What Our Clients Say
"Milly Carr organised 24 hour home care last year for my husband, Ron, who had a terminal illness. I, along with my family, can highly recommend Milly who has a high standard of nursing care and is excellent at organising her staff, who also meet her excellent standards. Milly has had much experience in hospice nursing in Taranaki. She provided us with round-the-clock nursing care in our home, and organised all information with hospitals and doctors for Ron. Milly's expertise and care relieved a lot of the stress of looking after Ron. I would recommend Milly Carr and her staff for their wonderful nursing service and attention to every detail, including the prescriptions of medicines. Thank you".
Kathryn Stanley, January 2026
"The wonderful team at Cherish Respite were integral in keeping my elderly father living independently in his latter years. We first engaged them for “rehab” purposes after some cardiac surgery at 92 years and continued their twice weekly visits after that, as they were invaluable in keeping him mobile and engaged. The team were all so kind and caring with my father, and really personalized their visits to his needs and interests. Having the same team looking after Dad for over 3 years was simply fantastic. Dad (and his family!) considered them friends, and they built a strong relationship with him. Communication and care was always first class. They are a very special team whom I highly recommend".
Catherine Jones, January 2026
"I’ll be forever grateful Cherish Respite was recommended when we were looking for care for our much-loved father, Tom Gibson. After returning home from palliative radiation treatment in December 2024, it was clear the current care arrangements for our father were not sufficient. Dad’s wish was to remain in his home, connected to his family and community until he died. Milly and her team from Cherish Respite partnered with us to make this a reality.
Milly oversaw and coordinated the high-quality care, support and companionship Dad received. She grew her team of carers and nurses, finding additional capable, experienced and caring staff as was needed. She impressively coordinated the many people involved, including working with the other agencies and health services Dad required, professionally and proactively. Milly is a great problem-solver and found ways to adapt and make things work for my father as his needs changed. A clear communicator, Milly is perceptive, and listened well to Dad and to us, his children. Even though I lived away, I was kept firmly in the loop of what was happening and needed by Milly and the Cherish staff. I trusted Dad was in good hands, and I could talk with Milly when it seemed over-whelming. I knew she would alert me to what was needed, and respected her guidance.
All the Cherish team were warm, kind, talented and professional; we appreciated our relationship with them all. An experienced palliative nurse, Milly navigated Dad’s last months, weeks and days with wisdom, understanding and compassion – for him and for those of us who loved him. She physically moved closer to his home in the last days so that she could be present for him and the family, providing us with comfort and support. If you are looking for care for yourself or someone precious to you, I highly recommend Cherish Respite".
Ava Gibson, and family, 2025
"Milly, you walked into our lives when we needed someone the most and brought the peace and comfort, we so needed in that moment. You made mum feel immediately at ease, and we could all let go of the breath we'd been holding for weeks. Giving someone care and reassurance in the most challenging time of their lives is such and incredible gift and we appreciate you for that so much. Thank you will never be enough, but thank you so much".
The Garrett and Garrett-Quest Families, September 2025
The Cherish team, co-ordinated by Milly, were caring and practical as they helped Mum. They were adaptable, thorough, and calm though the ups and downs of life for Mum. They worked hard to get on her wavelength. They were always open, and communicated well with us over the year that they worked with her. The service Cherish Respite provided allowed Mum to remain in her home and to live as best she could, on her terms, despite serious health challenges.
Andrew Moffat, June 2025
"For more than two years, Milly and the Cherish team became an integral part of our family’s daily life. Their support enabled my parents to remain in their own home, while also allowing me to continue working and maintain some balance in my own life during an incredibly difficult time.Throughout the challenging process of watching my parents decline and eventually pass away, the Cherish team provided not only exceptional care for my father, but also invaluable support for me. They became a trusted sounding board, always willing to listen, offer guidance, and show genuine compassion.I cannot speak highly enough of the Cherish team. Every carer brought their own special qualities, and it was clear they were part of the team because they truly cared and wanted to make a positive difference. My father looked forward to their visits. He valued their companionship, humour, patience, and kindness — all of which greatly enhanced his quality of life.From the outset, Milly was transparent and professional about the services and costs involved, making it easy to plan and coordinate the support we needed. Choosing Cherish to help care for my parents was one of the best decisions we made, and the difference they made to both my parents and myself was immeasurable.I recommend Cherish and their services without hesitation".
Julia Collins, September 2025
“Without hesitation I highly recommend Milly Carr and her wonderful team for compassionate and safe care of your loved one. I contacted Milly Carr at Cherish Respite when seeking care for my elderly uncle, who's wish was to remain in his own home until his last days. The first time I met Milly I knew that her team could deliver the care I was seeking for our loved Uncle George. Throughout the 16 months of 24/7 care which George received from Cherish Respite, he was cared for with the utmost respect and this allowed him to continue living life to the full until his passing. The carers were gentle, patient, mature, fun, yet professional in every way. Milly kept me updated regularly as I lived out of town, and together we navigated the way at each turn. Milly has a unique ability to think outside the square which she did on many occasions. Both her nursing skills and expertise in palliative care were invaluable and I never doubted her decision making. Thank you Milly for being with us and caring for George until the end. It meant so much. You certainly went above and beyond".
Floss (niece) and family of Dr George Mason, November 2024
"The process of seeking help in a home setting for a cherished loved one was made very straight forward and seamless at a very stressful time. The team were empathetic, reliable, compassionate and professional. We appreciated their support of our family at a time when we needed it the most. We have no hesitation in recommending Milly and her team at Cherish Respite to others looking for similar support for their family members wishing to remain in a home environment".
Hammersley Family, April 2024
"For approximately two and a half months the 24/7 Palliative care mum received from you and your team was outstanding. This care gave our family the ability to continue with their daily routine and enabled us to visit mum freely when we wanted to. Mum felt safe and secure in her home with you and your friendly staff, and I'm sure her quality of life was better for it! Mum wished for you to visit her again before she left this world. Sadly none of us could be beside her when she passed, but we are so blessed and have the comfort in knowing you were right there by her side. Thank you".
Barrett Family, 2022
"Milly was recommended to us at a very difficult time. We came up with a plan. This gave us the assurance everything was being taken care of. I couldn't recommend them highly enough for others in a similar situation".
Christian, 2021