Diary Entries

May 2020 Awful news of the death rates internationally – more disturbing are the figures from close districts to our home, nursing home and aged care facilities. I feel these deaths could have been prevented. Unfortunately, this situation has affected our predicament in lockdown. No visitors from family nor friends. No deliveries which was felt most on Mother’s Day. No outings was the hardest rule; feeling very locked in and frustrated by the yearning for independence as in the past. Yet, we remain safe and virus-free. The entire Monte team from top to dash there is no bottom rung here have worked tirelessly and with good humor always. The dedicated Leisure and Lifestyle team really excelled and did make our Mother’s Day very enjoyable. I hope all the mothers here in 2021 celebrate a great day! Still no lessening of our freedom to leave Monte. Much as it is my home, I truly yearn to see the winter fashions; if there are any retail stores left trading? Meet with my friends, go to a pub have a good counter lunch and a few vinos to share. A meal with my family. To cook a spaghetti bolognese at my son’s house would be bliss. Laughter to abound around the table at everything and nothing. Oh please let it soon be over. Keep all those I love and strangers safe from this virus the world over and may we enjoy life that will never be the same as the world and our country recover as best they can and continue on.

March 2020 The initial shock of the word pandemic became a reality for me, personally, the last weeks of March 2020. So many given speeches by our PM Scott Morrison followed by warnings from health heads really had me in a spin. Our management at our wonderful residence did keep us informed on all matters relating to our environment and home as best they could. However, as none of us in the community nor our carers had ever before experienced this medical phenomenon, it truly was a frightening situation. April 2020 My birthday is on the 1st of April haha and it was an original celebration I must say. My family consisting of son Dallas age 46, Hugh my grandson 13 and Zara my granddaughter 15 connected with me via WhatsApp (to me a new sensation). At the appointed time of 7pm, I viewed a lovely table with a delicious BBQ dinner, pinot noir by the glass (not for the children) and a cake in the background. They told me it was a delicious meal; I could even smell it. It was then decided a second call at 7:45 for cake and candles – what a hoot! I was here in my room, they were singing their song, candles were blown out and cake cut. They did enjoy it. We’ll always remember it as the most unique and funniest celebration as yet and more to come.

My husband Gerald and I moved in to Montefiore in early February. We were aware that a virus was discovered overseas but never dreamed just how serious it would become. Until then we were able to have visitors, go out in our car to shop or outings. The home kept us up to date with daily newsletters on the progress of the Corona virus and how it was increasing. On the lockdown in the middle of March, the home was put in to total lockdown. This meant we were no longer allowed to leave the grounds except for medical reasons. If visits were necessary, masks and gloves were to be worn until we returned. Then for the next seven days we were checked for blood pressure, temperature and oxygen were recorded. We were no longer allowed visitors. We give our greatest thanks to staff and nurses for their absolute care and keeping us safe. Their rules have ensured all resident's safety and wellbeing. The visits by Rabbi and his wife were ceased as they were both in isolation. We miss their presence and Shiur. Thank you to fellow resident Justin for continuing to hold services. The cafe was temporarily closed but now reopened, as did the hairdresser. Thank you to the staff who created activities to keep us occupied and entertained. The physio Phil remained open and exercise class held every day. The gym was available for us to use under his guidance. Thank you to the chefs who make sure our appetites are nourished - the waiters who are patient with many demands and the housekeepers who make our lives comfortable.

My experience since the pandemic is generally negative. If things had gone as planned, I would be now living in my home unit in Cremorne. Due to the lockdown, I am here at Montefiore. My positive experiences have been with the nursing staff, waiters, waitresses and leisure and lifestyle staff. Having had regular concerts and discussion groups led by staff and volunteers, these things are no longer available to residents leading to boredom. The recent bout of bad weather and strong winds have prevented outdoor walking. The thing I miss most is the Friday morning singing group.