Respite house closure threat a 'travesty'

Noel Hamilton House in East Street, Greytown.

Masterton's Joanne Jones is "heartbroken" after learning the Noel Hamilton House that gave her husband "exceptional" care for two years might close its doors.

Owen Jones was 47 when he and his family set out to find a care facility suitable for him as his multiple sclerosis got worse.

Owen Jones spent his final two years at Noel Hamilton House.

Mrs Jones said although they were warmly welcomed into a variety of aged-care homes, none felt right for her husband's needs.

"Being a young person he had different requirements [from] old people."

Mrs Jones said the moment they walked into the Noel Hamilton House they knew straight away it was the best place for Owen.

"It was lovely and small and the clients got one-on-one attention. It was more a home than a house."

She said Noel Hamilton House was special because it was the only care facility for under-65s in the Wairarapa region, the nearest other being in Wanganui.

Mrs Jones said if Owen had gone into an aged-care facility he would have aged before his time.

"At 50 they shouldn't be in a home with 70, 80, 90-year-olds, so my heart absolutely goes out to the residents who, if it closes, will be absolutely devastated."

Mrs Jones said several young people regularly went to Noel Hamilton House for respite to give their families a break and it had three permanent residents.

"But that's obviously not enough to keep them ticking over. My heart is just wrenched for the people who are still in there who are going to have to go into old-age care."

She said there was not enough education in the Wairarapa about the "amazing" place.

Mrs Jones said putting her husband into a home was "absolutely gut-wrenching" but the staff were very understanding and had helped make her feel at ease and Owen feel at home.

The senior staff, who had previously worked at Greytown Hospital, were "extremely" experienced and the level of care provided was "top notch".

"It's just that extra special treatment that makes them feel like people and not a number."

Because Owen had a passion for music, the staff organised a musician colleague of his to play to the residents once a month.

Owen played guitar until his illness no longer allowed it.

He had celebrated his final birthday, his 50th, last year in the home with family and friends.

Mrs Jones said support from the staff extended beyond residents and to their families.

"Towards the end when he was dying the staff just embraced us as a family.

"I'm very passionate about the home and I can't believe they would look to close it.

"I think it's an absolute travesty if it closes and we need to try and save this care facility."