REVIEWS

„I was travelling abroad and had to leave my mother for several days, so I needed professional, qualified assistance. To be honest, I was completely unprepared for the circumstances caused by a parent’s helplessness. Fear and confusion overwhelmed me. I learned about Leliani from friends, which is why I turned to them and used the short-term respite care service for my mother. The 10 days spent in this home became a new stage for us, both in understanding the illness and in planning further care for the patient. Leliani was a great support for me and other family members. The first experience was psychologically traumatic, but in the end we were very satisfied. Staying here had a positive impact on her health. The specialists worked well and she returned home with improved indicators. I must highlight the high-standard service of the experienced and competent team and their warm, humane attitude towards my mother. Old age is inevitable and requires good planning. Life expectancy has increased, and as a result, a person may sometimes live to complete helplessness. How can we live in a way that preserves dignity, does not burden our children and loved ones, maintains a zest for life and avoids isolation? Leliani answers all these questions and fears. Be brave and you will not regret it. Institutions like Leliani are also our future...“.

„In the spring of 2025, my mother was diagnosed with vascular parkinsonism. Despite mobilising family members and providing 24/7 care, her deterioration progressed at a cosmic speed. We found ourselves in a hopeless situation. She was completely withdrawn and in constant pain. No hospital would accept her. The reality was clear: if we kept her at home, we would lose her. My brother and I asked ourselves only one question: – what is best for Maia? Everything else was secondary. We were lucky that a friend recommended Leliani. From the moment we arrived, I felt hope that the care here would benefit my mother. The first two weeks are a period of adjustment and getting to know the rules. During this time, you are constantly in dialogue with yourself: – did I make the right decision? Did I do the right thing? After two weeks, my mother’s anxiety, pain and tension disappeared completely. This was the first visible progress, which gave us confidence and reassured us that our choice was right. Now, two months later, my mother is back on her feet and learning to walk again. We did not even hope for such progress, so my question was finally answered: – I made the right decision! I would advise people in a similar situation to switch off selfish feelings and think about one thing only: – what will be best for their loved one, where they will receive better care and where they will feel safer. After moving a family member to Leliani, you continue caring for them as before and participate in their daily life. This is essential. Nothing changes – the place simply becomes your new home and family. Leliani is created by caring, solidarity-filled, musical people. Their smiling faces, illuminated with love and respect, inspire the greatest hope. Leliani is the return of life“.

„My Sosiko“ became simply „Sosiko“ for everyone at Leliani from the very first day. I do not like calling him my father-in-law – I do not like this word, because it feels stripped of its main energy and does not convey its true meaning... That is why he is simply „my Sosiko“, my Gogicha’s father. Remembering the final period of his life is very emotional for me. Before coming to Leliani, we went through a long journey – clinics, fear, hope, disappointment again and despair, when we realised that nothing could be changed. It was then that quiet thoughts about Leliani appeared. These thoughts turned into an open family discussion once we analysed the situation more deeply and looked at our and Sosiko’s hopeless condition without emotion. Leliani was the only solution. There we would receive what we all needed so much – professional help, a sense of safety, constant care from specialists and full control of the process. It was the only island of hope that emerged in despair, to which we could peacefully entrust our loved one. Calmness arrived the moment we opened the door, and Leliani became a refuge for each of us. Fear was replaced by other emotions. We knew that he would be cared for in a way that, despite our greatest desire, we might not have been able to provide ourselves. I will never forget the moment when tears rolled down Sosiko’s eyes as the Leliani girls lovingly called out his name, even though he could no longer express anything. Almost unresponsive, he would gather strength every time, moved by the warm encouragement – „You are doing so well“ – to show his gratitude in any way he could. The nurses are the angels of Leliani. Tireless bees who care for and help patients with all their hearts. They can do everything – from attentive care to any medical procedure. When caring for someone in a critical condition, we often think we are doing our maximum, but believe me, the girls here can do far more. In such moments, love alone is not enough. A patient needs full care – medical supervision, safety and socialisation. Until we join NATO, your security umbrella is Leliani! That is a joke, of course, but more seriously, this place gives you peace of mind, knowing that you are not sending your family member away from home, but taking them on a journey to an island of love. And together with them, you travel too – to the adventure-filled island of Leliani“.

„My father was in the final stage of dementia when we brought a carer into our home. This wonderful woman helped us for more than a year, but at a certain point his condition worsened. We realised that constant involvement of professional nurses and medical supervision was necessary, something we could no longer provide at home. Doctors also explained that in such a condition it would be almost impossible to ensure his health and safety at home. When choosing a place where my father would feel comfortable, the key factors were professionalism and the overall atmosphere. We chose Leliani, and after speaking with the staff we knew for certain that we had made the right decision. At first, making this decision was difficult. Even within the family we could not agree. Moreover, especially in our reality, we also thought about what people might say. But above all stood the wish that every remaining day of my father’s life would be peaceful – both for him and for my mother, who had cared for him for seven years. What also eased the emotional burden was the fact that our caregiver moved to Leliani with him and stayed by his side 24 hours a day. Once I saw that my father felt calm in a professional environment, the constant fear and stress that we all had at home, especially my elderly mother, disappeared instantly. The staff at Leliani are attentive, compassionate professionals. It is clear that this is not just a „job“ for them. They treat every patient with warmth and humanity and show great respect to everyone. For me, feeling calm during that period meant knowing that professionals were caring for my father. And the word „care“ is taken to the highest level here. Our entire family is grateful to the Leliani team. If the time comes when placing a family member in an elderly care home becomes necessary, make the decision with love. Think about the needs of the person you cherish – the patient – and not about what society might say, especially when it may not truly know what Leliani is. For me, this is a place where a person can preserve dignity, peace and warmth even at the most difficult stage of life“.

„I came to Leliani after breaking my hip. My injury was quite serious and I needed time to recover. When I found Leliani for rehabilitation, I felt an enormous sense of relief and joy. Now I’m feeling much better. It’s rare to meet staff like this – so attentive, kind and genuinely caring. I’m happy to be here. Thank you from the bottom of my heart“.

„I can truly say that I’ve never met people as warm, kind and caring as the staff at Leliani. I really mean it. Of course I’ve met many good people in my life, but the way they treat us here – it’s beyond words. The love, the politeness, the dedication. They care for each other too. The way they help and respect one another is remarkable. I’ve worked in many places, but I’ve never seen relationships like this. I don’t know – maybe they really are that special, or it just feels that way to me“.

„My husband was staying at Leliani. We had shared 65 years of deep and enduring love. Everyone who knew us or had ever heard of us, knew our story. From our student years, we had been each other’s most precious person. And when he was lying there, unconscious and motionless, unable to feel anything, I stayed here with him. Our friends would ask if it was difficult for me to be at Leliani. I always told them that I was moved and grateful. This place, these people, their spirit – they made me happy. Sosiko was 86. His mind no longer worked, nor his hands or legs, yet I was constantly amazed by the wonderful staff here. „Bless you, my dear“, they would say – kissing him, touching him gently, cleaning him, caring for him with tenderness. Once I even joked: „So what if he’s 86 and unconscious? He’s my Sosiko, not yours – and I’m jealous!“ During my time here, I often thought that Leliani should host educational visits – for medical staff, doctors and nurses – to show them how to greet a patient, how to care, comfort and encourage them to recover. I have been to many hospitals in my life (life has taken me there often), but I have never seen anything like this. An aesthetically beautiful, well-arranged space, paintings on the walls, everything of the highest quality. Fresh flowers every day. And the furniture – when a patient sits here, they feel uplifted, dignified, happy. Every few minutes someone asks: „What can we bring you? What would you like? What would please you?“ Leliani truly is a land of wonders“.

„I’m very pleased with the service at Leliani. The ladies here are wonderful! So capable and caring. If I ever need it again, I’ll come back for a few days. I’ll miss you all very much“.

„A home like this is essential not only for people with disabilities or various illnesses, but for all elderly people who have retired. I could easily imagine living here – surrounded by people who would bring me breakfast and lend a helping hand. I truly believe that such places are critically important for Georgia“.

„I saw a programme about Leliani back in July, before it had even opened. I couldn’t quite imagine it would truly be like that. But when I walked in, I was welcomed with such warmth and genuine smiles that I felt like I’d arrived somewhere in Europe. The level of care here is exceptional. After my brother suffered a stroke, we decided to move him to Leliani. His comfort was my absolute priority and now I’m truly happy to see how happy he is. I would like to express my deepest gratitude to each and every employee of Leliani. Everyone here is dedicated to making my brother feel better“.

„Leliani is a miracle, and it is wonderful that such a place exists. Providing care for people, especially the elderly, is both deeply humane and highly commendable“.

„I had the great pleasure of visiting Leliani. This residential care home is truly the first to break the stereotype of the so-called „surrender“ of the elderly in Georgian society. Here, individuals are welcomed with complete comfort and genuine family warmth, which is especially important for those over 65. From the moment you step inside, you notice the satisfaction of the residents in this wonderful environment, and you realize that the existence of such a home is a remarkable achievement. I can confidently say that Leliani is not a business venture but a vital social initiative for our country. The more homes like this we have, the brighter and happier our old age will be“.

„We are our parents children, but one day, our parents become our children. Over the past month, my mother has become my child – a little baby, a little bird. My mother is 92 years old, and we suddenly found ourselves facing this ordeal, perhaps more of a test. She had always been physically and mentally healthy and remarkably active for her age – she could walk across the entire city. Then, one day, she simply couldn’t get up. We took her to hospital, and it turned out she had suffered a fracture. She doesn’t remember how it happened, but the doctors explained that, in old age, bones become so fragile that even turning over in bed can cause a break. We had to act fast. In such cases, the patient cannot stay in hospital; they must be taken home. Then comes the challenge of finding a 24-hour caregiver or two carers to alternate shifts. We were ready to do whatever was needed, but we simply couldn’t find anyone. The truth is, in these situations, a person requires specialised care. A caregiver must know how to manage treatment properly, as age, fractures, and the healing process demand careful handling. We felt lost – until we discovered Leliani. My first contact was over the phone, and I immediately realised I was speaking with professionals. They fully understood the nature of my mother’s condition and explained exactly how to manage her care over time. I felt a warmth in that conversation, and it made me think about how crucial this kind of attitude is – the way you talk to a sick person’s child or mother. You immediately sense whether you can trust them. My brother and I didn’t hesitate – we left straight away. I still struggle to put into words my first impression when I arrived here – it exceeded all my expectations. The environment is clean and bright. As soon as you step inside, you feel the atmosphere of a hotel. And the staff – what incredible people they are! So many smiles, so much kindness and love. Their approach to every resident is extraordinary. You walk in, and they tell you that life goes on and that everything will be fine. During my time here, I have seen first-hand how this attitude positively affects the psychological well-being. I truly believe there should be many more places like this in Georgia. When it comes to a loved one, quality and high standards matter immensely. That’s why, yes – there should be many more, and they should all be of the same class as Leliani“.

„I am truly fascinated by the extraordinary environment I found at Leliani. Leliani is a wonderful space for people to delay the process of ageing. Let me explain what I mean: ageing isn’t solely a biological process. There’s also psychological ageing, and I want to focus on that. Biological ageing happens to all of us in the same way. While some may appear younger than their age and others older, regardless of the number of wrinkles, we all age according to the same biomarkers. For example, we hit puberty at roughly the same time, and we enter second turning points at similar ages. Psychological ageing, however, is largely influenced by maintaining a social body that stimulates us. The social body refers to our relationships with friends and peers. Sometimes we argue, sometimes we laugh, sometimes we share joy or sadness, and we engage in activities our generation used to enjoy. These interactions help preserve our social body and, consequently, our sense of youth. It’s not necessary for someone to be ill or in need of care to come to Leliani. They can simply come here to socialise. Another important point is that if an elderly person has medical needs, family members cannot replace professional care. No matter how devoted and warm-hearted a family may be, the quality of care provided by a professional is entirely different. Leliani is invaluable in such cases as well“.

„Leliani is a reliable, professional, and highly qualified home. It is an institution where seniors are offered the highest quality services to enhance their quality of life and well-being. Leliani has become a second home for us, and we are always eager to visit“.

„Leliani is a place of trust for me. Here, my grandmother receives 24-hour supervision, as well as care, attention, and support. The highly qualified staff and management of this home provide the elderly with a dignified continuation of life. We are deeply grateful for the care and love shown not only to our grandmother but also to us“.

„Leliani is the first institution of its kind in the country, and I wholeheartedly welcome the opening of this home. It is a place where the elderly can enjoy a comfortable, friendly, and caring family-like environment. The existence of such a home is significant for many reasons. For instance, if there is an elderly person in your family and you need to travel abroad for study or a holiday, you might have to reconsider your plans. Finding a reliable caregiver can be challenging, or you may have to postpone your departure altogether. In such cases, you can confidently entrust Leliani with the care of your loved one, whether they are elderly or a younger person who cannot be left alone due to health conditions and requires caregiving. Additionally, there are often situations where all family members are busy with work, leaving an elderly relative alone at home. Some may feel anxious about being alone, some may require assistance with simple tasks such as blood pressure monitoring, and others may simply need the comforting presence of someone nearby. In such instances, Leliani offers a safe and supportive solution, providing all the necessary conditions to ensure the well-being of the elderly. First and foremost, it provides a healthy social environment, which is essential not only for the elderly but for people of all ages“.

„The existence of a care home in our country, especially one like Leliani, is incredibly important. The primary principle of residential care is safety. Additionally, fostering social connections and encouraging elderly individuals to lead active and fulfilling lives is crucial. I believe Leliani is the first residential care home in Georgia to stand out for its exceptional standards and services. It has been thoughtfully designed to provide people over 65 with a safe and secure environment, while also promoting social activity and supporting their physical and mental well-being. There is still a perception in our society that placing an elderly person in such a home is akin to abandonment. However, when you see this environment for yourself, such stigma will undoubtedly be dispelled. A fully adapted, well-equipped, professionally staffed, residential care home like Leliani can provide immense benefits to many people“.

„This type of home will help the elderly to develop their interests. Youth can pass without people having the time to do and discover many things; they may not even realise how many interesting and enjoyable experiences they have missed. This type of home is a wonderful place for new opportunities. Its existence will prolong people’s lives and youth“.

„The creation of the nursing home Leliani makes me very happy. It is a brilliant idea, as it provides people with the opportunity to continue socializing, communicating, and living“.

„During my time in Europe, I have performed concerts in nursing homes many times. These were high-level institutions where respect and care for the elderly were evident. I welcome the opening of such a home“.

„Our country must have a high-standard nursing home. Your children and grandchildren might visit you, they would take care of you, they would caress you. If necessary and if they have the means, they would pay for a helper. However, there is often no time for conversation, discussion, and the exchange of ideas. Most people experience a communication deficit, and such a home provides the opportunity to be with your peers and like-minded people, to communicate and socialise, which is much better“.

„The existence of such a home is essential. I saw an institution of this type in Holland, and I really liked it. It was a single complex with four or five three-storey buildings. Even from the outside, it was clear how comfortably everything was arranged. When people grow older and reach the age of 80 or 85, they have fewer friends and relatives and may find themselves alone. If the elderly are in a situation where they are cared for, where they can meet their peers, talk, and find common interests, of course, their lives become more enjoyable. I can only welcome this initiative“.