Celebrating Our Elders: Wisdom, Worth, and World Senior Citizen’s Day

World Senior Citizen’s Day is a chance to reflect on the incredible lives, stories, and connections that shape our communities. At Right at Home, we are privileged to walk alongside many older Australians in their journeys — including sisters Hazel and Dawn, who remind us how support at home is about so much more than just care — it’s about family, freedom, and staying close to the ones we love.

A Bond That Distance Couldn’t Break

Hazel and Dawn have been close their whole lives. But as they grew older, their visits became limited to birthdays and Christmas — only when someone could bring them together. Living separately and facing health challenges, the sisters spent a lot of time apart. “We’d talk on the phone every day,” said Dawn, remembering when Hazel was in hospital four hours away. “I sent her flowers to remind her I was still with her.”

Hazel, who has lived in the same house for 70 years, found it hard to accept she needed help. After a hospital stay and home visit from a social worker, she still thought she could manage — especially with her older son helping out.

Meanwhile, Dawn, who had a stroke in 2018, had already been through the challenges of finding the right care. “One provider just stopped showing up. The other just wasn’t a good fit,” she recalled. It wasn’t until Right at Home came along that things changed — not just for Dawn, but for both sisters.

Staying Independent, Together

For Hazel, home care has meant safety, confidence, and connection. “I wouldn’t be able to go anywhere without help. I’m good in the house, but outside, I need a bit of support. The carers who are nurses — they just know when I need to sit or slow down. I wouldn’t have independence without them. My son has peace of mind now.”

Dawn agrees. “It’s enabled me to go out more — the girls spoil me. I want to keep them forever.”

Thanks to Right at Home, the sisters have also been able to share precious moments again. Their birthdays — just two days apart — are now celebrated side by side. And when Hazel’s granddaughter got married in Cairns, “Grandma and Aunty Dawn” were both there — with their carers by their side to make it possible.

Looking Back, Looking Forward

When asked what they’ve come to value most with age, both sisters were quick to answer: independence, friendship, and each other.

“I think I must have a sign out the front of my house that says ‘Free Coffee,’” Hazel joked. “People still come by. They want to keep in touch.”

Dawn added, “My church family, my friends, my sister — those are the things I appreciate even more now.”

A Message to Others Thinking About Care

To those who might be unsure about accepting support at home, Hazel and Dawn offer this advice:

“Don’t leave it too late. Get assessed. And make sure you get Right at Home.”

“The transportation has been amazing,” Dawn added. “And the girls really spoil me.”

Hazel summed it up with love: “I’m very happy with Right at Home. And they’re looking after my little sis, too.”

Ready to Take the First Step?

Hazel and Dawn’s story is a powerful reminder that support at home isn’t just about care — it’s about connection, freedom, and quality of life.

Whether it’s help with getting to appointments, attending family milestones, or simply enjoying more time with the people you love, Right at Home is here to help you or your loved ones thrive at home.

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Book a free in-home consultation to discuss how we can support your independence and wellbeing.

Let us help you write the next chapter — safely, confidently, and together.

Right at Home Australia is a leading provider of quality in-home care. Our mission is to improve the quality of life for those we serve, ensuring the Right Care, Right at Home™.  We support people living with complex and post-operative care needs, dementia and cognitive decline, seniors, and adults living with a disability, including NDIS participants. Our tailored services help clients to remain safe and independent in their homes. We are an Approved Provider under the Aged Care Act, meaning we can provide quality support at home under a government-funded home care package. We also offer private pay arrangements for those who do not have government funding or who wish to pay privately for top-up care. Right at Home is all about you. We are available 24/7, so contact your local office today. You can also call our national number on 1300 363 802. 

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