Community care client celebrates one hundred and fifth birthday

Joan Lamb is 105 years old and still lives at home.

She makes her own breakfast every day and heads out at least once a week to do some shopping and grab a coffee and bite to eat.

Joan is one Bethanie’s community clients. As of last week, she is their oldest community client.

Primary carer Julie Cooper, who has been coming to Joan’s house in Floreat for almost five years, says she had never met any 105-year-olds until now.

“She just keeps on going,” Julie says, of Joan.

“For her age she’s amazing.”

Julie helps out with basic elements of Joan’s personal care, including showering, shopping, cleaning and making sure she takes her medication.

“I usually take her for a drive once a week to show her how the world has changed,” Julie says.

On her 105^th birthday, Joan welcomed a couple of extra visitors, Bethanie case manager Diane Hudson and chaplain Sue Wilkins, who brought over a big chocolate cake to share.  

Julie took her out for a special lunch to celebrate the milestone.

“It was pretty low key but she had a nice day,” Julie says.

Trust, friendship and a sense of humour from both sides keep the relationship between Joan and Julie going strong.

Joan jokes that she could barely get into a taxi before the carers came along.

“They’re very good to me,” she says.

“They give me privileges. I love it because I get to go out and about.”

Having never worked, Joan is used to the home life and does not anticipate ever giving it up to assume residence in a nursing home.

“No, not me. I’m too old,” she laughs.

“I’ve got the carers. That does me.”

Image: Joan blows out her candles on the big birthday. CONTRIBUTED.

Bethanie provides flexible At Home Care Services to various locations in Western Australia, helping older people live well in their own home.