For Kay, it’s the simple things in life, whether going for a walk or having lunch with friends, that bring her joy.
“My needs are very minimal, and that's why I say here is a perfect landing point for the next section of my life,” she says.
Since moving to Wesley Mission’s Frank Vickery Village, Kay has started a new chapter after facing a difficult season following the loss of her husband in 2019. While it wasn’t easy downsizing from a four-bedroom townhouse to a one-bedroom retirement living unit, Kay says she moved to Frank Vickery Village at the right time.
“When I came here, I thought, ‘This is like being on a holiday’,” Kay says. “Landing here was the best thing.”
Having lived in both Sutherland Shire and St George areas all her life, the decision to move to Frank Vickery Village was an easy one.
“I didn't look at any other villages. I knew because of the position of the Village, the position of where my friends live – it's perfect,” Kay says. “There are shopping centres right and left. You’ve got Southgate and Westfield Miranda. You don’t even have to drive a car because you’re on a bus route.”
She continues, “And that’s another reason why I didn't want to go anywhere else, simply because of the cost factor.”
While Kay wasn’t looking for luxury, she says her unit is “flash enough” for her.
“My unit is lovely. It’s got a nice outlook. I've got it just the way I want it. I think it’s important to find your space and where you're going to be your happiest. And my little space is fine for what I need. I can go out for lunch. I like reading. I like just wandering around the gardens and that's all I really need.”
Since moving in, Kay has embraced the many different Village activities on offer including yoga and mindfulness. Kay is the only woman in the Village who plays bowls with the male residents, and she’s also joined several social outings, including visits to Shellharbour and the blowhole in Kiama.
“I really enjoyed these because I didn't have the stress of driving. I just relaxed with friends. We had lunch and saw the sites,” Kay explains.
Finding community
Kay describes herself as a bit of a chatterbox and since moving here, she’s enjoyed meeting new people from all walks of life.
“This opened up a new world to me, a lot of new friendships,” she says.
One of these friendships is with Joyce*. While there’s a 19-year age gap between them, Kay says they “get on with her like a house on fire because she’s just amazing”. There’s also her friendship with Barbara*, which blossomed after they chatted for almost an hour when they first met.
“From that point onwards, we struck a friendship. While she's 91, she and I are on the same page. We're like twin souls. It's unbelievable. And she knows I've got her back and she's got my back,” Kay says. “Our conversations are just so fulfilling. She’s the sort of person who inspires me.”
For Kay, it’s also the staff who make this place feel like home.
“The staff are lovely. They're all bright, happy souls. Nothing's ever a problem. You've got to have security and safety, friendliness and somewhere you can get help if you're not well. You've got a 24-hour service of people looking after you. So, all in all, it encapsulates a good lifestyle.”
Kay is particularly thankful for the support she receives from Edwina, Frank Vickery Village Sales & Guest Relations Coordinator.
“She has done everything in her power to make me comfortable, make me happy. Everything that I've ever asked her to do, she has accommodated me.”
While Kay says she’s been warmly welcomed into the Village, Edwina says Kay is known for her friendly smile and willingness to always have a chat with anyone.
“She's been so good for the Village. I’m so glad she’s come. She’s just been amazing and makes new people feel welcome. And that's quite a skill,” Edwina explains.
Living her best life
For Kay, being optimistic every day is essential to a happier life.
“I've always been on the positive side not on the negative side. And I think that's the way you've got to live your life,” she says.
“It's a big decision when you're looking to move to somewhere like here because you never know how long your life's going to last. So, I’m just living my life the best I can.”
Kay, who’s Catholic, says her faith has also been essential to her overall wellbeing and is glad to live in a community that welcomes all faith backgrounds.
“I have great faith and it's taken me on my journey, and it's been a very strong commodity in my life.”
With family close by, Kay is thankful that her son, daughter and four grandchildren can regularly visit. And Kay is now encouraging her sister to move to Frank Vickery Village. With the freedom to live independently and with the beach close by, Kay is confident this place is right up her sister’s alley.
“We’re so close and because she lives a long way away, this means we can be together,” Kay says.
While Kay found it difficult, when downsizing, to choose which sentimental items to bring her unit, Kay appreciates these items even more than before and now relishes having a cup of tea from her Royal Doulton tea set.
“I thought to myself, ‘You've just got to do it, Kay. You've just got to cut this’. Because I've had 55 years of all this beautiful stuff, it's now time to just calm down and enjoy whatever's left in my life.”
And she truly is. Kay says she’s now found her little haven.
Just like Kay, you too can discover a new and fulfilling chapter in life where you have the freedom to enjoy the things you love, explore new interests and bond with a supportive community of like-minded retirees, by living in one of Wesley Mission’s retirement living villages in Sylvania or Carlingford.
