Brother and sister together at last
13 August 2010
For the first time in over ten years, brother and sister Craig and Nicole Jones are living together in Karingal supported accommodation in Belmont.
Until recently they lived in separate residential aged care facilities.
Nicole, 31, who moved in just prior to Christmas, appreciates that her parents are such regular visitors.
"They know they are welcome and they are happy to visit us much more often than when we were in aged care facilities with elderly residents.
"The staff here are very nice to them. I like this place. It feels like home. I have my own bedroom, my own lap-top and I can shut the door and listen to my own music if I want to.
"But most importantly, for the first time in many years, I’m with my brother."
Craig, 35, smiles broadly as Nicole explains ‘‘My bedroom is right across from his, and I’ve been known to throw my socks over for a bit of fun!"
Whilst Craig is still getting used to life in his new home, he has brought his much loved dog Dusty with him.
"Wherever I go, Dusty goes," he said.
Craig enjoys the opportunity the residents have to request their favourite meals be part of the menu.
This Belmont facility is the interim service set up by Karingal to enable younger residents to move out of residential aged care.
It has become Craig and Nicole’s home while they await the completion of the Amundsen Street project, which is a supported accommodation facility for young people with high care needs.
The project, currently under construction by Karingal, will be completed later this year.