Home Care clients Margaret and Ross (both 88) live in picturesque Mollymook on the New South Wales South Coast. They decided on a ‘sea change’ in 2005 after decades of living and working in Sydney where they raised their three children.
‘We can’t imagine living anywhere else now,’ says Margaret.
The couple celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary this year, and keep in regular contact with their growing family – which now includes five grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
Ross worked as an industrial air conditioning manager before retirement. Margaret has been employed for most of her adult life too, including as a receptionist in the Sydney office for the High Commission in Malaysia. ‘I remember when they declared their independence in 1957 – there was lots of celebrating, it was a wonderful party atmosphere.’
After having children Greg, Amanda and Maryanne (who sadly died of leukaemia when she was 33), Margaret returned to paid work at a local primary school to cover maternity leave – and ended up staying for 23 years.
The HammondCare Home Care team visit the couple twice a week. Ross and Margaret appreciate the care and attention to detail they bring to everything, and the personal touch – always making time for a cuppa and a chat.
They are both aware that over time their care needs may change, and are grateful there is a wider team supporting them. Care Partner Lisa is a regular visitor, checking in on them to discuss whether their care plans are still suitable, or if they need adjusting.
‘Kate, a registered nurse from the team, is a godsend. We were up in Sydney recently so Ross could attend a day procedure in hospital. Kate is always on top of what is going on for us health wise, and works with our local GP to make sure we have everything we need.
‘Kate visited us soon after we came home, to check on Ross’s medications and his recovery. It’s reassuring to know the clinical support is there for us too, especially as we get older. And that we don’t need to miss out on professional care just because we now live regionally.’
Being an active person most of her life, it took Margaret some time to get used to the help.
‘I do get frustrated – things can take longer these days. If it wasn’t for HammondCare, I don’t think we could stay at home.
‘We don’t want to go anywhere else; this is where we belong. We’re very grateful for the support – and that we’re treated like family.’