A friendship group dubbed “The Four Musketeers” has provided fun and laughter for Lara’s Veronica Shine.
Veronica has been attending genU day respite services for the past two years, after her daughter encouraged her to engage in more social activities.
Veronica said she quickly formed new friendships with fellow respite participants Sylvia Oats, Margaret Upton, and Trish Lagerwey.
“There’s four of us who we call ‘The Four Musketeers’, and we’re all going away for Easter. I met them when I started and we’ve stuck together ever since, I really enjoy their company,” she said.
“My daughter said I should go along to mix with people, I’m 83 so it’s not always easy to meet new people but from the day I joined, I loved it,” she said.
Veronica enjoys social activities, painting, drawing and craft work through her respite services, and is always keen to catch up with her friends.
“And the staff are very good too, they’ll help you in any way they can. Nothing’s too much for them,” she said.
genU offers overnight and centre-based day respite services in Newtown and Ocean Grove. Both locations offer social activities, support to promote independent living and large outdoor gardens.
Activities can be tailored to suit individual interests, all sites employ COVID-safe practices and additional security measures are in place for peace of mind.
Veronica said people thinking about joining respite services should “give it a go”.
“I think they’ll enjoy every minute of it. Not only that, the people look after you very well – it’s good for your health and it’s good for your mind,” she said.
If you are interested in learning more about genU’s respite services, please call 1300 558 368 or email contact@genu.org.au