For Olive, a good day can begin with a hot cup of tea in bed and include a lively word game, a conversation with a friend or music she can sing along to. She enjoys life in aged care and being part of Aeralife Bayswater’s community, while making time for the quiet pleasures she has always loved.
Her approach to life is straightforward: “Make the most of everything.”
It is advice she puts into practice herself. Whether she is joining an activity, helping bring people together or sharing a story from her eventful life, Olive continues to find ways to connect and contribute.
A familiar instinct to get involved
Olive has always been someone who sees what needs doing and gets involved. When her children were growing up, she helped organise activities at their local swimming club. Later, her work in hospitals gave her the satisfaction of feeling she was contributing to other people’s lives.
That same instinct has found a place at Bayswater. Her love of giving back to her community is one of many reasons she was nominated by her peers as a resident representative. As their representative, Olive is a valued voice for fellow residents, sharing feedback and ideas, and helping shape a welcoming and supportive community where residents feel heard and respected.
For someone who has spent much of her life helping others, these are meaningful ways to remain involved in her community.
Alongside taking part in activities, Olive’s life in aged care includes helping to initiate singalongs, bringing her love of music into shared moments with fellow residents. Word games and trivia are particular favourites. With a daily newspaper, crossword puzzles and books also among her interests, there is plenty to keep her curiosity occupied, both in company and in her own time.
Life in aged care: friendships and stories worth sharing
With her warm and friendly nature, Olive has always enjoyed striking up conversations and making new friends. As her children keep telling her, “You talk to anybody, Mother.”
At Bayswater, those conversations have blossomed into friendships and revealed some unexpected connections. One fellow resident had taught at a school near where Olive lived in England, giving them a shared connection to a familiar place, despite meeting so far from home.
She also has plenty of stories of her own to share. Her early work as a dressmaker in a London fashion house included making dresses for film stars, an experience she remains proud of.
These memories are part of what Olive brings to the community today: a lifetime of interests, experiences and conversation, and an enthusiasm for getting to know the people around her.
A cricket memory that still brings joy
Olive continues to enjoy sport, particularly cricket, which she has loved all her life. Inspired by her father’s enthusiasm, she still follows both the English and Australian teams, although choosing sides becomes tricky when they play each other.
Her passion for cricket has also given the Bayswater team an opportunity to bring a treasured memory back to life.
Olive fondly recalls being at The Oval when England won the Ashes in 1953. She remembers sitting on the grass behind the boundary rails and joining the crowd rushing onto the field to celebrate.
After hearing her story, the Bayswater team printed a photograph of that historic moment. There, among the celebrating spectators, was Olive herself!
The thoughtful gesture brought a special memory to life, giving Olive the opportunity to relive a joyful moment from her past and share her remarkable story with fellow residents and staff.
Enjoying company, and time to herself
While Olive enjoys life in aged care, especially the friendships and social activities at Aeralife Bayswater, she also appreciates quieter moments in the comfort of her own room.
With a CD player and a large collection of music, she loves listening to her favourite songs. She also enjoys reading and watching quiz shows, British comedy and The Golden Girls.
Spending time outdoors is something she still does regularly, whether soaking up the fresh air, taking a stroll, gardening or enjoying a picnic.
Her willingness to embrace experiences remains as strong as ever. Although she never made it to Italy on her travels, a recent Italian-themed activity at Bayswater brought a little taste of Italy to her, complete with coffee and tiramisu. It was a lovely opportunity to connect with others, try something different, and make new memories.
Feeling supported and staying connected
When Olive and her husband, Pat, needed a little extra support, their family helped them choose Aeralife Bayswater, close to their former home and conveniently located for family visits.
For Olive, life in aged care gives her the comfort of knowing that care and support are always close at hand has helped her feel safe and settled.
“You’ve got help when you need it,” she says. “You feel safe.”
Regular visits from family remain an important part of Olive’s life, and she values the peace of mind they share in knowing she is well cared for.
Since Pat’s passing, familiar songs often bring back cherished memories of their life together. Surrounded by the support of family, friends and the Bayswater team, Olive continues to enjoy her friendships, interests and involvement in the home, alongside quieter moments to reflect on a lifetime of special people and experiences.
At Bayswater, Olive has found a community where she can continue to be herself, share her stories, nurture friendships and contribute to life in the home. Whether leading a singalong, participating in activities or representing fellow residents, she continues to make the most of each day.
Her advice captures that spirit: “Make the most of everything. If you want to do something, do it. Don’t spend your life saying, ‘I wish I’d done that.’”
