Our brand-new home has been open for a few weeks now, and our residents are enjoying their time together as they get to know one another. One of our first residents, Loraine, shares with us what her new adventures at Strathpine have been like, and recalls a few special memories from her childhood.
Alongside Leisure and Lifestyle Coordinator, Mary Rutene, and fellow residents, Loraine has kept busy with a range of activities. ‘There are four of us who came in together in the first few days. We get on well and have our meals together,’ she says. ‘Today we went to the hairdresser together, the very first time it was used.’
Our hairdresser, Sandy, did a fantastic job giving a lovely makeover to our residents, so they decided to venture into town for an ice cream treat. ‘The staff said we looked so glamorous, so we couldn’t just stay at home,’ Loraine says. ‘We had a ball together.’
In the few weeks that Loraine has been living at Strathpine Aged Care, her family has already noticed an improvement in her quality of life. Her daughters, who closely keep up with her adventures on our Facebook page, have expressed how pleased they are with her care. ‘It’s only been a few days but the difference you have made to mum’s life is already clearly visible,’ they comment. ‘You have assembled a wonderful team. Everyone we have met is caring and engaged.’
During the last few weeks, residents have shared stories amongst the group to get to know one another, including what their life was like growing up. For Loraine, growing up on a dairy farm brings about many happy memories. ‘My dad was a dairy farmer and he owned 5 farms over the years,’ she recalls. ‘If the new farms didn't have jersey cows, he would sell them, and buy jersey cows.’ Loraine recalls that these cows ‘made the best ice cream, and [dad] loved ice cream,’ she says.
Reflecting on her father, Loraine said that he had a reputation of helping others and giving things away, even to strangers. ‘That generosity was instilled in all of us, and all of us followed him. Even our children,’ she says.
When asked about what she loves most about her family, Loraine says, ‘I love how close everyone is. Even the partners are close mates,’ reminding us how strong family connections are important in our lives.
