After losing her husband of 68 years and finding the isolation ‘terrible’, Maureen moved to live with her son in Brisbane. The challenge now was to meet people in a new city, which wasn’t easy until care worker Margot decided it was time to ‘bring back the joy’ for this very active 89-year-old.

Having been supported by HammondCare At Home in Gosford, Maureen says she contacted the Queensland team immediately when moving to Brisbane – ‘I wouldn’t want anyone else.'

Originally from South Africa, Maureen was used to getting out regularly for outings. Now she was finding it hard to connect in her new location. Her son Yohann – her only Australian family member – provides a wonderful home for his mum, but running a busy accountancy business means he works long hours.

That’s when care worker Margot, who visits Maureen most Thursdays, decided that it was time to ‘bring back the joy’ for Maureen. 

First stop for Maureen and Margot was the local senior citizens club, where Maureen met other women with similar interests and learned about different activities she could join.

Next, a visit to the local bus company saw Maureen ‘over the moon’ as she heard about the many excursions on offer, and that she could be picked up from her door!

Finally, they went to the local community centre, which offers a range of digital courses. Maureen is already a ‘whiz’ on the computer but is keen to learn more, so she can keep in touch with family overseas.

As they finished their journey, armed with lots of forms and brochures, Margot says Maureen was bursting with anticipation and a new lease on life.

'It's amazing what you can do in a visit to help and change someone's life. Being a carer is so satisfying, I love it.’

Now, a key aspect of Margot's ongoing care for Maureen is helping her to get out and about in her new community. As for Maureen, she says HammondCare certainly knows how to find the right people. ‘They’re all so considerate and nice. Nothing seems too difficult for them. The really know how to care.’