This LinkedIn post from Gwenda Darling, a member of the Aged Care Council of Elders, should be seen far and wide.
“It’s four months today since I moved to Newcastle to live in the Maroba Caring Communities’ Maroba Aged Care,” Gwenda posted.
“I am happier than at any other stage of my life. Every day I experience joy in my heart
when I spend time with residents. I can honestly admit the first month was a tough transition. My rose-coloured glasses were shattered.
“There are many opportunities to develop and improve but the exciting thing is how receptive management is to feedback and listening, and to create change in the best interest of residents.”
She said the transition was made bearable partly by the support of Louise Adnum, General Manager Corporate Services, and previous CEO Viv Allanson.
“I am so blessed these strong women helped me to adjust to community living. They introduced me to residents who they knew were compatible with my eccentricities and accommodated my dog Redleigh’s needs by allowing her to have her own free range doggy park.
“We have made some lovely friends in the Terraces, (one of whom crotcheted Redleigh a Knights rug) as well as in the Lodge and Manor, who we visit with most days. We have started a Scrabble Club and have had the concrete poured for the “smokers circle”, this is where all the fun happens. We also have encountered some people who were difficult to adjust to. Can you believe one resident doesn’t like dogs? Yet again the team supported me through my distress.
“The most exciting thing that has happened is I have laughed. We women even snort while we laugh playing scrabble. Along with my tears that have dried up, about 10 years ago, my ability to laugh also went almost two years ago. Medical professionals and I thought that part of the brain had deteriorated as a result of dementia. Again, never underestimate neural pathways ability to regenerate. They definitely have proven again and again that I can rebuild them. For those that have followed me for a while I have also relearnt how to sign my name again.
She praised Ageing Australia CEO Tom Symondson and Older Person’s Advocacy Network Chief Executive Officer Craig Gear.
“It hasn’t been easy, but it sure is fun. I really want to change community perceptions and fear around moving into a residential aged care community. It can be a really positive experience if you find a team that are prepared to work with you to meet your needs, honour the older person’s choices and respect their rights. I encourage you to share the positives and not just the negatives in the aged care space.”