Alma Obschonka an energetic 91-year-old resident at SCC’s Victoria Park Nursing Home in Kalgoorlie, is living proof that age and disability are no barriers to continuing to live life to the fullest, as proven during a recent holiday to Esperance.

With many fond memories of family holidays in Esperance, and with her daughter living there, Alma had a special bond with Esperance and yearned to visit the coastal town one more time. When Alma told the staff at Victoria Park about her wish to have a holiday in Esperance, they were determined to help make Alma’s dream become a reality.

Due to mobility issues, Alma uses a wheelchair, so the staff organised a bus that could accommodate her wheelchair and ensure she was comfortable during the four-hour trip. As Alma also has high care needs, Victoria Park staff member Richard Hookway accompanied her on the trip to ensure she had all the care and support she needed.

The trip was a fabulous success, with Alma enjoying spending time with her family and experiencing many of Esperance’s attractions, with a highlight being able to get her wheelchair onto the beach and dip her toes in the ocean.

Alma enjoying her trip to Esperance.

Alma’s daughter Esther said her family was very grateful for the support of Victoria Park staff in helping to make her mother’s wish come true.

“I want to thank the staff for the assistance given to my mother that allowed her to spend an incredible week in Esperance. It would have been impossible for our family to provide the expert level of care, transport, and equipment she needed on the holiday.

“This trip was the highlight of the past 20 years for my mother and one she will never forget.”

Victoria Park Nursing Home Manager Cheryl Hahn said the whole team was thrilled to help Alma make her wish to visit Esperance a reality.

“Alma had mentioned to us often how she would love to visit Esperance for a holiday, so we were determined to help her get there. With careful planning and the extraordinary efforts of our staff, we were able to make it happen.

“We are committed to helping our residents achieve the best possible quality of life, and we are delighted that we were able to bring so much excitement and happiness to not only Alma but her family too,” Cheryl said.