When it comes to winning awards, once is good, but winning a second time is twice as nice.
The Carinity team was delighted to be recognised as the winner of ProductReview.com.au's annual awards in the Health Services category for 2025. It's the second year in a row Carinity has taken out the award.
ProductReview is an independent review site where customers can share their honest feedback about Carinity's services based on their real-life experiences.
With over 76% of consumers placing trust in online reviews, ProductReview and similar websites are playing an increasing role in providing assurances for families looking to compare aged care communities and home care providers.
Carinity was recognised for having a high number of reviews over the 12-month period, with the majority of reviews achieving a consistently high standard. Over 130 clients have submitted their personal review of Carinity's services.
One of those reviews was submitted by Janelle Dyer, daughter of Carinity Brownesholme aged care resident, Daphne. For Janelle, the prospect of moving her beloved mum was tinged with anxiety noting, "Our family was anxious about Mum moving to higher care."
In November 2023, Daphne suffered a bad fall and found herself dependent on daily support from her family. Facing the prospect of a move to aged care, Janelle researched reviews from other families.
"I don't do it often, but before major decisions, I read product reviews and consider recommendations from other trusted sources," she said.
The family, particularly Daphne, felt emotionally unprepared for the prospect of leaving her cosy home to move to aged care, where 'strangers' would be responsible for her care. However, when Janelle and Daphne joined the Carinity Brownesholme community, the staff weren't strangers for long.
"My sister heard positive reviews about the new aged care facility at Highfields, so we decided to check it out. During our tour of Brownesholme, Mum was very impressed, and her concerns were quickly eased. We were thrilled when she was invited to become a permanent resident, and she has been happy ever since.
"As a daughter, I am grateful for the support provided. From Brett, our grounds and facilities technician, to the activities team - Jeannie, Judy, and Bruce - and the wonderful carers, medical staff, friendly administration ladies, skilled chef and cooks, laundry workers, hairdresser Kate, and Chaplain Tim, I couldn't ask for a more capable team to care for my mum."
Janelle was so pleased with the experience she and her family enjoyed, she was moved to share her thoughts on ProductReview.
"My mum is happy and bubbly again living at Brownesholme. I want others considering aged care to know that it's not all negative - they have options."
Having been part of the community for over a year, Daphne now feels right at home.
"Mum enjoys watching the rural scenery, working on a puzzle or reading by her window," Janelle explains.
"She likes the social activities, but she doesn't feel pressured to join all of them. Her daily interactions with staff, visitors, and residents are important to her for staying socially connected."
For Janelle, being able to share her family's experience was an important step in helping other families to enjoy the same peace of mind. And now, a year on, both she and Daphne well and truly feel like part of the Carinity family.
