An energetic octogenarian was set to dance her way out of the pandemic as she headed back to ballet classes earlier this week.
Geelong’s Yvonne Williams, 81, took up ballet earlier this year, and is delighted to be going back to the studio now that isolation restrictions are slowly lifting.
“I swapped going to the gym for adult ballet lessons,” the Belmont resident explains. “I used to dance the tango and ballroom, as well as Latin-American dancing – I just love music and rhythm.”
Yvonne has also used time during the pandemic to spruce up her garden and learn how to join Facebook and Zoom with friends and family.
She’s also a client of Uniting AgeWell, whose Barwon team organised a Home Care Package to buy her a computer tablet – as well as teaching her how to use it.
“They’re fabulous,” Yvonne says. “They’re giving me free lessons! And they helped me smarten up my garden as well.”
During the pandemic, Uniting AgeWell has also been doing Yvonne’s grocery shopping, picking up medication from the pharmacy and organising her account payments, as well as helping with domestic duties around the house.
“I live on my own, so it’s wonderful to know they are there for me,” the published author says.
Yvonne started writing poetry in her late 70s, and one poem about cats proved to be the purrfect segue into her children’s book The Adventures of Cleo and Oscar.
Based on her two cats, the book was published on her 80th birthday – under the penname of Nanna Von, which is what her grandchildren call her.
The former opera singer and conductor of the Geelong branch of Australian Youth Choir has also been playing the organ at home during the pandemic.
Yvonne can’t speak highly enough of Uniting AgeWell Barwon client advisor Kaye Hollingworth, who she says has become “a very dear friend” to her. And Kaye says the feeling is reciprocated.
“It’s like that for all of us,” says Kaye. “Often when the direct care workers are finished doing whatever needs doing, they end up playing scrabble or cards with clients, or having a cuppa and a chat.”
Designed to enable people to keep doing the things they enjoy and remain connected to their community, a Home Care Package through Uniting AgeWell is tailored to suit an individual’s needs.
A wide range of services includes personal care, help with household chores and home maintenance, nursing care, transport assistance, and access to services in the community.
Uniting AgeWell Barwon Home Care, 95 Francis Street, Belmont. Inquiries: 5243 9566 or www.unitingagewell.org
