How Theodora is Thriving at 97 with Home Care Support and an Inspiring Spirit

Theodora Tolenaar loves to spend time in her beautifully manicured garden.

She is also known for her professional embroidery skills, and the hundreds of small bags she has made and given out.

At the age of 97 and a great-great-grandmother, Theodora is independent and as fit as a fiddle.

She uses Home Care services to stay nimble and safe while accessing the community.

She gets out of the house three times a week to visit the shops, buy plants and material to continue her hobbies. 

And of course, she has given all the carers who help her to go out one of the famous bags.

“I go to the nursery then I go to Spotlight, they know me there - they all have a bag,” Theodora said.

Once a week a carer drives Theodora to the pool for hydrotherapy - just for “maintenance”.

According to her daughter, “The physio says that all the other people in her class at the pool envy mum because she can actually get her legs up straight”.

Theodora added, “I don’t dare to say it but I’m fine, my fingers are still good and I can bend over still, I walk up and down the house five times in the morning.”

Theodora grew up in Holland and left school at the age of 14 when war broke out, so her mother taught her how to sew.

Later, when Theodora married and migrated to Australia with her children, she sold her stylish embroidery.

She saved enough money for the deposit for their family home in Windsor Gardens.

Theodora Tollenaar

When their five children had grown up, Theodora’s husband wanted to move into a retirement village. But their daughter found the perfect house in Greenwith, in a quiet cul-de-sac.

More than twenty years later, the solid brick home is still everything Theodora has ever wanted.

“I wouldn’t go anywhere else,” she said.

A home care package provides the services she needs to stay independent.

The support Theodora receives also gives her daughter the confidence to travel, knowing her mother is being checked on daily.

If you think you or your loved one would benefit from a home care package, you can talk to our friendly team about the services on offer by calling 1800 852 772, or read more on our Home Care page.