Reflecting on Our Mission
Stephanie Buckland, Chief Executive Officer, Amana Living
We begin each Amana Living executive team meeting with the story of a client or resident. Much like starting the New Year with a new goal or intention, it’s an opportunity to reconnect with our purpose. This January, one of our executive team members shared Una’s story.
Her story is an example of the profound impact Amana Living has on the lives of older people, and with Una’s permission, I am sharing it with you.
Una is originally from Leicestershire, England. She lived in London and Paris before moving to the South West of England, where she worked for the Environment Agency before retiring. She moved to Australia 13 years ago to be closer to her daughter.
In her 80s, Una is independent, and, as she puts it, ‘she still has all her marbles.’Being resourceful, she rented rooms in her home to international students to help cover expenses. However, late payments caused stress. Una’s financial situation, coupled with deteriorating health, made life challenging.
Una had joined Amana Living’s ‘Club Alexander Heights’ years earlier after a recommendation from Joondalup Hospital. She enjoys the companionship of clients and staff and looks forward to visiting twice a week.
Una’s financial situation made it difficult for her to continue attending the Club. When Una shared her concerns with Club Manager Kim, Kim enlisted social worker Julie to explore options. With Una’s permission, Julie helped her contact Centrelink for support, and we waived 50 per cent of her day club fees for 12 months so she could continue to attend.
Kim also helped Una safely remove her tenants, but Una was still struggling. Julie contacted Laura from our Retirement Living team to explore affordable housing options suited to Una’s needs. When a unit became available at St Francis Court village, Laura guided Una through the process, including a visit to view the unit, which Una was eager to call home.
Village Manager Shelley helped Una find suitable furniture for her new unit, while Kim and her staff from Club Alexander Heights helped pack, rehome items, and coordinate her move. We also organised twice-weekly support through the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP).
In October 2024, Una moved into her new home at St Francis Court and began a home care package with Amana Living in November. Thanks to the compassion and collaboration of our staff, Una now enjoys a more manageable home and credits the team with ‘turning her life around.’ She continues to attend Club Alexander Heights and says she would not be in her current position without the help and support of our staff.
Every step of Una’s journey showcases how our team works together to enable older people to maintain their individuality, providing what is needed to support a fulfilling life.
Image: Kim and Una at Club Alexander Heights, January 2025
