital and was unable to go to Gulf Views at the time.

He continued to care for her at home between hospital and respite stays and when she sadly passed away last year, he went to live with his daughter in a granny flat.

When he suffered a heart attack and required respite care before being able to return home, he knew exactly where he wanted to go.

“I said to the medical staff, ‘if I can’t go to Gulf Views, I’m going home’.”

Gulf Views is now one of the only care homes that offers advance bookings for respite care, and George’s hope was realised.

He believes that, as well as the beautiful sea views, it’s the staff who make Gulf Views.

“I’ve never met such wonderful people in my life. They are angels.

“When my wife was there, they went out of their way to ensure she was welcomed and felt at home.”

George has since returned home to the granny flat and is taking things easy as he settles back into life after his heart attack.

“When I left Gulf Views, it was like saying goodbye to old friends,” he says.

As someone who’s experienced both having money and struggling financially, George reflects how fortunate people are to have care homes that are charities such as HBH Gulf Views in the local community.

“It’s so important that everyone can be cared for with dignity, kindness and respect in their later life and that is what HBH does,” he says.

“It has a big heart, rather than big pockets.”