Like many people, June McDonald had mixed feelings about aged care, but over time she’s been adapting to her new environment and home, finding enjoyment in new activities.

Ms McDonald moved into Heywood Rural Health’s (HRH) residential aged care in 2024.

She was originally from Werribee living with her partner for eight years until he moved into a nursing home, then relocating to Allestree to live with her daughter Julie Marsh.

“I think it was bittersweet for her to come back to Portland.  She left her partner in Werribee because his family didn’t want him down here and she didn’t want to go into care in Werribee,” Mrs Marsh said.

“He’s the same age as mum and he couldn’t cope any longer at home, so that’s why she came to live with us.”

Eight months later, Ms McDonald then moved into HRH, because her family was finding it challenging to look after her as she became more frail.

Mrs Marsh said they were always asking, “What about mum? Someone has to be home?”

“We looked at the other aged care facilities, more hospital-wise and we thought, it’s more homely here at Heywood”, she said.

She said the aged care facility at HRH was more welcoming to both her mother and the extended family who can easily visit and also take Ms McDonald on outings.

“Every second fortnight Mum goes and gets her hair done at the hairdressers down in Portland and then we go out for lunch.”

Living in Heywood, Ms McDonald is closer to her great granddaughters in Portland and she loves to watch them perform in their dance groups.

“I see two if I go to Portland and I see another two (great grandchildren) if I go to Torquay,” Ms McDonald said.

“We do play bingo and games (in the aged care) and the kids like it when I win at bingo because I get chocolate.”

She enjoys some activities at HRH, such as playing bingo, and going for walks with other residents.

She said she does feel lonely at times, but she has appreciated the structured activities and has made some social connections.

Her bedroom window gives her a wide view of the paddock beside the aged care and there are communal spaces to sit back and socialise with other residents, of which she likes to do.

HRH aged care can accommodate 45 residents who require supportive full time or respite care and to keep things entertaining they will regularly have live entertainment and plenty of social activities each week.  The Leisure and Lifestyle Team have a carefully planned monthly calendar to ensure each day provides activities and entertainment for all to enjoy.

Thank you to Charlie Sawyer-Bassett from the Portland Observer for this lovely story and photo.

Photo from left: Julie Marsh and June McDonald