At every TriCare Aged Care Residence, every resident brings with them a lifetime of memories, experiences and wisdom. And Patricia’s story from Ashgrove Aged Care Residence is no different, her story is one filled with resilience, warmth and connection.
Originally from outback Queensland, Patricia was born in Charleville and turned 90 this year, went to St Margaret’s school in Brisbane and then married a Charleville grazier, George. She has lived an extraordinary life, raising her 3 children on large sheep and cattle properties in the Quilpie region.
Life on the land taught her the importance of community, creativity and making the most of every moment. Along the way, she developed a passion for dressmaking, gardening, reading and caring for others.
When it came time to consider residential aged care, Patricia already knew what mattered most to her, comfort, kindness and feeling at home. After visiting Ashgrove Aged Care Residence with her daughter, she immediately knew she had found the right place.
“As soon as we walked around the place, I knew this is where I was going to be,” Patricia shared. “It’s just marvellous. I think it’s a beautiful place.”
Since moving in, Patricia has embraced the welcoming community lifestyle at TriCare Ashgrove. She enjoys spending time outdoors with friends, caring for plants on the balcony, reading good books and filling her days with knitting, crochet and puzzles.
One of the things Patricia values most is the sense of friendship and connection among residents and staff alike.
“The staff, they’re just lovely, they’re very caring and they really do care, they throw their arms around you, and give you a hug and there’s a lot of love in the place, there really is.” she says.
Patricia also appreciates being close to family, with her daughter regularly visiting after work, and enjoys the peaceful surroundings, greenery and relaxed atmosphere that make every day enjoyable.
Her story is a wonderful reminder that residential aged care is about so much more than support, it’s about continuing to live a fulfilling life, building friendships, enjoying hobbies and feeling part of a caring community.
At Ashgrove Aged Care Residence, we are proud to create places where residents like Patricia can truly feel at home.
Patricia sums it up completely – “I don’t think I could move back, even into somebody else’s house, to live with somebody. It’s because you’re totally independent here. You don’t have to really, you depend, I guess, on the food and care. Otherwise, you’re totally free to be yourself. You really are.”
Find out more about our premium state-of-the-art facility and warm community at Ashgrove Aged Care Residence.
