Sometimes, the most meaningful friendships blossom by simply being in the right place at the right time.
For many of our residents, cherished friendships have sprung from sitting beside each other at lunch, singing together during a concert or striking up conversation over a game.
We chatted to a few firm friends throughout our aged care homes to see how the people around them make each day a little brighter.
Valerie, Wendy & Audrey
For Valerie, the friendships she's found at Carinity Brownesholme are incredibly precious.
Having been seated together for lunch, the trio of Valerie, Wendy and Audrey have become close friends. All three women had strong connections before they moved to Brownesholme, but they still found a blessing in being able to expand on their friendship network.
"Wendy and Audrey have offered emotional support and feel like extra family. They're good sports and beautiful company," Valerie said.
"We enrich each other's lives by helping each other through tough times, offering comfort, building confidence and providing a sense of belonging."
Fay, Valmai & Iris
A judgement-free mindset and willingness to give activities a go brought a group of friendly Brownesholme residents together.
For residents Fay, Valmai and Iris, knowing there's a friendly face nearby has made the adjustment to living in aged care a little easier.
"Feeling connected helps to avoid loneliness and makes you feel valued and supported," they said.
The group of friends makes sure to go out of their way to greet new residents, offering a warm 'hello' to help everyone feel welcome.
"We don't know what they're going through," the friends noted, "so we just try to make them feel welcome."'
Gayle, Maureen & Joyce
Shared experiences often bring people together, and that's certainly the case for Joyce, Gayle and Maureen. The three women all have hearing difficulties and met during the organised activities.
"We're able to support each other," they explained.
Company is very important to all three, and together they enjoy playing cards, competing at bingo and heading on bus trips.
"Spending time together as friends strengthens our minds, our outlook and our love for one another," they said.
Pam & Margot
Another Brownesholme resident, Pam, hadn't been able to get out and socialise for nearly two years before joining Carinity. Pam was struggling with loneliness after losing her husband - so making friends brought a sense of connection and support.
"My friends have a warm nature and we share values," Pam said. "It can get lonely in your room. I always encourage new residents to join the activities organised by staff."
For Margot, moving into Brownesholme gave her back some of the freedom she'd lost over the years.
"I wasn't socialising very much. It was difficult getting into a bus or car," she said. "But I've been fortunate to find friends easily since moving here. I have so many friends through my home. All different, but all special."
Sharing kindness with so many new people has made Margot's new home feel like a "big family". Her advice to new residents is always simple: "saying hello with a smile is a great start".
John, Dennis, Barry & Anne
John, Dennis, Barry (pictured) and Anne (pictured) haven't just found friendship with each other - their families are now connected, too.
The group met at Carinity Fairfield Grange after their families encouraged them to attend activities and meet new people. The suggestion worked, as now their families also keep in touch and get together when they're visiting, with everyone invited.
All four were active in their communities before they moved into aged care.
"I used to go out with the boys for morning tea and a yarn," said Dennis, while Anne enjoyed getting out for a walk. Having the opportunity to establish new friendships has made a difference to all four.
"It's nice to have some mates to talk to," noted John. Anne agreed: "It makes life easier, and nicer, to have friends. You feel less alone, and you can still have a laugh about things and not take life too seriously."
Regardless of how they met their new friends, all the residents agreed on one thing: getting outside, meeting people and taking part in activities was essential.
At Carinity, helping residents foster new friendships through conversations, activities and social engagements is something our dedicated team loves to do. And with such beautiful friendships emerging, it's easy to see why.
