When Joan and Don made the move to an independent retirement village more than 13 years ago, it was because they wanted a better, more supported way to age.
“It’s the best thing we ever did,” Joan says, without a moment’s hesitation.
Their decision was shaped by a difficult experience supporting Don’s parents as they transitioned out of their long-time home. They wanted a different path for themselves and their own children, that involved putting plans in place early, to ensure the right support as they grew older.
Community and connection: embracing village life
From the moment they settled into their retirement village, Joan and Don embraced the opportunities around them.
“We joined in — exercise classes, the walking group,” Joan explains. For five years, they even ran the village shop, becoming familiar, friendly faces to everyone who stopped by.
“Everybody knew us, we enjoyed it, and it was really great,” explains Joan.
Village life gave them what they’d hoped for:
- independence
- sociability
- purpose
- and a community that still fills their week with connection and friendship.
Planning early for at-home support makes all the difference
As the years passed, Joan and Don knew they wanted to be prepared for the future by having the right help in place. They first heard about Five Good Friends during one of the village information sessions.
“They mentioned Five Good Friends and said don’t wait until you really need help — put your name down. So, we did.”
That single step, taken early, set them up for success. Joan explains how Five Good Friends checked in with them regularly over the next few years to see how we were coping.
“Then one day I was on a walk and I thought, oh, it's time now. We really need a little bit of help. I dealt with a lovely lady from Five Good Friends over the phone, she was terrific! She organised a three-way conversation with My Aged Care and it all went from there”.
Today, Joan uses her at-home aged care funding through Five Good Friends to get the help that keeps life running smoothly:
“I’ve got a cleaning lady."
“I’ve got someone who takes me shopping — she’s wonderful.”
“They are all wonderful and so easy to deal with.”
If plans change, the care team adjust things promptly.
“If one of my Helpers can’t turn up, they quickly arrange somebody else.” Joan adds.
This is exactly what thoughtful support at-home care management looks like: consistent, tailored, and proactive.
Carefully matched Helpers build genuine connections
For Joan and Don, at-home care isn’t just about tasks, it’s also about companionship.
“Our Helpers always have time to talk to us. They’re not in a hurry.”
Whether it’s help around the home, a friendly chat, or the occasional extra request, this unhurried warmth brings comfort and reassurance.
Joan is also impressed with the responsiveness from Five Good Friends. “If you need someone to clean the windows, you just ring up and ask, and it is arranged very quickly.”
It’s one of the reasons Joan often recommends Five Good Friends to friends both inside and outside the village.
Joan's advice: start the conversation early
For anyone considering starting at-home care with Five Good Friends, Joan's message is heartfelt and clear: it’s important to get your name down early and not wait until you fall ill.
“To be quite honest, we couldn’t fault the service we’ve had. It’s been most helpful,” adds Joan.
How Five Good Friends supports you to stay at home for longer
A proactive approach to ageing well means thinking ahead about the things that help life stay enjoyable:
- Real independence
- Feeling safe and confident at home
- Staying connected and socially active
- Having help available before needs escalate
- Trusted, consistent at-home care that adapts with you
Five Good Friends’ full service care-managed membership brings all of this together. It’s designed to help people stay confident and safe at home.
Many of us delay conversations about care and support as we age, waiting until it becomes unavoidable. However, as Joan and Don’s story demonstrates, starting these discussions early can make a world of difference - for your own wellbeing and for your family’s peace of mind.
Want to learn more about at-home care with Five GoodFriends? Contact us today.
FAQs about at-home aged care and planning ahead
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