Beryl has been here at Bardon Aged Care 3 years, with Beth only arriving in the last couple.
St Vincent’s Aged Care at Bardon has been the backdrop for their friendship and it’s been a place where they’ve not only found each other, but something to do every day of the week.
“It's a lovely place,” says Beth. Beryl nods in agreement. “We mostly like the movies. Dramas. There’s bingo. There’s exercises. But, not too keen on that,” Beth laughs.
“This afternoon we’ll have a movie on. There’s always something going on. It’s a lovely, lovely place. You could recommend it to anyone. We’re all happy and that’s the main thing.”
One of the challenges of moving into aged care is that it’s rarely planned. Emotion runs high and residents and family alike are incredibly stressed.
“I had a fall,” says Beryl. “I fractured my hip, a pubic bone. So I’ve been here since.”
“To give up your independence is the hardest, but once you realise you can’t look after yourself any longer. It’s good. Because everyone looks after you.”
When it came to aged care, Beth, however had next to no concerns.
“I never even thought about it,” says Beth.
“It’s just another stage in my life.”
“Take it as it comes. That’s my motto.”
Despite the differences in how they arrived at Bardon, both Beryl and Beth agree that it was the right move for them. To be closer to family and to have the support they need from people that genuinely care for them.
“The staff get to the door and they say, ‘Are you two on the sherry again?’ We’ve just started, give us a go,” Beth laughs.
“The staff are absolutely fantastic. No complaints.”
Beryl agrees.
“Well they’re just so thoughtful. They don’t mind what they do for you. Everything is no trouble to them. They just don’t mind. They're very cheerful all the time and very helpful,” says Beryl. Beth agrees.
“I haven’t heard one of the residents say they’re not happy.”
So, what’s next for Beth and Beryl: Afternoon (and sometimes morning) sherrys, movies and enjoying each other’s families and company.
When we chatted with Beth, we said that it sounded like bliss.
“It is,” says Beth. “It is.”
“Everyone’s happy, everyone fits in. That’s how it should be.”
