MEDIA RELEASE
One of Brisbane’s oldest women isn’t letting age stand in her way and is determined to remain independent for as long as possible.
Nancy Brooks is 102 years of age and has called Manly West home for more than half a century.
The centenarian relies on a walking frame, but baulks at the idea of moving into aged care.
“No way, I wouldn’t want to do that,” Nancy said.
Fortunately, she doesn’t have to.
Last year she had a Simplex Stair Lift installed to help her navigate her two-story home.
Nancy is one of countless Queenslanders accessing support services, including the installation of Stair Lifts, so they can remain independent and in the family home.
Simplex Elevators Director, Maika Ter Horst, said demand for Stair Lifts has surged following the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety’s decision to prioritise and fund in-home care services.
“Many of our clients have built decades of memories in their homes, the last thing they want to do is leave when their needs change,” Maika said.
“Stair Lifts are affordable and relatively easy to install.
“It’s amazing we can assist Ms Nancy to remain independent.”
Nancy said the Stair Lift gets a workout with her frequent trips to the downstairs laundry.
“I also take the paper down and sit and read it in the sun.”
The walls of Nancy’s home are plastered with photos of her two children, four grandchildren and late husband Hugh, who sadly passed away from prostate cancer 26 years ago.
“You get used to living by yourself,” Nancy said.
“I try to do as much as I can on my own.”
Strong family and community support has also allowed Nancy to remain at home.
“My podiatrist and physio visit me a lot, we’re like old friends now,” Nancy said.
Her two sons, Bruce and Jim, both in their early seventies, visit at least once a week to bring Nancy her groceries and take her for coffee at the Wynnum waterfront.
“I couldn’t stay here if I didn’t have support,” Nancy said.
Read the published story, Nancy Brooks says "no way" to aged care as she remains independent at 102 on the Courier Mails Website.