Sometimes the most meaningful friendships blossom simply by being in the right place at the right time.
At Carinity Brownesholme in Toowoomba, residents are discovering just that – forging close bonds over lunch tables, during concerts and while playing cards or bingo.
For Joyce Knowles, Gayle Gardner and Maureen Town, friendship began during activities organised by staff. All three have hearing difficulties, but that shared experience drew them together.
Together they enjoy cards, bingo and bus trips, saying their time spent together “strengthens our minds, our outlook and our love for one another”.
Elsewhere in the home, Valerie Carland formed a close bond with Wendy Steel and Audrey Isambert after they were seated together at lunch.
“Wendy and Audrey have offered emotional support and feel like extra family. They’re good sports and beautiful company,” Valerie said.
“We enrich each other’s lives by helping each other through tough times, offering comfort, building confidence and providing a sense of belonging.”
For Pam Kennedy, moving into the aged care community marked the end of nearly two years of social isolation after losing her husband.
“My friends have a warm nature and we share values. It can get lonely in your room. I always encourage new residents to join the activities organised by staff,” Pam said.
Margot Cox said moving into Carinity Brownesholme restored some of the freedom she had lost in recent years.
“I wasn’t socialising very much. It was difficult getting into a bus or car. I’ve been fortunate to find friends easily since moving here. I have so many friends through my home. All different, but all special,” she said.
Sharing kindness has made her new home feel like a “big family”.
Meanwhile, Fay McMahon, Valmai Fowler and Iris Lewis make it their mission to greet new residents with a warm welcome.
“Feeling connected helps to avoid loneliness. We don’t know what they’re going through, so we just try to make them feel welcome,” they said.
Their stories are a heartening reminder that new chapters can still bring new friendships — and that connection can flourish at any age.