When Margaret and Joyce, new residents at Holy Spirit Residential Aged Care Home in Casula, decided to make the move to the brand new Home earlier in the year, they were both a little nervous at first.
“Transitioning from my old home to Holy Spirit was a little daunting, particularly the thought of doing it alone. I was very nervous, as I was leaving my home for the first time to live in a new environment,” says Joyce.
However, the two ladies found comfort in each other, bonding almost immediately and quickly becoming good friends.
“I first met Margaret in the dining room, I sat with her over lunch and we chatted for a while getting to know each other," says Joyce.
"For me it felt like we bonded quite quickly. We had a lot in common and could chat freely about what our families were doing and what we were doing for the day.”
Margaret and Joyce now enjoy doing many activities together at the Home - including meditation classes, group chats and watching movies. Not only do they catch up for daily for meals and share stories about the past, the pair are busy making new memories together.
‘My first impression of the home was how beautiful and new everything was and how welcoming all the staff were,” says Joyce.
"Similarly, I thought that it was the most beautiful place I have seen. I was so impressed with the library as I like to read a lot, it is an absolutely stunning home to live in,” says Margaret.
Lifestyle Coordinator, Maria said during the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic many seniors were living in isolation and unable to see their families, making friendships even more important.
"At Holy Spirit, we have really built a community, a place that feels like home, where new friendships are nurtured," says Maria.
"A simple meal with friends is something we all enjoy and we all took for granted until recently, it is nice to see our residents still able to enjoy this small pleasure."
June 19, 2021
Residential Aged Care, CHL
“Hold onto the chair in front of you, lift your heels, hold, hold and relax. Now grab your weights and check your posture, let’s work on your core.” The friendly instructions from fitness professional Janice fill the space at Casula’s newest Wellness Centre.
