Aged care facilities commemorate Remembrance Day

Remembrance Day honours the armistice signed on 11 November 1918, between the Allies and Germany, which brought an end to the First World War. Since then, it has grown to become a day of remembrance for all service men and women who have served, or who continue to serve our nation.

The past two years have stopped many of us from gathering together due to lockdowns or social restrictions. Thankfully, today, it was again possible to meet in public and share meaningful memories.

For some, it may have been remembering someone who was lost in war. For others, it may have been a mate, a parent or a family member who served and has passed away more recently.

A number of residents proudly donned their medals today as they were paid tribute by aged care staff and their communities.

Mercy Health recognised the services of two of their residents, Jack Earnshaw and Alistair Dowlett as they marked Remembrance Day throughout their facilities.

“We pay tribute to the brave men and women who have fought for the freedoms we all enjoy,” says Mercy Health.

“We especially recognise the many veterans among our Mercy Health aged care residents, retirement living residents and home care clients.

“We are honoured to share their incredible stories – such as 99-year-old Jack Earnshaw, one of the declining number of Australians still living who served in World War II, or Alistair Dowsett, who served 30 years in the Royal Australian Navy.”

Elsewhere, Carinity paid respect to its residents, including Vietnam War veteran Colin Dunkley.

Mr Dunkley, 76, completed two tours of Vietnam with the 17th Construction Squadron.

When he returned home, Mr Dunkley and his wife, Robyn, built a retreat for Vietnam veterans called the Ramon Deed Retreat in honour of his lifelong friend who was killed by a landmine during the war.

Ted Jacobs, 88, enlisted in the British army after feeling “a bit restless” as a 17-year-old working on a Norfolk farm.

“My father served in World War I and my grandfather served in the North-West Frontier in India and Pakistan, fighting against the Pathan,” says Mr Jacobs.

He joined the same army regiment as both his father and grandfather and went on to serve in Korea, Germany, Japan, Egypt, England and Hong Kong throughout the 1950s.

“I think we should all reflect on how the people who have died young have given everything for what we have today,” adds Mr Jacobs.

Providers proud to support veterans

RSL LifeCare Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Janet Muir, says Remembrance Day always holds meaning for a large number of veterans living in the aged care provider’s accommodation or using the veteran services they provide.

“RSL LifeCare has a long and proud history linked with veteran services and our organisation dates back over 100 years to when we first formed back in 1911,” says Ms Muir.

“Our mission today remains as it was over a century ago – to serve, support and protect those in our care.

“We will remember our veterans this Remembrance Day, and all who have served to protect our freedoms.”

Ms Muir, who has been in the role for just over a month, says the occasion strikes a chord close to her heart. She was an Army Reservist while her father served in the navy and her son participated in the cadet corp at school.

She spent her day at RSL LifeCare’s ANZAC Village in Narrabeen, Sydney.

“I feel honoured to have been invited to spend my first Remembrance Day as part of the RSL LifeCare team, alongside the Village’s veterans, residents and staff, they all have lifelong stories and memories to share,” says Ms Muir.

“For some, the day and occasion stir up memories of loved ones that have fought and paid the ultimate sacrifice.

“For others, it’s a time to reflect on how fortunate we are as a country and as local communities, to live in a safe, happy and prosperous country.”

Ms Muir says it has been a rewarding experience witnessing her organisation’s commitment to caring for residents and older people, and she thanks her staff for their high level of service, conversation and support.

Hall & Prior CEO, Graeme Prior, says today is an incredibly poignant and emotional day for residents and staff who remember beloved residents lost over the past two years.

“On this Remembrance Day I would like to pause for a moment’s silence and remember all those who gave the ultimate sacrifice, to those who lost the fight from the pandemic,” says Mr Prior.

“Veterans play a very special part in our homes and our home care programs and we care for over 100 ex-servicemen and women in Western Australia and New South Wales.

“We have much to learn from those brave men and women who sacrificed their lives. We are capturing stories from our veterans each year and it is a wonderful experience for myself to enjoy.”

Mr Prior says he believes recording the memories and experiences of clients is an important role for Hall & Prior as it will help the community move forward together in shared understanding.