Service Finder
Moving thousands of kilometres across the world to be closer to their daughters ushered a new life chapter for ECH residents Tacito and his wife Glacy.
Originally from Brazil, the couple moved to Australia in March 2012, following their daughters who had settled in Adelaide some years before.
“When we started planning our move to Australia, our eldest daughter, who at the time worked with ECH, told us about independent living in retirement villages. We saw it as a great opportunity to meet people and to live our retirement years to the full, and with less worry. And so, while still in Brazil we put our name down with ECH to buy a unit in one of their villages, and by December 2013 we had moved into our unit.”
“My wife and I were both retired when we came to Australia, and after learning that around a third of the Australian population did some volunteering work, I really wanted to become a volunteer in some capacity. My personal drive for this was to contribute, and to turn my gratitude for the good life we were building in Australia into action.”
As soon as they arrived in Adelaide, Tacito started volunteering in a Nursing Home, which was then part of ECH. More than a decade later, he continues as a volunteer in the same home, as well as in many others. He found great joy in visiting and supporting the elderly.
“I started helping with the card game group and at the Men’s Club, where I met John (pseudonym) and we got chatting. I asked him if I could come one hour before the card game to read to him, and if he would correct my pronunciation. We developed a friendship and shared many hours of meaningful conversation. He told me so many stories about his adventures and about what life in Australia was like 70 years ago. John is now 99 and bed-ridden, and I still visit him every Monday and Thursday,” Tacito says.
When Tacito isn’t volunteering, he enjoys fellowship with friends from church, time with the grandchildren, and barbecues with the neighbours at ECH Oakden Estate. “At Oakden Estate we are a friendly bunch, we try to take care of each other,” he explains.
Tacito also really enjoys the social opportunities offered by ECH. “Each time I get an invite from ECH to attend a cultural event, I put my name down, as I get so much from them.”
Recently, Tacito and one of the neighbours went together to an ECH Book Club event at Dymocks, in Rundle Mall, where they thoroughly enjoyed listening to Adelaide author Pip Williams.
“We got to meet the author and had the chance to ask questions about her books. She was so kind and approachable. I was thrilled to be able to interact with one of my favourite authors. What a treat! Also, it was great to see Jane Doyle in action as an MC.” he says.
While Tacito spreads cheer and joy where he goes, he considers that it is his life that is enriched by the exchange with so many different people.
Do you live in a supportive ECH retirement village? Let us know what your village does at keepconnected@ech.asn.au
Posted: December 12, 2023