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At Amaroo, our Buckley and McMahon Caring Centres have been providing high quality care for over 40 years.
Every single resident who enters one of our Caring Centres comes with a unique story, and in our blog series Residents of Amaroo, we introduce you to the inspiring people who make Amaroo their home.
In this blog post, we introduce you to Brian.
Meet Brian
Brian was born in Broken Hill, New South Wales and moved to Western Australia by himself in 1962.
“I moved away from home because I wanted to try something new.
When I first came over to Western Australia, I worked in a department store called Boans which hasn’t been around for years. It used to be where Myer was in Perth City.”
Brian continued working in the retail industry for an impressive 50 years before his retirement.
“I’ve sold in-store and I was also a country rep selling to shop owners throughout the state from Windham right down to Esperance.”
Family bonds
Whilst working at Bowens, Brian met his late wife, Cornelia, and they soon married after 2 years together.
Originally from Holland, Cornelia relocated to Western Australia herself in 1953.
The couple bought a home in Kelmscott where they lived for several years and raised their daughters before moving to Thornlie and eventually to Gosnells.
“I’ve got two daughters. One lives locally with my two granddaughters and my eldest daughter is married and lives in Sydney.”
Making the most of life
Following Cornelia’s passing, Brian lived in Maddington independently for 11 years.
“I enjoyed gardening and going to my Social Club every Tuesday. We’d play bowls and cards, have lunch and play bingo in the afternoon.”
Brian shares that throughout his many years with the club he held several roles on the committee, including social organiser, treasurer, vice-president and president. These responsibilities meant he was often responsible for organising their trips.
“We travelled to Albany, Esperance, Adelaide, Sydney and Queensland. At least 22 of us would go each time.”
Brian fulfilled his desire to see more of the world in 2019 when he and his sister-in-law embarked on a trip around Europe and the United Kingdom.
“It was the best thing I’ve ever done for myself. It was 53 days total. We went on a river cruise from Budapest to Amsterdam and did a bus trip through Rome, Paris, Vienna, England, Scotland and Wales.
I also caught up with my late wife’s family in Holland.”
Gaining peace of mind
Brian accessed home help whilst living independently but found it was not enough to support his needs.
“I had a cleaner come once a fortnight and a social worker take me shopping every Friday, but I still wasn’t in the best shape to take care of myself. If I sat down in a chair I struggled to get up.”
Brian’s daughter, who resides locally, would help him whenever she could.
“Every day she wasn’t working she’d be in Maddington sorting me out. Making sure I had the right food and meals, and the bills were getting paid,” Brian explains.
After an extended hospital stay, Brian, with the doctor’s guidance, decided it would be best for him to move into a care centre.
His daughter contacted McMahon Caring Centre, and they had a room available for Brian the following day.
Brian notes that moving into McMahon has taken a weight off not only his but his daughter’s mind.
“24 hours a day there’s someone here if you need them. You only have to press your button, and they come.
My daughter is informed about everything that’s going on which has relieved a lot of pressure off her.”
Enjoying life at McMahon
Brian’s daughter, granddaughters and sister-in-law frequently visit him in his new home.
He also receives a visit each Sunday from his former neighbour, who brings him communion after their Church service.
Brian is still able to partake in several of the activities he enjoyed prior to living at McMahon.
“I play bochi and bingo. I go to the gym. We also have a sing-along every fortnight and happy hour every Friday that I like to go to.”
He’s taken part in several of the day trips which have included going to Churchman’s Brook and Serpentine Dam.
Immersing himself in the McMahon Caring Centre community, Brian’s skills were recognised by the team, and he has recently become a resident representative.
“I was asked whether I would be interested, and I said why not.”
He has formed a great relationship with staff and is appreciative of their friendly nature.
“They’re first class. You’re not thought of as just another patient.
Everybody here talks to you, even the chef pops his head in and says hi.”
Being once unsure of what life at a care centre would be like, Brian now recommends McMahon Caring Centre to anyone considering residential aged care.
“If there’s a room here, and you need to go somewhere, take it. Jump at the chance. After being here and not knowing what it would be like to go into a home where someone else looks after you, I can say it’s brilliant,” Brian explains.
At Amaroo, our mission is to provide a positive and supportive environment for our residents like Brian, where their level of care changes as their needs do.
We understand that the decision to move into a residential aged care facility can be overwhelming and that’s why our friendly team are here to help you through the process.
Call us today on 1300 653 967 or book a tour with us here.