Ron Erichsen thoroughly enjoys exploring regional Victoria. 

The 78-year-old loves visiting his four children, and with two living in Victoria, it means plenty of time to explore the countryside along the way.  He loves driving along the open road, framed by the golden canola fields and towering gums.   

Sometimes Ron house-sits for friends too.  This gives him the opportunity to experience the beauty of Castlemaine and other regional towns first-hand.  He even has a caravan so he can just hook it up to his car and go exploring! 

Ron’s two other children are in Tasmania and he loves spending time with them, enjoying all the beauty of the Apple Island. 

Over the years Ron worked in the construction and demolition industries. A few years ago, he grew heartily sick of Melbourne’s traffic and moved to regional Victoria.  “Ballarat is so peaceful!” he explains.  “It’s so easy to get around.” 

A whiz on a BBQ and in good health Ron recovered from a couple of strokes and takes care of himself.  He says while he doesn’t need domestic services, he realised  that he needs some expert help to strengthen his back and knees so he can keep doing what he loves.  He completed a My Aged Care (MAC) assessment to receive a home care package and access Allied Health Services.   

“I asked around and I heard good things about Uniting AgeWell, so I got in touch with them,” he says.  “It was the right choice to make.” 

Ron benefits from hydrotherapy twice a week in the Ballarat Aquatic Centre pool – pictured here with Care Advisor Wendy Allen.   

“I’ve been working with the Uniting AgeWell physiotherapist who set up an individual program tailored to help with my back and knee issues,” says Ron.  “The water therapy helps a great deal.” 

“I’m quite content,” he says.  “I’ve always said I never wanted to live with my children.  I have a wonderful relationship with all of them, but they have their own busy lives to lead. I don’t want to be a burden on them.” 

A trusted local provider of Home Care Packages and in-home and community services, Uniting AgeWell is thrilled to have been voted by Australian consumers as the Most Trusted Brand in the highly competitive category of Home Care Vic/Tas, in the 2025 Reader’s Digest Trusted Brands Survey, now in its 26th year. 

To find out more about how Uniting AgeWell’s friendly and experienced Ballarat based team can help connect you to the services you need, call 1300 783 435