How moving into aged care improved Jo's health and outlook on life

Moving into aged care is a big life change, but for 85-year-old Jo, it’s opened the door to new friendships, new routines, and a renewed sense of strength.

Jo moved into McLean Care’s Alkira aged care home in Gunnedah, NSW, in May, after living independently in a duplex in Scone. While she had been managing on her own, arthritis in her knees and shoulder was making daily life more and more difficult.

“By late afternoon, I wasn’t much chop,” Jo said. “I found it pretty hard to want to make an evening meal.”

With both knees “bone on bone” and a shoulder that had been “wrecked” from years of farm work, Jo made the decision to move into care – not to give up her independence but to protect it. 

With two daughters, one son, seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, Jo also wanted to make sure she stayed active to keep up with the family she loves and to live life fully on her own terms.

“I don’t want for anything at Alkira. I’m very well looked after here,” Jo said. “I go out to visit my girls once a week, and when I come back, it’s like coming home.”

One of the first things she embraced was Alkira’s exercise program. Jo now participates in iAgeHealth virtual physiotherapy classes twice a week, guided by McLean Care’s physiotherapist, Takahiro Ishii.

“He’s marvellous,” she said. “He’s easy to watch and listen to. He explains things well and I find I can follow along. It’s definitely helping me to stay mobile. Before, I couldn’t lift my arm up because of my shoulder and now I can.”

Jo also takes part in a balance booster standing class, and two group sessions each week with the leisure and lifestyle team - four days of movement that are helping her maintain both her physical and mental wellbeing.

She admits, though, that it isn’t always easy to stay motivated.

“A couple of weeks ago I was unwell and didn’t do any exercise for a week. I really had to talk to myself to get motivated again,” she said.

“I had to say to myself, ‘You’re going to be in a wheelchair if you don’t get moving.’”

For Jo, staying active is about more than mobility -it’s about living a full life, staying social, and keeping her mind sharp.

“That’s really important to me,” she said. “I challenge myself with knitting patterns, and I like to keep quite social and that all helps to keep my brain healthy.”

Your health and wellbeing matter.

At McLean Care, we believe aged care should help you live well – not simply get by. Whether it’s exercise programs, social activities, or clinical care, we’ll help you stay strong, independent, and connected to the things you love.

Find out how our team can support your health and independence.

Call us on 1300 046 253 to learn more about our residential care homes and wellbeing programs.