Kurrajong Lodge claims milestone record

Grampians Health’s Care Community Manager at Kurrajong Lodge believes her residents might have created a new state record.

Three of the facility’s 36 residents are aged 100 or more and Ingrid Tudias said she was not aware of this happening anywhere before.

“Until we are told any different, we will claim it’s a record for the region and maybe even beyond that. Maybe for Victoria or even Australia,” Ms Tudias said.

“It would be rare to have one resident reach such a significant milestone so three is extremely unique and I have always acknowledged the team members of KL for the wonderful care they provide.”

At 102, former nurse Barbara Ellifson has claim to being the oldest resident.

Barbara was admitted to Kurrajong Lodge when she was 99 and has regularly walked the corridors of the facility with her mobility aid. The mother of three is also a grand mother of seven and a great grandmother 12 times.

She is not sure what the secret to longevity is, but she never smoked or drank alcohol and lived on home grown farm produce for most of her life. Her endurable Scottish genes may also play a part.

Hazel Exell celebrated a century earlier this year and she believes the secret to longevity is keeping active.

Hazel also has three children, 10 grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren and one step-great grandchild. A retired farmer, Hazel said she was a hard worker and kept busy on the farm with jobs like milking cows. She also played tennis until she was 75 and still thinks she could run a mile if needed.

Hazel has been a resident at Kurrajong Lodge for four years.

Her fellow resident Claire McKenry turned 100 recently and has been at the facility for six years. Another farmer, Claire also has three children with four grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

Claire said her secret to longevity was not to worry about things too much. She was also active in sports, playing tennis, cricket, hockey and volleyball.

All three centenarians are still active in the care community and enjoy the Meaningful Life activities. Claire enjoys the morning exercises, walks around the facility, bus trips, music and movement activities, happy hour and arts and crafts.

Grampians Health is Australia’s biggest public aged care provider.