The lawnmower man

The grass grows quickly at Coffs Harbour on the NSW Mid North Coast, where the mix of sunshine and rain keeps lawnmowers busy. And that suits Hank perfectly. Hank lives at Coffs Harbour Grange Care Community. Working with maintenance officer Glenn and our team, Hank’s a key member of a crack squad that keeps our buffalo-grass lawns and gardens beautiful for fellow residents, family members and all who visit.

Keeping fit and contributing to his community has always been an essential part of Hank’s life. Born in the Netherlands, Hank came to the seaside city of Wollongong with his family at age four, where he took to the outdoor life and learned to surf.

After studying accounting, Hank’s entrepreneurial spirit saw him run a number of businesses including sporting goods, concrete products, and landscaping, while raising a family with wife Laurie. After a period in Queensland where he enjoyed sailing and putting his surfboard to good use, Hank moved to a farm at Nana Glen, near Coffs Harbour. Eventually, his declining health saw him move to Coffs Harbour Grange.

Staying active boosts Hank’s wellbeing

Staying active while living at Coffs Harbour Grange was important to Hank, who had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy body dementia. Our team understood that living as independently as possible was essential to Hank’s care – and that his passion for lawncare gave him meaning and purpose.

For people living with dementia, regular exercise can help maintain mobility for longer, which can reduce the risk of falls. Exercise also increases blood flow to the brain, providing oxygen and nutrients that can help to slow the progression of dementia.

Our team worked to ensure Hank’s safety first, analysing any risks and mitigating them, with the support of Hank’s daughters. Maintenance officer Glenn purchased a small battery powered mower that switches off automatically if one hand is removed from the handle. And before every mow, Hank pulls on the right shoes, his hat, and sunscreen.

Glenn looks after the edging and detailed work, while Hank goes to work on the lawns.

“He does an amazing job twice a week,” says Glenn. “It looks like a bowling green! And he likes to see the job done right. As he mows, Hank empties the grass into the green bins and cleans up the clippings.”

“I like being outside and like to see everything tidy and a nice lawn,” says Hank. “I always took pride in my lawn.”

“The change in Hank has been clear,” says wellbeing manager, Maria. “The exercise is good for him but he’s also settled and happy, so it’s been positive for his mental wellbeing too.”

A community affair

As well as the benefits for Hank’s health, lawnmowing day has become an event to look forward to at Coffs Harbour Grange Care Community.

“Our residents love to come outside and watch Hank and Glenn work,” says Maria. “It’s given them one more thing to look forward to, and to gather and socialise around. Each time, we’ve seen more and more people coming out for a cuppa and a chat. I bring my dogs Rosie and Romeo for a play and everyone has a wonderful time.”

For Hank’s daughter Kim, seeing him continue to enjoy the life he loved has brought comfort.

“Dad has always been obsessed with amazing lawns and has always prided himself on immaculate gardens, so much so that we nicknamed him “The Lawnmower Man”. It makes my sisters and I very happy that the team at Coffs Harbour Grange has made that possible for him still.”