Sometimes, the most meaningful friendships blossom by simply being in the right place at the right time.
For residents of the Carinity Brownesholme aged care home in Highfields, cherished friendships have sprung from sitting beside each other at lunch, singing together during a concert, or striking up conversation over a game.
Shared experiences often bring people together, and that’s certainly the case for Joyce Knowles, Gayle Gardner and Maureen Town. The three women have hearing difficulties and met during activities organised by aged care staff.
Company is very important to all three, and together they enjoy playing cards, competing at bingo and heading on bus trips. They say spending time together as friends “strengthens our minds, our outlook and our love for one another”.
Having been seated together for lunch, Valerie Carland, Wendy Steel and Audrey Isambert have become close friends.
“Wendy and Audrey have offered emotional support and feel like extra family. They’re good sports and beautiful company,” Valerie said.
“We enrich each other’s lives by helping each other through tough times, offering comfort, building confidence and providing a sense of belonging.”
Another resident, Pam Kennedy, hadn’t been able to get out and socialise for nearly two years before joining the Carinity Brownesholme community.
Pam was struggling with loneliness after losing her husband – so making friends brought a sense of connection and support.
“My friends have a warm nature and we share values. It can get lonely in your room. I always encourage new residents to join the activities organised by staff,” Pam said.
For Margot Cox, moving into Carinity Brownesholme gave her back some of the freedom she’d lost over the years.
“I wasn’t socialising very much. It was difficult getting into a bus or car. I’ve been fortunate to find friends easily since moving here. I have so many friends through my home. All different, but all special,” she said.
Sharing kindness with so many new people has made Margot’s new home feel like a “big family”.
For Fay McMahon, Valmai Fowler and Iris Lewis, knowing there’s a friendly face nearby has made the adjustment to living in aged care a little easier.
The group of friends go out of their way to greet new residents, offering a warm ‘hello’ to help everyone feel welcome.
“Feeling connected helps to avoid loneliness. We don’t know what they’re going through, so we just try to make them feel welcome.”
