A blooming great idea!

With almost 30-years’ experience in the aged care sector, Sunshine Coast carer, Rita Rumler has developed a well-rounded understanding of the challenges faced by the aged community.

Passionate about providing a safe and secure environment for the elderly, where they can live independently in a home-away-from-home environment, Rita has taken the first steps towards her lifelong dream by creating an exciting new platform called The Bloom Project.

The project is designed to give seniors a home where they can be cared for, while still maintaining their sense of independence and freedom, underpinned by a financial and legal framework that will protect their interest. It will also include the groundwork for others who wish to open up their home to seniors in need.

The idea behind the project was sparked when one of Rita’s aged-care clients, Joan, lost her husband of 70 years, leaving her worried about the future and fearful about where she would live.

“Joan was scared to live at home alone and knew it would be unsafe for her,” said Rita. “At that stage residential care seemed to be her one and only option as she had no family to turn to, but that was not something she was comfortable with.

“I had developed a close friendship with Joan and her husband and knew after Colin’s death he would want someone to care for his beloved Joan. It was then I took the step to take Joan into my home where I can help to take care of her with the support of her home care package.”

The success of this partnership has now found a life of its own, with others wanting to be a part of Rita’s home. With support from Joan, Rita is now looking to source a dwelling that will accommodate several people who are seeking this type of living arrangement, rather than a residential aged care setting.

“If I could just give at least a few people the life they dream of, a life that is more desirable for the latter years, then I will be happy,” says Rita.

“Projects like this build on the spirit of community. We all need to play our part, help where we can and make the world a better place. Having Joan live with me, is nothing short of a privilege”.

If you want to know more about ‘The Bloom Project’, please phone Rita on 0418 719 278.