Sue and John's Story - Moving into Residential Aged Care

Moving from your own home to a residential aged care home can be an overwhelming experience. When living at home is no longer an option, this can sometimes be the best solution for many older people – as new BlueCross residents Sue and John Blackman discover.

Despite being in their 80s, Sue and John had never given any thought that they would one day move into a residential aged care home. It was a twist of fate that turned the couple’s respite stay at BlueCross Cresthaven into a permanent stay in January 2020 – and they have no regrets.

“I feel very safe here because everyone looks after everyone,” says Sue. “Even as oldies, we are aware of the next person and we make sure they are comfortable. And if we’re concerned, we call somebody.

“Moving into aged care… well, I never gave it a thought. I was surprised we were here because we were pretty active until I got this syndrome which knocked me about a bit. I couldn’t drive and I kept falling. It affects the balance so I’m safer here.”

“It’s important for the family to know that I’m looked after and that I’m safe. And if I fall, there’s someone to help me.”

John says they never anticipated life in an aged care home, and it took them some time to adjust. He was very honest with how he felt with the transition.

“It was a shock having to come here,” says John. “My wife is 84 and I’m 86. We’re at this stage of our life where we have deteriorated very rapidly and that’s the thing that’s the most concern to us. We couldn’t exist without the good help we get here.”

Sue was overwhelmed with the loving care that they get at Cresthaven. She says, “I have never come across so many lovely young people. They only have our interests at heart. We’re so lucky.”

To follow Sue and John's story, watch the video below and listen to their honest take about moving into residential aged care.

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