Terry Day has two words to describe his life at Uniting AgeWell Preston Community. “Absolutely perfect.”
The 72-year-old confirmed bachelor moved into Preston Community following an exhaustive search of aged care facilities across Melbourne.
The retired scientist and computer whiz, wanted a place that had bedroom suites big enough to accommodate the computer he built from scratch, his big desk and TV and his bar fridge where he stores his medication.
Terry was also sick and tired of renting, where roommates could leave and move on or landlords change their plans, and he looked around for a forever home that suited his needs. An aged care facility that he knew was in it for the long haul and wasn’t a fly-by-nighter that could close.
And when he saw Uniting AgeWell Preston Community, it fitted his bill. “I loved the light and airy feel, some of the other places were absolutely claustrophobic.”
And he’s enjoying himself. Terry explains. “I’ve looked after myself my whole life, it’s nice to have someone else look after me, especially since I have got congestive heart failure and diabetes. Over the years I couldn’t really be bothered to cook for myself, I just shoved a frozen meal in the microwave and that was it. It’s nice to have such good care here.”
Terry was also a keen photographer, loves reading science fiction, watching sci-fi videos and enjoys anything to do with electronics, computers and science.
His stellar career saw him working in laboratories in chemical and manufacturing plants in both NSW and Broadmeadows, where he developed analytical methods to solve problems, including using microscopes to solve issues with components in plastic products.
Terry later started up his own computer business, working with clients to troubleshoot problems - even buying parts online and building computers from scratch.
And after years of having to wear white coats and ties to work, Terry is delighted to be able to just be himself and wear whatever he likes.
“I started off with smaller earrings, and then over the years I enlarged them. Now I’ve got four in each ear!” he grins. He also sports a heavy metal chain with a padlock.
“Just because!” he grins.