Maureen Foster has fought too hard to beat bone cancer to spend her time worrying about having a fall at home and lying alone on the floor waiting to be found.

“Just no way!” the resident at Uniting AgeWell Manor Lakes Community says emphatically. “Not after all I’ve been through.”

The high-flying marketing and sales executive was in her early 60’s when she quit the career she loved to fight cancer. Chemotherapy, surgery and a hip replacement later she was in remission with a determination as steely as the arsenal of metal pins in her body to make the most of her life.

“But the whole cancer journey left me with nerve damage which made me that much more susceptible to tripping and having falls,” she explains. So she sought out more care at Manor Lakes.

“In mid-2025 I came in here for respite care and was unsure of what I would find. I’d never been in an aged care facility before, and I was really apprehensive. When I saw the airy lightness and beautiful gardens here I thought ‘this is a really nice place’. Most importantly her bedroom had a view of the garden.

“After a while I started to relax and worry less about my health and safety. I no longer felt twinges of panic and fret about how on earth I’d cope as I grew older,” she says.

Apart from extra care, Maureen enjoys bus outings, gardening, flower arranging, happy hour, shopping and exercises. She is building her body strength – aided by dietician-approved protein-rich meals. Her strength and confidence have increased.

The weeks turned into months as the Manor Lakes magic continued to cast its spell. Maureen took the decision to stay permanently.

“I feel safe,” says Maureen. “I’m also not anxious about anything anymore. This means I can enjoy life without worrying about how to fend for myself.”

Maureen is also putting down roots. “I’ve made good friends and of course the staff are all incredibly supportive and kind,” adds Maureen.

Best of all, Maureen says she still retains her independence. “I call a taxi and head off to the city for a few hours. I love the buskers, the vibe and all the hustle and bustle.”

She laughs. “I also love art galleries, the Melbourne Chamber Orchestra and shopping. After all, this is Melbourne and we do retail therapy very well!”

Find out more about joining Manor Lakes Community.