EILEEN and Rhonda Tilley once lived almost one hour’s drive apart.
Now the mother and daughter are enjoying seeing a lot more of each other, living together in the same aged care community in Ipswich.
The Tilleys were permanently reunited under the same roof two years ago, when Eileen joined her daughter at Carinity Colthup Manor.
Prior to moving into the seniors’ community, 106-yearold Eileen lived at Arana Hills while Rhonda resided on the other side of Brisbane, at Acacia Ridge.
Now the distance between them is reduced to either side of a hallway.
Eileen wished to move to Carinity Colthup Manor, where Rhonda has lived for four years, after the family received some difficult news.
“Eileen was so sad when Rhonda was diagnosed with dementia. She wanted to be closer to her daughter,” family relative, Darryn Tilley, said.
“My mother and grandmother now take comfort in living so close to one another, they enjoy seeing each other regularly and knowing the other is close by,” he said.
Carinity Colthup Manor Residential Manager, Jo King, said Rhonda’s overall wellbeing had improved since her mother started living near her.
“Before her mum moved here, Rhonda used to be self-isolating and quiet but these days she’s not anything but happy.
“She is never seen without a smile on her face,” Jo said. Darryn said Carinity provided Rhonda with plenty of support moving to Colthup Manor, after a short stay in hospital.
“Carinity was so helpful. “It is a stressful time for seniors when the hospital is wanting the bed you are in and you need to find a place to live,” he said.
