Arcare Welcomes 10,000th Resident

Since establishing its aged care operations in 1997, Arcare recently welcomed their 10,000^th resident. Sharon O’Keefe, 67, moved into Arcare Hope Island earlier this year, and has led quite an illustrious life – and continues to do so.

As the Centre Manager for Waverly Gardens Shopping Centre for over ten years, Sharon is used to living a busy and active life, as well as mingling with celebrities. Her most memorable involved Wally Meere and his chimpanzee Mr Mugs, “she had to have the chimpanzee hanging around her shoulders and head! It was her way of enticing people to come into her centre to see the show” explained Malcolm, her partner.

Malcolm and Sharon met on a blind date at the Kingston Heath Golf Club twenty four years ago and haven’t looked back. They hit it off immediately and have done everything together, from travelling overseas, playing golf, boating and generally celebrating and enjoying life with family and friends.

Sharon was welcomed to the sensitive care community at Arcare Hope Island, one of four Arcare aged care residences on the Gold Coast and is regular at any activities or events at the residence. While she also spends a lot of time with her family and friends, who are very important to her, the real love of her life is her fifteen year old Bichon Friase, Dommy – who was named after her favourite champagne, Dom Perignon.

“Sharon is such a special person”, says Malcolm who prides in the fact that she is, and always has been, a second mother to his four children.  “I love and adore her – even if I sometimes have to compete with Dommy for her affections!”