"I particularly liked how Marsh Hill Homes listened to the dreams I had for what my son’s life could be, and turned them into a reality."
How best to describe Marsh Hill Homes
The beautifully restored Heritage Schoolhouse, that draws your eye to the north as you cross Marsh Hill Road in Epsom, says it all.
Marsh Hill Homes is a combination of old school values with modern sensibility.
What brought us to Marsh Hill Homes
DAs the COVID pandemic began to wane, I could sense my son was overdue for a change in residence.
Our family longed for a full service facility that was not only close to our family home, but could care for our young adult in a manner that was closer to our family’s ideals.
When we first learned of Marsh Hill Homes, the description of the operation, staff and location seemed a bit too good to be true:
a newly renovated collective living environment situated on a scenic location, with dedicated, skilled staff, interactive programs that foster engagement, growth and community outings. Why would a family not immediately jump at the chance to be part of that type of community ?
Simply put, the challenges that change represents to someone with autism can be traumatic and nothing short of serious in its consideration. Breaking the routine can be devastating for an individual with an intellectual impairment.
However, after seeing the amount of work that went into the transformation of the existing School and Little house, building a vibrant, active residence and home, one could not help but be impressed.
Ultimately the tipping point for our decision to move our son to Marsh Hill Homes was based in the acumen of the leadership. After meeting with the Managing Partner and Executive Director it was clear their combined experience and vision for realized potential was absolute.
They were hands on, sleeves rolled up, in every aspect of the development of this loving Home designed for people with special needs.
What we found after joining the Marsh Hill Family
My son’s transition was seamless. As a matter of fact, he no longer wanted any reminders of his previous residence. A fresh new start with exciting, age appropriate activities that were not just discussed but put into reality. While the adjustment for my son was gradual and pressure free, the speed of his transition to improved health and happiness took was remarkable and evident in his smile. My son loves his time exercising at the Abilities Centre, frequenting local parks with staff and participating in every day activities like grocery shopping. He also enjoys learning practical life skills like help with meal prep, laundry and hygiene.
My family was told we were invited to drop by and visit our son anytime we liked because it was his home.
What we found when dealing with the Direct Service Providers, Supervisor, Clinical Coordinator, Program and Team Coordinators
Our family’s interactions with the incredibly committed staff, at every level of Marsh Hill, have been refreshingly positive and are the result of the quality of the top down stewardship that carefully selects and mentors care giving professionals. It seems apparent that individuals who work in the business of caring for others are drawn to Marsh Hill because they not only love what they do but recognize the potential for growth in this nurturing environment, the type of which, in my experience, is rare in this industry.
We meet on a regular and timely fashion to discuss the Behaviour Support Plan. The weekly updates I receive with regard to my sons’s daily activities, mood, behaviour and interactions with peers and staff are honest and forthright. This is the result of the creative initiative from a clever DSP and is unique to Marsh Hill Homes.
As a Parent or a Young Adult with Special Needs
If you are considering a move to congregate living, or a change from your existing residence, my family and I highly recommend you meet with the folks at Marsh Hill Homes and see for yourself the potential that can be realized for your special person.
