Some people wear their hearts on their sleeve. Award-winning artist Wilma Plozza-Green wears it on her walls. You only have to walk through her cosy Footscray home to see what’s important to her.
Resembling a gallery, her long hallway and living area boast rows and rows of artwork she’s painted over the years, including portraits and photos of family members.
“I love my home,” Ms Plozza-Green said. “It’s wonderful to be surrounded by things that are important to me.”
And things that could easily gather dust! Fortunately, Ms Plozza-Green receives a government-funded level two Home Care Package through Uniting AgeWell which means she gets domestic assistance to keep her home and garden beautiful.
The 82-year-old, who has diabetes and a heart condition, still drives to art lessons, walks with friends, sings in the University of the Third Age choir and catches up with family.
“It’s a good life,” she says.
Meanwhile, Glenise and Ian Henderson are still as happy as the day they met at the Orama Ballroom in Footscray. “I wore a green mohair skirt that put his eyebrows up!” said Mrs Henderson. “He came over and asked me to dance.”
After nearly six decades of marriage, the’re enjoying life with care from Uniting AgeWell.
Mr Henderson lives at Uniting AgeWell Kingsville Community and Mrs Henderson lives independently in the neighbouring Uniting AgeWell Amarco Apartments. Mrs Henderson can visit her husband daily, often bringing him to her apartment for the day.
It’s the perfect arrangement after they sold their Torquay family home when Mr Henderson’s mobility decreased. “I can take Ian back whenever he needs staff support, and they can call me anytime – I’m only next door,” Mrs Henderson said. “All the staff are very warm, friendly, respectful and willing to do anything.”
Uniting AgeWell will be at the free Care & Ageing Well Expo, Melbourne Convention Exhibition Centre, February 11 to 12. Chat to friendly staff at Stand 229.
You can take a balance test with an exercise physiologists or try out the Tovertafel ‘magic table’, that stimulates the brain and brings joy. There’ll also be health and wellbeing sessions in the Uniting AgeWell chat lounge at 12.30pm.
Visit: unitingagewell.org or call 1300 783 435.
