John (Jack) Harrison, a full-time resident at our Twin Parks Aged Care home, kindly shared some of his life stories – growing up in Melbourne’s inner west, life in the navy, the importance of his family, and his experience in full-time residential care.
A lucky life, a navy award-winner
At 95, John (Jack) Harrison is very fit for his age and looks younger. Born on St. Patrick’s Day on March 17, 1928, maybe Jack has the ‘luck of the Irish’?
Jack enjoyed an old school childhood, roaming Melbourne’s inner-west suburbs of Essendon and Kensington, tracking rabbits, and buying a horse with his dad who would ride into the city every day to work. He remembers chasing a greasy pig in church activities and watching a Japanese reconnaissance plane fly over his home during WWII.
Jack was also lucky to have watched Australian boxing legend, Lionel Rose, train in a local backyard gym. Jack also boxed, and later, joined the Royal Australian Navy as a Technical Officer which provided plenty of opportunities to travel. A career highlight was when Jack received an Australia Day award for services to the navy (pictured). Jack retired from the navy at 64 years old.
Freedom and family time
While Jack loved the freedom of his childhood and navy life, he cherishes his close-knit family. After his wife sadly passed away a year ago, Jack has received support from his daughter and granddaughter (and soon to be great-granddaughter), also pictured.
Since coming to our Twin Parks Aged Care home as a full-time resident, Jack has welcomed the care and community of fellow residents and staff. “They’re lovely people,” Jack says, and adds with a wink, “Even the doctor is nice.” He believes the facilities and Reservoir parkland make it a “comfortable and homely” environment, and that the quality of care he receives from the personal care assistants (PCAs) is of a high standard.
A focus on quality, safety and care for residents
We talked with Jack on the day of the Twin Parks resident Christmas party – an important occasion he shares with his family. During lunch, Jack’s daughter talked admiringly of the exercise bike in her father’s room, which Jake uses every day.
Our priority is the health and safety of our residents and the quality of care we provide. We’re proud that residents like Jack can continue to live their best life by keeping fit and pursuing their wellbeing with the help of our dedicated Lifestyle team.
Learn more about Twin Parks Aged Care
Twin Parks Aged Care
Twin Parks Aged Care Centre provides residential care for those who require 24 hour nursing care or greater assistance with their daily living. Our Reservoir residence provides a friendly, comfortable, and homely environment and is well-equipped to accommodate ageing in place as your situation or needs change.