Bill’s inspirations at Heritage Northcote

At 88, Bill Dunn is fit, vigorous, and positive. He cherishes his life, his family, and his achievements, but also looks forward to new challenges and experiences as a resident of Heritage Northcote.

Fit and vigorous

Bill came into residential care at the Heritage Northcote home two years ago with his wife. During this time his wife sadly passed away. It’s been an emotional journey, and though there have been challenges, Bill has overcome them with dignity and purpose, settling into his new home at Heritage Northcote and making friends with residents and staff. Everyone who meets Bill is inspired by his positive and engaging nature, his warm blue gaze, and his endearingly cheeky smile.

Appreciating people and the joy of nature

Bill is very happy with his care at Heritage Northcote: “The care is great,” he says. “They’re amazing the way they look after everyone here.” It’s part of Bill’s charm – his simple appreciation of life and ability to find joy in whatever he turns his hand to.

In the main photo (above), Bill is standing proudly in front of the front garden he curated at the Heritage Northcote home. It’s a lovely, manicured stretch of flowers, plants, vegetables and fruits, including wild strawberries (which taste great). As an added touch, Bill hand-painted mini-meerkats to give the garden even more character.

“The care is great. They’re amazing the way they look after everyone here.”

Bill’s room overlooks his garden, and he’s proud of the hard work he put into it (as are others in the home). Bill pointed out a photo of his three children, all very successful in their chosen careers, as well as his early 60s Humber he painstakingly restored from scratch, his many mechanic awards, and his Collingwood memorabilia (pictured below). Bill will soon host a dedication to his late wife Marj, who loved being part of his daily gardening.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A common sense approach

What’s also clear in getting to know Bill is his practical approach to life, work, and friendships. It’s reflected in his long and successful career in auto mechanics and hiring people with a mechanical mindset rather than pure qualifications. Bill’s best friend in the home lives opposite, and though he’s a Carlton supporter, they’re very close and Bill is proud of their bond.

When he’s not gardening, participating in home activities or supporting his beloved Magpies, Bill is visiting the local Rucker’s Hill shops and cafes, making more friends with café owners and baristas, or at the recent Northcote Rise Festival. Bill’s favourite local café is Four Beans and we agree – it’s got great coffee and provides a wonderful space for residents like Bill and their families to enjoy Melbourne’s inner-north, community-focused lifestyle.

A person-centred approach to residential care at Heritage Northcote

Bill’s energy, enthusiasm and cheekiness have endeared him to Northcote Residence Manager, Ailiene Faccin. She’s proud of Bill’s contribution to the community vibe in the home. “Bill has contributed a lot to the aesthetics and atmosphere of our home. We’re pleased to have him here and to see how far he’s enriched our lives in the last couple of years.”

At Heritage Care, we’re about supporting our residents like Bill in living their best life – through 24-7 person-centred care, innovative technology, a vibrant activity program, education, and clear and empathetic communication. Heritage Northcote offers permanent residential care, short-term respite care, dementia care, and palliative care, all within a safe, welcoming community.

Learn more about Heritage Northcote

Heritage Northcote is a stunning, completely renovated state of the art 75 bed residential home perfectly placed in a close-knit pocket of the inner north a short 6 kilometres from the Melbourne CBD. Our residents benefit from a home with stunning natural light, enchanting outdoor spaces and a vibrant lifestyle program. Heritage Northcote offers a number of tailored care options to suit your needs including short term respite care, permanent care, dementia care and palliative care. We provide a safe, welcoming community and have introduced world-class sleep-sense technology to further increase our resident’s safety.

We understand that each person’s lifestyle needs are unique, and that’s why each resident has access to our Waiter Table Service where you have a choice of meal at every mealtime. Be pampered exactly how you choose at our onsite Hair and Beauty Services and stay physically and mentally fit with our range of activities in the dedicated wellbeing room or participation in our daily lifestyle program. Our community empowers residents to retain independence with facilities like the library and landscaped gardens for quiet reflection, or the onsite private dining room area to celebrate those special family occasions.

Other key home features include our tea and coffee making facilities, a residents-only barbeque area, raised garden beds, an alfresco area and balconies. Moments from your front door is access to transport, art, music, shops, leafy parklands, the historic Westgarth Cinema, and the lively cafe and restaurants scene Northcote is famous for.

Start your new Northcote life with us.

Learn more