The World War II Veteran

Harry travelled all over the world when he was a soldier in World War II. He is now 85 and lives alone in an old high-set Queenslander house, where he happily enjoys an independent lifestyle, with regular visits from friends and family. He takes pleasure in walking and reading, and looks forward to his weekly flutter on the poker machines at the Casino.

Harry’s wife died 10 years ago and he admits to being lonely at times. “I hate cooking, but I do it because I have to.” He has regular check-ups at his local clinic, and a few years ago, his local doctor suggested that he might send a nurse to his house “to observe how he was managing at home.” She now comes annually to assess the suitability of his home environment. “I look forward to her coming, so I can show her how I am managing,” says Harry.

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What is it really like to work with older people?
This website will show you many interesting aspects of ageing and introduce you to some of the rewarding ways that nurses can engage with older people in their work.