Bethanie Gwelup Resident Makes Good Use of Her Precious Favourites

On Wednesday 30^th January, Bethanie Gwelup Aged Care Home welcomed Marianne McCabe from Stirling Women’s Refuge to receive a very special collection of soft toys donated by a resident.

Bethanie, Western Australia’s most recognised not-for-profit aged care and retirement living provider, understands how difficult it can be for someone to give up their cherished home and move into an aged care home.

It is the little things that can make a big difference when transitioning, and that has certainly been the case for Perth born Bette Jordan, who recently moved from her long-term home in Mount Lawley when her husband passed away, and into the Bethanie Gwelup Aged Care Home.

Bette grew up in Mount Lawley and was an only child, happily married to husband Michael for 56 years. They had three children, one boy and two girls. Throughout her life Bette enjoyed competitive swimming as well as teaching young children to swim.

She also taught craft and embroidery for 25 years at the Young Women’s Association. Bette loves craft, embroidery and crochet and throughout her 82 years, she has sewn many clothes including making beautiful handmade dresses and outfits for 187 ceramic dolls. Bette still has a few of these in her room at the Gwelup Home.

Bette has worked closely with Bethanie Chaplain, Kerryn Monger to work out what to do with her treasured collection of soft toys that she has collected for the most part of her life.

Kerryn says, “Each toy has a special story – where it came from, the circumstances she brought it or received it. She was adamant that she couldn’t simply just dump them in an op shop, so we came up with a solution.”

Kerryn and Bette decided they would like to donate them to a local women’s refuge. Bette said, “I would love to know that my toys, which have brought me so much joy, will now bring comfort to a child at a difficult time in their life.”

Many of her soft toys were collected from around the world as she travelled. One of Bette’s favourites is a soft dog which always reminds her of her own dog, with the same colouring. She brought this toy back from London and when she took it on the plane, she was told she couldn’t bring an animal on the plane, until they realised it was a toy.

Kerryn adds, “Working with Bette to find somewhere special to send these toys has been a significant part of helping her to transition and to feel comfortable leaving her previous home and making a new home here at Bethanie Gwelup.

“‘Letting go’ is a significant part of any transition in life. Finding a new home for her treasured soft toys is important to Bette as she leaves her home of 56 years in Mt Lawley, starting a new phase of life at Bethanie Gwelup.”

Residents and staff along with Marianne from the refuge enjoyed a special morning tea as the toys were handed over in a small presentation, marking this special occasion for Bette.

Bethanie Gwelup also collects toiletries for the Stirling Women’s Refuge and makes ongoing donations.

Find out more about Bethanie.