In Australia today, almost half of all dentists are female; however, that hasn’t always been the case.

In 1947, three young women enrolled to study dentistry at University of Queensland. Their class was made up of two other women and over 100 men. Four years later, they would be among the 81 students to graduate.

Each of the women, Joyce, Millicent, and Erica, would go on to forge interesting careers and while life took them in many different directions, the bond between them was always strong and in retirement the trio chose to call Coorparoo Aged Care home, sharing the next stage of life together.

The women were inspired to follow in the footsteps of their family with each of them having brothers who were either dentists or doctors and Millicent’s father was also a dentist.

At university the three were firm friends, well-liked by their fellow students, and they enjoyed the social scene attending many events and balls. Joyce was known for being beautifully dressed and always having her dark curly hair well groomed, while Erica who made all of her own fashionable clothes was the most vivacious and outgoing of the group.

Millicent decided to become a librarian in the physics department of Queensland Institute of Technology and later married a dentist, going on to have four children, one of whom is also a dentist. “I have lived a very full life and enjoyed all of it” stated Millicent.

Joyce graduated in 1951 and started work in the Melbourne Dental Clinic, but later had her own dental practice in Brisbane on Wynnum Road sharing premises with her brother who was a GP. She also married and continued to work. Joyce said, “It was lucky that I had my brother in the practice as I often had to call on him to assist me with extractions”.

Erica graduated in the same year as Joyce and while initially she became a school dentist in North Queensland and the Darling Downs, she later travelled to England, Melbourne, and Canberra to practice. Somehow, she found time to have two children as well who are frequent visitors to the facility. “Our study group became very close and continued to meet 70 years later” said Erica.

Family members of the trio are frequent visitors to Coorparoo Aged Care which is proud to be home to such extraordinary women who were pioneers of their generation. Footnote: We are very grateful to Denise, also in the same year as Erica, Millicent and Joyce for sharing her very fond memories of her friends, provided in long hand, just a few days after her 93^rd birthday!

Loneliness in older adults is not only socially isolating but can also have a serious effect on health. Did you know that social isolation is associated with  an approximately 50% increased risk of dementia and other medical conditions?

It’s important to realise that loneliness impacts everyone at some stage in their lives, no matter the age. Many seniors don’t realise how lonely they are until their circumstances change and they enter a warm and welcoming community such as Coorparoo Aged Care.

For resident, Heather, living at Coorparoo Aged Care has meant she has overcome that feeling of loneliness and she finds herself being more social than she ever was at home. With no time to be bored, Heather’s active life helps to keep her connected to our internal and external Coorparoo community.

Continue reading her story below to see how living at Coorparoo Aged Care has enriched her life.

What do you enjoy most about living at Coorparoo Aged Care?

I was living on my own before coming to Coorparoo Aged Care and was independent enough to still be able to drive. I was not coping well at on my own at home, especially preparing meals for myself, so I really enjoy not having to do this anymore.

I enjoy the company and participating in the activities and exercises, and I am still able to go out with my friends and family when I want to.

Have you felt less lonely since moving into the community?

I was very social before I came here, and I am also very happy and content here at Coorparoo. I do sometimes feel lonely, but staff are very accommodating and willing to talk to me at any time.

Has living at Coorparoo Aged Care helped increase your socialisation? Have you made some friends since moving in?

It’s about the same. I have made friends with people on my level and interact with residents from other levels too. I like that I am encouraged to attend activities and social events and have also attended the takeaway evenings with other residents on the rooftop which I enjoy.

Do you have a special memory from when you first arrived at Coorparoo and what it was that made you feel welcomed?

Not really except for the caring staff showing me around and looking after me in my room. It was good to be included into the community here the moment I stepped in the door.

How does Coorparoo Aged Care keep you connected to your family or loved ones?

The team are very good at keeping us protected and safe from COVID. My family were kept up to date about the COVID status of the home very frequently which made it easier for them to know we were safe.

September is World Alzheimer’s Month, and this year the theme of, ‘Know Dementia, Know Alzheimer’s’ highlights the importance of support for people living with dementia, and their families, following a diagnosis.

The experienced team at Coorparoo Aged Care provides a successful, diverse, and engaging program to support residents who live with all forms of dementia, including Alzheimer’s.

Alzheimer’s is a disease which affects not only the resident but very often families are greatly affected as well. Coorparoo Aged Care recognises the importance of purposeful engagement in encouraging independence, offering choice, maintaining connections with others and generally supporting well-being.

Effective partnerships between the team and families assist with the development of activities that are based on the person’s individual needs and interests. These activities include craft, different kinds of word games, and music and singing activities which are very popular among residents. If any residents chooses not to participate in an activity, we encourage them to watch as a way to encourage socialisation.

It is well known that interacting with animals can have many benefits for a person with dementia. A visit from a favourite pet often helps with anxiety and depression and brings lots of happiness to all residents. The team love to see the joy on resident’s faces when a pet enters the room, especially if it triggers pleasant memories.

The team at Coorparoo welcomes and encourages families to bring in their pet to visit their beloved resident and friends.

Beryl has lived at Coorparoo for two and a half years and enjoys regular visits from her family. According to Beryl, the highlight of her week is when her son David visits with his beautiful dog Louie.

Talk to the team to find out we can help assist with visiting furry friends, or if you need more information about supporting people living with dementia.

With our wonderful Personal Care Assistant, Yash.

What made you want to pursue a career in the aged care sector?

I am from India and was very close to both my grandparents and have always wanted to pursue a career in aged care. I am passionate about providing high quality care to ensure that older Australians who move into care are well looked after in a home-like situation. I am also currently studying to be a Registered Nurse with seven months to go.

What do you like most about your role and working at Coorparoo Aged Care?

I love working with older people, hearing their experiences and talking to them to make their days better. I love to see the residents smiling and having fun. I enjoy going home at night knowing I have made a difference in the life of one, or more, of our residents.

What’s the most challenging thing about working in aged care?

Working in an aged care home can be a demanding environment to work in, and often you will be on your feet most of the day. Some residents can have a lot of challenges; however a smile will often go a long way to making someone feel better and I am happy to help where I can.

What is a special memory you have from working at Coorparoo Aged Care?

I have many special memories here at Coorparoo because there are so many special people who I share my workdays with. These are residents of the home and many of the staff.

When I first started at Coorparoo, I had lovely, helpful, and supportive team members who encouraged me and increased my confidence. I feel very privileged to have shared the last days of several residents and to be able to provide them with the very best care I could give. There are many special people here who have given me many special memories.

Kevin and Kathleen King are residents at our beautiful home here at Coorparoo. This Valentine’s Day, they share with us their special love story from the time they met to where they are now.

How long have you been together and how did you meet?

Kathleen: We will celebrate 71 years of marriage this March and met seven months before we got married.

We met at an old-time dance at the Blind Institute in South Brisbane.  Kevin was down from Maryborough staying with his two cousins who I already knew. Kevin’s cousins took him to this dance and that’s where we were introduced. My first thought was, ‘gee, he’s cute’ even though all the girls I was with were chasing after the two cousins. I had no interest in the cousins, and Kevin and I have been together since that day.

What is your most memorable moment together?

Kathleen: Having our six children together (five girls and one boy).

Kevin: Going to the Publican Ball in Rockhampton, where I had to man the pub, so I was late to pick up Kathleen after her ballet dancing. She was all dressed up by her friends in all her finery but when I didn’t arrive in time, she had already changed into her usual dress. We ended up having such a lovely time anyway.

Describe a tough time you’ve been through together.

Kathleen: We’ve been through many tough years together. Kevin worked 12-hour days for a furniture making company, Trittons, as an upholsterer. He would come home and together we would make garden settings, sewing and put them together at night. This was to support our family.

Kevin: Kathleen controlled the finances and handled all the money.  She was the best family finance accountant. Even through all the tough years, we always made sure we had a holiday and gifts for our children.

What do you love most about each other?

Kevin: I love everything about Kathleen.

Kathleen: I love that Kevin was always a good husband who cared a lot for our children and myself.

What’s your secret to a long and happy marriage?

Kevin and Kathleen: Doing and sharing everything together.