A special Sicilian connection at Glenroy Grove

If you drop in to Glenroy Grove Care Community in Melbourne’s northern suburbs on a Monday morning, you could be forgiven for thinking you’d landed in Europe. Amidst the laughter and the espresso, Glenroy Grove’s Italian group holds touching stories of compassion and care. 

The friendship of residents Santina and Grace is a tale that proves the power of social connection. Both were born on the island of Sicily and grew up within its rich culture and strong traditions of family. While different paths brought them to Australia, their bonds are in the familiar – and being valued for who they are.

Getting to know Santina

When Santina moved into Glenroy Grove, her family’s wish was for Santina to be heard. It’s a simple ask that carries extra care and compassion for people living with cognitive impairment, particularly where communication may be impacted.

Before moving in, our team spent time with Santina and her children Lina and John, to get to know her. Understanding her life story, the things that light her up, her challenges, getting a clear picture of what mattered most to her, and how her preferences shaped her day. 

This meant that when Santina came to live at Glenroy Grove, our team was able to provide the right support for her right from day one – and fellow Glenroy Grove resident, Grace, is a special member of that group.

The warmest of welcomes

“Grace is such a beautiful soul,” says wellbeing manager, Jade. “For our Italian-speaking residents, she brings so much comfort and helps them to feel at home straight away. Whether it’s gently guiding people on tours or simply offering a listening ear, Grace is there for them.”

For Santina, Grace’s influence was important in helping her settle into Care Community life. Before coming to Glenroy Grove, Santina found the hours from 6pm challenging. She was struggling to communicate her needs, which caused her frustration and left her feeling isolated.

With the insights from Santina and her family, our team understood these where the hours when Santina craved companionship. With the heart of a true friend, each night Grace shares time with Santina, enjoying a coffee, a chat, and swapping stories about Sicily. 

Their relationship has also expanded Santina’s social circle, through her participation in our Italian group. What began with two members has blossomed into 13 members. Run by much-loved volunteer Rosemary, Grace plays an important role in encouraging residents to attend and share their stories. 

For Santina, the impact has been remarkable. She happily engages with fellow residents, enjoying meals together, spends more time in the fresh air, and connects with new friends. And for her family, it’s given peace of mind that their mother feels at home.

“We’re very happy with these interactions that have helped Mum settle into Glenroy Grove,” says John.