Graeme Is Getting On with Life with a Little Help from His Friends

Graeme Quarry has seen more than enough in his 38 years serving his country. He first joined the Australian Army in 1952 and served in the Korea and Vietnam War. Graeme recognises the importance of comradery and having faith in your mates. 

“You just had to work as a team member or you’d put people’s lives at risk,” says Graeme.

Through these experiences, Graeme learned to appreciate the life he has and the importance of mateship. Graeme lost his loving wife to illness in 2010 and when he recently became too ill to care for himself, he left his family home and moved into Bupa Calwell. Whilst he was sad to leave his home and the memories within, he had one condition about the next chapter of his life.

“I just want to be around my mates,” he says.

Many of Graeme’s friends are affiliated with Probus, which is a community group focussed on friendship, fellowship and fun in retirement. So when it was time to move into permanent care, he wanted the freedom to still attend the Probus group meetings in Canberra.

Joana Armamento is one of Bupa Calwell’s Registered Nurses and says Graeme is determined to live life to the fullest.

“He is a very positive person and wants to remain active in the community. We help Graeme attend regular Probus meetings, whilst ensuring he’s given the care he needs and deserves. After 38 years of serving his country, it’s only right that we all work together to give something back to him,” she says.

Graeme has been awarded an Order of Australia medal for his years of service and he continues to value the bonds of mateship. “I’ve made some new friends here at the home and love catching up with my Probus mates. I’m just getting on with my life, and it really doesn’t get any better than this!” he says.

Find out more about Bupa Aged Care.

Pictured: Joana Armamento caring for Graeme at Bupa Calwell