A senior tabby cat is living the best of her nine lives after moving into Glengara Care Retirement Community in Tumbi Umbi with her owners, Joan and Maurice Simpson-Morgan.
While the Simpsons were ready to make a move to higher care living, they were not ready to lose Lucy, so they needed to find a new home that suited the whole family.
Glengara Care by RetireAustralia is a premium and positive alternative to aged care located within the existing Glengara Retirement Village on the Central Coast.
Joan, Maurice and Lucy moved into the new $35 million 70-apartment care facility after living in Erina for the past 25 years.
With Maurice nearing 90 and his care needs increasing, the couple felt it was time to look into options to help them age positively in a safe and secure care-focused environment.
Joan and Maurice’s son Tony Simpson-Morgan said one of the major deciding factors for his parents in choosing Glengara Care was the ability to bring their beloved cat Lucy with them.
“Mum had made some enquiries but if there were no pets allowed that was it, the phone would go down,” Mr Simpson-Morgan said.
“Lucy was quite timid when she came into their lives four years ago. Since then, they’ve grown close and she’s been very special to Mum and Dad. It’s been great that Lucy could go with them. It gives them an interest as well”.
Glengara Care Village Manager Sharon Stuart-Gray said pets were a welcome addition to community life at the village, with residents encouraged to bring their furry friends with them, even in their care apartments.
“Owning a pet in your senior years can help improve your mood, increase your socialisation and keep you active, she said.
“We know how special the bond is between pets and their owners and we’re proud to offer our residents the choice to keep their best friends near as their care needs change.
While Lucy spends a lot of her retirement lazing on the sofa, Joan and Maurice have embraced a more active lifestyle, participating in social activities, including a Mexican-themed dress-up day during the COVID-19 lockdown.
“Both Joan and Maurice’s health has significantly improved since joining us at Glengara Care. Having their care needs met by our nursing staff and their meals cooked by our in-house chef has given them a lot more time and energy to enjoy community life” Ms. Stuart-Gray said.
And how has Lucy settled in?
“She is spoilt rotten. When I go to visit, she’s usually sprawled out on the couch like she owns the joint!” Mr Simpson-Morgan said.
Glengara Care Apartments are a unique alternative to aged care and form part of RetireAustralia’s expanding portfolio of retirement villages across New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia.
The spacious apartments offer the privacy of a separate bedroom, lounge area, bathroom and kitchenette, with views to the internal atrium and rural landscape.
Meals are prepared by professional chefs and the care team is on hand 24/7 to meet the needs of residents, including an emergency response team and high level day-to-day support and clinical services.
Residents also benefit from access to Glengara Retirement Village’s wide range of existing facilities and activities, including expansive gardens, a bowls green, gym, cafe, private treatment rooms, bar, swimming pool and beauty salon.
To find out more about the new Glengara Care offering, visit glengaracare.com.au or call us on 1800 955 070.
