Terry & Janet: Still Growing Old Together

From their early days, Terry and Janet often thought how wonderful it would be to grow old together. Married for 58 years, the couple moved from Sydney to the picturesque seaside town of Forster fifteen years ago to enjoy the relaxed coastal lifestyle of swimming, lawn bowls and golf.

When Janet was diagnosed with dementia eight years ago, Terry devoted himself to caring for his beloved wife but as her condition worsened and Terry himself fell ill, he was encouraged to consider alternative arrangements.

“I did a fair bit of research and so did my daughter. We met with my doctor and he talked to us about some of the local facilities and BaptistCare Kularoo Centre definitely stood out to us as somewhere that could offer Janet the type of support and care she needed,” said Terry.

No doubt a difficult decision for anyone, Terry finally made the call to Kularoo 18 months ago, and he is still amazed at the warmth and dedication of each and every staff member he comes across.

“Janet has been in care for 445 days. I’ve been there to have lunch with her nearly every single one of those days and the staff I’ve met are nothing short of amazing - nothing is ever a trouble,” said Terry.

“I arrived early one morning and there’s one of the nurses dancing with Janet. They’re just so unbelievable.”

“Janet sees the staff and she starts smiling so I know she’s happy. Kularoo really is a safe haven for her.”

Though Janet’s diagnosis of dementia has changed their plans for the future, Terry, aged 81 years, explains their love for each other has endured.

“It’s like winning the lotto every morning when I see Janet. As soon as she sees me she brightens up and I look forward to that everyday,” said Terry.

“I can vividly remember Janet saying in our early days, wouldn’t it be lovely it we would grow old together – and that’s what’s happening.”

“Janet’s not in the best of health but we’re still growing old together and we’re still very much in love.”

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