Ted’s a regular visitor at HammondCare’s Forest Oak Social Club in Southeast Sydney. He retired when he turned 65 after a fulfilling career as an architect and professional calligrapher but six years later, his life took an unexpected turn – when he suffered a stroke while on an overseas trip.

As part of his rehabilitation, Ted was referred to various local health and support services — which is how he came in contact with Manager Giorgia and her team at Forest Oak Social Club. He visits there twice a week.

For Ted, social club is more than a place to spend the day — it’s where he can step out of his usual routine, share a healthy and freshly cooked meal and enjoy the activities on offer. Most importantly for Ted though, it’s where he can connect with other people from his local community.

His family also have peace of mind knowing he has all the support he needs there, too. Now 73, Ted has taught himself to write again, this time with his left hand.

He says social club has brought a renewed purpose back into his life, ‘and for that,’ he adds, ‘I am deeply grateful.’

Giorgia says, ‘Ted is by nature a very outgoing person. Coming to our social club has really reduced his feelings of isolation. It was a very challenging time after his stoke, having to learn to communicate with people again and make new friendships, when in the past this has always been second nature for him.’

Giorgia and the close-knit professional team love seeing clients thrive at our social club. ‘When clients visit on a regular basis, we really begin to see a difference with how they engage with us and the friendships they form.

'Ted is also quite competitive; by the end of the day he usually has a pocketful of chocolate ‘winnings’ from sharing in games of trivia or quoits, which he delights in taking home for his little granddaughter, Valentina.’

Social club activities and outings vary week to week, and guests can be involved as much as they want to. They’re also welcome to just observe, if they prefer. From dancing, singing, roller ball, bingo, trivia and card games, there is an activity for everyone.

As Ted now doesn’t drive, a local private bus company transports him to social club and home again. The driver always asks him, ‘How was your day?’

Ted shares, ‘my response is always the same: it went far too quickly.’

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Our local social club and overnight respite cottage managers are available to meet with you, talk through eligibility criteria, show you around, and help you understand what care could look like for your situation.

They can also help guide you through My Aged Care, including how to access funding and the right codes, making the process simpler and less overwhelming.