Aeralife Twin Parks resident Lizzie has spent years putting her life story on paper. Today, she continues adding to that story through friendships, creativity and the everyday moments that make her feel at home.
A storyteller, music lover and keen crocheter, Lizzie has plenty to share. We’re privileged to offer a glimpse into her life, from the memories she is preserving on paper to the friendships she enjoys at Aeralife Twin Parks.
Her experience of life in aged care includes coffee with fellow resident and friend Philomena, favourite records within easy reach and crochet projects she can pick up whenever she feels inspired.
A new chapter at Aeralife Twin Parks
A self-proclaimed “Sydney girl”, Lizzie moved to Melbourne to be closer to one of her daughters and her grandchildren. With four daughters, ten grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, she has plenty of family stories to add to her memoirs.
She first came to Aeralife Twin Parks for respite, giving her the opportunity to experience everyday life at the home before deciding to stay permanently.
“The change from respite was seamless,” Lizzie says.
What began as a short stay turned into a lasting home. Two years later, Lizzie is happily settled into the Twin Parks community, with familiar faces, favourite activities and new friendships.
One of those friendships is with fellow resident Philomena. The pair can often be found sharing a coffee, joining an activity or simply enjoying each other’s company. Their easy conversation and shared sense of fun have become a much-loved part of everyday life.
A room full of stories
When you walk into Lizzie’s room, you immediately get a sense of who she is.
Her collection of black Wedgwood ceramics, with their distinctive white designs, began with a gift from her brother when she was 17. The collection has stayed with her through different chapters of her life and now has a place in her room at Twin Parks.
Nearby sits a vintage record player that once belonged to her uncle, with her favourite records within easy reach. Finished and half-started crochet projects offer another glimpse of her creativity.
Together, these treasured belongings make her room at Twin Parks unmistakably hers, with reminders of family alongside the music and creative projects she enjoys today.
Putting a lifetime of memories on paper
For years, Lizzie has been writing her life story, preserving experiences and reflections in her own words.
There is plenty to tell. Growing up in Sydney, she was 21 when she met her husband at a party in North Sydney.
Later chapters took her to Cairns and on travels through the Gulf of Carpentaria and Torres Strait, adding experiences far beyond the city she first called home.
Lizzie returns to her memoirs every few weeks, recording childhood recollections and memories from different stages of her life. A friend has helped type her handwritten stories, keeping those memories in a form Lizzie and her family can enjoy.
Writing remains one of the ways she chooses to spend her time at Twin Parks. Alongside listening to records and crocheting, it gives her space to reflect, create and continue a project that is uniquely hers.
Her story is still being written, with room for the friendships and experiences of this latest chapter.
Creativity shared with the community
Lizzie enjoys exercise classes, bingo, entertainment and outings. She also loves an opportunity to dress up and join in with celebrations.
Her creativity extends beyond her own room. For Anzac Day, Lizzie crocheted a giant red poppy for the home’s commemorations, bringing something of her own making to an occasion shared by the Twin Parks community.
“Lizzie is a valued part of our community,” says Lifestyle Coordinator Kerrie. “She loves getting involved in activities, especially when there is an opportunity to dress up, but she also enjoys having time to herself. We support her to choose what she feels like doing each day.”
For Lizzie, that choice means being able to enjoy time with others while also making space for her own interests.
More memories still to make
At Twin Parks, Lizzie has found friendship and room to keep pursuing her own interests. Some days include exercise, bingo or a celebration worth dressing up for. Others leave time for her records, crochet and the memories she is putting onto paper.
And her own reflection on life here is simple: “I’m quite happy here.”
Discover life at Aeralife Twin Parks
At Aeralife Twin Parks, residents are supported to stay connected to their interests, relationships and community. From shared activities and new friendships to time for personal projects, everyday life makes room for individual preferences and choices.
To learn more about Aeralife Twin Parks or arrange a tour, contact our team today.
