At Aeralife, we take pride in celebrating the unique journeys of our residents who find their way to our community and make it their own.
One such inspiring story is that of Pat, a cherished resident since October 2018. As Pat approaches her 90th birthday this October, her journey of determination and self-discovery highlights the power of choosing one’s own path helped her to find home at Aeralife Watergardens.
A life of dedication and love
Pat’s life before Watergardens is a rich tapestry woven with dedication, love, and hard work. A proud mother of five – two daughters and three sons – and grandmother to 11, Pat has always placed family at the heart of everything she does. Raising her children single-handedly after separating from their father, her life stands as a testament to perseverance and maternal devotion. Her children, now spread across Victoria and Tasmania, remain closely knit, often coming together for special occasions and visits.
Pat fondly recalls the support she received from a neighbour while working as a tram driver in Kew. “I had a lovely lady nearby who looked after my children while I worked to support them. Her kindness was a significant help during those early years,” Pat reminisces.
Finding a new home at Watergardens
Pat’s decision to move to Aeralife Watergardens was made with careful consideration and a touch of persistence. “I had seen a few other places before visiting Watergardens, but they felt small and lacked the vibrant energy I was looking for. When I walked into Watergardens, I knew instantly that this was where I wanted to be,” she says.
“When I walked into Watergardens, I knew instantly that this was where I wanted to be,” she says.
Despite there being no vacancies at the time, Pat’s determination was unwavering. She frequently checked in with Residence Manager Carina Boyle, eager to join the Aeralife community. Carina recalls, “Pat was incredibly persistent. She called a couple of times a week and even visited in person to show her interest. Her enthusiasm was truly inspiring, and we were thrilled to inform her when a room became available.”
A warm and fulfilling experience
Since joining Watergardens, Pat has found a place she truly loves. “I’m so lucky to be here. I love it, and the home here you can’t fault. The care is wonderful – you couldn’t find nicer people. I really appreciate it and would love to take them home with me. Well, actually, I do have them at home with me, so I feel very lucky!” Pat shares with a warm laugh.
Her favourite spot in the lounge reflects her enjoyment of community life at Watergardens. “I love to people-watch from my favourite chair. It’s a great way to feel connected with everyone coming and going,” she says.
Pat’s independent spirit remains strong. Although she now need a bit more assistance than she did when she first arrived, she continues to enjoy her autonomy. The staff at Watergardens respect her desire for independence while offering support as needed, ensuring that Pat feels comfortable and at home.
“I’m so lucky to be here. I love it, and the home here you can’t fault. The care is wonderful – you couldn’t find nicer people.”
Reflecting on a rich life
Looking back, Pat describes her life as “happy,” with a smile. Her past work experiences as a tram driver and at a Milk Bar in Camberwell were more than just jobs – they were ways to contribute to the world and support her family. “In my day, if you didn’t work, you didn’t have a wage coming in. I enjoyed working; it was my way of having purpose outside of being a mother,” Pat reflects.
Though she has yet to welcome great-grandchildren, Pat eagerly anticipates their arrival. “I don’t have any great-grandchildren yet, but they’ll come. I’ll wait for them,” she says with a giggle.
Cherishing family moments
When asked about her most memorable moments, Pat finds it challenging to choose just one. “I absolutely have five gorgeous children. I couldn’t separate them or pick a favourite. I don’t do anything special, but I always let them know how much I love them and how lucky I am to be their mum,” she says.
Pat’s path to finding her home at Aeralife Watergardens is a testament to the power of self-determination and the joy of finding a place where one truly belongs. We are proud to support and celebrate Pat’s journey and all that she brings to our community.
