At 94 years old, Mercy Place Northcliffe resident Joan Bowden continues to enjoy an active lifestyle and all the beauty that bayside living has to offer.
The sound of waves and smell of fresh sea air forms the backdrop to Joan’s daily morning walk to Edithvale General Store for a soy cappuccino.
Whatever the weather, Joan says there is a certain magic in living by the beach .
“It is just fantastic living here — I go for long walks everyday because it is so lovely to get out and about,” Joan says.
Mercy Place Northcliffe resident Joan Bowden enjoying her daily stroll by the sea.
“Life is only what you make it, so you should never think that you can’t go out and do something with your day.”
Joan also enjoys attending Sunday mass at Mordialloc Presbyterian Church with her daughter Sandra, going to the local cinema to watch Hollywood’s latest and visiting the Seaford RSL once a week for a meal.
Joan at her local café.
Joan and her late husband Jim are proud grandparents to four and great-grandparents to five. Both lived in Patterson Lakes for almost 20 years before Jim was the first to move to Mercy Place Northcliffe for respite care in 2019, while Joan lived at a nearby retirement village. When it came time for Joan to move into aged care, she says the decision was simple.
“Jim was looked after very well and he enjoyed his time here at the home, so I knew that’s where I wanted to be,” Joan says.
“I’m quite happy living here. I love the people.”
Joan says she is thankful to the staff who care for and support her to maintain a level of independence.
“I have always been an independent person and wanted to do my own thing and I am quite fortunate that I can still do what I want to do,” Joan says.
“The staff are beautiful — they always make sure I get the care I need.”
Continuing our commitment to Kingston
Mercy Health is expanding our commitment to healthy ageing in the City of Kingston with building underway for our newest aged care home, Mercy Place Mentone.
Mercy Place Mentone will be home to 128 residents, who will live across 16 small households. Each household will be shared by eight residents, featuring single bedrooms with private ensuites, a kitchen, living and dining area, and laundry. There will also be shared areas for residents and their families to enjoy, including a grocery, café, chapel and hair salon.
“Mercy Health is committed to affording all older Australians the right to healthy ageing through this innovative and cutting-edge approach to aged care with homes like Mercy Place Mentone,” says Mercy Health Group CEO Angela Nolan.
Mercy Place Mentone is due to open in late-2024.
Mercy Health Board Chair Virginia Bourke (left) and Mercy Health Group CEO Angela Nolan (right) turning the sod on the future site of Mercy Place Mentone with Auxiliary Bishop for Melbourne Tony Ireland.
Last reviewed April 4, 2023.