After more than four decades living in the same house, moving into residential care was a significant change for Lizzie. But the move has brought comfort, support and a renewed sense of confidence.
Having lived in her home for 42 years, Lizzie reached a point where some health challenges meant she needed more care. Finding a residential care home close to the community she knows so well helped make the decision easier.
‘It’s been fabulous to move here,’ she said. ‘I’m so happy it’s close to my old home, I’m close to my friends, and everyone comes to visit me. I’m still close to my community.’
Originally from Jersey Channel Islands, Lizzie came to Australia more than 50 years ago with her Australian husband after they married. While the couple returned to England for a short time, it was Lizzie who was keen to come back to Australia. In the Central Coast of NSW, they built a life filled with friendship, community and purpose.
A former primary school teacher, Lizzie has always valued connection and learning. Since moving into the home, she has made good friends and enjoys the many activities and opportunities to socialise, especially over the weekend when, as she mentions, ‘there’s lots going on’.
She also appreciates the everyday support that helps her feel safe and well. ‘Physiotherapist Kevin helps me stay active. I’m walking a lot and getting my steps up’.
She is enjoying the food and the comfort of knowing help is available when she needs it.
Importantly, life still feels like her own. Her mornings follow the same routines she enjoyed before moving, and she continues to make time each day for one of her favourite pastimes: reading.
‘I really enjoy the mornings. I have the same routines that I would have before, and that’s great,’ she said. ‘I love reading, so every day I make sure I dedicate some time to that because I really enjoy it.’
Now settled into her new home, Lizzie feels happy, supported and able to enjoy each day in her own way.
‘I’m settled and I’m happy to be here,’ she said. ‘I enjoy each day as it comes.’
For Lizzie, moving into residential care has not meant leaving behind the life she loves. It has given her the support she needs while helping her maintain the routines, friendships and sense of independence that matter most.
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About Catholic Healthcare
Catholic Healthcare is a leading not-for-profit provider of residential care, home care and retirement living services across New South Wales and South East Queensland. For more than 30 years, we have supported older people of all faiths, backgrounds and cultures to live with dignity, purpose and connection. Guided by our purpose to create a world where older people thrive, we deliver personalised, relationship-centred care that nurtures the body, mind and spirit. Today, Catholic Healthcare supports more than 10,000 residents and older Australians through residential care homes, retirement living communities, and home and community services.
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