Social outings to a favourite park have allowed care worker Treena Cousins and client George to develop a beautiful friendship.
Each week, George likes to show Treena his favourite parks and Moonrise Lookout holds special appeal. George and his wife used to go to this park before she passed away 12 years ago.
‘George’s face lights up when he tells me his memories of the park,’ said Treena.
Here, George used to walk up the grade 3 climb and look over the city. ‘It has such amazing views,’ he said
Before Treena came into his life, George would exchange smiles with another man he would pass by on his walks around the park. After COVID-19, he no longer sees him and wonders where he is.
Suffering a stroke in January this year, George has been unable to drive and walking short distances causes pain. George lives at home with his daughter who is blind.
Missing getting out and about he decided to contact Catholic Healthcare to sign up for social support services and was introduced to Treena.
‘Each Friday, I like to ask him, “What adventure are we going on today, George?” Sitting on the porch awaiting my visits, he greets me each week with a big, sweet smile,’ said Treena.
Treena says she delights in doing this for George, and he enjoys sharing his stories and memories with her.
‘I really enjoy the stories George has to tell me, ranging from his life growing up to coming to Australia, his wife and children, working days, and friendships. With our social outings, I have learnt so many things in such a short time,’ said Treena.
Treena added, ‘George seems very happy on our outings too, his daughters have told me he looks forward to my visits.’
‘When I asked him what his favourite about them was, he said it gave him back his independence.’
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