It’s often said that love will find a way.
A Central Coast couple married for 63 years but forced to live apart for 12 months have finally been reunited, thanks to Glengara Care’s new approach to aged care.
With a progressive disorder affecting his balance and movement, John Schulz and his wife Thelma made the painful decision for him to go into an aged care facility, a move that turned their lives upside down.
The couple held little hope of finding their way out of the heartbreak but are now back together and living at RetireAustralia’s Glengara Care apartments at Tumbi Umbi.
Overturning the traditional nursing home style of aged care, Glengara Care’s apartments are suitable for couples even if one partner does not require aged care.
RetireAustralia Chief Executive Officer Dr Brett Robinson said Glengara Care was a game-changing alternative to aged care on the Central Coast, providing the private support people needed to continue living a meaningful life.
“One of the first things visitors and residents remark on is that Glengara Care is nothing like a nursing home,” he said.
“While it offers an unmatched level of tailored care, it also means that couples such as the Shulzs can continue to be together, living life on their own terms in beautiful surroundings.’’
Certainly, since moving into Glengara Care a month ago, it has been a revelation for the Schulzs and has brought to an end a very difficult and emotional period of their lives.
After such a long stretch of living apart, they say it’s hard to overstate the importance of life’s simple joys such as holding hands and exchanging smiles.
While they are still settling into Glengara Care, they are quietly celebrating each new day.
Now preparing to celebrate 64 years of marriage, Thelma said their new life here was the best anniversary gift they could have hoped for.
“Our daughter Kim found out what was on offer at Glengara Care, and now that we’ve moved in we haven’t looked back,’’ she said.
“We’re still settling in but it’s great just to be together again.’’
“We are also enjoying the way we are being looked after here, and that includes no shopping or cooking,’’ said John.
The pair met at a social game of tennis in Sydney in 1952 when Thelma was asked to join John’s team – leading to a long, happy lifetime together which has included three children.
Glengara Care apartments are co-located within the established Glengara Retirement Village and offer the privacy of a separate bedroom, lounge, bathroom, kitchenette and outdoor space. Meals are prepared by a professional chef and staff are on hand 24/7 to provide an unmatched level of tailored care.
Residents share access to all the village facilities, including an expansive garden, bowling green, gym, café, bar, pool, library, beauty salon, consultation rooms and more.
To find out more about Glengara Care, call 1800 955 070 or click here.
