Calvary Kooyong: A One-Stop Solution for Retirement Living and Aged Care Needs

"It all started with a fall," reminisced Lyla Weisler, one of the pioneering retirees who embraced the new Hyson Apartments in the Calvary Kooyong integrated care precinct of Melbourne.

"I had a fall in the bathroom of our previous apartment. I tumbled down and found myself unable to get back up. Although I didn't sustain any injuries, I felt paralyzed, stuck in one place."

The incident left Lyla with a sense of vulnerability, causing her to ponder what she would have done if the outcome had been different.

"If Tom hadn't been in the adjacent room, I have no idea how I would have managed or how long I would have been stranded there. We were living just a stone's throw away from a hospital, but that doesn't help when you've fallen in your bathroom, and no one is aware of it. I felt a lingering unease."

Thus commenced a transformative journey that would eventually lead them a few suburbs south to the illustrious Calvary retirement living, health, and aged care precinct in Caulfield South. The precinct stood in place of the former Calvary Bethlehem hospital.

Tom Weisler first caught wind of this precinct through a friend at the Armadale Bowls Club, who enthusiastically shared details about the nearby residence he was moving into.

"I mentioned it to Lyla without giving it much thought. We were content and living comfortably in our current place," Tom recalled. Little did he know.

By coincidence, Lyla struck up a conversation with a friend who was relocating to Melbourne after residing on the Gold Coast for many years. Her friend mentioned the place as "where Bethlehem hospital used to be."

Lyla shared a deep connection with the old hospital, as both her sons were born there during its time as a general and maternity facility.

"As she spoke about the services and amenities, something piqued my interest," Lyla confessed.

After careful contemplation and encouragement from their loved ones, the couple made the decision to leave their city apartment and became among the first residents to settle into the Hyson Apartments retirement complex.

With its panoramic balcony offering breathtaking views and the comprehensive services available at Calvary Kooyong, the couple couldn't be happier. The move granted them peace of mind within a community of like-minded individuals (six of Tom's friends from the bowling club were joining as well!) and a comfortable, elegant home that perfectly suited their present and future needs.

"I felt that this place offers numerous services and features that will make us feel much more secure," Lyla remarked. Though young at heart, they had come to terms with the fact that they were growing older. "Some people assume this place is filled with elderly individuals, and well, hey, we're one of them," she chuckled.

"Can you believe it?" Tom interjected, smiling.

"Tom is turning 85 on his next birthday," Lyla continued. "And he also has visual impairments."

Initially hesitant, Tom and Lyla had reservations about transitioning to retirement living. However, they soon discovered that it was a wonderful decision.

"We made the move while still leading active lives, not waiting until we became frail and less mobile. We can truly enjoy this stage of our lives for a few more years," Tom expressed with satisfaction.

And why wouldn't they? The breathtaking sunsets and captivating views never ceased to amaze them. "We adore this place because of the expansive balcony, offering views of the city, the Bay, and the Dandenongs," Lyla explained.

It's an all-in-one solution.

"We have access to a 24-hour emergency call service, which we considered essential, one of the main factors for us. And there's a helpful concierge to assist us. I mean we can get that help from our kids and that’s lovely, but I don’t want to ask them all the time.

“The cinema room is a draw, and the fact that you’ve got a community will be lovely…”

“Then there is the coffee lounge and the other services still to come, like a pharmacy and medical centre,” adds Tom. “And look, you’ve got to be realistic. Someone is going to die first…”.

“Or get ill,” offered Lyla. “If one of us gets so ill that we end up [in the Huntly Suites], the other one can stay here and can visit. I thought it was fantastic to have the aged care home this close, so that was a big draw as well."

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